You will be impressed by the high-quality handiwork evident in many of the hand made items that can be found in the shops!

This Armenia Shopping Guide gives some hints and tips on what type of items you may wish to purchase on your trip to Armenia. Further down the page we have also listed some stores that you may be interested in visiting. Details about the types of alcoholic drinks available, which make popular souvenirs, can be found on our Armenia Restaurants Guide. It also lists recommended places to have a meal.

You can see what the local Armenian shopping scene is like in our destinations as listed below, as well as checking out some suggestions on places to grab a bargain or souvenir.

- Yerevan

Armenia Shopping Guide

Armenia's economy and tourism industry is still evolving, but in the mean time there is enough to keep the avid shopper busy on a trip here.

Arts and Crafts

New stores are opening all the time in Yerevan, indicating the interest in arts and crafts. Common materials used are wood, clay and obsidian, with popular items being things such as traditional pottery, dolls and hand carved vases and jewellery boxes. Backgammon, chess and checker sets make great gifts.

Jewellery

Armenian jewellery making dates back to ancient times, and is generally made with gold, precious and semi-precious stones. Obsidian is also used quite frequently in jewellery. There are two big jewellery markets in Yerevan, as well as a number of smaller stores scattered throughout the city.

Handicrafts

Handicraft shops catering to the growing art and tourism sectors of Armenia are increasingly making an appearance in Armenia. Locally made pottery, traditional jewellery boxes, ethnic wooden and clay artefacts, dolls and a variety of other handmade products can be bought across Yerevan by the souvenir hunter.

Intricately carved wooden and stone creations are the pride and joy of Armenian artists who work their magic on otherwise ordinary mediums, to create something quite extraordinary. Walnut, Apricot and Plum Tree wood are used in abundance to make jewellery and trinket boxes and even vases worked with exquisite patterns. These designs are both detailed and wonderfully executed.

For the pilgrim, the wooden replicas of the khachkars or the crosses made of stone that date back to early Christian times are a must-buy item. Traditional gold and semi precious and precious gemstone-based jewellery is also available at jewellery stores in Armenia for those with a penchant for "bling".

Obsidian Stone Souvenirs

The locally occurring and hugely popular obsidian stone adds an Armenian touch to jewellery. Interestingly, this stone is also widely used in accessories for desks and some other decorative designs which can adorn your home.

At the park near the Sarian Monument, close to the Opera Square in Yerevan is The Painters' Vernissage. Set up in the 1980s, this site allows artists to interact directly with their clientele, locals and tourists. Once located at the square facing the Union of Armenian Artists, the Vernissage in its new location is a tribute to the famed artist Sarian. The grounds of the park all but vanish behind hundreds of canvasses and people throng the tiny spaces between displays trying to find themselves an artwork they can buy.

Other items

Soviet products are often of interest to westerners. Also popular are Armenian carpets, rugs and other needlework. Finally, herbal teas, along with various alcoholic beverages such as wine, brandy and vodka, allow you to take home the taste of Armenia.

Markets

The area near Republic Square comes alive with the open-air Vernisaj market on Saturdays and you're never quite sure what you will find.

If you're lucky you may strike a great deal on an antique carpet or find yourself a Soviet-era relic like a quirky old-fashioned phone, or perhaps some Russian dolls. Handmade goods and artwork are what Armenia is great at making, so pick up some traditional Armenian souvenirs while you're here. Other products worth keeping an eye out for are the carvings (both stone and wood), embroidery, metalwork, backgammon sets, wooden crosses (replicas of khachkars) and even local costumes.

The street where the Vernisaj is located becomes ‘pedestrian only' on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bargaining

Armenian marketplaces have plenty of great stuff waiting to be packed up and taken home with you - but only if you can drive a hard bargain. Do remember the time and effort that has gone into the creation of the product you are buying, so don't quote anything that may seem ridiculously low - artists and craftsmen will hardly appreciate it.

Pag shuka - This downtown Yerevan market is where farmers sell their produce and while you may not need to buy meat or the famously fresh Armenian vegetables, the preserves sold here are worth trying. It is also a great way to understand the cuisine and lifestyles of the people of the country. Dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables make a tantalizing display and provide some great photo ops.

Farmers markets and fresh produce markets in Yerevan are also a great place to grab a snack. Sample the light-as-air fruit rolls made with thin layers of farm fresh fruits and preserves, or munch on some nuts or dried fruits as you wander between the stalls. Pick up a bag of fresh juicy figs, crunchy sweet pomegranates, luscious mulberries and ripe apricots.

These markets also sell homemade cheeses (try the local goat cheese), meats, fish and dairy products like matzoun, an Armenian yogurt.

Lavash

You may also come across what can easily be called Armenia's national bread. This unleavened folded creation is made into wraps filled with cheese, vegetables or meats.  

Shopping hours

Most markets stay open between 9 am and 5 pm five days a week, with timings changing on weekends. Some stores may not open on all days, so do enquire. During summer most shops have longer operating hours.