Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, a rose-tuff city of about 1.1 million people set at roughly 900-1,300 m above sea level on the Hrazdan River, with snow-capped Mount Ararat visible across the Turkish border on clear days. Founded as the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC, it combines Soviet-era neoclassical planning around Republic Square, the Cascade arts complex, the Matenadaran manuscript library, the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial, outdoor cafes, brandy cellars and a growing wine-bar scene. Visitors come for Armenian food and hospitality, very low prices by European standards, and easy day trips to Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Echmiadzin and Lake Sevan.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan
A Luxury Collection hotel in the Kentron centre with Alexander Spa by Anne Semonin, an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan
A 259-room, nine-floor landmark on Republic Square, a short walk from the evening fountain show and the History Museum.
Grand Hotel Yerevan Royal Tulip
A five-star on Abovyan Street with a spa offering Kneipp therapy, sauna, hammam, ice room, jacuzzi and solarium, open 09:00-21:00.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Yerevan
A spa-led hotel with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, hammam, massages and a couples treatment room.
Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
A boutique hotel at 48 Hanrapetutyan Street beside Republic Square, scored 9.4/10 from 429 reviews on Travelocity.
Holiday Inn Yerevan - Republic Square
A Republic Square hotel with a rooftop spa area: large pool, sauna, hammam and fitness center, free for hotel guests.
DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre
Houses the Thai Atmosphere Spa with Thai massage, four-hands massage and a herbal sauna.
Opera Suite Hotel Yerevan
A 4-star near the Opera and the Cascade with a rooftop pool.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Dolmama
A restaurant in a restored 19th-century house, often called one of Yerevan's best, with an Armenian-only wine list.
Sherep
A restaurant on the Republic Square side serving contemporary Armenian cooking.
Mayrig
A restaurant by Republic Square serving Armenian family cooking.
Tavern Yerevan (Pandok Yerevan)
A tavern-style restaurant known for traditional Armenian dishes, with branches elsewhere in Yerevan.