Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region with a rich history dating back over 3,000 years. Known as the first nation to officially adopt Christianity, Armenia offers ancient monasteries, stunning mountain landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the vibrant capital Yerevan to the medieval monasteries perched on cliffsides, Armenia combines deep cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Armenian Brandy (Cognac)
Armenia produces world-class brandy (locally called cognac) from Ararat and Noy distilleries. Winston Churchill famously preferred Ararat cognac. Look for aged 10-20 year bottles for gifts.
Price: $15-80
Where: Wine & Spirit House, GUM Market, airport duty-free
Duduk
The duduk is an ancient Armenian double-reed woodwind instrument made from apricot wood, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Its haunting sound is deeply Armenian. Functional instruments range from decorative to professional quality.
Price: $20-150
Where: Vernissage Market, craft shops on Abovyan Street
Armenian Carpets & Kilims
Hand-woven carpets featuring traditional Armenian geometric patterns and khachkar motifs have been made in the region for over 1,500 years. Both antique and contemporary pieces available. Certificate of origin important for export.
Price: $50-2,000+
Where: Vernissage Market, carpet shops on Mashtots Avenue
Khachkar (Cross-Stone) Carvings
Intricately carved stone cross-stones are Armenia's most distinctive art form, each pattern unique. Miniature versions make powerful souvenirs. The patterns symbolize eternity, life, and faith in the Armenian Apostolic tradition.
Price: $10-200
Where: Vernissage Market, souvenir shops near monasteries
Dried Fruits & Nuts
Armenia is famous for apricots, mulberries, figs, and walnuts dried under the Caucasus sun. GUM Market sells hundreds of varieties. Lavash flatbread (UNESCO-listed) and churchkhela (walnut-grape candy) are also popular.
Price: $3-15
Where: GUM Market, Vernissage Market, roadside vendors
Pomegranate Jewelry & Artwork
The pomegranate is Armenia's national symbol representing fertility and good luck. Artisans create earrings, necklaces, and decorative pieces featuring pomegranate motifs in silver, bronze, and glass.
Price: $15-150
Where: Vernissage Market, Artbridge art shops
Armenian Miniature Paintings
Traditional Armenian manuscript illumination art reproduced on paper or canvas. Featuring biblical scenes, Armenian history, and nature themes. Signed works by local artists also widely available.
Price: $20-300
Where: Vernissage Market, galleries near Cascade Complex
Armenian Ceramics & Pottery
Colorful ceramics featuring Armenian ornamental patterns, often in deep blues, reds, and golds. Traditional ceramic makers in Gyumri produce particularly prized pieces. Functional and decorative pieces available.
Price: $10-80
Where: Vernissage Market, Gyumri craft workshops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Vernissage Open-Air Market
Yerevan's legendary weekend flea market with hundreds of stalls selling Armenian handicrafts, carpets, Soviet memorabilia, antiques, paintings, and souvenirs. The market stretches several blocks and is the best place to find unique items. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.
Where: Buzand Street and Khanjyan Street, Yerevan
Hours: Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5PM
GUM Market (Central Market)
Yerevan's main covered market selling fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, spices, cheese, lavash, and local food products. An authentic sensory experience with vendors from across Armenia bringing regional specialties. Essential for foodie souvenirs.
Where: 35 Movses Khorenatsi Street, Yerevan
Hours: Daily 7AM-6PM
Malatia Wholesale Market
Large wholesale market where locals shop for fresh produce, clothing, and household goods at bargain prices. Less tourist-oriented than Vernissage but gives an authentic glimpse of Yerevan daily life. Best visited early morning when produce is freshest.
Where: Malatia district, Yerevan
Hours: Daily 6AM-2PM
Antiquarian Book Market
Open-air stalls selling secondhand Armenian and Russian books, Soviet-era stamps, coins, postcards, and paper memorabilia. A fascinating browse for those interested in Soviet history, Armenian culture, and unusual collectibles. Prices are very affordable.
Where: Mashtots Avenue, Yerevan
Hours: Daily 9AM-5PM
Northern Avenue Shopping Strip
Pedestrianized boulevard lined with modern boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops connecting Republic Square to the Opera House. Clean and walkable with a mix of Armenian and international brands. Good for jewelry and fashion shopping.
Where: Northern Avenue (Hyusisakagayin Poghota), Yerevan
Hours: Daily 10AM-9PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Northern Avenue
Yerevan's main upscale shopping promenade linking Republic Square to the Opera House. Lined with boutiques, jewelry stores, cafes, and art galleries. The most pleasant area for a shopping stroll with outdoor seating and street performers.
Best for: Jewelry, fashion, gifts, dining between shops
Mashtots Avenue
Yerevan's longest main avenue with a mix of local and international shops, banks, pharmacies, and restaurants. Less touristy than Northern Avenue with more everyday shopping options including electronics, clothing, and household goods.
Best for: Everyday shopping, pharmacies, electronics
Kentron District (City Center)
The central district surrounding Republic Square has the highest concentration of souvenir shops, wine stores, and specialty food shops. Walkable and tourist-friendly with English-speaking staff in most stores. Prices slightly higher than elsewhere.
Best for: Souvenirs, Armenian wine, specialty foods, brandy
Saryan Street Wine District
A short but charming street emerging as Yerevan's wine and natural food hub. Independent wine bars and Armenian wine shops line the street alongside artisan food producers. Perfect for wine lovers seeking Armenian varietals from boutique producers.
Best for: Armenian wine, natural food, artisan products
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Dalma Garden Mall
Yerevan's largest shopping mall with over 200 stores including international brands, electronics, clothing, a cinema multiplex, and extensive food court. Located in Kanaker district, accessible by taxi from center in 15 minutes. Has Zara, H&M, and local Armenian fashion brands.
Hours: Daily 10AM-10PM
Yerevan Mall
Modern mall near the botanical garden with fashion retailers, a supermarket, food court, bowling alley, and entertainment facilities. Popular with families and younger shoppers. Includes Armenian brand stores alongside international chains.
Hours: Daily 10AM-10PM
Mega Mall Yerevan
Mid-sized mall in the Shengavit area featuring local and international fashion brands, electronics stores, a grocery anchor, and casual dining options. Less crowded than Dalma, good for everyday shopping needs away from tourist areas.
Hours: Daily 10AM-10PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected and welcomed at Vernissage Market — start at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate from there
Antique and carpet vendors often quote inflated prices for tourists; friendly negotiation is normal and expected
Fixed-price shops on Northern Avenue and in malls do not generally negotiate
Buying multiple items from the same vendor usually results in a better deal
Cash payments in Armenian dram (AMD) often get better prices than card payments
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Export of antiques, manuscripts, and items of national cultural value requires a certificate from the Ministry of Culture. Items over 100 years old may not be exported without permits. Armenian brandy can be brought home duty-free within your country's limits.
Tax Refund: Armenia does not currently operate a VAT refund scheme for tourists. Prices shown in shops include 20% VAT with no tourist refund available.
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances vary by destination country. Zvartnots Airport has a good duty-free shop with Armenian brandy, wine, and foodstuffs at competitive prices. Typically 1-2 liters of spirits allowed per person.
Shipping: DHL, FedEx, and Armenia Post offer international shipping. Many carpet and artwork vendors can arrange professional packing and international shipping. Armenia Post is cheapest but slowest. Insure valuable purchases.