48 hours in Yerevan – A 2 Day Itinerary

Yerevan is the capital city of Armenia, a highly underrated travel destination. The city is home to over a million people and is often referred to as “the Pink City” because of the colored stones used for building.

Yerevan also happens to be one of the oldest cities in the world. At 2,800 years old, the city is testament to the impact that religion has had on the world.

Learning about the city’s religious history is at the center of many things to do in Yerevan.

Yerevan and its strategic location made it vulnerable to persistent attack. Persian, Russian and Ottoman empires alike fought battles over the city.

War and natural disaster have taken their toll on the city, but the  but many ancient artifacts have been preserved and can be found in the city’s multiple different museums. History buffs will never be bored exploring Yerevan.

Even if history isn’t your cup of tea, a two-day visit to this neoclassical city will be worth your time and money.

This guide is perfect for those who only have 48 Hours in Yerevan – A 2 Day Itinerary.

We will show you what to do in Yerevan, where to stay, what to eat and how to get around, whether it’s a weekend in Yerevan or just a quick trip.

How to get around Yerevan

There are various means of transport available to help you explore Yerevan. Be sure to download an offline map app, like google maps or maps.me, to make navigating the city even easier.

By minibus

Minibuses, commonly known as marshrutkas, are locals preferred means of transportation. There are more than a hundred routes, which are displayed on the front window of the minibuses.

The minibuses charge AMD100, which can be paid to the driver upon boarding. Armenians are a friendly bunch and are very helpful when trying to navigate marshrutkas for the first time. Don’t hesitate to ask a stranger for help!

Walking

You can easily get around the center of Yerevan on foot. It’s very compact and quite easy to navigate as well.

If you’re a fan of nature walks the best thing to do is to visit Hrazdan Gorge Aqueduct. Beware not to walk through non-designated areas to avoid paying fines and penalties.

By Metro

The Yerevan subway (metro) system is still relatively modern although it was built in the early 1980s.

It is the fastest and often cheapest way to get around town. A one-way ticket costs AMD100 and the trains run every five minutes.

By Taxi

Taxi is a good option if you want to arrive at your destination quickly and without any hassle. There are plenty around the city and they never cost more than AMD1000.

Almost all the taxis have company names and telephone numbers on the sides. You won’t have to negotiate a price beforehand because they have a meter inside.

Be sure that your taxi has a meter and that the meter is on before you start going. It’s also important to carry coins and small bills to avoid being ripped off by drivers that claim they have no change.

The standard prices are between AMD 500 – 600 for the first 5 kms and AMD 100 -120 for every further km.

Where to stay in Yerevan

Most of the tourists who come to Yerevan choose to stay in Yerevan City Center. All different types of accommodations are found, from boutique hotels to hostels.

If you’re travelling as a couple, I recommend staying at Hin Yerevantsi Hotel or 2×2 Cinema-Bar Hotel. Two hotels that are famous for their views overlooking the city are Prince Plaza Hotel and Adams Hotel.

If you are looking for a hotel near the Republic square, I recommend The Rooms Hostel Yerevan and Azoyan Guest House.

Apricot Hotel Yerevan, Armenia Guest House in Komitas, and Hin Yerevantsi Hotel are good for families.

Airbnb is becoming more and more popular in the city as well. I personally like staying at Airbnb’s that are shared accommodations with locals.

This allows me to pick the brain of someone who certainly knows the city much better than myself.

Things to do in Yerevan

Opera House

The Opera House is the main entertainment venue in Yerevan. However, it is also quite the site to see even if you don’t plan on seeing a show.

It was built in the early 1930s and features two mains halls– the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet and the Khachaturian Concert Hall.

Republic Square

Republic Square is one of the most visited places in Yerevan and has an excellent central location ideal for basing yourself during your time in Yerevan.

Architect Alexander Tamanyan designed the square, which is a fine example of the Soviet era architecture. The squares houses several landmarks, such as the National Gallery and the History Museum.

If you happen to be visiting during the summertime, you will enjoy the musical fountains that make this place unique.

History Museum of Armenia

This museum, first opened in 1919, is located in the Republic Square. I was quite surprised by the number of different artifacts that the place serves as host to.

You will see the world’s oldest shoe, bronze sculptures, wooden chariots, Goliath vases, carved stone fertility symbols, arrows, shields, quivers, and helmets.

The museum is an awesome place to start your time in Yerevan.

Cascade Complex

Yerevan cascade is a giant limestone stairway designed by Aslan Mkhitaryan, Jim Torosyan, and Sargis Gurzadyan.

It is one of the unique landmarks in Yerevan because of the escalators, multiple staircases, fountains, and gardens.

At the higher levels of the cascades, you will get a fantastic view of Mount Ararat. I recommend visiting the complex during sunset, especially if you are travelling with a significant other.

Enjoy Yerevan Nightlife at the City Center

Yerevan’s pubs, clubs, and bars are located at the center of the city, making it is easy to explore them.

Paparazzi club is famous and features local and international DJs. On the weekends, the place is packed with both travelers and locals.

If you’re not satisfied with Paparazzi club you can visit Kami club, El Sky Bar, and Tiki Bar, which normally plays more latin music.

Northern Avenue

The Northern Avenue is a pedestrian avenue that was opened in 2007. It is home to high-end shops, hotels, clubs, and coffee shops.

On the avenue, you will find famous shops such as Desigual, Steve Madden, Burberry, and Armani. It’s an excellent place to window shop or pick up souvenirs for your friends and family back home.

Yerevan Vernissage

This is a large open-air market where you can shop for Yerevan’s local art. It is located along Aram and Buzand streets and is 350 meters long.

Here you can find traditional carpets, books, musical instruments, jewelry, old coins, and wood carvings. If you plan on buying things here, come prepared to negotiate a fair price.

Blue Mosque

Also known as Gok Jami, Persian Mosque, and Sky Blue Mosque, this 18th-century mosque is the only active mosque in Armenia.

During the Soviet era in 1931, the mosque was shut down and used as a museum. I recommend doing a tour here to learn about the interesting history of the place.

Museums & Parks

Yerevan is a very historical city, which is why there are so many different museums to visit. Some of my favorite include the Armenian Genocide Museum, Erebuni Museum, Sergei Parajanov Museum, and Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art.

After spending your day exploring the different museums of the city, I recommend heading to one of Yerevan’s parks to catch some fresh air.

There are numerous parks in Yerevan that are well taken care of. They include Lovers Park, Victory Park, Children’s Park, English Park, and Tumanyan Park in Ajapnyak District.

Visit Churches in Yerevan

Churches in Yerevan are ancient and tell an interesting story. Yerevan has an interesting religious history, and the churches of the city are the best places to get a taste of that dynamic.

Some of the beautiful churches you can visit include Zoravor S. Astvatsatsin Church, Saint Sarkis Cathedral, and St. Anne’s Church.

Enjoy the Taste of Yerevan Traditional Dishes

Your visit to Yerevan will not be complete if you don’t have a taste of the Armenian Cuisine. Some of the traditional dishes that I recommend are:

Kashlama: A delicious dish of lamb meat served with vegetables.

Lavash: Armenians local bread that is thin and flat.

Armenian Snickers: Locally known as churchkhela. this dish is made from dried walnuts. The walnuts are dipped in fruit juices before being dried and served.

Jengyalov Hac: This is ideal for vegans. It is a flatbread with at least 20 different types of herbs spices. Typically, it is served with butter and can be eaten hot or cold depending on the weather.

Spas (Armenian Yogurt Soup): A famous Armenian soup made from yogurt and white berries.

Tours to do in Yerevan

This is a 7-hour tour where you will visit the three most photographed attractions in Yerevan.

This tour starts at 9:30 am and the first stop is the Arc of Ararat where you will have a good view of Mount Ararat.

You will then visit the Temple of Garni, Geghard Monastery, Sevan lake, and Sevanavank.

This is a full day tour of the various attractions in Yerevan. You will first visit Lake Sevan then Monastery Sevanavank, Dilijan National Park, Goshavank Monastery, and Haghartsin Monastery. This tour is a good way to see some the major sites outside of Yerevan.

Another full day tour that starts at 9:00 am. On this tour, your first stop will be Khor Virap Monastery then you will visit Noravank Monastery and Jermuk.

Your last stop will be a visit to Areni. Areni is the winemaking capital of Armenia, and you won’t go home without trying some of their delicious products.

This is a five hours tour where you will discover the local culinary traditions and two more highlights of Armenia.

The tour starts at 10:00 am and the first stop will be at Garni Temple (the only Pagan Temple in Armenia) then Geghard monastery.

You will finally enjoy watching a lavash (Armenian bread) making demonstration.

This group tour visits Hayravank Monastery, Lake Sevan in Eastern Armenia, and Monastery Sevanavank.

You will see crystal-clear waters of Lake Sevan, mountain churches, and explore collections of Armenian cross stones (khachkars).  

This 5 hour group tour where you will visit architectural wonders and churches in Yerevan. The tour starts at 10:00 am and you will visit Saint Hripsime Church (apostolic church), Etchmiadzin Monastery (the Christian complex), Saint Gayane Church, and the 7th-century Zvartnots Temple in Armavir Province.  

This is a 5 hour where you will learn about the history of Yerevan city. The tour starts at 9:30 am and you will visit the city’s highlights such as the Matenadaran (The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts), the Opera House, the Republic Square, and the Genocide Memorial.

This is a private 5 hour tour that will help you learn about the culture and history of Yerevan. Since the tour is private the departure time is flexible.

The first stop will be at Erebuni Town-Fortress which was built in 782 B.C. You will then visit the local market where you can taste the local dishes.

The next stop is Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide memorial complex built in 1967.

This a 7 hour group tour to Western Armenia. The tour starts at 9:00 and you will visit Saghmosavank Monastery, Armenian Alphabet Monument, and Karmravor Church (Church of Holy Mother of God). You will also visit Oshakan village in Aragatsotn Province where you will see the Oshakan cemetery.

This is a 5 hour group tour that will help you discover the heritage and history of the pink city.

The tour starts at 10:00 am and you will explore the Erebuni museum and the Megerian Carpet museum, where you will learn how carpets and rugs are made.

The final stop will be at the Brandy factory where you will taste Armenian brandy.

This a full-day private tour where you will discover historic landmarks like the Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery.

An off-road adventure with only four people to see the beautiful Geghama Mountains. You will also learn the local traditions when having lunch in a local home.

This is a full-day group tour that starts at 8:30 am. The first stop is at Areni village where you will tour the wine factory to learn why Areni wine is unique.

You will then visit Tatev Monastery where you will enjoy riding the Wings of Tatev tramway. You will also visit the cave settlements of Khndzoresk. Here you will see the fascinating cave architecture.

This is a full-day private tour to explore three historical sites of Armenia. You will have views of Mount Ararat when traveling to Khor Virap Monastery, which will be your first stop.

You will then visit Noravank Monastery and King Smbat Fortress where you will learn about the history of the area.

This is a full-day private tour where you will discover Lake Sevan and the historic landmarks surrounding it.

You will first stop at Tsaghkadzor city then continue to Kecharis monastery. You will then proceed to Lake Sevan before your final stop at Sevanavank monastery.

Day 1 in Yerevan

8:00 – 8:30: Start your day off right with some traditional, Armenian breakfast! Some great places to choose from, especially if staying in the city center, are Hotel Roma & Tours, Hin Yerevantsi Hotel, or 2×2 Cinema-Bar Hotel.

8:30 – 9: Fortunately, there are various means of transportation to help you get around Yerevan. Minibuses, commonly known as marshrutkas, are locals preferred means of transportation.

There are more than a hundred routes, which are displayed on the front window of the minibuses. The minibuses charge AMD100, which can be paid to the driver upon boarding.

The Yerevan subway (metro) system is still relatively modern although it was built in the early 1980s. It is the fastest and often cheapest way to get around town.

A one-way ticket costs AMD100 and the trains run every five minutes. Finally, walking around the city or calling a taxi (standard prices are between AMD 500 – 600 for the first 5 kms and AMD 100 -120 for every further km ) are great options as well!

Be sure to download an offline map app, like google maps or maps.me, to make navigating the city even easier.

9:00 – 13:00: It is well worth your time to check out the profound Armenian churches in the city of Yerevan.

Some great options to choose from include Zoravor S. Astvatsatsin Church, Saint Sarkis Cathedral, and St. Anne’s Church. Regardless of which options you decide to go with, please make time to visit Blue Mosque.

Also known as Gok Jami, Persian Mosque, and Sky Blue Mosque, this 18th-century mosque is the only active mosque in Armenia.

During the Soviet era in 1931, the mosque was shut down and used as a museum. I recommend allotting around an hour and half of your day here so that you can take a tour and really dive in to the interesting history behind the mosque.

Or, if churches aren’t your thing, Yerevan has some wonderful museums to visit as well. The Republic Square, for example, squares houses several landmarks, such as the National Gallery and the History Museum.

When visiting the History Museum, I was quite surprised by the number of different artifacts that the place serves as host to.

You will see the world’s oldest shoe, bronze sculptures, wooden chariots, Goliath vases, carved stone fertility symbols, arrows, shields, quivers, and helmets. The museum is an awesome place to start your time in Yerevan.

If you happen to be visiting during the summertime, you will enjoy the musical fountains that make this place unique. Other museum options include: the Armenian Genocide Museum, Erebuni Museum, Sergei Parajanov Museum, and Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art.

13:00 – 13:30: Choose from one of the many transportation options to arrive to your next destination!

13:30 – 16:00: Spend the afternoon eating and shopping! A great place to do this is Northern Avenue. The Northern Avenue is a pedestrian avenue that was opened in 2007.

It is home to high-end shops, hotels, clubs, and coffee shops. On the avenue, you will find famous shops such as Desigual, Steve Madden, Burberry, and Armani.

It’s an excellent place to window shop or pick up souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Or, for a more authentic experience, I would highly recommend checking out the Yerevan Vernissage. streets and is 350 meters long.

Here you can find traditional carpets, books, musical instruments, jewelry, old coins, and wood carvings. If you plan on buying things here, come prepared to negotiate a fair price.

16:30 – 17:00: Give your feet a break and hop in a taxi.

17:00 – 19:00: Time for sunset at the Cascade Complex! Yerevan cascade is a giant limestone stairway designed by Aslan Mkhitaryan, Jim Torosyan, and Sargis Gurzadyan.

It is one of the unique landmarks in Yerevan because of the escalators, multiple staircases, fountains, and gardens. At the higher levels of the cascades, you will get a fantastic view of Mount Ararat.

20:00 – 22:00: For dinner make sure to enjoy the unique taste of the traditional Yerevan dishes! Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations of restaurants that prepare the following dishes:

• Kashlama: A delicious dish of lamb meat served with vegetables.
• Lavash: Armenians local bread that is thin and flat.
• Armenian Snickers: Locally known as This dish is made from dried walnuts. The walnuts are dipped in fruit juices before being dried and served.
• Jengyalov Hac: This is ideal for vegans. It is a flatbread with at least 20 different types of herbs sp Typically, it is served with butter and can be eaten hot or cold depending on the weather.
• Spas (Armenian Yogurt Soup): A famous Armenian soup made from yogurt and white berries.

22:30 – whenever your heart desires: Time for some Yerevan entertainment! To begin, see if the Opera House has any interesting shows on the night of your visit.

The Opera House is the main entertainment venue in Yerevan. It was built in the early 1930s and features two mains halls– the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet and the Khachaturian Concert Hall. On the other hand, if you’re looking to party, Yerevan has some great nightlife options.

Yerevan’s pubs, clubs, and bars are located at the center of the city, making it is easy to explore them. Paparazzi club is famous and features local and international DJs.

On the weekends, the place is packed with both travelers and locals. If you’re not satisfied with Paparazzi club you can visit Kami club, El Sky Bar, and Tiki Bar, which normally plays more latin music.

Day 2 in Yerevan

9:00 – 16:00 (times will vary depending on which option is chose): A great way to end your two-day trip in Yerevan would be going on a tour! Below you will find a list of both 7-hour and 5-hour tours to do in Yerevan:

• Day trip to Garni, Gerard and Lake Sevan: This is a 7-hour tour where you will visit the three most photographed attractions in Yerevan. This tour starts at 9:30 am and the first stop is the Arc of Ararat where you will have a good view of Mount Ararat. You will then visit the Temple of Garni, Geghard Monastery, Sevan lake, and Sevanavank.
• Group Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Jermuk, Hin Areni wine factory (tasting): Another full day tour that starts at 9:00 am. On this tour, your first stop will be Khor Virap Monastery then you will visit Noravank Monastery and Jermuk. Your last stop will be a visit to Areni. Areni is the winemaking capital of Armenia, and you won’t go home without trying some of their delicious products.
• Group Tour: Garni Temple, Geghard, and Lavash Baking from Yerevan: This is a five hours tour where you will discover the local culinary traditions and two more highlights of Armenia. The tour starts at 10:00 am and the first stop will be at Garni Temple (the only Pagan Temple in Armenia) then Geghard monastery. You will finally enjoy watching a lavash (Armenian bread) making demonstration.
• Group Tour: Echmiadzin (Mother Cathedral and churches, liturgy), Zvartnots Temple: A 5 hour group tour where you will visit architectural wonders and churches in Yerevan. The tour starts at 10:00 am and you will visit Saint Hripsime Church (apostolic church), Etchmiadzin Monastery (the Christian complex), Saint Gayane Church, and the 7th-century Zvartnots Temple in Armavir Province.  
• Group Tour: Erebuni museum, Megerian carpet and Ararat Brandy factory in Yerevan: This is a 5 hour group tour that will help you discover the heritage and history of the pink city. The tour starts at 10:00 am and you will explore the Erebuni museum and the Megerian Carpet museum, where you will learn how carpets and rugs are made. The final stop will be at the Brandy factory where you will taste Armenian brandy.

All of these options are great as you will also be able to explore any other aspects of the city that you may have missed on out during Day 1 or that you may want to re-visit. On the other hand, if you want something to occupy your full day, check out these private, full day tours:

• Daily jeep tour to Garni gorge and Geghama Mountains: Discover historic landmarks like the Garni Temple and the Geghard Monastery. An off-road adventure with only four people to see the beautiful Geghama Mountains. You will also learn the local traditions when having lunch in a local home.
• Group Tour: Hin Areni wine factory, Tatev-Ropeway, Khndzoresk caves & bridge: This specific tour starts at 8:30 am. The first stop is at Areni village where you will tour the wine factory to learn why Areni wine is unique. You will then visit Tatev Monastery where you will enjoy riding the Wings of Tatev tramway. You will also visit the cave settlements of Khndzoresk. Here you will see the fascinating cave architecture.
• King Smbat Fortress Full Day Off-Road Tour: This may be the best option if you are a history buff! Explore three historical sites of Armenia. You will have views of Mount Ararat when traveling to Khor Virap Monastery, which will be your first stop. You will then visit Noravank Monastery and King Smbat Fortress where you will learn about the history of the area.
• Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Tour from Yerevan: This is a full-day private tour where you will discover Lake Sevan and the historic landmarks surrounding it. You will first stop at Tsaghkadzor city then continue to Kecharis monastery. You will then proceed to Lake Sevan before your final stop at Sevanavank monastery.

Regardless of the type of traveler you are, you are bound to be mesmerized by this incredible city!!

Recommended tours in Yerevan

• Group Tour: Hin Areni wine factory, Tatev-Ropeway, Khndzoresk caves & bridge
• Day Trip to Garni,Gegard and Lake Sevan
• Group Tour: 2 d./ 1n. in Georgia (Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Jvari, Rabati, Vardzia)
• Group Tour: 3 days-2 nights in Artsakh/ Nagorno Karabagh
• Armenia,Private day trip to:Garni temple,Geghard Monastery,Lake Sevan(sevanavank
• 8-Day Armenia and Georgia Tour
• Private Tour to Khor Virap from Yerevan
• 10-Day Exploration of Armenia and Nagorno Kharabagh
• Group tour to Garni Temple, Geghard Cave Church, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank
• King Smbat Fortress Full Day Off-Road Tour
• Garni and Geghard tour to Armenia
• Group Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, ancient “Birds-Cave”, Hin Areni (wine tasting)
• Daily jeep tour to Garni gorge and Geghama Mountains

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