Things to Do in Cafesjian Center for the Arts
Cafesjian Center for the Arts, Հայաստան - Complete Travel Guide
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts, located in Yerevan, Armenia, is a spectacular contemporary art museum housed within the iconic Cascade complex. This architectural marvel combines Soviet-era brutalist design with modern artistic vision, creating a unique cultural destination that showcases both Armenian and international contemporary art. The museum features the extensive collection of Gerard L. Cafesjian, including works by renowned artists like Fernando Botero, Barry Flanagan, and Lynn Chadwick.
Yerevan itself is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded in 782 BC, and serves as Armenia's vibrant capital. The city beautifully blends ancient history with modern culture, featuring pink tuff stone architecture that gives it a distinctive rosy hue, especially during sunset. Beyond the Cafesjian Center, visitors can explore ancient churches, bustling markets, world-class museums, and experience Armenia's renowned hospitality and rich cultural traditions.
Top Things to Do in Cafesjian Center for the Arts
Explore the Cascade Complex and Art Museum
Climb the monumental Cascade steps while viewing outdoor sculptures and contemporary art installations. The complex houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts with its impressive collection of modern and contemporary works, offering panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat from the top.
Booking Tip: Entry to the Cascade is free, but museum tickets cost around $3-5. Visit in late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The climb involves many steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
Visit Erebuni Fortress Archaeological Site
Explore the ancient Urartian fortress that gave Yerevan its name, dating back to 782 BC. The site includes well-preserved ruins, cuneiform inscriptions, and a museum displaying artifacts from the Urartian civilization.
Booking Tip: Entry costs about $2-3 and guided tours are available for $10-15. Best visited in morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. Combine with nearby Erebuni Museum for a complete historical experience.
Experience Traditional Armenian Cooking Class
Learn to prepare authentic Armenian dishes like dolma, khorovats, and lavash bread in hands-on cooking workshops. These classes often include market visits to select fresh ingredients and conclude with enjoying your prepared meal with local wine.
Booking Tip: Classes range from $40-80 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book in advance, especially during peak season. Look for classes that include market tours and wine pairings for the full experience.
Tour Vernissage Flea Market and Republic Square
Browse Armenia's largest open-air market featuring handmade crafts, antiques, carpets, and traditional Armenian artwork. The nearby Republic Square showcases stunning Soviet-era architecture and hosts evening fountain shows with music and lights.
Booking Tip: Market is free to browse, open weekends and some weekdays. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of asking price. Evening fountain shows at Republic Square are free and run from May to October.
Day Trip to Garni Temple and Geghard Monastery
Visit Armenia's only standing Greco-Roman temple at Garni, built in the 1st century AD, followed by the UNESCO World Heritage Geghard Monastery carved into rock cliffs. The journey offers stunning views of the Azat River gorge and traditional Armenian architecture.
Booking Tip: Day tours cost $25-50 per person including transportation and guide. Entry fees are minimal ($1-2 per site). Book tours that include both sites plus traditional lavash bread making demonstration for added cultural value.
Getting There
Zvartnots International Airport is located 12km west of Yerevan and serves as Armenia's main international gateway, with direct flights from major European cities, Middle Eastern hubs, and select North American destinations. From the airport, taxis cost $8-12 to reach the city center, while airport shuttles and buses offer budget-friendly alternatives for $1-3. Overland travel is possible from Georgia via the scenic Georgian Military Highway, or from Iran through the southern border crossing, though most international visitors arrive by air due to closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Getting Around
Yerevan features an efficient and affordable metro system with just one line connecting key areas of the city, costing only about $0.25 per ride. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive, with ride-hailing apps like GG and Yandex offering convenient booking and fair pricing typically ranging from $1-5 for most city trips. The city center is quite walkable, especially around Republic Square and the Cascade area, while marshrutkas (shared minibuses) provide cheap public transportation to outlying areas for under $0.50 per ride.
Where to Stay
City Center/Republic Square
Cascade/Northern Avenue Area
Kond Historic District
Arabkir District
Kentron Administrative District
Nor Nork Residential Area
Food & Dining
Yerevan's culinary scene brilliantly showcases traditional Armenian cuisine alongside modern interpretations and international options. The city is famous for its khorovats (Armenian barbecue), fresh lavash bread, dolma, and an incredible variety of local cheeses and wines from the Arax Valley. Traditional restaurants and family-run establishments offer authentic experiences with generous portions at very reasonable prices, typically $10-20 for a full meal with wine. The bustling GUM Market and local taverns provide opportunities to sample street food and interact with locals, while upscale restaurants in the city center offer refined Armenian cuisine with contemporary presentation and ambiance.
When to Visit
The ideal time to visit Yerevan is during late spring through early fall (May to October) when temperatures are comfortable and most attractions operate full schedules. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring outdoor sites and enjoying evening strolls, though temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F). Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, especially when Mount Ararat is clearly visible on crisp days. Winter visits are possible but some attractions may have limited hours, and weather can be quite cold with occasional snow.
Insider Tips
Take advantage of the free outdoor art installations throughout the Cascade complex - many visitors miss the sculptures scattered around the gardens and terraces
Visit local wine bars to sample Armenia's ancient winemaking tradition - the country is considered one of the world's oldest wine regions with unique indigenous grape varieties
Learn a few basic Armenian phrases as locals greatly appreciate the effort, and English may be limited outside tourist areas and among older generations