Vernissage — Attraction in Yerevan

If you’re visiting Armenia for a short trip, I highly recommend stopping by Vernissage Market—especially if you love souvenirs, art, and unique keepsakes from your travels.

Vernissage is like a flea market, stretched along a long street near St. Gregory the Illuminator Church and close to Republic Square. It’s a great place to explore if you enjoy browsing through handicrafts, paintings, wooden carvings, vintage collectibles, and Soviet-era memorabilia. Of course, you’ll also find the usual fridge magnets, keychains, and other classic souvenirs.

The market closes early, so plan your visit accordingly. If you arrive by 4 PM, you should still have enough time to explore. But if you come around 5 PM or later, most vendors will already be packing up for the day.

Tips for Shopping • Try to haggle! Many sellers are open to negotiation, and I was able to get good discounts by bargaining. • Be cautious about “handmade” claims. Some vendors will tell you that they or a family member made the items themselves, but I noticed the same jewelry being sold by different people who claimed they handcrafted it. So, use your judgment before paying a premium for “handmade” pieces. • Even if you’re not shopping for others, get a small keepsake for yourself—it’s a great way to remember your trip to Armenia.

Whether you’re into local crafts, antiques, or just casual souvenir shopping, Vernissage Market is worth a visit. Even if you’re not planning to buy much, the experience of walking through the market and seeing all the unique items is enjoyable. Definitely add this to your itinerary...

The Yerevan Vernissage is an open-air exhibition-market functioning on the weekends. It was formed during the 1980s by Armenian artists who started to display their art works in the square next to the Artists' Union of Armenia (the current Charles Aznavour Square). Others have used the park next to Komitas State Conservatory to show their works. Later, the Vernissage was moved to Martiros Saryan garden in front of the Opera House. The exhibition-market was gradually enlarged and finally moved to Aram and Buzand streets, starting with the Republic square metro station and ending up with the statue of Vardan Mamikonyan. However, painters are still using the Saryan park to show their painting works. It's particularly full of many different products on Saturdays and Sundays.

In addition to carved wood and art works, traditional carpets, old collections of coins and medallions, books, jewellery, musical instruments, electronics and even pets are found...

I was so happy to find this Clean Open Market so close to Republican Square , end of the Hatch Kar Park and almost across from Tufenkian Hotel. Open 7 days a week but Sat and Sunday you see much more Vendors. Opens around 9:00 am . A must to see at least twice on your trip. Book Vendors on the week ends and just more to look at. Hundreds of Vendors and everyone is so nice. Almost 90% Hand Crafted in Armenia . There is Paintings Carpets Dolls Wood Craved items chess boards Tavloo boards boxes hand made doilies embroidery hats T shirts lots of beautiful Jewelry--Antiques Glass ware etc etc so much to list. Also try the fresh Lahmajun( Armenian Pizza) they make there a small cafe in the open air market with the Armenian beer! You'll go back and always remember! This is a Great way to support small business and help inspire the community . A...