Home › Destinations › Northern Avenue
Northern Avenue, Հայաստան - Things to Do in Northern Avenue

Things to Do in Northern Avenue

Northern Avenue, Հայաստան - Complete Travel Guide

Northern Avenue (Հյուսիսային պողոտա) is one of Yerevan's most prominent pedestrian boulevards, stretching from Republic Square to the Opera House area in Armenia's vibrant capital. This modern promenade, completed in the early 2000s, represents the new face of Yerevan with its contemporary architecture, upscale shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants housed in sleek glass and stone buildings that contrast beautifully with the city's traditional pink tuff stone structures. The avenue serves as both a shopping destination and cultural corridor, connecting some of Yerevan's most important landmarks while offering visitors a taste of modern Armenian urban life. Northern Avenue buzzes with activity throughout the day and evening, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Yerevan's rich history, sampling Armenian cuisine, and experiencing the city's renowned hospitality. The pedestrian-friendly design and central location make it a natural gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Top Things to Do in Northern Avenue

Explore Republic Square and Singing Fountains

Visit Armenia's central square with its stunning Soviet-era architecture built from pink volcanic tuff stone. The musical fountains come alive in the evening with synchronized water, light, and music shows that draw crowds of locals and visitors.

Booking Tip: The fountain shows are free and run from May to October, typically starting at 9 PM. Best viewing spots fill up early on weekends, so arrive 30 minutes before showtime.

Visit the Armenian Opera House and Ballet Theatre

Experience world-class performances at this architectural gem designed by Alexander Tamanian. The building itself is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture, and the surrounding area features beautiful gardens and the Swan Lake.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $10-50 depending on the performance and seating. Book through the official website or visit the box office. The opera season runs from September to June.

Stroll Through Vernissage Market

Browse this famous weekend flea market near Republic Square featuring Armenian handicrafts, Soviet memorabilia, traditional carpets, and local artwork. It's the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs and interact with local artisans.

Booking Tip: The market operates on weekends, with Saturday offering the best selection. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of the asking price. Bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards.

Discover Armenian Cuisine on a Food Tour

Sample traditional Armenian dishes like khorovats (barbecue), dolma, lavash bread, and local wines while learning about the country's culinary traditions. Many restaurants along Northern Avenue offer both traditional and modern Armenian cuisine.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $40-80 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include visits to local markets and traditional bakeries for the most authentic experience.

Take a Day Trip to Garni and Geghard

Visit the ancient Garni Temple, Armenia's only surviving Greco-Roman structure, and the medieval Geghard Monastery carved into rock cliffs. These UNESCO World Heritage sites showcase Armenia's rich historical and religious heritage.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $30-60 per person in groups or $100-150 for private tours. Include lunch at a local village for traditional lavash bread-making demonstrations. Tours run year-round but roads can be challenging in winter.

Getting There

Zvartnots International Airport is located 12km west of Yerevan, with regular flights from major European cities, Middle Eastern hubs, and Russia. Airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing services provide easy access to Northern Avenue, with the journey taking 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Overland options include buses from Georgia and Iran, while the border with Turkey remains closed. Many visitors also arrive via Gyumri Airport in northern Armenia, though this requires a 2-hour drive to reach Yerevan.

Getting Around

Northern Avenue is entirely pedestrian-friendly and walkable, connecting easily to Yerevan's efficient public transportation system. The city offers an extensive network of buses, minibuses (marshrutkas), and a modern metro system with stations near major attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like GG and Yandex are widely available and affordable, with most trips within the city center costing under $5. Walking remains the best way to explore the area around Northern Avenue, as most major attractions are within a 15-minute walk.

Where to Stay

Republic Square Area
Northern Avenue District
Opera House Vicinity
Cascade Complex Area
Abovyan Street
Pushkin Street

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Northern Avenue offers everything from traditional Armenian taverns to upscale international restaurants. Local specialties include khorovats (Armenian barbecue), khachapuri, and fresh lavash bread, paired with excellent Armenian wines and brandy. High-end restaurants in the Northern Avenue complex serve modern interpretations of Armenian cuisine, while nearby streets offer casual dining options, street food, and traditional coffee houses. Don't miss trying Armenian coffee, local cheeses, and seasonal fruits from nearby markets.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Yerevan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Mozzarella

4.6 /5
(1774 reviews)

Limone

4.6 /5
(767 reviews)

Syrovarnya

4.6 /5
(503 reviews)

InTempo

4.7 /5
(462 reviews)

Black Angus Signature

4.9 /5
(443 reviews)

L'ÉTÉ Cafe & Veranda

4.7 /5
(390 reviews)
bar cafe
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Northern Avenue and Yerevan is from May to October when the weather is warm and the famous singing fountains operate nightly. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for walking tours and outdoor dining. Summer can be hot but brings vibrant street life and extended daylight hours. Winter visits are possible but some outdoor attractions may have limited hours, though the city's cafe culture and indoor attractions remain active year-round.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at exchange offices rather than banks for better rates - they're everywhere and completely legitimate in Armenia
Learn a few Armenian phrases as locals greatly appreciate the effort, even though most speak some English or Russian
The Northern Avenue area can be more expensive than other parts of Yerevan - venture into side streets for more authentic and affordable dining experiences

Explore Activities in Northern Avenue