Home › Destinations › Vernissage Market
Vernissage Market, Հայաստան - Things to Do in Vernissage Market

Things to Do in Vernissage Market

Vernissage Market, Հայաստան - Complete Travel Guide

Vernissage Market, located in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, is one of the country's most vibrant and culturally rich destinations for travelers seeking authentic local experiences. This sprawling weekend market, officially known as Vernissage Flea Market, transforms the area near Republic Square into a treasure trove of Armenian crafts, Soviet-era memorabilia, traditional artwork, and handmade goods. The market has been operating since the 1980s and serves as both a shopping destination and a cultural hub where visitors can interact with local artisans and discover unique pieces of Armenian heritage. Beyond the market itself, the surrounding area offers easy access to Yerevan's main attractions, including Republic Square, the Armenian Opera House, and numerous museums and galleries. The market's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Armenia's capital city, with its rich history spanning over 2,800 years. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while browsing through everything from traditional carpets and jewelry to vintage books and handcrafted wooden items, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Armenia.

Top Things to Do in Vernissage Market

Browse Traditional Armenian Crafts

Explore the extensive collection of handmade Armenian crafts including traditional carpets, pottery, jewelry, and woodwork. Local artisans often work on-site, allowing visitors to witness traditional crafting techniques passed down through generations. The market offers authentic pieces that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.

Booking Tip: Visit on weekends (Friday-Sunday) when the market is fully operational. Bring cash in Armenian drams for better prices, and don't hesitate to negotiate politely. Best time is morning (9-11 AM) for the widest selection before popular items sell out.

Hunt for Soviet-Era Memorabilia

Discover a fascinating collection of Soviet-era artifacts including medals, coins, stamps, vintage cameras, and propaganda posters. These historical items provide insight into Armenia's Soviet past and are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Many vendors have interesting stories about the origins of their pieces.

Booking Tip: Prices range from $5-100+ depending on rarity and condition. Research authentic Soviet items beforehand to avoid reproductions. Vendors are usually knowledgeable about their items' history, so engage in conversation to learn more and potentially negotiate better prices.

Experience Local Art and Paintings

Browse through an impressive collection of paintings, sketches, and artwork by local Armenian artists. The market features everything from traditional Armenian landscapes and religious themes to contemporary art pieces. Many artists display their work personally and are happy to discuss their techniques and inspiration.

Booking Tip: Original paintings range from $20-500+ depending on size and artist reputation. Ask for certificates of authenticity for valuable pieces. Consider commissioning custom work if you find an artist whose style you love - many accept commissions with 1-2 week completion times.

Shop for Traditional Armenian Textiles

Explore beautiful handwoven carpets, traditional Armenian clothing, and embroidered textiles that showcase centuries-old craftsmanship. These textiles often feature intricate patterns and symbols significant to Armenian culture and history. Quality pieces can become family heirlooms and conversation starters.

Booking Tip: Genuine handwoven carpets start around $100 for small pieces and can reach several thousand for large, antique rugs. Check for tight weaving and natural dyes. Ask about the carpet's origin and age, and request proper documentation for valuable antique pieces.

Collect Vintage Books and Manuscripts

Discover rare books, vintage postcards, old maps, and manuscripts in various languages including Armenian, Russian, and English. Book enthusiasts can find everything from Soviet-era publications to ancient Armenian texts and historical documents. Some vendors specialize in rare and collectible editions.

Booking Tip: Prices vary widely from $3 for common books to $200+ for rare manuscripts. Bring a magnifying glass to check condition carefully. If you don't read Armenian or Russian, ask vendors to explain the content and historical significance of interesting pieces.

Getting There

Vernissage Market is located in central Yerevan, easily accessible from Zvartnots International Airport via taxi (30-40 minutes, $8-15) or bus route 201 (1 hour, $0.30). The market is within walking distance of Republic Square and most central hotels. If arriving by bus from other Armenian cities or neighboring countries, the central bus station is about 15 minutes away by taxi or public transport. The area is well-connected to Yerevan's public transportation network, making it easily reachable from any part of the city.

Getting Around

The market area is best explored on foot, as it's compact and pedestrian-friendly. Yerevan's metro system has a nearby station (Republic Square), and the city's extensive bus and minibus (marshrutka) network provides affordable transportation ($0.20-0.30 per ride). Taxis are readily available and inexpensive, with ride-sharing apps like GG and Yandex operating in the city. Many attractions around the market are within walking distance, including Republic Square, Northern Avenue, and the Opera House, making it easy to combine market visits with sightseeing.

Where to Stay

Republic Square area
Northern Avenue district
Cascade neighborhood
Opera House vicinity
Saryan Street area
Abovyan Street district

Food & Dining

The area around Vernissage Market offers excellent dining options ranging from traditional Armenian restaurants to modern cafes. Try local specialties like khorovats (barbecue), dolma, and lavash bread at nearby establishments. Republic Square and Northern Avenue feature numerous restaurants with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching. Don't miss trying Armenian coffee and baklava at local cafes, and consider visiting during lunch hours when many vendors take breaks and join visitors at nearby eateries, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and local recommendations.

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 Vernissage Market is during weekends (Friday through Sunday) when it's fully operational with the most vendors and widest selection of goods. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor browsing. Summer can be hot but has longer daylight hours, while winter visits are possible but with reduced vendor participation. Arrive early morning (9-10 AM) for the best selection and cooler temperatures, or late afternoon for a more relaxed atmosphere and potential bargaining opportunities as vendors prepare to close.

Insider Tips

Bring small denomination Armenian dram notes for easier transactions and better bargaining positions, as many vendors prefer cash and may not have change for large bills
Learn a few basic Armenian phrases like 'shnorhakalutyun' (thank you) and 'inch arzhey' (how much) to build rapport with vendors and potentially get better prices
Visit the same vendors multiple times during your stay - building relationships often leads to better deals and insider knowledge about special items they might have in storage

Explore Activities in Vernissage Market