As one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, offers a perfect blend of ancient history and modernity. Surrounded by mountains, this city offers irresistible charms for every traveler.
Yerevan’s uniqueness lies in its well-preserved traces of history. For example, the Republic Square, which serves as one of the central hubs of activities in the city, still retains its unique Soviet architecture. Meanwhile, the Cascade, a giant limestone stairway, offers you a view of Yerevan from above and various contemporary art installations. Yerevan is also known for its warm and quaint cafes, as well as its vibrant nightlife.
Additionally, Yerevan also serves as the cultural and historical center of Armenia. Matenadaran, a museum that holds a collection of ancient manuscripts, and Tsitsernakaberd, a monument commemorating the Armenian Genocide, tell in-depth stories of this nation’s past. If you wish to enjoy the fresh air while also appreciating the view of the city, Victory Park is the right place to visit.
Yerevan’s Mashrutka is a type of transport similar to minibusses and is one of the city's most popular modes of transport. The standard fare of a Mashrutka ride is around 100 Armenian Drams (AMD), and you can pay directly to the driver when getting on or off.
Usually, Mashrutkas follow fixed routes and stop at specific points, but you can hail them anywhere if needed. Pay attention to the Mashrutka’s number and destination, typically displayed on the front of the vehicle.
The best way to get around Yerevan is by using a combination of walking and taxis. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to explore many attractions on foot. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for longer distances.
Alternatively, other public transportation, such as buses and the Yerevan Metro, is another option you can use, but they may have limited coverage and varying levels of comfort.
Yerevan offers various Armenian culinary delights, like khorovats (grilled meat), lavash (thin bread), and dolma (meat or vegetables wrapped in grape leaves). You also wouldn’t want to miss the chance to try areni, traditional Armenian red wine.
For an authentic culinary experience, try visiting one of the ‘pandok’ or traditional Armenian restaurants in this city.
Yerevan offers many historical sites and museums to visit. Some of them include the Cascade, Republic Square, and Armenian Genocide Memorial. Victory Park is also worth a visit, offering a view of the city and the majestic Mount Ararat.
If you’re interested in culture, Matenadaran, a museum which holds ancient manuscripts, is certainly not to be missed.
Yerevan has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters with snowfall. If you want to enjoy warm but not overly hot weather, consider visiting Yerevan in May or September. Meanwhile, if you're a fan of snow, come between December and February.
Yerevan holds several festivals every year. Some of these include Yerevan Wine Days in October and the Yerevan Jazz Fest. Additionally, every September 21st, Armenia celebrates Independence Day with various events and performances throughout the city. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to check the local event calendar so you don’t miss out on exciting activities.
Travel Tips for Erevan