By Dan Forteza
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Yerevan and its history can be traced back to Noah and his descendants. No wonder why this city overflows with great history and rich cultural heritage. Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, is packed with museums, art galleries, and very stately Soviet-era buildings. If you’re pondering your next city trip, ignore the usual Paris or Rome and come visit Yerevan. Trust me—you’ll never be at a loss for places to see in the city with this perfect 3-day Yerevan itinerary on a budget.
Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.
FUN FACT: Did you know that the water in Armenia is considered one of the safest and most delicious in the world? The secret is that it comes from purely natural sources. Another unique feature of Yerevan is that at almost any corner you can find small fountains with drinking water. Check out a photo of me drinking water on one of the fountains in Yerevan.
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
First of all, do you need a visa to travel to Armenia? Well, depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Yerevan visa guide to check if you’re legible for an e-visa or visa on arrival or no visa at all.
WHERE IS YEREVAN?
Yerevan is the capital and largest city in Armenia. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country. It is a 2 ½-hour flight away from Istanbul and a little more than 3 hours flight from Dubai.
Language: Armenian and Russian
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD)
Airport: EVN
Preferred mode of transportation: Bus or Minibus / Metro Subway
Time Zone: GMT +4
FLIGHTS TO YEREVAN:
Finding a cheap flight ticket to Yerevan, Armenia from Europe, Central Asia or the Middle East is relatively easy. Though I went to Yerevan from Tbilisi by a shared taxi, I booked my outbound ticket from Yerevan flying to Astana (now Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan. My flight carrier was Scat Airlines.
I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.
Read also my Tbilisi itinerary and travel guide blog.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
- By Marshrutka (Minibus) and Bus. The main way around Yerevan is by marshrutka. There are hundreds of routes, shown by a number in the bus’ front window. They stop at bus stops but you can flag one down anywhere on the street. Trips cost 100 AMD; pay the driver as you leave. There are also electric trolleybuses following numbered routes. Tickets also cost 100 AMD.
- By Metro Subway. The Yerevan metro runs north-south through the city. It is clean and safe but I don’t think it’s that efficient since the metro only has one subway line but I know they are currently expanding it.
- By Taxi. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Prices are 600 AMD for the first 5km and then 100 AMD per kilometer. Make sure the driver switches the meter on or you may be overcharged.
NOTE: By foot. I did walk a lot when I was in Yerevan as part of my money-saving routine. Like me, you can do the same, so walk as much as you can! But hey, on the brighter side, walking around can also help build up your travel experience since it can lead you to scenic places that you wouldn’t normally find on a map.
Read also my top 15 budget travel tips.
HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:
I took a shared taxi from Tbilisi, Georgia and arrived at downtown Yerevan at around 3:00 PM. The journey took about 6 hours, check out my blog on how I cross the Georgia-Armenia border for more details. The same taxi also took me to my hostel in Yerevan (Goldway Hostel) with an additional fee of 2,000 AMD (4.20 USD).
WHERE DID I STAY?
I actually stayed for only one night in Goldway Hostel and then headed to a nice hostel–Grand Hostel Yerevan. You can get there by either a taxi or a 30-minute walk from Republic Square.
- Grand Hostel Yerevan (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 4,000 (4 USD) per night
You can book a room at any hotel in Yerevan through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
If Yerevan hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!
If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.
MY 3-DAY YEREVAN ITINERARY
DAY 1:
1st Stop: Republic Square
Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan–so what better way to start my Yerevan itinerary than visiting this beautiful complex. During the day at the Republic Square, you’ll be amazed at how picturesque the view of the buildings and fountains. At night, the Square even draws more crowds due to the dancing fountain program which starts from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
- Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station
2nd Stop: History Museum of Armenia
Located at the Republic Square, the museum has some really impressive exhibits. Highlights include an ancient silver goblet (7th-6th BC), the world’s oldest shoe (5,500 years old) an ancient cart and some interesting khachkars. Sadly, photos are not allowed and they don’t have postcards of the artifacts.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
3rd Stop: Freedom Square and the Armenian Opera Theater
Just 12 to 15-minute walk from the Republic Square is the Freedom Square. This is a very popular place for locals. If the opera is your thing, go and buy yourself a ticket to watch some theatric show at the Opera Theater. Nevertheless, the building is a beautiful huge plaza out front of people walking around and a nice place to hang out at, too.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
4th Stop: Cascade Complex
This amazing site is only 10-12 minutes by foot from the Freedom Square. There are over 500 steps to the top of the Cascade but you’ll be pleased to know that 7 escalators inside will take you there without exerting yourself! Lovely views both during the day and at night when it is beautifully lit. The gardens and the waterfalls are very nice and the city overview.
Video below shows a splendid view from the top of the Cascade Complex.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
5th Stop: Victory Park
After going up the Cascade, you can relax in this old attraction park. It only took me 5 minutes to reach this beautiful recreational park from the Cascade. Within this park, you visit this big statue of Mother Armenia right next to it that dominates the city. You can have a great view of Yerevan here as well. Definitely a must-visit place!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
6th Stop: Statue of Mother Armenia
The statue of the mother of Armenia is probably the most iconic figure overlooking the city of Yerevan from atop the hill. The current statue replaces a monumental statue of General Secretary Joseph Stalin that was created as a victory memorial for World War II.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
DAY 2:
7th Stop: Vernissage Market
Just a short walk from the Republic Square, you’ll find the Vernissage market. It is a large open-air market in Yerevan connecting Hanrapetutyun street with the Khanjyan street. In case you’re looking for souvenirs—come here as they have lots of different kinds of traditional Armenian art works and souvenirs to offer.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
- Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station
8th Stop: St. Grigor Lusavoritch
From Vernissage, I reached St. Grigor Lusavoritch (St. Gregory The Illuminator) Cathedral in 10 minutes of walking. This church was built in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia becoming a Christian country. It is beautiful both inside and out. There’s a little amusement park beside as well as an underground walk with small shops and a cafeteria so you can rest after seeing the cathedral.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
- Nearest train station: Zoravar Andradik subway station
9th Stop: Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts
I took the subway train from Zoravar Andradik station to Yeritasardakan station to reach Maternadaran. One of the most prominent landmarks of Yerevan is the Matenadaran, officially known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, —is a museum, repository of manuscripts, and a research institute in Yerevan, Armenia. It is named after Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, whose statue stands in front of the building.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
- Nearest train station: Yeritasardakan subway station
10th Stop: Demirchyan Arena Complex at Tsitsernakaberd
From Barekamutyun subway station, I’ve walked some 1.6 km along Kievyan St. to reach Demirchyan Arena Complex. This complex is surrounded with so much green spaces of parks and gardens. If you walk straight up about 800 m, you’ll see the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Museum.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Barekamutyun subway station
11th Stop: Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial Complex
The museum and memorial is one of the most important places to visit in Armenia–kind of like the 9-11 museum for Americans. It was built in 1967 to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Over the years, this has become a popular tourist spot not only here in Armenia but all over the world.
As a bonus, you can see a clear view of Mt. Ararat from this site. It is actually the highest peak in Turkey where Noah’s Ark was said to be found in 2010.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
DAY 3:
12th Stop: Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque)
Just 10-12 minutes from the Republic Square, the Blue Mosque (or Persian Mosque) in Yerevan is one of the most popular sights in the Armenian capital city and one that definitely deserves to be visited when traveling to Yerevan. Inside the Mosque is very, very quiet and tranquil. Who would have known that a major road was just outside it.
Note: Women are required to wear a hijab inside the complex. You can borrow one at the main gate of the Mosque.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station
13th Stop: Noy Yerevan Brandy Factory
Just walk 12 minutes from the Blue Mosque, you will notice the Noy Brandy sign from the Yerevan Brandy building. Unlike Yerevan Brandy, this does not need a reservation. Although I only had a quick stopover here, it is highly recommended for travelers to check this place out.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
14th Stop: Yerevan Brandy Company
On the other side of the bridge is the Yerevan Brandy Company. Commonly known with its famous brand “ArArAt”, it is the leading enterprise of Armenia for the production of cognac. When you’re in Yerevan, you definitely need to visit its museum or at least get a close-up photo like I did! Haha! Feel free to book a museum tour here and enjoy a taste of authentic Armenian brandy.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
15th Stop: Water Fountains at Shahumyan Square
Shahumyan Square, in downtown Yerevan, has a wonderful park connecting the City Hall with the Republic Square. I suggest you visit this place at night to see the colorful fountains. I can’t help but take photos of this new city attraction. These series of water jets forming a parabolic tunnel of fountains was my favorite.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Republic Square subway station
What do you think of this 3-day Yerevan itinerary?
I hope that you find this 3-DAY YEREVAN ITINERARY useful! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.
RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS
In case you’re also looking for package tours to simply jumpstart your actual Yerevan itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:
- Yerevan City Tour
- Group Tour: Lake Sevan, Sevanavank, Dilijan old town, Goshavank, Haghartsin
- Private 9-hour Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Garni and Geghard trip from Yerevan
- Armenia Group tour: Tatev Monastery, Carahunge, Shaki, Hin Areni winery (Lunch)
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! Sign up with my link to get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay.
- Flights
- KAYAK. One of the world’s leading travel search engines.
- Package Tours
- Viator. The best resource for researching and booking travel experiences worldwide.
Dan Travels 