Nestled between volcanic peaks and the ancient banks of the Hrazdan River, Yerevan pulses with creativity, warmth, and a café-culture that rivals any European capital. This monumental guide—curated by those who call the Pink City home—unlocks the best spots for coffee rituals, hidden mural trails, and nocturnal adventures that define Armenia’s vibrant capital in 2025.

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Savoring Yerevan’s Café Scene

Yerevan’s cafés are more than caffeine dispensers; they are living rooms, art galleries, and incubators of conversation. Locals prize quality beans, cozy corners, and a welcoming vibe.

1. Espress It Yerevan
   Tucked down a side street off Northern Avenue, Espress It boasts a world-class espresso machine and beans roasted in Yerevan. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a 4.9-star rating, it’s the go-to for fast, perfect shots and a quiet corner to write or people-watch.
2. The Green Bean Cascade
   Perched at 38 Isahakyan Street beneath the Cascade steps, this café combines panoramic views with ethically sourced brews. Their pour-over offerings change weekly, highlighting Armenian micro-lots. Cozy sofas and local art installations make it a local favorite.
3. Artbridge Bookstore-Café
   For bookworms, Artbridge marries literature and lattes. Browse new releases, antique maps, and original prints while sipping a cardamom-spiced latte. Regular poetry readings and exhibitions by Yerevan’s emerging artists ensure there’s always something to ignite your imagination.
4. Haldi.co
   A newcomer making waves, Haldi.co on Abovyan Street offers specialty teas and single-origin coffees in an airy, minimalist space. Tea sommeliers guide tastings of high-mountain oolongs, while the cold-brew menu draws daily lines.
5. In Vino
   While primarily a wine bar, In Vino doubles as a late-afternoon café. Their espresso martini is legendary, but the real draw is the terrace overlooking Republic Square—perfect for a midday espresso and local bakery treats.

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Discovering Yerevan’s Street Art

Beyond its Soviet-era façades, Yerevan conceals bursts of color and creativity in its oldest districts. Each mural tells a story of resilience, heritage, and hope.

1. Kond Graffiti & Hidden Alley Tour
   Venture into Kond—the city’s most ancient quarter—on a guided walking tour that unveils underground murals, forgotten courtyards, and the graffiti of local collective “GraffitARM.” Learn how artists reclaim decaying walls and spark community renewal.
2. Yerevan Children’s Railway Tunnel
   Once abandoned, the former railway tunnel near Victory Park now hosts a rotating gallery of street art. Local crews paint large-scale murals depicting Armenian folklore and modern social commentary. Nighttime visits reveal illuminated works that transform the tunnel into an urban cathedral of color.
3. Old Town Mosque Walls
   In Kond’s winding lanes, look for the restored mosque walls—now a canvas for cross-cultural murals blending Islamic geometric patterns with Armenian carpet motifs. Each piece is a collaborative effort between Muslim and Christian artists, symbolizing Yerevan’s multicultural tapestry.
4. City-sponsored Murals on Abovyan Street
   In 2024, the municipality launched a project to commission 150 arches and façades along Abovyan and Northern Avenue. These commissioned works feature candid portraits of everyday Yerevanites, mythological scenes, and abstract interpretations of Mount Ararat’s silhouette Coups d’oeil et Coups de plume.

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After-Dark: Yerevan’s Nightlife Hotspots

When the sun sets, Yerevan’s pulse quickens. From live jazz to rooftop lounges, the city’s nightlife blends tradition with modern beats.

1. Stop Club
   At 37 Moskovyan Street, Stop Club is the epicenter of Yerevan’s EDM scene. Local and international DJs spin every weekend, and the sound system draws in crowds ready to dance until dawn.
2. Lift Rooftop Bar
   Perched atop a hill at 12/6 Al Manukyan Street, Lift offers craft cocktails, panoramic views, and nightly live bands. Their signature “Ararat Sour” pairs Armenian brandy with local citrus infusions for a taste of the region in every sip.
3. Bак75
   This industrial-chic bar in an old warehouse hosts jazz nights, vinyl-only sessions, and rooftop movie screenings in summer. Locals praise Bак75 for its curated cocktail menu—think pomegranate-smoked Old Fashioned—and intimate vibe.
4. Calumet Bar & Lounge
   With DJs every Sunday and a rotating menu of Armenian craft beers, Calumet has become a weekend ritual. Its subterranean lounge, lit by antique lamps, feels like a speakeasy hidden beneath the city’s bustle.
5. The Bird Cage
   Located at 10 Abovyan Street, this cozy jazz bar features local musicians and an extensive whiskey list. Sip a signature “Apricot Old Fashioned” and let the smooth saxophone tunes carry you into the early hours.
6. Tom Collins Pub
   A British-style pub at 31 Pushkin Street, Tom Collins mixes local brews with classic pub fare. It’s the ideal spot for live sports, trivia nights, and meeting fellow travelers over a pint.

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Insider Tips & Seasonal Events

• Art Biennial 2025: Don’t miss the inaugural Yerevan Art Biennial, with street installations across the city center in September 2025 e-flux.
• Coffee Festivals: Each April, cafés host latte-art competitions and micro-lot showcases—an unmissable event for bean aficionados.
• Winter Warmers: In December, rooftop bars equip you with heated igloos and mulled Armenian wine, turning cold nights into cozy memories.

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Yerevan’s mosaic of cafés, murals, and nocturnal delights makes it a city of endless discovery. Armed with this local’s guide, you’ll sip, stroll, and dance your way through Armenia’s capital—embracing its rich history and vibrant future, one cup, one mural, and one beat at a time.