What to see in Yerevan
Yerevan — the capital of Armenia, a citadel of Christianity and interesting places. You definitely won't get bored here: attractions are at every step. In the Kupi.com Blog, we tell you how not to get lost in all this diversity.
How to get to Yerevan
Super easy! Regular flights depart , Mineralnye Vody, and St. Petersburg. And their number is constantly increasing because Yerevan is now a transit point for most travelers from Russia. Don't forget that affordable Moscow — Yerevan flights can be purchased on Kupi.com.
By the way, to fly to Yerevan, you won't even need a foreign passport or a visa. Read the detailed entry rules for Armenia for Russians in our blog.
Yerevan's international airport «Zvartnots» is located just a 20-minute drive from the city. Local taxi drivers regularly hang out at the exit of the building, offering to take you to your destination for 1–15 dollars. You can, of course, overpay and go with them, but it's still better to call the familiar «Yandex Go» — the trip cost there will be about 200 rubles.
But if you want to immediately dive into Yerevan's city life from the doorstep — you can take bus №201, which runs directly from the airport, to the center. The trip will take approximately 40 minutes and cost 300 drams (about 43 rubles).
When to go to Yerevan and what's the weather like
Almost all year round, the sun shines brightly in Yerevan (as many as 295 days a year). But sometimes the mountain climate makes itself known, and temperature drops occur: torrential rains or heavy snowfalls. To be honest, from November to February, Yerevan is not as enjoyable as at other times: snow hides all the most beautiful places, and due to haze, it's difficult to see one of the main attractions — Mount Ararat. Also, Yerevan does not have central heating, so staying overnight in cool weather is not very comfortable here.
However, the rest of the time it's incredibly beautiful here. For example, in spring, everything blooms in Yerevan, but there's no intense heat. The temperature rises from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. And in summer, it's dry and hot here — this is a great period to go to the mountains or reach Lake Sevan, which warms up by July-August.
To summarize, March — May, August — October are the best times for visiting Yerevan.
Transport in Yerevan
Yerevan has one metro line 10 kilometers long, five trolleybus lines, and a whole bunch of buses and minibuses. By the way, it's better to avoid minibuses: they are often overloaded.
A trolleybus ride will cost 50 drams (or 6 rubles), and a bus or metro ride — 100 drams (or 12 rubles). Yes, we ourselves are surprised by the prices.
Keep in mind that local public transport does not accept cashless payments. So prepare small change, it will be much easier. Here are a few more features of public transport in Yerevan:
- buses run from 7 AM to 11 PM with intervals of 10–15 minutes;
- buses stop only on demand. If you want to get on the bus, signal the driver: wave your hand;
- to get off the bus, you need to inform the driver. Approach him in advance and say: «Kangarum kangnek,» which means «Stop here.» Don't forget to pay for the ride when you exit.
And a life hack from us: a navigator is the best assistant in planning your public transport trips. Download «Google Maps» or another map application: it has all the necessary information to help you get to attractions.
Of course, the easiest way to get around Yerevan is by taxi. «Yandex Go» works almost everywhere here, and a trip will cost around 150 rubles.
What to see in Yerevan: city attractions
You will surely want to explore all of Yerevan and its most hidden corners. This will be difficult: the capital of Armenia is large, and there are many attractions. We have gathered the most important ones for you.
Erebuni Fortress
One of Armenia's main fortresses is located on top of the Arin-Berd hill. This historical structure was at the epicenter of the wars of the Urartu kingdom. A large part of the fortress has survived to this day: the outer wall, stone staircase, passages, and fragments of wall paintings.
A ticket costs 1,000 drams (or 140 rubles), and can be bought at the ticket office. The museum is open every day, except Monday, until 4:30 PM. It's best to come in the morning — there won't be too many tourists, and you'll be able to fully enjoy the local beauty.
Republic Square
The center of Yerevan, where the main streets converge. Here are the country's government buildings and the National Gallery. From May to October, from 10 PM to midnight, you can watch the singing fountains show here. By the way, the first singing fountains in the USSR appeared right here.
Another interesting fact about Republic Square: in 2015, System of a Down held a concert here dedicated to the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. About a hundred thousand spectators were present during the event. Another educational fact: all members of the music group are ethnic Armenians.
The Cascade
A unique architectural structure, one of the pearls of the Armenian capital. The Cascade is a complex of five-level staircases. It also houses a cultural and public space, museums, and sculptures.
Climbing the Cascade is a separate exciting adventure and a chance to see a picturesque panorama of Yerevan. When you climb the stairs, you will notice «Stalin-era» blocks, business centers, and even the great Mount Ararat. It is for this view that tourists are willing to climb higher and higher.
Tsitsernakaberd
A must-visit if you want to delve deeper into Armenian culture. This memorial park was built in memory of the first organized case of genocide, which claimed 1.5 million Armenian lives. This event is an integral part of Armenian history, the roots of which can be seen in the culture of the local residents.
The best way to get to this memorial complex is by taxi — the road here goes through a mountain serpentine and a busy highway.
One-day itinerary in Yerevan
You won't be able to experience all the beauty of Yerevan in one day. But you can at least try. Here's a simple walking route through the main attractions.
First, head to Abovyan Street — it's the oldest and longest street in Yerevan. It's lovely here; you can pop into nice cafes, chat with locals, and simply enjoy the weather.
Afterward, go to Republic Square — a place where all tourists converge. If you're in the mood, visit the History Museum or the Gallery. If not, let's move on.
Rest a bit at Freedom Square and admire the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater. Have a cup of coffee and head to the final destination — «The Cascade.» This is simply a must-visit for any tourist. Here you can watch the sunset and take interesting photos.
What to see in the surroundings of Yerevan
Lake Sevan
One of Armenia's main symbols, the largest lake in the Caucasus, and the primary source of fresh water in the region. In summer, you can swim here; the water warms up to +24 degrees Celsius. There are beaches with amenities along the lake's coast.
Lake Sevan is located at an altitude of 1,900 meters, but getting there is not that difficult — a taxi will cost approximately 1,000 rubles. Also, minibus №317 goes to Sevan from the Northern Bus Station — a ticket will cost 900 rubles.
Etchmiadzin Monastery
The pearl of the city of Vagharshapat, which was the capital of Great Armenia. Etchmiadzin Monastery is on the UNESCO heritage list — a sign that you definitely need to visit it. It was in this monastery that Saint Gregory the Illuminator converted Armenia to Christianity. By the way, Armenia is the first country in the world to adopt this religion at a state level.
Inside the cathedral, holy relics are kept: for example, a part of the spear that pierced the crucified Christ, and a fragment of Noah's Ark.
Admission to the monastery is free.
Ararat
Ararat is the main symbol of Armenia. This very mountain is depicted on the country's coat of arms. However, according to the Kars Treaty between the USSR and Turkey, this sacred mountain ended up in Turkish territory. Therefore, you can only admire it.
Unfortunately, the road to the foot of the mountain is closed. But you can visit Khor Virap Monastery, which is only 30 kilometers from Ararat. From its observation deck, a magnificent view of the mountain and the valley opens up, the beauty of which is difficult to describe in words.
Getting to the monastery from Yerevan will take only an hour. An excursion will cost 2,000 ₽, and a taxi ride — 600 ₽.
Where to eat
Yerevan boasts truly magnificent cuisine. We've selected top establishments that you definitely need to visit.
Dolmama
Translates as «Mom's Dolma.» This dish is prepared here just as it was many years ago, when local housewives didn't use meat grinders and chopped meat with cleavers.
By the way, the restaurant has an absolutely special place — the only armchair. And it's not simple! In 2013, Prince Charles dined here, accustomed to eating only while sitting on upholstered furniture. Oh, these royal family quirks. You too can feel special: book the prince's seat and repeat his order — Sevan trout grilled.
EVN Diner
Oh, how difficult it was for burgers in Yerevan — they took a very long time to catch on! This is easily explained by the smoke from barbecues filling the city every evening. It's quite strange to choose a bun with a patty when there's such an abundance of delicious meat.
Nevertheless, you can try top burgers in Yerevan at EVN Diner. And they are very high-calorie: for example, there's a «Heart Attack» burger, which includes three huge beef patties, cheddar, and pickles. Try it at your own risk!
Abovyan 12
An inconspicuous, yet very remarkable Armenian restaurant. «Abovyan 12» is part of the Dalan art space, which includes souvenir shops and a gallery.
Here you can have a magnificent breakfast with Armenian scrambled eggs and basturma, lunch with onion soup, and dinner with splendid shashlik. This is an ideal place to get acquainted with local cuisine.
LaBeerInt
An inexpensive beer pub for locals. The highlight of the establishment is two beer taps next to each table. You can pour as much as you want; there are meters on the taps.
The menu here is simply huge: it features all known Armenian dishes and even some Georgian ones. The prices will pleasantly surprise you — they are about half of what you'd find in major tourist restaurants.
Barev Arev
Imagine an Armenian establishment without shashlik. Wild, right? But no. Barev Arev by the famous chef Grigor Simonyan is a restaurant of experimental cuisine. Here, chefs combine Armenian products with European and Asian ones. The result is a very unusual combination: for example, ostrich pâté or tarragon and mascarpone ice cream.
By the way, after dinner at this establishment, a pleasant compliment from the chef awaits you — a dessert with the taste of mulberry, pomegranate, apple, or another seasonal fruit.
Where to stay
Kentron is a favorite tourist district, where hotels for every taste and budget are located.
You can choose the luxurious Marriott right on Republic Square or the more modest Good Hotel. Just one piece of advice: avoid the areas of Northern Avenue or «The Cascade,» because this is where tourist flows intersect, and there are always many people.
If you want to save money, try to find a hotel in the Arabkir district. From here, it will be convenient to get to «The Cascade» and observe awakening Yerevan.
What to bring from Yerevan
If you find yourself in Yerevan, and relatives, colleagues, and friends demand souvenirs from your trip — you are very lucky, here you will definitely find something interesting that, moreover, can be taken as hand luggage.
Armenian wine or cognac can be an excellent gift. For example, you can get aged cognac in gift packaging at the «Ararat» factory store. This pleasure is not that expensive — only 1,350 rubles per bottle. And it looks much more expensive.
An Armenian carpet is also an excellent souvenir and an integral part of local culture. In stores here, you can buy a carpet for every taste, color, and purpose — hang it on the wall if you like! And you can find very inexpensive ones; in some stores, prices start from 4,000 rubles.
Also, a good gift would be an Armenian duduk, especially if you have musician friends or hipsters. This instrument appeared in the 1st century BC and is one of the first wind instruments in the world. Yes, apparently, Armenians invented this too. In local shops, you can buy a duduk for only 1,000 rubles.
And finally, it would be nice to grab some alani — dried peaches and figs strung on a thread. And another special delight is Armenian churchkhela or sujukh.
Armenia is a country that welcomes Russians with open arms. And let us remind you that a key advantage of traveling here is not needing a visa or a foreign passport. Read in our blog where else you can travel without a foreign passport and about countries where you can go without a visa.
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