Yerevan is the capital of Armenia also knowned as “the pink city“ thanks to the tuff - the pink-colored volcanic stone utilized to build the city. The distant history and the pulsating present are seamlessly merged in Yerevan. Here you will find both new and old sights and recreation areas, including clubs, restaurants, taverns, bars, children's attractions, shopping centers, squares covered with pink ornamentation, green gardens, and parks. There are also old churches, historical and cultural monuments, museums, and galleries.
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What not to miss?
Republic Square
One of Yerevan's principal squares, Republic Square is home to several of the city's significant structures, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government House, National Gallery, and Armenian History Museum. It's beautiful because there are so many fountains, statues, and monuments there, making a visit worthwhile, even if only to take a few photos.
The Blue Mosque
Persian monarch Nadir Shah Afshar constructed The Blue mosque during his conquest of Armenia in 1766. Although it has undergone multiple restorations since then, its distinctive blue dome that stands out against the rest of the city skyline still contributes to its beauty.
Beautiful marble designs may be found inside, and the flooring are decorated with elaborate tilework. Most definitely worth a look!
Yerevan Cascade complex
One recognizable feature of the city's skyline is the Cascade complex. It is made up of multiple cascading staircases that Soviet architect Jim Torosian constructed in 1970. There are steps leading up to Victory Park from the complex, which is located uphill from Republic Square and offers stunning panoramic views of Yerevan. It's a terrific place for pictures because there are so many sculptures along the road.
Genocide memorial complex
The Genocide Memorial Complex is among the most solemn yet significant locations to see in Yerevan. This monument, which overlooks the city from a hilltop, honors the 1.5 million Armenians who perished between 1915 and 1923 as a result of the genocide committed by Ottoman Turkey. The complex includes a museum, an eternal flame, a chapel, and a monument that are all intended to remember those who perished during this awful period of history.
The Opera
The Opera venue, the biggest opera venue in the Caucasus, is a great place to spend an evening while in Yerevan. Performances here range from classical operas by composers like Puccini or Verdi to contemporary renditions of Armenian music such as duduk (Armenian flutes). Tickets for performances frequently sell out very quickly, so make sure to buy them in advance! You might just stand outside and appreciate it, as we did. It's quite lovely.
What else to visit?
Mother Armenia
Another must-see location in Yerevan is Mother Armenia, a statue that honors all those who fought in battles throughout Armenian history, including World War II. Mother Armenia is a 52-meter-tall statue that overlooks part of downtown Yerevan on a hill in Victory Park and has gained notoriety among Armenians and tourists from around the globe seeking a glimpse into Armenian history and culture.
The OperaVernissage & GUM Market
Vernissage is an outdoor flea market near Republic Square that sells everything from souvenirs to handcrafted items. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., but it is particularly crowded on weekends when people gather here for their weekly shopping binge!
While GUM Market, often referred to as Vernisazh or Gyumri City Market, is an indoor market also close to Republic Square that sells a variety of goods at very low costs, including handcrafted crafts and clothing as well as fresh produce like fruits and vegetables.It's a wonderful location for souvenir buying or just people-watching while savoring some delectable regional cuisine.
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, one of Yerevan's most recognizable landmarks, must be seen on any visit to the city. This magnificent cathedral, which was completed in 2001, towers over Republic Square and is devoted to the patron saint of Armenia, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in the fourth century AD. Beautiful frescoes and murals that represent scenes from biblical tales and Armenian folklore decorate the church's interior.
How to travel there?
Yerevan is the ideal location to visit if you're seeking a picturesque and historic location in Armenia. It has a wealth of cultural history and a variety of activities to satisfy all interests. Everyone will find something to enjoy in this charming city, from seeing historic castles to enjoying regional wines in picturesque vineyards. Yerevan will surely win your heart and leave you with priceless memories, whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a quiet break. So, let’s prepare to explore Armenia's many beauties; you won't be disappointed! Yerevan is a popular tourist destination in Armenia and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some options for traveling to Yerevan:
By air
Zvartnots International Airport is located 15 kilometres west of Yerevan and is Armenia’s main hub for air travel.
By train
Train service is provided every day from June to September in the summer and every other night from October to May.
By road
There are various ways to enter Armenia from the neighboring countries of Georgia or Iran if you're traveling overland. Though it is easier to enter from Georgia due to Yerevan's location and the state of the roads.
Note that Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed and overland travel is not permitted.
When to travel there?
Spring
Spring is a pleasant time to visit Yerevan, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer months. The weather can be unpredictable, however, with occasional rain and wind.
Summer
I would avoid visiting Yerevan in the summer (June to early September) because it is high season, when costs rise, and it is unbearably hot (up to 35 or 40 degrees Celsius in the capital).
Autumn
Autumn is another pleasant time to visit Yerevan, with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. This is a good time to explore the city's museums and cultural attractions, as well as to sample the local cuisine.
Winter
Winters in Yerevan are pleasant, with temperatures rarely dropping below zero. January is the coldest month, with average daytime temperatures of 2 degrees.
Average costs
Yerevan's cost of living is often less expensive than that of several large cities in North America and Europe. Yet, depending on your lifestyle and tastes, the cost of living can change. Here are some examples of typical Yerevan costs for various items.
Accommodation
The average cost of a mid-range hotel in Yerevan is around 27,122.90 AMD per night, while budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses can be found for around 15,498.80 AMD per night.
Food and drinks
Yerevan food and drink cost is generally higher than other major European cities. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 3,200 AMD, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 16,000 AMD. Local wines and beers are affordable, with a glass of wine or beer costing around 600 AMD.
Transportation
Public transportation costs 100 AMD. There are also various taxi services in Armenia that are reasonably priced and easily accessible to the general population. In Armenia, students require approximately 10.000 AMD per month or 100.000 AMD every academic year to meet transportation expenses.
Where to eat?
Yerevan is a food lover's paradise, with plenty of options for all tastes and budgets. Here are some popular places to eat in Yerevan:
Sherep Restaurant
The food at "Sherep" has no national identity or concentration. The menu features delectable, fascinating, and one-of-a-kind meals from various cuisines, all presented in the restaurant's signature style and presentation.
Tavern Yerevan
The "Tavern Yerevan" menu features a variety of meals that represent Armenian culture broadly as well as traditional favorites. The menu features meals cooked in accordance with both contemporary and traditional Armenian recipes, as well as the best representations of contemporary and traditional Caucasian cuisine.
Lavash Reastaurant
A traditional Armenian rich breakfast holds a distinct position on the menu of the restaurant. Brtuch (lavash wrap) made of lavash with a variety of components, including dishes made with fresh dairy products, dried fruits, raisins, halva, jam, tea, fruits, and the "Lavash" dish that is its most famous component: sweets made according to unique recipes. Armenian lavash is baked in a tandoor on the restaurant's first level.
ZaNaZaN Restaurant
The restaurant "ZaNaZaN" opened its doors in 2020. It displays an amazing display of culinary creativity. The restaurant serves food from different nations as well as Armenian, Persian, Georgian, and Arabic cuisines.
The kitchen is open, visitors can place orders and watch everything being prepared.
Seasons Restaurant
The "Seasons" restaurant offers an intriguing and varied menu. The restaurant does not have a specific focus on any national cuisine; all of the most delicious and distinctive dishes from all cuisines are collected here. The restaurant delivers unusual and popular European meat and vegetable dishes, as well as exquisite seafood cooked in an original approach.
The "Seasons" restaurant attracts customers with live jazz-blues performances that complement both festive, family parties and corporate meetings.
Katsin Restaurant
''Katsin'' restaurant & dining bar is a trendy contemporary eating venue specializing in seafood and meat.
There is an open kitchen with a wood fire grill, a vast wine cellar, and an expensive raw seafood bar at the restaurant.
Events
Armenians enjoy a good party just as much as everyone else, if not more, and the calendar is jam-packed with opportunities to get outside and celebrate history, tradition, culture, liquor, food, and even running for far longer than anyone should ever have to run.
Wine Days (May)
Armenian wine may not receive the same media coverage and attention as that show-stopping cognac, but you should consider it seriously (don't actually consider it seriously). Every May, Wine Days gives winemakers the chance to showcase their best creations; it is a must-attend event for anybody with a stake in excellent liquor.
Watermelon Festival (July)
In the summer, Yerevan may get oppressively hot, making cooling down is essential. Fortunately, the city starts to overflow with magnificent watermelons at this point, and the amazing fruit gets its own unique festival in July. The most revitalizing festival in Yerevan? Yes, most likely.
Golden Apricot International Film Festival (July)
Since its beginning in 2004, the Golden Apricot International Film Festival has been a municipal highlight. Thie week-long film festival draws artists from all over the world, with a spectacular lineup of films being exhibited at several of the city's finest venues.
Yerevan Color Run (July)
In the middle of July, thousands of people converge on Yerevan's center for a 5-kilometer race through history and modernity as every color of the rainbow bursts forth all around them. Remember that these are dust explosions, so there is no need to be concerned, but avoid wearing anything particularly delicate because you will be covered by the end of the day.
Taraz Fest (August)
lTaraz Fest, is the most important event in Armenian culture, is a huge celebration of national traditional dress. There are some quite intricate patterns on display, and the event is enhanced by an abundance of traditional food and a truly magnificent ambiance.
Armenia Marathon (October)
The Armenia Marathon is 26.2 miles running Marathon that takes place every October. Yerevan's streets play host to the largest running event in the nation. Of course, we're more than delighted to observe from the sidelines. For persons of our disposition, there are also races for children and beginners
ReAnimania International Animation Fim & Comics Festival (October)
ReAnimania, is one of the most significant animation festivals in the area, is where everything animation takes center stage. Since its inception in 2008, the festival has played a significant role in the revival of Armenia's animation sector, lending the event a growing sense of significance.
Erebuni-Yerevan Anniversary (October)
If you were wondering, Yerevan was first known as Erebuni and was established in the eighth century BC. Every year in October, the city hosts a variety of customary festivities to commemorate the day of its founding. The 2802nd anniversary will occur in 2020, which is really amazing.
Yerevan Jazz Festival (October)
Jazz is the ultimate "love it or hate it" musical genre, yet there is something about a vibrant jazz festival that we truly like. Perhaps it is the general atmosphere of cheerful celebration, or perhaps it is the jazz's unrelenting might. Every autumn, a large contingent of top jazz musicians from around the world travel to Yerevan, turning the city's celebration of the virtuoso genre into a major event.
Christmas & Christmas Markets (December)
Armenia is often regarded as the world's oldest Christian country, so you can guarantee these people take Christmas seriously. Westernised pieces of culture are infiltrating all the time, but Yerevan remains a hugely spiritual place to celebrate the most delightful time of year. Don't forget to wrap up warm, as the holiday spirit can help with that.
We've reached the end of the article What to visit in Yerevan. This city has a fantastic atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our website. Remember to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!