Yerevan is a city that combines tradition, craftsmanship, and lively markets, making it a fantastic destination for anyone interested in authentic Armenian shopping experiences. Whether you’re a lover of fine Armenian brandy or enjoy browsing through bustling markets like Vernissage and GUM, this city offers a variety of ways to indulge your shopping instincts. Our favorites include tours that blend factory visits with market explorations, giving you a taste of local culture, history, and craftsmanship. For instance, a brandy tasting tour provides insight into Armenia’s renowned spirit, while market visits let you hunt for unique souvenirs, local delicacies, and vintage finds.
Below, you’ll find two top shopping and market tours in Yerevan, each tailored to different interests and budgets. Both tours promise a chance to experience Armenia’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and vibrant street life, but each offers a unique angle—one focuses on brandy factories, and the other combines factory visits with market shopping for a more comprehensive experience.
1. Shopping with Brandy
At number 1 on our list, Shopping with Brandy offers an intimate, private experience that combines brandy factory tours with shopping at local markets. For $75 per group (up to six people), you’ll spend about 4 to 5 hours immersed in Armenia’s famous brandy-making tradition. The tour begins with hassle-free pickup from your Yerevan accommodation in a WiFi-equipped vehicle, making it easy to stay connected as you explore.
This tour includes visits to the Noy Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory — a historic plant located in front of Ararat Factory, dating back to 1877. Inside, you’ll explore cellars, catacombs, and a tasting room, gaining a deeper understanding of Armenian brandy heritage. The guide shares stories about the factory’s history and its significance, making the visit both educational and flavorful. The second stop is the Ararat Museum, which showcases the legendary brandy’s journey to international fame, including its 1900 win at a French “Blind Tasting.”
After the factory visits, you’ll head to local markets to shop for souvenirs, Armenian spices, or maybe a bottle of your favorite brandy. This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at Armenia’s brandy industry while enjoying the city’s vibrant market scene.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those interested in Armenia’s brandy history and authentic shopping, especially if you prefer a small, private group experience.
2. Shopping with Brandy: Tour to Brandy factories and markets
At number 2, this more comprehensive shopping and factory tour costs $190 per group (up to six people) and lasts about 4.5 hours. It’s the perfect choice if you want to combine brandy tastings with shopping at Yerevan’s central markets and a more personalized experience in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz.
Starting with a pickup from your hotel, you’ll visit the Noy Factory for a 1-hour sightseeing tour, where you’ll sample Armenian brandy in the famous Noy Brandy Factory. Next, the Ararat Museum provides another hour of insight into the legendary brandy’s history, with a chance to taste their famous cognac. Then, you’ll explore the GUM Market, a bustling central market where you can shop for everything from local produce to souvenirs, in about 40 minutes. The tour wraps up with a visit to Vernissage, a large flea market with vintage items, folk crafts, and antiques, perfect for finding unique Armenian keepsakes.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a luxury experience, combining sightseeing, tastings, and shopping in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. It’s perfect for those seeking a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore Yerevan’s vibrant market scene in detail.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded choice if you’re after premium brandy tastings and extensive market shopping, especially suited for curious shoppers and connoisseurs.
How to Choose Between These Tours
Deciding between these two options depends on your interests and budget. If you’re passionate about Armenian brandy and want an intimate, behind-the-scenes visit, the Shopping with Brandy tour offers a private and detailed look at the factories and local markets. For a more comprehensive, luxury experience that combines factory tours, tastings, and extensive market exploration, the Tour to Brandy factories and markets delivers extra comfort and variety.
Consider your time and what excites you most: a focused brandy experience or a broader market shopping adventure. Both tours include transportation, so you don’t need to worry about logistics. If you want to explore on your own or visit other markets, these tours are flexible enough to customize.
For best results, book early, especially during peak travel seasons, and be sure to specify your interests—whether it’s brandy tasting or market shopping—to tailor the experience to your desires.
Final Thoughts
Yerevan offers a rich mix of local craftsmanship, history, and lively markets, making it an ideal city for shopping and market tours. Whether you prefer an intimate look at Armenia’s famous brandy factories or want to explore bustling markets like GUM and Vernissage with a touch of luxury, there’s a perfect tour for you.
For travelers eager to learn about Armenia’s proud brandy-making traditions while shopping for unique souvenirs, both tours deliver. The private Shopping with Brandy provides a more personal, in-depth experience, while the brandy and market tour gives a broader view with added comfort and variety. Be sure to check availability and book early, so you don’t miss out on these authentic experiences that truly capture Yerevan’s spirit.