Yerevan
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Armenia
Did you know?
- The Erebuni fortress dates the city’s story to 782 BCE.
- Street stalls are a good place to look for shawarma, lahmejun, and khinkali.
- Its nickname comes from the pink tufa stone used across the city.
See also
Dilijan
Armenia40.74°N 44.86°E · 1,500 m
Overview
Armenia’s capital is known as the Pink City for its tufa stone architecture. Its distinctive stonework gives the center a strong visual identity for an architecture-focused city break.
Languages: Armenian
Why go?
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is known as the 'Pink City' for its tufa stone architecture. It is a hub for exploring the South Caucasus, with a vibrant cafe culture, numerous museums, and easy day trips to ancient monasteries. The city center is walkable and features a grid of parks and Soviet-era buildings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Yerevan dates back to the Erebuni fortress (782 BCE), but little remains of the old city due to wars and earthquakes. It became capital of independent Armenia in 1918 with a population of 20,000. The Soviet-era master plan by Alexander Tamanyan created the Neo-Classical layout with concentric circles and parks, aiming for a 'perfect city'.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) is 14 km west, with flights from Europe and Middle East. Central Bus Station (Kilikia) serves domestic and international marshrutkas; the Southern Bus Station near the train station runs buses to Khor Virap (300-400 dram). The train station (Yerevan) has limited services.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
Yerevan has a semi-arid climate with long hot summers and cold snowy winters, both dry. Spring is mild with wildflowers, summer is very hot with long cafe evenings, and autumn is the most popular with perfect weather and fresh farm foods. Winter is not recommended due to icy sidewalks and smoky restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The city has a metro line with 10 stations, and an extensive network of buses and marshrutkas. The 'Transport for Armenia' website provides a journey planner with prices in English and Russian. A taxi to the central bus station from the city center is about 500 dram by meter.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Do
Attractions include the Cascades complex with the Cafesjian Museum, Republic Square with singing fountains, the Opera House, Matenadaran manuscript museum, Erebuni Fortress, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Parks like Lover's Park and Victory Park offer relaxation and views. Football matches at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium are popular.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat & Drink
Cheap eats include shawarma, lahmejun, and khinkali (dumplings) from street stalls and small eateries. Mid-range restaurants serve traditional Armenian barbecue (khorovats) and dolma. Bars and cafes line the streets, with wine and vodka being popular. Smoking is banned indoors except in hookah lounges.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels (dorms from 4,500 AMD) to mid-range hotels and luxury options like the Armenia Marriott. For longer stays, renting an apartment is recommended. Hotel prices are often overpriced, so booking through local agents may yield better deals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Yerevan is very safe at all hours, with almost no street crime or violence. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Traffic is rough during rush hours; jaywalking may incur fines. Dress and behave respectfully at religious sites.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport and many cafes. Internet clubs like CyberStars offer PC access. SIM cards and data plans are available from local providers; coverage is good in the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Day trips include Garni with its Hellenistic temple, Geghard Monastery carved into a cliff, Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) the religious center, and Khor Virap Monastery with views of Mount Ararat. Further overnight trips include Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and Tatev Monastery.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- do
Botanical garden of Yerevan
The collection includes more than 200 species of endemic, rare and declining plants. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union due to insufficient funds the condition of the park started declining and now it needs a lot of improvements.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Calumet
Bohemian, friendly, alternative crowd. Insanely smokey (seriously). There is no outdoor section so if you're not a fan of cigarette smoke, it might not be the place for you. English speaking staff and solid drinks selection. A nice place to kill a night.
Recorded price: free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Catch a concert
on the Cascades or the Lover's Park, and an art exhibition at Swan Lake park or Lover's Park.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Children's Park
Yet another beautiful remnant of Soviet urban planning in Yerevan. The park, opened in 1937, is situated in a gorgeous canyon of Hrazdan river and features a children's railway. Though the park and the railway still function, most of the infrastructure is horribly deteriorated. On the other hand the deterioration gives the feeling of a 'ghost park from a fairy tale' even though it is always populated. From Missak Manouchian Park, go northwest through the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel (which is creepy, but seems safe).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Children's Railway Park
Miniature railway for children to ride in, established in 1937.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Circular park
Despite its name, the park's shape is semi-circular. You can see several monuments to important Armenian and Russian imperial figures here.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Climb the Cascades
(or - before 20:00 - take the escalators inside the art gallery, stepping outside at each level) one evening for the great views of the city and Mt. Ararat, then head across the street to the amusement park inside Victory Park for some cotton candy and a ride on the rickety Ferris wheel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Covered Market
Yerevan's largest food market.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at airport and many cafés; SIM cards easy to obtain.
Culture
Smoking banned indoors. Bargaining uncommon except at markets without fixed prices.
Health
World-class medical treatments available at fraction of Western costs.
Language
Armenian is the official language; English and Russian are spoken in tourist areas.
Local transport
Metro and marshrutkas are cheap and frequent.
Money
Local currency is Armenian dram (AMD). ATMs widely available. Tipping not required but appreciated for good service.
Safety
Very safe city, but beware of pickpocketing in crowded places. Traffic can be hazardous.
Visa
Many nationalities get visa on arrival or e-visa. Check latest requirements before travel.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.