Exploring Yerevan: What First-Time Visitors Should Know

Yerevan, Armenia’s vibrant capital, might not be the first destination on everyone’s travel list, but it offers a rich cultural experience and a blend of modern and historic charm. We’d been eager to visit this city, known for its fascinating past, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Our trip turned out to be as captivating as we hoped, and here’s our honest account of our time in Yerevan, along with some practical tips for newcomers.

Flights to Yerevan: Plan Ahead for Cost-Effective Options

While Armenia attracts many visitors from neighboring countries like Russia and Georgia, flights to Yerevan can sometimes be pricey, especially from Europe. The best budget-friendly option for direct flights is Wizz Air, with routes from airports such as Milan, Rome, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. Alternatively, Pegasus Airlines offers cheaper flights with a layover in Istanbul, but these are often a little more expensive.

If you’re visiting both Armenia and Georgia, consider flying into Tbilisi first and then taking a night train or shared taxi to Yerevan. This could save you some money while allowing you to explore two countries in one trip.

Best Time to Visit Yerevan

Yerevan is a year-round destination, but its extreme weather makes timing important. Summers can be scorching, while winters are cold and snowy. The most pleasant months to visit are from late spring to early summer (March to May) and from September to October, when the weather is mild, and the city experiences clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Getting a SIM Card: Convenient and Affordable

One of the first things to do after landing in Yerevan is to grab a SIM card, which you can purchase at Zvartnots Airport. We opted for a physical SIM from Ucom for 2500 AMD ($6.50), which offered unlimited data for 15 days. While you can get a SIM card in the city, the airport offers the same pricing, making it convenient to set up your phone right away. Additionally, having a local SIM allows you to use ride-sharing apps like Yandex and GG for cheap and easy transportation into the city, especially at night when public buses are no longer operating.

Yerevan: A Lively, Chaotic City

Yerevan is far from calm; it’s an energetic and bustling city with constant traffic, noisy streets, and a bit of a chaotic vibe. Expect a wild driving culture, with many cars dating back to the Soviet era, contributing to the city’s pollution. However, the lively atmosphere is part of Yerevan’s charm. Locals and tourists alike fill the streets, cafes, and parks well into the night. The city has a family-friendly vibe, and we never felt unsafe during our time there.

Exploring Yerevan’s Landmarks

Although Yerevan is a small city, it’s rich in history and culture. We highly recommend visiting the History Museum of Armenia located in Republic Square, which showcases the country’s ancient artifacts and artworks from renowned artists.

One of the most delightful surprises was the musical fountain show in front of the museum, which takes place every evening from May to September. The fountain dances to classical, pop, and even rock music, providing a fun and lively spectacle enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

A visit to the Cascade Complex is a must for panoramic views of the city and Mount Ararat. This monumental structure, filled with terraced gardens and staircases, also houses the Cafesjian Museum of Art, featuring contemporary art exhibits. The Cascade offers one of the best views of Armenia’s national symbol, Mount Ararat.

Another historical landmark worth checking out is Victory Park, located at the top of the Cascade. The park offers a glimpse into Yerevan’s Soviet past, with its retro structures, including a small amusement park and a dinosaur exhibition. The Mother Armenia statue located in the park also offers insight into Armenia’s war history.

We also recommend visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving site that serves as a reminder of the atrocities faced by the Armenian people. The museum beneath the memorial offers a poignant look at the history, with artifacts and photographs documenting the genocide.

Yerevan: Your Gateway to Armenia’s Wonders

Yerevan is an excellent base for exploring Armenia, with easy access to organized tours and day trips. Despite its small size, the country’s infrastructure can be a bit underdeveloped, especially in rural areas. We took several day tours to popular sites like Lake Sevan, Haghartsin Monastery, and various ancient ruins. Booking with tour agencies like GetYourGuide or Hyur Service was an efficient way to explore parts of Armenia that would have been challenging to reach independently.

If you prefer driving yourself, car rentals are available, though be prepared for some reckless driving and poorly maintained roads. If your driver’s license isn’t in the Latin alphabet, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Savoring Armenian Cuisine

Armenian food is an absolute highlight. We were excited to try dishes we hadn’t encountered before, and the food certainly didn’t disappoint. The cuisine blends Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern flavors, with an emphasis on fresh herbs, spices, and fruits.

You must try Lahmajun, a pizza-like dish popular in the Middle East, and Dolma, grape leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice, and veggies. Another local favorite is Khinkali, Georgian dumplings filled with meat. And of course, no meal is complete without Lavash, a type of traditional flatbread.

We dined at several standout places during our stay, including Tavern Yerevan, where we enjoyed hearty Armenian meals for a great price. Another favorite was Lahmajun Gaidz, a cozy spot for delicious pizza-style dishes. For a more relaxed atmosphere, we loved Beer Academy, a chill bar near the Cascade, where we enjoyed craft beers and snacks.

Watch Out for Stray Dogs

Like many countries in the Caucasus, Armenia has a large stray dog population. While most dogs are friendly and keep to themselves, it’s essential to exercise caution. Some dogs have tags indicating they’ve been neutered and vaccinated, with color codes indicating their temperament: green for friendly, yellow and orange for unpredictable, and red for dangerous. However, the system isn’t foolproof, so it’s best to avoid approaching dogs, especially if they seem aggressive.

Final Thoughts

Yerevan is a city full of contrasts—chaotic yet charming, modern yet steeped in history. Whether you’re exploring the city’s sights, tasting its delicious food, or venturing beyond to discover Armenia’s hidden gems, the capital makes an excellent starting point for your journey. It may not be the most polished destination, but its raw energy and authenticity make it a place worth visiting.