Vernissage Market

The Vernissage is Yerevan's open-air crafts and souvenir market, laid out in a long lane of stalls near Republic Square in the Kentron district of Armenia's capital. Sellers set out tables and awnings along Pavstos Buzand Street and the adjoining park paths, offering handmade carpets and kilims, wood carvings, ceramics, silver and copper jewellery, paintings, embroidery, duduk flutes and chess sets, as well as Soviet-era memorabilia, medals, coins, old books and antique cameras. Many items are made by the artisans who sell them. The Vernissage is at its fullest on Saturday and Sunday mornings, when more vendors set up, and operating days are reported differently across sources, so weekend visits are the safest. Visitors typically spend one to one and a half hours walking the stalls and comparing prices. Bargaining is normal and expected, usually starting at a lower price than the first offer; cash in Armenian dram is the main payment method, although some stalls accept cards. Authentic duduks, brandy accessories and hand-knotted carpets make popular purchases, and larger items can be shipped by sellers. Foot traffic is moderate on weekdays, and the market is calmer in the afternoon. Winter hours are shorter and some stalls close in cold weather. The market is a five-minute walk from Republic Square metro station and is easily combined with the square, the museums and nearby cafes. Visitors are advised to keep valuables secure in the crowds and to ask before photographing individual artisans.