Yerevan
Photo: Levon Vardanyan / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October (pleasant 20-28°C). Summer (Jul-Aug) is hot (35°C+). Ararat views are clearest in autumn
Language
Armenian (unique alphabet since 405 AD), Russian widely spoken, English growing among youth
Currency
Armenian Dram (AMD)
Time Zone
AMT (UTC+4)
Airport
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), 12km from city center
Population
1.1 million (city proper), about a third of Armenia's total population
Climate
Continental, hot dry summers (35°C+), cold winters (-5 to 5°C), low humidity
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1) — extremely low crime, welcoming to tourists
Special Note
Yerevan was founded in 782 BC — older than Rome. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion (301 AD)
Top Highlights
Cascade Complex
A massive limestone stairway and open-air museum climbing 302 steps from the city center to a hilltop viewpoint with Mount Ararat panoramas. Free to climb externally. The Cafesjian Museum inside (2,000 AMD / ~$5, closed Mondays) houses contemporary art. Escalators run inside for those who prefer not to climb. Best visited at sunset. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Mount Ararat Views
The iconic twin-peaked volcano (5,137m) dominates Yerevan's skyline despite being across the border in Turkey — a source of deep national pride and sadness. Best viewed from the Cascade, Victory Park, or the Khor Virap monastery (40km south). Clearest views: early morning in autumn (Sep-Oct). Khor Virap day trip costs 8,000-15,000 AMD by taxi or 5,000 AMD on organized tours.
Garni Temple
The only standing Greco-Roman temple in the former Soviet Union, built in the 1st century AD. Entry: 1,500 AMD (~$3.75). Open 9AM-7PM (summer), 9AM-5PM (winter). 30km from Yerevan. The Symphony of Stones basalt canyon behind the temple is stunning (free, 15-minute walk down). Combine with Geghard Monastery (8km further). Allow 1.5 hours at the site.
Ararat Brandy Factory
Armenia's legendary brandy (cognac) distillery, operating since 1887. Guided tours with tastings run 5,000-18,000 AMD ($12-45) depending on the tier. Churchill famously drank 400 bottles of Armenian brandy per year. Tours run hourly 10AM-6PM (book ahead on weekends). The premium 20-year Nairi tasting is exceptional. Located next to the Hrazdan River gorge. Allow 1.5 hours.
Republic Square & Singing Fountains
The grand Soviet-era central square ringed by pink tufa buildings that glow at sunset. The History Museum of Armenia (300 AMD entry) is on the north side. Every evening from May to October, the central fountains perform a music-and-light show (9PM, free) — one of Yerevan's most beloved traditions. Cafes surround the square. Allow 1-1.5 hours including fountain show.
Vernissage Open-Air Market
A sprawling weekend arts-and-crafts market selling hand-carved chess sets, Armenian ceramics, pomegranate-themed art, carpets, and vintage Soviet items. Open Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5PM (smaller weekday section too). Free to browse. Haggling is mild — 10-20% off is typical. The chess sets and duduk (Armenian flute) instruments make unique gifts. Allow 1-2 hours.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Yerevan Itinerary
Arrival in Yerevan — Pink City Welcome
Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). The pink tufa stone city glows against Mount Ararat's distant snow-capped peaks.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Yandex Go taxi 1,500-2,500 AMD (~$3.75-6.25). Airport bus 300 AMD. The airport is 12km from center
Check-in near Republic Square(1 hour)
Hostels 4,000-7,000 AMD/night. Budget hotels 15,000-25,000 AMD
Republic Square evening walk(1.5 hours)
Grand Soviet-era square with pink tufa buildings. From May-October, the Singing Fountains perform at 9PM — music, light, and water. Free
Dinner at Tavern Yerevan(1.5 hours)
Traditional Armenian in a vaulted stone basement. Khorovats (Armenian BBQ), dolma (grape leaf wraps), and lavash. 3,000-6,000 AMD per person. Live duduk music on weekends
Cascade Complex & City Center
Climb the monumental Cascade stairway, explore Republic Square museums, and taste Armenian brandy.
Cascade Complex(2 hours)
302 steps — or interior escalators. Free to climb. Cafesjian Museum inside (2,000 AMD, closed Mondays). Contemporary art on every level. The top gives Mount Ararat panoramas in clear weather
Opera House and Swan Lake park(45 minutes)
Free to walk. The park between the Opera and Cascade is Yerevan's social hub. Street performers and cafes
Lunch at Lavash Restaurant(1 hour)
UNESCO-listed lavash is served with every meal. Try harissa (wheat and chicken porridge) and basturma (cured beef). 3,000-5,000 AMD
History Museum of Armenia(1.5 hours)
300 AMD. On Republic Square. Excellent archaeology — the world's oldest leather shoe (5,500 years) was found in Armenia
Ararat Brandy Factory tour(1.5 hours)
5,000-18,000 AMD depending on tier. Churchill drank 400 bottles/year. The 20-year Nairi tasting is exceptional. Book ahead for weekends
Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery
The only Greco-Roman temple in the former Soviet Union and a monastery literally carved into a cliff face.
Drive to Garni Temple(45 minutes)
30km from Yerevan. Taxi 10,000-15,000 AMD round trip, or marshrutka 250 AMD from central bus station
Garni Temple(1 hour)
1,500 AMD. 1st-century AD Greco-Roman temple. The columns against the mountain backdrop are dramatic. The surrounding village has good restaurants
Symphony of Stones(45 minutes)
Basalt organ-pipe formations in the canyon behind Garni. 15-minute walk down from the temple. Free. Extraordinary geological formations
Lunch at a Garni village restaurant(1 hour)
Lavash baked in a tonir (underground oven) before your eyes. Khorovats and grilled vegetables. 2,000-5,000 AMD
Geghard Monastery(1 hour)
UNESCO site. Free entry. 4th-century monastery carved into a cliff with chambers hollowed from rock. The acoustics inside are extraordinary — Armenian chants fill the stone. 8km from Garni
Genocide Memorial & Vernissage Market
A morning of solemn remembrance at Tsitsernakaberd, then the vibrant weekend arts market.
Armenian Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd)(2 hours)
Free entry. Museum closed Mondays. The eternal flame memorial and museum honor 1.5 million Armenians killed in 1915. Central to Armenian identity. Visit respectfully. Lay flowers at the eternal flame if you wish
Lunch at Dolmama(1 hour)
Modern Armenian. Their signature dolma and pomegranate dishes are exceptional. 4,000-8,000 AMD
Vernissage Open-Air Market(2 hours)
Open Sat-Sun 9AM-5PM (smaller weekday section). Hand-carved chess sets, ceramics, pomegranate art, duduk instruments, and vintage Soviet items. Haggling 10-20% off. Chess sets make unique gifts
Evening at Cascade cafes(1.5 hours)
The bars and cafes around the Cascade base come alive in the evening. Dargett Craft Brewery for local craft beer (1,500-2,500 AMD). Or sip Armenian wine at In Vino
Day Trip to Khor Virap & Noravank
Two of Armenia's most spectacular monasteries — one at the foot of Mount Ararat, the other in a red rock canyon.
Drive to Khor Virap(45 minutes)
40km south. Day tour 8,000-15,000 AMD or taxi 15,000-20,000 AMD. The classic Ararat viewpoint
Khor Virap Monastery(45 minutes)
Free entry. Where Saint Gregory was imprisoned for 13 years. Descend into the underground pit (narrow, claustrophobic). Mount Ararat looms directly behind — the most iconic Armenian photo
Drive to Noravank(1.5 hours)
Through the Arpa River gorge — dramatic red cliff scenery
Noravank Monastery(1 hour)
Free entry. 13th-century monastery in a red rock canyon. The narrow external stairway to the upper chapel is thrilling (and terrifying). The stonework and setting are extraordinary
Lunch at a winery near Areni(1.5 hours)
The village of Areni produces Armenia's best red wine. Stop at Areni Wine Factory or a family cellar. Tasting and lunch 3,000-6,000 AMD
Rest Day — Markets, Cafes & Park
A slower day exploring Yerevan's daily life, parks, and cafe culture.
GUM Market breakfast(1 hour)
Yerevan's covered market. Fresh produce, dried fruits, lavash, and spices. Free to browse. Try fresh pomegranate juice (500 AMD) and churchchkhela
Matenadaran manuscript museum(1.5 hours)
1,500 AMD. Home to 17,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts. The illuminated Bibles are extraordinary. Armenia's unique alphabet (405 AD) makes this collection globally significant
Lunch at The Green Bean(1 hour)
Specialty coffee and brunch. 2,000-4,000 AMD. Yerevan's cafe scene is growing rapidly
Victory Park and Mother Armenia statue(1 hour)
Free. Hilltop park with a Soviet-era Mother Armenia statue (replacing a Stalin statue). Views over the city and to Ararat on clear days
Free afternoon(2 hours)
Rest or wander the Northern Avenue pedestrian street
Dinner at Pandok Yerevan(1.5 hours)
Traditional with live music. 3,000-6,000 AMD. Khorovats and wine
Departure from Yerevan
Final morning in the pink city. Mount Ararat, if visible, gives you a parting blessing.
Last morning walk on Northern Avenue(45 minutes)
Pedestrian shopping street. Last coffee at Jazzve (Armenian coffee, 800-1,200 AMD)
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Armenian brandy, dried fruit, pomegranate wine, hand-carved chess sets from Vernissage
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Yandex Go 1,500-2,500 AMD. Allow 2.5 hours for international flights
Departure from Zvartnots (EVN)(varies)
Direct flights to Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, and Middle Eastern hubs
14-Day Yerevan Itinerary
Arrival in Yerevan
Arrive at EVN. Pink tufa city against Ararat.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Yandex Go 1,500-2,500 AMD
Republic Square and Singing Fountains(1.5 hours)
9PM show May-October. Free
Dinner at Tavern Yerevan(1.5 hours)
Khorovats, dolma. 3,000-6,000 AMD
Cascade & Brandy
Monumental stairway and Churchill's favorite brandy.
Cascade Complex(2 hours)
302 steps or escalators. Cafesjian Museum 2,000 AMD. Ararat views from top
Lunch at Lavash(1 hour)
3,000-5,000 AMD
History Museum(1.5 hours)
300 AMD. World's oldest shoe
Ararat Brandy Factory(1.5 hours)
5,000-18,000 AMD
Garni & Geghard
Greco-Roman temple and cliff-carved monastery.
Drive to Garni(45 minutes)
Taxi 10,000-15,000 AMD round trip
Garni Temple(1 hour)
1,500 AMD
Symphony of Stones(45 minutes)
Free. Basalt formations
Lunch at Garni village(1 hour)
Lavash baked before you. 2,000-5,000 AMD
Geghard Monastery(1 hour)
UNESCO. Free. Rock-carved. Extraordinary acoustics
Genocide Memorial & Vernissage
Morning remembrance, afternoon arts market.
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial(2 hours)
Free. Eternal flame. Museum (closed Mon)
Lunch at Dolmama(1 hour)
4,000-8,000 AMD
Vernissage Market(2 hours)
Sat-Sun. Chess sets, ceramics, duduk
Evening at Dargett Brewery(1.5 hours)
Craft beer 1,500-2,500 AMD
Khor Virap & Noravank
Ararat viewpoint monastery and red canyon monastery.
Drive to Khor Virap(45 minutes)
Tour 8,000-15,000 AMD
Khor Virap(45 minutes)
Free. Underground pit. Ararat photo
Noravank Monastery(1 hour)
Free. Red canyon. Terrifying stairway
Lunch at Areni winery(1.5 hours)
Wine tasting. 3,000-6,000 AMD
Rest Day — Markets & Manuscripts
GUM Market, ancient manuscripts, and cafe culture.
Matenadaran(1.5 hours)
1,500 AMD. 17,000 ancient manuscripts
Victory Park(1 hour)
Mother Armenia statue. Free
Lake Sevan Day Trip
Armenia's 'sea' — a vast alpine lake at 1,900m with monasteries on its shores.
Drive to Lake Sevan(1 hour)
60km north. Marshrutka 1,000 AMD or taxi 10,000-15,000 AMD round trip
Sevanavank Monastery(1 hour)
Free. 9th-century monastery on a peninsula (formerly an island — water levels dropped). Views across the lake are stunning
Swim in Lake Sevan(1 hour)
Summer only (July-August). The water is cold but refreshing at 1,900m altitude. Beaches along the western shore
Lunch at a Sevan fish restaurant(1 hour)
Grilled ishkhan (Sevan trout) is a delicacy. 3,000-6,000 AMD. Try sig (whitefish) too
Hayravank Monastery(30 minutes)
Quiet 9th-century church on the lake shore. Rarely visited. Free. Atmospheric and peaceful
Echmiadzin — Armenian Vatican
The spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church — the world's oldest state-adopted Christianity.
Drive to Echmiadzin(30 minutes)
20km west. Marshrutka 250 AMD. Taxi 3,000-5,000 AMD
Echmiadzin Cathedral(1.5 hours)
Free. UNESCO. The oldest state-built church in the world (301-303 AD). The treasury holds the spear that pierced Christ (Holy Lance) and a piece of Noah's Ark. Deeply sacred
Zvartnots Cathedral ruins(45 minutes)
1,300 AMD. 7th-century circular cathedral destroyed by earthquake. The ruins are atmospheric with Ararat as backdrop
Lunch in Echmiadzin(1 hour)
Local restaurants. 2,000-4,000 AMD
Dilijan — Armenia's Switzerland
A forested spa town in the north known as 'Armenia's Switzerland' with restored Old Dilijan and hiking.
Drive to Dilijan(1.5 hours)
100km north. Taxi 15,000-20,000 AMD or marshrutka 1,500 AMD
Old Dilijan walk(1 hour)
Restored craft street with workshops — pottery, woodcarving, carpet weaving. Small but charming
Haghartsin Monastery hike(2 hours)
10km from Dilijan through dense forest. Free. 13th-century monastery in a forested valley. The setting is magical. A car can get you close, but the walk is worthwhile
Lunch at Carahunge restaurant(1 hour)
In Dilijan town. Armenian cuisine with fresh mountain ingredients. 3,000-5,000 AMD
Parz Lake walk(1 hour)
Small forest lake near Dilijan. Zip line (2,000 AMD), boat rides (1,500 AMD). Peaceful forest setting
Rest Day — Cooking & Cafes
Armenian cooking class and the city's growing cafe scene.
Armenian cooking class(3 hours)
Learn dolma, lavash, and gata (sweet pastry). 10,000-20,000 AMD. Includes market visit
Free afternoon — cafe hopping(2.5 hours)
Yerevan's cafe scene: Mirzoyan Library (converted house, literary vibes), Jazzve (Armenian coffee ceremony), and Artbridge bookshop cafe
Dinner at Sherep(1.5 hours)
Modern Armenian. Excellent presentation of traditional dishes. 4,000-8,000 AMD
Day Trip to Tatev Monastery
The world's longest reversible aerial tramway to a stunning 9th-century monastery on a cliff edge.
Drive south toward Tatev(3.5 hours)
250km south. Full day trip. Car with driver 25,000-35,000 AMD or tour 15,000-25,000 AMD. The drive through Arpa gorge is dramatic
Wings of Tatev cable car(12 minutes)
5,500 AMD round trip. 5.7km — the world's longest reversible aerial tramway. Spans the Vorotan River gorge at 320m height. Breathtaking views
Tatev Monastery(1.5 hours)
Free. 9th-century monastery perched on a cliff edge. The Gavit (entrance hall) has extraordinary acoustics. The oil press pillar (Gavazan) — an 8m earthquake-resistant column — sways during tremors
Free Day & Yerevan Deep Dive
Revisit favorites and discover hidden corners.
Morning walk — Blue Mosque(1 hour)
Yerevan's only mosque. 18th-century Persian. Free. Beautiful blue-tiled prayer hall. A reminder of Armenia's multicultural past
Hrazdan Gorge walk(1.5 hours)
The gorge cutting through the city has walking paths, bridges, and cafes. Children's Railway runs along the bottom (summer only)
Lunch at Anteb(1 hour)
Syrian-Armenian cuisine — many Syrian Armenians have settled here. Hummus, kebab, and lahmajun (Armenian/Syrian pizza). 2,000-4,000 AMD
Sunset from Cascade top(1 hour)
If Ararat is visible, the sunset view is unforgettable
Farewell Yerevan
Final full day. Shopping, last meals, and a farewell toast.
GUM Market provisions(1 hour)
Armenian dried fruits, spices, and lavash for the journey
Farewell lunch(1.5 hours)
Return to your favorite restaurant
Last Singing Fountains show(45 minutes)
If visiting May-October. A perfect farewell at Republic Square
Farewell dinner with brandy toast(2 hours)
Armenian brandy, khorovats, wine. Kenats — to life
Departure from Yerevan
Leave the pink city with Ararat watching over you.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Yandex Go 1,500-2,500 AMD
21-Day Yerevan Itinerary
Arrival in Yerevan
Pink tufa city under Ararat.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Yandex Go 1,500-2,500 AMD
Dinner at Tavern Yerevan(1.5 hours)
3,000-6,000 AMD
Cascade & Brandy Factory
Monumental stairway and brandy tasting.
History Museum(1.5 hours)
300 AMD
Ararat Brandy Factory(1.5 hours)
5,000-18,000 AMD
Garni & Geghard
Temple, stone symphony, and rock monastery.
Garni Temple(1 hour)
1,500 AMD
Geghard Monastery(1 hour)
Free. UNESCO
Genocide Memorial & Vernissage
Remembrance and art market.
Khor Virap & Noravank
Ararat monastery and red canyon monastery.
Rest Day
Markets, manuscripts, and cafe culture.
Matenadaran(1.5 hours)
1,500 AMD
Lake Sevan
Alpine lake at 1,900m with medieval monasteries.
Echmiadzin
World's oldest state church and Holy Lance.
Echmiadzin Cathedral(1.5 hours)
Free. UNESCO. Treasury with Holy Lance
Zvartnots ruins(45 minutes)
1,300 AMD
Dilijan & Forest Monasteries
Armenia's Switzerland — forested spa town.
Cooking Class & Rest
Dolma, lavash, and Armenian cafe culture.
Cooking class(3 hours)
10,000-20,000 AMD
Tatev Monastery & Cable Car
World's longest aerial tramway to a cliff-edge monastery.
Wings of Tatev(12 minutes)
5,500 AMD round trip
Rest Day — Blue Mosque & Gorge
Hidden corners of Yerevan.
Blue Mosque(1 hour)
Free. Persian 18th century
Lunch at Anteb(1 hour)
Syrian-Armenian. 2,000-4,000 AMD
Drive to Gyumri
Armenia's second city — earthquake-scarred but culturally rich.
Drive to Gyumri(2 hours)
120km north. Train 1,500 AMD (3 hours) or taxi 10,000-15,000 AMD
Black Fortress(45 minutes)
19th-century Russian fortress on a hill. Free. City panoramas
Kumayri Historic District(2 hours)
Armenia's best-preserved 19th-century architecture. Red and black tufa buildings. Some earthquake-damaged structures remain as memorials to the 1988 earthquake that killed 25,000
Lunch at Cherkezi Dzor(1.5 hours)
Famous trout restaurant by a river. Fresh trout grilled over charcoal. 2,000-5,000 AMD. The setting is lovely
Check-in at Gyumri hotel(30 minutes)
10,000-20,000 AMD/night
Gyumri Culture & Crafts
Armenia's cultural capital with artisan workshops and museums.
Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life(1 hour)
500 AMD. A 19th-century merchant's house preserved as a living museum. Gyumri's bourgeois culture before the earthquake
Artisan workshops(1.5 hours)
Gyumri has metalworkers, potters, and painters. Walk Haghtanak (Victory) Street for workshops
Lunch at Florence(1 hour)
Good Italian — a Gyumri surprise. 2,000-4,000 AMD
Mother Armenia statue(30 minutes)
Gyumri's version. Views over the city. Free
Amberd Fortress & Mount Aragats
A medieval fortress at 2,300m and Armenia's highest peak area.
Drive to Amberd(1.5 hours)
60km north. 4WD advisable in wet conditions. Taxi 15,000-20,000 AMD round trip
Amberd Fortress(1.5 hours)
Free. 7th-century fortress at 2,300m. The walls, church, and bathhouse are remarkably preserved. The mountain setting is dramatic. Bring warm layers — it's cold at altitude
Byurakan Observatory viewpoint(45 minutes)
Armenia's main observatory. The views of Aragats and the Ararat Valley are sweeping
Rest Day & Wine Exploration
Armenian wine beyond Areni.
Wine tasting at Van Ardi(1.5 hours)
Urban winery in Yerevan. Tasting 3,000-6,000 AMD. Armenian varieties: Areni Noir, Voskehat, Kangun
Lunch at Saryan wine street(1.5 hours)
Saryan Street has multiple wine bars and restaurants. In Vino, Stoyka. 3,000-6,000 AMD
Day Trip to Selim Pass & Caravanserai
A Silk Road caravanserai at a mountain pass and the wild beauty of southern Armenia.
Drive south through Selim Pass(2.5 hours)
Via Lake Sevan. 150km. Car with driver 20,000-30,000 AMD
Selim Caravanserai(45 minutes)
14th-century Silk Road inn at 2,410m elevation. Free. Well-preserved stone hall where merchants and their camels sheltered. Armenian and Persian inscriptions survive above the door
Hermon village and Yeghegis valley(1.5 hours)
Ruined medieval bridges, a Jewish cemetery (one of the oldest in the Near East), and monastery fragments in a quiet valley
Lunch in the valley(1 hour)
Simple village food. 1,500-3,000 AMD
Alphabet Monument & Saghmosavank
Armenia's unique alphabet celebrated in stone, and a gorge-edge monastery.
Drive to Armenian Alphabet Monument(45 minutes)
On the slopes of Mount Aragats. 39 stone letters celebrating the Armenian alphabet (created 405 AD). Free. Photo with your initial
Saghmosavank Monastery(1 hour)
13th-century monastery on the edge of Kasagh gorge. Free. The cliff-edge setting is vertiginous. Less visited than Geghard
Hovhannavank Monastery(45 minutes)
Nearby. 5th-13th century. Free. Dramatic gorge views. The two monasteries together make a wonderful half-day
Lunch at Ashtarak(1 hour)
Small town between the monasteries. Local restaurants. 2,000-4,000 AMD
Free Day — Yerevan Your Way
Revisit favorites, discover new corners, or simply sit in a cafe.
Morning walk(1.5 hours)
Any direction — Yerevan rewards wandering
Farewell Yerevan
Last full day. Markets, toasts, and final views.
Farewell dinner with brandy toast(2 hours)
Khorovats, wine, brandy. Kenats — to life, to Armenia, to return
Departure from Yerevan
Three weeks in the world's oldest Christian nation. Ararat watches you leave.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa-Free or E-Visa for Most
USA, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan citizens get visa-free entry for up to 180 days. Indian citizens can get a visa on arrival for 120 days or apply for an e-Visa at evisa.mfa.am ($6-31 depending on duration). No invitation letter or hotel booking required for visa-free nationalities.
transport
Yandex Go Is Essential — Taxis Are Cheap
Download the Yandex Go app for taxis — rides across Yerevan cost 500-1,500 AMD (~$1.20-3.75). The metro has one line (100 AMD per ride) and covers the main axis. For day trips, hiring a car with driver is the norm: Garni + Geghard costs 10,000-15,000 AMD round trip. Marshrutkas (minibuses) connect to most attractions for 200-500 AMD.
Budget
Remarkably Affordable
Hostel dorms: 4,000-7,000 AMD/night (~$10-17). Budget hotel: 15,000-25,000 AMD (~$37-62). Restaurant meal: 3,000-6,000 AMD (~$7-15). Local beer: 500-1,000 AMD. Brandy tasting: 5,000-18,000 AMD. A comfortable daily budget is 20,000-35,000 AMD ($50-85) covering accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
Local Customs
Lavash and Toasts Are Sacred
Lavash (thin flatbread, UNESCO intangible heritage) is served with every meal. Armenian toasting culture is elaborate — the tamada leads rounds of toasts to family, homeland, and ancestors. If invited to a home, bring a gift (wine, chocolate, or flowers — odd number of flowers only; even numbers are for funerals). Try the national dish harissa (wheat and chicken porridge).
The Genocide Memorial Is Important
The Armenian Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd) and museum (free entry, closed Mondays) honors the 1.5 million Armenians killed in 1915. This is central to Armenian identity. Visit respectfully — it is a somber site, not a tourist attraction. Lay flowers at the eternal flame if you wish. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the memorial and museum.
Safety
Avoid the Azerbaijan Border
Armenia and Azerbaijan have an unresolved conflict (Nagorno-Karabakh). Do not attempt to visit the Azerbaijan border areas. If you have Azerbaijan stamps in your passport, you can still enter Armenia (but not vice versa). Yerevan and most tourist sites are perfectly safe — crime is very low.
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