At the end of December 2025, we flew to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, as a group of two adults (my husband Roman and I) and two daughters – Maya, 6, and Sophie, 3.
Why did we choose Yerevan? Honestly, I had barely heard of it before, and it wasn’t on our list of upcoming destinations. We live in Cyprus, and at that time Wizz Air launched new routes at unbelievably low prices – Yerevan was one of them. I found round-trip tickets for €25 per person, and it felt like a crime not to buy them. In the end, four tickets cost us only €100. We added another €120 for baggage, without selecting seats, bringing the total to €220 for all four of us, a price that’s hard to ignore.
Before the flight, I searched for things to do in Yerevan during winter and found almost no relevant information. I was a bit worried that there wouldn’t be much to do, especially with kids. But let me tell you something, we were completely blown away. We fell in love with Yerevan and its magical Christmas atmosphere.
Our original plan was to spend two nights in the city and then drive to a mountain town for two nights to experience snow. Unfortunately, there was no snow during our visit – neither in Yerevan nor in the mountain town, so we decided to stay in the city for all four nights. In hindsight, it was a perfect decision, and I even felt we could have stayed an extra day or two.
Yerevan is a modern, pleasant city, full of excellent restaurants and cafés, indoor play areas suitable for winter and children, Christmas markets, and festive vibes everywhere. Beyond that, it’s a very affordable destination, making it an excellent option for a winter holiday – for both families and travelers seeking a slightly different and unexpected experience. 
Quick Overview of Our Trip to Yerevan
Christmas in Yerevan
I wrote a longer post about Christmas in Yerevan with all the details, but here’s a summary of what you can do:
During the Christmas season, Yerevan offers a magical and unique experience, especially at Republic Square. The square is illuminated with tens of thousands of LED lights, featuring a large Christmas tree in the center, decorations on the surrounding historic buildings, and music and small events that add to the festive atmosphere. It’s highly recommended to also explore the surrounding streets, where every alley and corner has more decorations and costumed characters that enhance the holiday spirit. Be aware that some of these characters may try to sell souvenirs to children, so it’s wise to explain in advance how to handle it.
Around the main square, there are small but cozy Christmas markets where you can find food and warm drinks like mulled wine or hot chocolate, alongside souvenir and game stalls that add to the family-friendly atmosphere. Winter Park, about a 20-minute drive from the center, offers a variety of winter attractions, including ice skating, a children’s train, a Santa and elf meeting booth, a small market with food and drinks, and other family-friendly activities.
Local Armenian Market
This market truly surprised us. We expected a crowded and slightly dirty market, like many local markets, but instead, we found a clean, organized, and not busy market at all. We arrived on a Thursday morning around 11:00 – visiting at different times or on weekends might be different. The market is covered but not heated.
Here you can find almost anything you can imagine, all locally made and delicious. There is a whole section dedicated to dried fruits – a paradise for fans, with a huge selection. There are also excellent fresh fruits and vegetables; we bought strawberries that were simply the tastiest we’ve ever had. Naturally, there’s also a wide variety of spices, which we couldn’t resist buying to take home.
You’ll also find local cheeses and cured meats (we bought some), with the smoked cheese especially recommended. There’s a meat section, pickled vegetables, breads, and a small café to rest and grab coffee mid-visit. Upstairs, there’s an area with clothes, shoes, and even luggage.
Tip: Bring cash, as most stalls do not accept credit cards. Directions. 
Indoor Play Area + Restaurant
This is a great recommendation for families visiting Yerevan in winter, looking for a cozy indoor spot for kids and adults.
The play area is modern, high-quality, and located on the upper floor of the venue, while a restaurant is downstairs for parents to sit, relax, and eat while the children play. Kids are supervised by a staff member, and the area has a variety of activities: slides, a ball pit, a creative corner, and more.
Maya and Sophie spent almost two hours there and didn’t want to leave. They only came down when they got hungry, and then we all sat down for lunch in the restaurant below.
We ordered chicken schnitzels (delicious), a kids’ burger (less liked), udon noodles (everyone loved it), and a burger for Roman (also very good). Entry to the play area costs €11 per child with no time limit. Service was excellent, and it was a perfect solution for an indoor activity on a cold day, especially with small kids.
Play area name: Jumana. Bonus – it’s just a 5-minute walk from our hotel, Best Western, making it very convenient. 
Amusement Park and Dinosaur Park
These attractions only open from March onward, so don’t visit before then. We didn’t know this and went there twice (once in the morning and once in the evening), only to find everything closed except the Ferris wheel.
The park features a large Dinosaur Park that looks like an excellent attraction for kids, and a charming amusement park with family-friendly rides. Both attractions are located in Victory Park, a large and pleasant park for a family outing. It seems like a place worth dedicating at least half a day to, especially after March when everything is open. Directions. 
Ferris Wheel and Frozen Lake
If you visit Victory Park in winter, here are some tips:
- There’s a frozen lake, which can make a beautiful backdrop for daytime photos.
- Even though the park and most attractions are closed, one fun option is the Ferris wheel. The cabins are enclosed and heated, allowing you to enjoy the view without freezing.
- Nearby, there’s an open popcorn stall – we bought some and sat in the cabin with the girls, enjoying the heat and popcorn while riding. The girls loved it!
I wouldn’t go there just for this, but if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a short ride to enjoy the view and a fun family experience. 
Food in Yerevan
Yerevan was a huge culinary surprise for us. Beyond the festive atmosphere, we discovered a diverse, high-quality, and very affordable food scene. We ate at many local and international restaurants, and every choice was successful. The food was excellent, the service pleasant, and the prices very reasonable, making every meal stress-free.
You can find everything: modern Armenian cuisine, authentic local lahmajoun, excellent Italian, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants, and cafés with great coffee. Whether you’re looking for street food or a fully plated meal in a stylish restaurant, Yerevan delivers. The combination of good food, affordable prices, and a local atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for food lovers. You can read all our recommendations in the post about recommended restaurants in Yerevan. 
Day Trips Outside Yerevan
Our original plan was two nights in the city and two nights in a mountain town to experience snow. Unfortunately, there was no snow, so we skipped the trip.
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We initially booked a hotel in the ski town Tsaghkadzor, about an hour from Yerevan. It’s a small mountainous town, famous for skiing and vacations, with a relatively small population and a relaxed atmosphere.
Among the recommended hotels are the Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel, ALVA Hotel & SPA and Ararat Resort.
For longer stays in Yerevan, I highly visiting:
- Garni & Geghard – a Hellenistic temple in Garni and the rock-cut monastery of Geghard; stunning nature views of the Azat River and valley. About 1 hour from Yerevan.
- Dilijan – “Switzerland of Armenia” – a green, picturesque town with a charming old center, hiking trails, and art galleries. About 1.5 hours from Yerevan.
- Sevan & Sevanavank – Lake Sevan is one of Armenia’s most beautiful spots. Visit the Sevanavank Monastery on the shore, enjoy open landscapes, and do a day tour around the lake. About 1 hour from Yerevan.
For these trips, taxis are an option, but if visiting multiple towns, renting a car is worth considering, especially in good weather.
Yerevan FAQ
Do I need a visa for Yerevan?
- Israeli passport holders need a visa, which can be obtained online or on arrival. Adults pay about $8; children are free.
- Israeli passport holders residing in a country that doesn’t require a visa for Armenia do not need one.
- Citizens from most European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and more can enter Armenia visa-free for short stays (usually up to 180 days).
How do you get to Yerevan?
We flew direct from Cyprus (Paphos Airport), about 2 hours – very convenient for a short trip. Direct flights from Israel are available with FlyArmenia, as well as options with layovers via European airlines. Check prices in advance for special deals.
How to get around in Yerevan?
Taxis are the easiest option. Yerevan has some of the cheapest taxis we’ve ever used: 10–40 minute rides cost about €1.50–6. GG is a good app, but Yandex Go is more popular locally and easier to use. Traffic is heavy between 17:00–19:00, so plan accordingly.
What is the local currency?
Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and small stalls.
Where to stay in Yerevan?
- Erebuni Hotel (3-star) – on Republic Square, €50 per double with breakfast, simple but clean and well-located. Drawbacks: thin curtains let in light, basic bathrooms. Breakfast sufficient but not fancy.
- Best Western (4-star) – 5 min walk to Republic Square, €70 per double with breakfast. Sauna, gym, bar, restaurant, outdoor pool in summer. Spacious rooms, excellent breakfast, perfect central location.
Winter weather in Yerevan?
During our visit in December: 5–6°C day, 2–3°C evening, and around 0°C at night. Snow arrived only the day after we left. The weather was cold but dry, making the stay pleasant. 
What to do in Yerevan in winter?
Christmas markets, festive decorations, excellent restaurants, warm cafés, indoor play areas, ice skating, children’s train, Winter Park, Ferris wheel at Victory Park, Republic Square, and more.
Is Yerevan suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Indoor play areas, parks, kid-friendly restaurants, a heated Ferris wheel, and festive markets make it very family-friendly.
How many days to spend in Yerevan?
We spent 4 nights, which was great. For day trips, Christmas markets, and local attractions outside the city, 5–6 days is ideal.
Food and prices?
Excellent, diverse, affordable. Armenian, Japanese, Italian, Vietnamese, and local dishes like lahmajoun. Family meals in a good restaurant: €20–35 depending on dishes.
In short, Yerevan in winter is a surprising, affordable, and charming destination for a holiday or family trip. Christmas markets, festive decorations, a giant tree at Republic Square, light shows, fireworks, excellent restaurants and cafés, indoor play areas, parks, Winter Park attractions, and a heated Ferris wheel at Victory Park make it a magical winter experience. The city is modern, clean, accessible, and blends European Christmas charm with authentic Armenian culture.
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