If you're visiting Yerevan for the first time, shopping will certainly prove to be an exciting experience. In this city, you can buy lots of things like jewellery, clothing, and of course, the famous Armenian cognac.
Armenian Cognac
Among the things that tourists buy in Armenia, Armenian cognac is one of the most popular. It was Sir Winston Churchill's brandy of choice. You'll find many stores in the city's centre, completely dedicated to selling Armenian cognac manufactured in the Ararat Cognac Factory. Another place you can find this excellent brandy is the airport. You probably know that the taste of brandy becomes more refined with age. The older the brandy, the more expensive it gets. But no matter how old the brandy is in Yerevan, it's bound to be excellent.
Carpets
Carpets are a must-buy in Yerevan and you can find many different varieties. The city is famous for its knotted carpets which are usually made by hand. The yarn for the carpets is made from the wool of Caucasian mountain sheep. You'll find numerous stores in Yerevan, especially in the Republic Square, that sell knotted carpets.
Local Handicrafts
Most of the art and craft you'll find in Yerevan is made from silk, pottery, and wood, but you will also find that paintings are a popular buy here. Armenia has vast resources of obsidian, and objects of art and utility are fashioned from this dark, glassy volcanic rock. Armenians are expert makers of lace and embroidery, so keep an eye out for this handicraft.
Markets
The main market in Yerevan, known as the Shuka Market, is the place to go for all kinds of vegetables and fruits. The market is also well-known for its Armenian sweets, and its various types of nuts, honey, and raisins. Some of the sweets sold in this market are made by threading walnuts on a string. Others are made from walnuts and grape juice.
If you're looking for economically-priced clothes, toys, electronic and leather goods, head to the Russian Market in Yerevan.
For hand-made stuff, visit the Vernisaj Flea Market on Khanyian Street. The market is open on weekends, and you can buy Armenian arts and crafts, dolls, carvings, carpets, and paintings. You can haggle if you want, but remember that everything here is made by hand and involves a lot of hard work.
In the northern part of the city, near the Metro station, is a small, rather crowded park. This is the Yerevan book market where even you can sell your books. You can get a reasonably priced dictionary here, and lots of books for students, books about Armenia, novels, cookbooks... and much more. What's more, the book-sellers are very friendly, and chatting with them can be an interesting way to spend your free time.
Treasures of Armenia Store
Don't miss out on a visit to the "Treasures in Armenia", one of the finest shops in Yerevan. The shop opened in 2005, and is in the heart of the city. Treasures of Armenia is a fitting name, for you'll find the finest quality of Armenian goods - ranging from stationery to Christmas ornaments to ceramics and hand- knotted carpets. You'll also find wonderful sweaters in this shop, as well as handbags, batik scarves, and all sorts of jewellery. It's the best of Armenia under one roof, an goods from this store make for great Yerevan sourvenirs.
Opening Hours
Most shops in Yerevan are open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm, and even longer in the summer.
