Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, hums with energy and memory. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, it wears its history in volcanic tuff—buildings glow rose at sunset—while murals, indie cafés, and wine bars add modern verve.

Across a compact center you’ll meet eras layered: the Persian-built Blue Mosque, tsarist facades, Soviet modernism, and the Cascade’s open-air sculpture park. Day trips place you among basalt canyons, ancient monasteries, and the snow-fed waters of Lake Sevan.

Practical notes: the local currency is the Armenian dram (AMD); cards are widely accepted in town, but carry cash for markets. Taxis via local apps are inexpensive, tap water is potable, and dress modestly for monasteries. As of early 2025, Yerevan is calm; avoid border zones and check your government’s latest advisory.

Yerevan

Yerevan rewards slow wandering—Republic Square’s music fountains, café-lined Northern Avenue, and the Cascade Complex climbing to hilltop views of Mount Ararat on clear days. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts hides world-class glass and sculpture inside the steps.

Top sights include the Matenadaran manuscript museum, Tsitsernakaberd (Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum), the Blue Mosque courtyard, and the Vernissage market for crafts. Food-wise, expect lavash fresh from the tonir oven, herb-laced khorovats (grilled meats), and bold local wines from Areni and Voskehat grapes.

• Where to stay (curated): - Design-forward luxury: The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan (spa, central, refined Armenian touches). - Excellent value with social vibes: Kantar Hostel (spotless, great breakfast, private rooms available). - Business-friendly, pool & sauna: Best Western Plus Congress Hotel.
• Browse more stays: - Apartments and homes on VRBO Yerevan. - Hotels on Hotels.com Yerevan.
• How to get here: Fly into EVN (Zvartnots). Search fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com Flights; from European hubs flights are often 3–5 hours, from the Middle East 2–3 hours. If you’re starting in Europe, compare with Omio Flights. Typical one-way economy fares run ~$120–$450 depending on season.

Day 1: Arrival, First Tastes, and Golden Hour in the Pink City

Afternoon: Land at EVN and settle in. Stretch your legs along Northern Avenue to Republic Square; duck into the History Museum if time allows for a primer on Urartian to modern Armenia.

Evening: Start strong at Sherep (open kitchen, grilled khorovats, herb-packed salads). For something homey, Pandok Yerevan (Tavern Yerevan) serves dolma, spas soup, and slow-cooked lamb. Cap the night at the Republic Square fountains (seasonal show) or a glass of Voskehat at In Vino wine bar.

Day 2: Classic Yerevan—Art, Memory, and Wine

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Louis Charden bakery, then climb the Cascade. Pop into the Cafesjian galleries for Chihuly and contemporary Armenian art. Prefer context? Join this guided stroll with bites and stories: Cultural Walking Tour in Yerevan with tastings.

Afternoon: Visit the Matenadaran to see illuminated manuscripts and the 5th‑century Armenian script in all its curves. Taxi to Tsitsernakaberd (Genocide Memorial & Museum) for a sober, essential stop; plan 1–1.5 hours. Late snack run at GUM Market for churchkhela, dried apricots, and basturma.

Evening: Dinner at Dolmama (modern spin on classics: pomegranate chicken, stuffed vine leaves). For a lively scene, Wine Republic pours local and international bottles with pan-Asian small plates. Jazz lovers, end at Malkhas Jazz Club, where the city’s legend often takes the piano late.

Day 3: Day Trip—Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Symphony of Stones (Lavash Baking)

Spend a full day east of the capital among pagan and medieval marvels. First, the Arch of Charents frames Mount Ararat (weather permitting). Then explore the 1st‑century Hellenistic Temple of Garni and the basalt organ pipes of the Azat Canyon.

Continue to Geghard, a UNESCO‑listed monastery partially carved into rock, resonant with chants. You’ll also witness lavash baking in a tonir and taste it warm with local cheese and herbs.

Book it here (typical duration ~6–7 hours; small-group ~$30–$70 pp): Garni, Geghard & Symphony Small-Group Day Trip with Lavash Baking.

Post‑tour eats: Back in town, try Gouroo Club & Garden (leafy courtyard, seasonal Armenian plates) or Anteb (beloved Syrian‑Armenian spot for lahmajoun and kebabs).

Day 4: Day Trip—Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Wines and Birds’ Cave

This is your southbound sampler of Armenia’s icons. Khor Virap sits in vineyards at the Turkish border, offering the quintessential Ararat backdrop and the pit where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned.

Head into red-rock canyons to Noravank, famed for its stacked church with a narrow ladder-like stair on the facade. In Areni, taste indigenous reds and visit the notable Birds’ (Areni‑1) Cave, where the world’s oldest leather shoe and ancient wine production evidence were found.

Reserve a seat (usually 9–10 hours; small-group ~$40–$80 pp): Khor Virap, Noravank & Birds' Cave Day Trip with Wine Tasting.

Back in Yerevan: Casual dinner at Pandok Yerevan (grilled trout, tolma with yogurt) or go for small plates and a nightcap at In Vino nearby.

Day 5: Day Trip—Lake Sevan and the Forests of Dilijan

Circle north for alpine lakes and monastery-dotted forests. Start at Lake Sevan—climb to Sevanavank for turquoise panoramas—then continue to Dilijan’s old quarter and the serene monasteries of Haghartsin and Goshavank. If time and season allow, stroll around Parz (Crystal) Lake under the pines.

Join a grouped excursion (about 10–11 hours; from ~$35–$75 pp): From Yerevan: Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Lake Parz.

Dinner on return: Wine Republic for late eats, or Dargett Craft Brewery for local IPAs and a charcuterie flatbread.

Day 6: Crafts, Carpets, and Brandy—A Deep-Dive Yerevan Day

Morning: Espresso at Mirzoyan Library (photography studio–café in a leafy courtyard), then browse Vernissage for hand‑carved chess sets, woodwork, ceramics, and textiles. Swing by the Blue Mosque to enjoy the quiet courtyard and turquoise tiles.

Afternoon: Lunch at Megerian Carpet’s restaurant—order ghapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice and dried fruit) when in season—then tour the carpet workshop to see natural dyes and knotting traditions. Book a guided tasting at the Yerevan Brandy Company (ARARAT Museum): flights typically range 5,000–15,000 AMD depending on age statements.

Evening: Dinner alfresco at Gouroo or reserve Lavash Restaurant for tonir-baked breads and herb platters. For dessert, visit Grand Candy’s Ponchik House for a still‑warm custard donut.

Day 7: Kond, Manuscripts, and Last Bites

Morning: Breakfast at PAUL on Northern Avenue or a quick jingle bread at Louis Charden, then wander Kond, Yerevan’s oldest quarter—stone lanes, stacked houses, and hidden chapels. If you missed it earlier, spend time at the Matenadaran to see miniatures and medical manuscripts.

Afternoon: Snack like a local with a lahmajoun and tan (yogurt drink) at Mer Taghe. Stock up on spices, dried fruits, and local honey at GUM Market for souvenirs that travel well.

Evening: A final feast at Sherep or Dolmama, depending on your mood—classic grill house versus refined Armenian nouvelle. Toast the week with a glass of Areni Noir or an apricot brandy, then depart in the afternoon.

Getting Around, Costs, and Tips

• Local transport: Taxis via local apps are inexpensive; most rides in the center cost 800–1,500 AMD. The metro is clean and simple for north–south hops.
• Typical daily budget: Meals $20–$60 pp depending on venues; coffee 800–1,200 AMD; museum entries 1,500–3,000 AMD; full‑day tours $30–$80 pp.
• Connectivity & power: eSIMs are widely available; power sockets are Type C/F (EU style). Many cafés welcome laptops by day.

Optional Add‑Ons if You Have More Time

If you’re keen on one big epic, consider a long day to Tatev Monastery with a ride on the Wings of Tatev cable car and a stop at Shaki Waterfall. It’s 12–15 hours by road round‑trip—start early.

Where to book travel and stays again, in one place: - Flights: Kiwi.com, Trip.com Flights, and for Europe Omio Flights. - Hotels & homes: Hotels.com Yerevan and VRBO Yerevan.

In a week, you’ll have traced Armenia’s story from pagan Garni to rock‑hewn Geghard, from Khor Virap’s prison pit to Noravank’s red cliffs, and from café chatter to clinking wine glasses. Yerevan makes a superb base—walkable, delicious, and endlessly hospitable—and its day trips deliver the drama.