Government Building of Armenia on Republic Square in Yerevan
That is why Yerevan is sometimes called the "pink city." Tourists wishing to relax in Armenia should start their journey from this cozy city, because it has much to show its guests.
It is best to start your walk from the very heart of Yerevan – Republic Square. This majestic and beautiful square is a favorite place for both locals and tourists. The square is surrounded by five famous buildings: the National History Museum, the Government Building of Armenia (pictured above), the Central Post Office, the Marriott Armenia Hotel, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Energy.
Right here on the square are the famous singing fountains, delighting the public with their bright and colorful show. They start operating in May and delight residents and guests of the capital until October. The evening show is undoubtedly considered the most beautiful and beloved. It is so captivating and inspiring that you want to watch it again and again. During the show, the fountains change themselves and their colors to various world hits. The program traditionally ends with Charles Aznavour's song "Eternal Love." In the evening, a lot of people gather here, and the impression is of a real festive celebration.
Republic Square during the evening show of the "singing fountains"
If you cross the road from the square, you can find yourself on Northern Avenue, connecting Republic Square with Freedom Square. Northern Avenue is the most amazing and most modern part of Yerevan. It is lined with upscale buildings, restaurants, offices, souvenir shops, and brand stores. Music often plays here, and sometimes you get the impression that you are not in Armenia but somewhere in Europe.
Northern Avenue in Yerevan
Northern Avenue will lead you directly to the Opera and Ballet Theatre, which is one of the most outstanding attractions in the country. This beautiful building was designed by Alexander Tamanyan, and its design combines the best traditions of medieval Armenian architecture and national ornaments. The area around the building is a favorite place for young people. There are many cozy outdoor cafes, as well as a great area for rollerblading enthusiasts. Right there you can sit on a bench and admire the Swan Lake. Very close by is the famous monument to Arno Babajanyan – one of the most popular Armenian composers of the Soviet era. The monument depicts the composer exactly as he was – in a burst of inspiration and creativity. Arno Babajanyan is a beloved composer of all Armenians and simply an amazing person. He is remembered as an extraordinary man, in love with life and acutely sensitive to all that is beautiful.
Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theatre
Very close to the Opera, at the end of Mashtots Avenue, is another important landmark that should not be missed by lovers of ancient history. This is the Matenadaran Museum – a repository of ancient manuscripts. Those who visit this museum long remember the unique impressions they receive. Because there you can touch real antiquity, as the museum's copies date from the 10th to 18th centuries. The manuscripts presented here belong to both Armenian and world chroniclers, and some are unique copies that can only be seen at the Matenadaran Museum.
The Matenadaran Museum building in Yerevan
During your excursion around Yerevan, do not miss the Cascade – one of the most unique structures in the capital. The Cascade is a huge massive staircase connecting the city center with a residential area. The area around the Cascade is a wonderful place for walks and pleasant pastimes. Cozy benches, beautifully designed flower beds, original sculptures – all create a cozy atmosphere. And if you climb to the very top of the Cascade, you will have a delightful view of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.
The Cascade – a wonderful place for walks and pleasant pastimes in Yerevan
Of course, no tourist who visits Yerevan will want to leave empty-handed! The city offers many colorful and bright souvenirs that will remind you of your vacation in Armenia for a long time. For souvenir shopping, it is best to head to the Vernissage. It is very close to Republic Square and is a large flea market where you can find everything your heart desires. Once you start walking through the Vernissage, it is so hard to stop, because there is so much interesting: handmade jewelry, wood and ceramic items, traditional musical instruments, boxes, semi-precious stones, daggers, carpets, and much more. It is simply impossible to visit the Vernissage and leave empty-handed!
There are also other interesting places offering a large assortment of interesting souvenirs. For example, the central Abovyan Street is an excellent choice for tourist shopping. Here you can find very colorful souvenir shops and purchase magnificent antique Armenian carpets.
The Vernissage – a rich selection of souvenirs and gifts from Yerevan
But can you imagine Yerevan without a colorful and vibrant market offering juicy fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and sweets? Of course not! On Mashtots Avenue, you can visit the wonderful food market "GUM", crossing the threshold of which you will immerse yourself in a bright atmosphere filled with appetizing smells. Here you can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, and most importantly – amazingly arranged dried fruits, nuts, spices, oriental sweets, honey, and many many things so exotic for tourists. Once in Yerevan, you must definitely visit it.
A huge selection of various treats at the Yerevan "GUM" market
With the onset of evening, Yerevan acquires a special charm. Lights turn on everywhere, creating the impression of a real celebration. You can visit cozy cafes or restaurants, of which there are more than enough in the city.
In conclusion, it should be noted that Yerevan is known not only for its interesting sights, beautiful architecture, and good restaurants and cafes, but also for the kindness and openness of its local residents. Armenians are very hospitable to their foreign guests who have traveled a considerable distance to visit their beloved homeland. Therefore, during a trip to Armenia, tourists will have many interesting encounters and wonderful memories!