Vernissage Market
A vibrant open-air market in Yerevan offering a vast array of handmade crafts, antiques, and local foods. Discover unique souvenirs and experience Arm...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bustling atmosphere, best selection
Vernissage Market
Best Time
Bustling atmosphere, best selection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant open-air market in Yerevan offering a vast array of handmade crafts, antiques, and local foods. Discover unique souvenirs and experience Armenian artistry.
"A great place to buy souvenirs or gifts, and a great place to browse to see cultural aspects."
🎯 Haggle Respectfully
Bargaining is common, but always do it with a smile and respect for the artisan's work. :moneybag:
⏰ Arrive Early for Best Buys
The market gets busy, especially on weekends. Go early for the widest selection of unique items. :clock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handmade Jewelry & Crafts
Various Stalls
Exquisite silver pieces with natural stones, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant embroideries await.
Local Delicacies & Foods
Food Stalls
Sample traditional Armenian treats and find unique edible souvenirs to take home.
Artistic Paintings & Pottery
Art Stalls
Discover colorful paintings and beautifully crafted pottery reflecting Armenian artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authentic Souvenirs & Local Finds
Navigating the Market & Potential Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What’s actually worth buying in vernissage?
🎯 Haggle Respectfully
Bargaining is common, but always do it with a smile and respect for the artisan's work. :moneybag:
⏰ Arrive Early for Best Buys
The market gets busy, especially on weekends. Go early for the widest selection of unique items. :clock:
I was just at vernissage, there's coins and artifacts being sold from Tigrane the great, why is this allowed?
I'm in Armenia what would be the best things to buy and bring back home to the US.
📸 Capture the Vibe
It's a photogenic spot! Capture the colorful stalls and friendly vendors. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Chess boards at the Vernissage Market in Yerevan
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle Respectfully
Bargaining is common, but always do it with a smile and respect for the artisan's work. :moneybag:
⏰ Arrive Early for Best Buys
The market gets busy, especially on weekends. Go early for the widest selection of unique items. :clock:
📸 Capture the Vibe
It's a photogenic spot! Capture the colorful stalls and friendly vendors. :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🧐 Be Mindful of Antiques
Some vendors sell older items. Be aware of ethical concerns regarding artifacts. :mag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Vernissage Market's vast selection of unique handmade souvenirs, from intricate silver jewelry to vibrant textiles and local foods. The friendly vendors and lively atmosphere make it a delightful place to shop and experience Armenian culture. Some ethical concerns have been raised regarding the sale of antiques, but the overwhelming sentiment is positive for finding authentic crafts and gifts.
"This art and crafts market in Yerevan offers you a wide selection of souvenirs, silver jewelry, pottery, wooden items and so much more. Loved and purchased a lot of handmade products by small scale businesses mostly run by women. Had a fun time shopping here on the last day of our trip."
Easita Das
"I was impressed how large the market was and how professional the stalls are. A diverse range of local and traditional jewelry, clothing, wooden carvings, paintings, pottery and more . Nice to browse to see cultural aspects and a great place to buy souvenirs or gifts."
Vincent Oliver
"Every time I walk through this open market, I find something new. It is not only a great place to buy souvenirs for friends and family, but also to collect your own memorabilia. I was told that someone had found an old family photo of her ancestors just by coincidence 🤔 I have seen some old and some new hand crafted items here."
Adrineh Arakelian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vernissage Market is centrally located in Yerevan, easily accessible by taxi or public transport. Many visitors walk from Republic Square. It's a short ride from most city hotels. :bus: :taxi:
Yes, it's a very well-known open-air market. Look for the bustling stalls near the central park area. :round_pushpin:
Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity due to its central location. It's often easier to use public transport or walk. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Vernissage Market is a free-to-enter open-air market. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase. :free:
The market is typically open daily, but it's most vibrant on weekends. It usually closes around 5:30 PM to 6 PM. :clock:
Weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, offer the widest selection and liveliest atmosphere. Weekdays are less crowded. :calendar:
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a huge variety: handmade jewelry, carpets, wooden carvings, pottery, paintings, traditional clothing, and local food items. :gift:
Yes, bargaining is a common practice. Approach it politely and with a smile. It's part of the experience! :moneywithwings:
Most items are handmade by local artisans. However, be discerning with antiques, as some may raise ethical questions. :mag:
Vernissage Market is the prime spot for unique Armenian crafts, from delicate silver filigree to robust wooden chess sets. :art:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, it's generally fine to take photos of the stalls and products. Always ask permission before taking close-ups of vendors. :camerawithflash:
The colorful displays of jewelry, textiles, and food, as well as the interactions with vendors, make for great shots. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the market is generally safe, the sheer volume of people and goods means you should be mindful of your belongings. The friendly vendors are often happy to interact, which can be a fun cultural exchange for younger visitors. Consider focusing on the handmade crafts and food items, which are usually more appropriate and interesting for children than the antique sections.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the vast array of handicrafts, local food items, and smaller decorative pieces. These often offer the best value and are genuinely representative of Armenian artistry. Avoid getting drawn into potentially overpriced antiques unless you are an expert and aware of the ethical implications.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Discovering Authentic Armenian Crafts
Beyond the tangible crafts, the market is a fantastic place to find local delicacies and edible souvenirs. Look out for dried fruits, nuts, traditional sweets like gata, and local spices. Interacting with the friendly and often smiling vendors is a key part of the experience, offering insights into their craft and culture. While most items are genuine handmade products, it's worth noting that some vendors also sell older items and artifacts, which have raised ethical discussions among visitors and archeologists.
When exploring Vernissage, remember that the sheer variety can be overwhelming. Take your time to wander through the different sections, compare prices, and engage with the sellers. This approach not only helps you find the best pieces but also enriches your understanding of Armenian culture and artistry. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Navigating the Market's Unique Finds
However, it's important to be aware of the ethical considerations surrounding some of the antique and artifact sales. Discussions on Reddit have pointed out that items of historical significance are sometimes found in the market, raising questions about their provenance and legality.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit