Yerevan

Yerevan-cascades-raffi kojian-DCP 1934 - |360px|View of Downtown Yerevan from the Cascades

Yerevan (Armenian phrasebook|Armenian: Երեւան) is the capital of the Republic of Armenia, one of the three hubs of the South Caucasus and is home to over a million people - the largest Armenian community in the world. In Soviet years Yerevan underwent massive reconstruction, following architect Alexander Tamanyan's plan to make a "perfect city" - a Neo-Classical town with wide avenues, resembling Paris, Vienna and Saint Petersburg.

Central Yerevan is a true jewel of early Soviet architecture. It is also home to some large scale Modern and Post-Modern marvels which are mostly the result of Soviet-Armenian architectural megalomania. In Soviet days Yerevan had already become known as the Pink City as much due to the colour of the tufa stone used for building as for the flamboyant spirit of her young population.

Districts

Most of tourist Yerevan is concentrated in the downtown, which very compact and easily walkable, with endless dining and entertainment options. The rest of the city is mostly sleeping or business quarters, so a typical tourist will not have much incentive to leave the centre.

• Kentron, Centre City, Downtown or Downtown - is central Yerevan, locally known as Kentron or just Kaghak (meaning 'the city'). This is the heart of Yerevan and indeed Armenia. Though Kentron's architecture is diverse, ranging from Belle Epoque to Soviet Panel blocks and the great majority of the centre is in Beaux-Arts tradition. The downtown follows Tamanyan's plan for a circular city with two hubs - grand Republic Plaza, and the more elegant and soft Opera neighborhood (Opera house, Freedom Plaza and the Swan Lake Park). The two are linked with newly constructed pedestrian-only Northern Avenue. Kentron is also home to the University City, where the campuses of State University, Medical University, Engineering University, Agricultural University, Economics University, Pedagogical and some other universities come together in one big group. Virtually all of the museums, hotels and popular places to eat and drink are in Kentron, so most visitors will probably not venture much past it.
• Barekamutyun - Meaning friendship, Barekamutyun is the area around the metro stop of the same name. This hub is home to Hayastan Hanrakhanut (department store) which is more of an indoor bazaar than an actual department store. The hub branches off to Kievyan and nearby Komitas streets.
• Monument - At the top of the Cascade steps rests the towering monument to Soviet victory in WWII. Directly adjacent is the Cafesjian Museum, which houses a large collection of contemporary art, including perhaps the best glass art collection in the world. Beyond the monument is Victory Park, and the neighborhood around it is known as Monument as well.
• Erebuni - In this neighborhood are ruins of fortress of Erebuni, founded in 782 BC by King Argishti.
• Bangladesh - Not to be confused with country in Asia! Not much to offer a tourist and the name however is worth an explanation. At the time this was one of the furthest new neighborhoods built in Yerevan, and because of the distance, local residents quickly began calling it Bangladesh, which has stuck to this day. The biggest outdoor bazaar of Yerevan is located in this neighborhood.
• Nor Nork neighborhood is the last Soviet project of residential expansion of Yerevan. It consists entirely of standardised Soviet Panel blocs. However, every tourist crosses this neighborhood on the way to 'obligatory' Garni temple and Geghard monastery (as the highway to that direction is connected to the main avenue of this neighborhood). The major tourist attraction of this neighborhood would be the statue of (or Hayk) Nahapet and the legendary founder of the nation; he's depicted as a muscular half-naked man with a drawn bow, but the name has nothing to do with homosexuality (to avoid this interesting misunderstanding most often the name of the avenue and statue is Romanised as Guy).

  Yerevan Halal Travel Guide

FemaleStatueEVN - A statue of a woman in a traditional attire in central Yerevan.

Even though the history of Yerevan dates back to the Erebuni fortress, making it at least 2800 years old, little remains of what was small settlement saving the excavations at Hrazdan river gorge, Erebuni, Karmir Berd and Avan. These sites have been excavated, and the artifacts found are in museums today. Being on a strategically important place Yerevan was a constant war stage for rival Ottoman, Persian and Russian Empires. It has been repeatedly ruined by those wars or natural disasters (e.g. an earthquake in 17th century almost entirely destroyed the town). Few buildings of the old Erivan survived to the present-day Yerevan.

At the time of Armenia's independence in 1918, when Yerevan was made the capital of an independent Armenia, Yerevan was a town of just 20,000. Large scale construction began, which took a more holistic approach under the new city plan laid out by Alexander Tamanyan. The plan involved the demolition of much of what existed, in favor of concentric circles, parks, and taller structures. He planned for Yerevan to become a metropolis of 200,000 people.

Read

Michael Arlen, Passage to Ararat, an autobiographical account of an American-Armenian's first visit to Soviet Armenia.

The People of Yerevan

Yerevan is a very ethnically homogeneous city, though tiny Yezidi and Molokan (Russian) minorities exist. Because the population of the city was only 20,000 a century ago and the vast majority of the Armenians are immigrants themselves, from all over the world. From the villages and towns of Armenia, from Tbilisi which was the centre of Eastern Armenian culture before 1918, from Western Armenia as genocide survivors poured in, and even from the middle east and Europe in a large, post-World War II wave of immigration. Since independence and the city has become the heart of the entire Armenian world, as the divisive communist governments demise has allowed the Diaspora – larger in number than the population of Armenia itself, to embrace the city as its own.

Religion

Many visitors will be surprised to know that Armenia is not just an outcrop of Christianity in the Caucasus, but it is the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. The king declared Christianity the state religion in 301 AD. Christianity has been uninterruptedly trainingd in Armenia ever since in its own traditions.

The One Holy Catholic Apostolic Orthodox Armenian Church, or just Apostolic Church, is the National Church of Armenia. It is very traditional; in trainings (but not history) is similar to Orthodox and Catholic movements, and to the Reformed Churches, e.g. the Church of England. At the same time the Armenian Apostolic Church has some strikingly different trainings, like allowing animal sacrifices or celebrating Christmas on January 6 along with Theophany.

The great majority of Armenians identify themselves as Apostolic Christians and have their own Catholicos (religious leader, like the Pope for Catholics). Today and the vast majority of Armenians do not attend church each Sunday, with visits revolving around weddings and baptisms, or occasionally dropping in to light a candle. Soviet restructuring of the city left Yerevan with very few churches: some new ones are being built, and old ones rehabilitated.

The Protestant (Evangelical) Armenians are rather few in number and have only one church on Nar-Dos street.

Anglican (Episcopal) Christians congregate at (Armenian Apostolic) Surb Zoravor church for Sunday Eucharist.

Orthodox Christians maintain one church in Kanaker neighborhood of Yerevan. A new, large-scale, onion-domed Orthodox Gothic Church of the Holy Cross is under construction at Yerevan Lake neighborhood, visible from the highway coming from the airport. However, this will have mostly symbolic structure as the Orthodox Christians are very few in number.

Assyrians do not have a church in Yerevan, but rather in the villages around Yerevan.

Yezidi (a religious and ethnic minority in Armenia) religious rituals, as most of that religion, are kept secret. So no Yezidian training can be observed easily in Yerevan.

Muslims are steadily growing in numbers since the collapse of the Soviet Union, fueled by Iranian immigration. There is one mosque on Mashtots Ave.

Many Christian sects are also present in Yerevan, and they congregate in schools, sport clubs, concert halls and the like.

How is the Climate in Yerevan

With a semi-arid climate, Yerevan experiences long hot summers, and cold snowy winters, both with little precipitation. The winter is not a good time to visit Yerevan, due to icy sidewalks and smoky restaurants, any other time of year is worth a visit. Spring offers mild but sometimes wet weather, and lots of green hills and wildflowers. Summer is very hot, but the long, late nights at the cafes, and the fruits and vegetables are amazing. Autumn is the most popular, with perfect weather, and great farm fresh foods.

Tourist office

There is one tourist information office in Yerevan. It is opposite the Marriott Hotel at Republic Plaza.

Travel as a Muslim to Yerevan

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Yerevan

• Zvartnots International Airport IATA Code: EVN, Զվարթնոց Միջազգային Օդակայան | GPS: 40.147222, 44.395833 14 km west of the downtown ☎ +374 10 493000 Zvartnots International Airport Zvartnots New Terminal - This is the main gateway to Armenia, with direct connecting Flights to Athens, Beirut, Berlin, Dubai, Istanbul, Kiev, Minsk, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Qatar, Riga, Street Petersburg, Tbilisi, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Vienna and Warsaw. No domestic flights, as the nation is too small.
  The airport is small, with relatively few flights, so navigating it is simple. Free WiFi access is available in the departure terminal. On arrival there's a currency exchange before passport control and then another in Arrivals: both are good value with only a 3% spread between "buy" and "sell" for major currencies and the same as downtown exchanges. Several decent cafes, ATMs, bank and post branches are all available at the 1st and 2nd floors of the airport. There's a tourist information desk and a touch screen information stand in Arrivals.

Transport between airport and city:

• Mini-bus 18 runs to the airport from Yeritasardakan bus stop, in front of SAS Supermarket with selected Halal food. The cost is 200-250 Armenia#Money|dram.
• A taxi from the airport to downtown costs 5000 dram. The official provider is "Airport Services", Tel +374 98 828200, +374 10 595900, +374 60 430000, and they have a booking desk in Arrivals.
• Yandex Taxi (Smartphone App) offers competitive and honest prices, from about 1400 dram airport to city (November 2022). Uber and Taxify are not available in Yerevan.
• Or try your luck with the taxis outside Arrivals, but insist on using the meter (sheochik) and don't settle for a flat fee.
• In 2017, a new bus service was started, conducting regular round trips between Zvartnots Airport and downtown Yerevan. A bus leaves every half hour between 07:00 and 22:00, and every hour between 22:30 and 07:00. Operated by Elitebus, a one-way fare costs 300 dram and the bus makes stops in downtown Yerevan where passengers can board or disembark at Yeritasarkadan Metro and the Abovyan and Sayat-Nova street intersection, Republic Plaza, Amiryan Street, and Mashtots Avenue. (See also shuttle bus entry in 'FAQ' on airport website].)

Erebuni Airport 7 kilometers south of the city is mostly military, with no scheduled flights.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Yerevan

Armenian Railway - 360px|Map of Armenian Railways David of Sasun Yerevan - David of Sasun monument, Yerevan train station

An overnight train runs between Tbilisi and Yerevan, taking 11-12 hours. From Oct to mid-June this departs from Tbilisi (as Train 371) at 20:20 on odd dates of the month, reaching the border at 22:00 and Yerevan 06:55 next morning. It departs from Yerevan (as Train 372) at 21:30 on even dates, reaching the border at 04:20 and Tbilisi at 07:50. The 31st / 1st of the month may be skipped to maintain the alternation. Border procedures either side take 90 mins; if you're eligible for visa-on-arrival you can buy one here for $US6. In summer these trains may be booked out for days ahead, so buy your ticket as soon as feasible - you can do so online. The coaches are standard ex-Soviet behemoths, but with fairly comfortable sleeping compartments. No catering, so bring your own food, water, vodka etc. The one way fare is about 50 lari for a second-class bunk and 100 lari for first.

From mid-June through Sept this train runs daily from Batumi on the Black Sea coast. As Train 201, it departs Batumi 15:35 and Tbilisi 22:15, reaching Yerevan at 07:25. As Train 202, it departs Yerevan 15:30 and Tbilisi 00:45, reaching Batumi at 07:10. Other trains link Tbilisi and Batumi. Batumi is close to the Sarpi / Hopa border crossing between Georgia and Türkiye and the main overland route into this region until passenger trains start running along the new Ankara - Kars - Tbilisi railway.

Yerevan is the hub of Armenia's small rail system, with services once a day to Armavir (1 hour), Ararat (70 mins) and Gyumri (3 hours, plus a faster train F-Su). These, plus the Tbilisi train, also serve intermediate stations such as Echmiadzin and Vanadzor, but are seldom a good way of getting there. Passenger trains to Sevan and Dilijan have been axed. See the online timetable - timetables at stations are only in Armenian script.

• Yerevan Station - Երեւանի երկաթուղային կայարանի | Tigran Metz Avenue GPS: 40.155278, 44.508056 Metro Sasuntsi David is reached via the subway Yerevan train station Station Yerevan This is a Neoclassical building, a small-scale version of the Stalinist "wedding cake" skyscrapers such as Moscow State University, with a red star twinkling from its spire. The building, square and statue are impressive, but with so few trains the station is often ghostly quiet. The station includes the 'Museum of Railway Transport of Armenia'.

By car

The usual approach by road is from Tbilisi, Georgia. Follow Highway 6 / 7 south for an hour to Sadakhlo / Bagratashen border post and then continue on M6 winding up the Debed Canyon to Vanadzor then over the plateau to Yerevan. Reckon 5 hours: the canyon road is narrow, bumpy and twisty, with mad oncoming vehicles, and highway repairs barely keep up with the landslides. It's a much better road after Vanadzor. (Just beyond Bagratashen, another road branches east, close to the Azerbaijan border. Seek local advice before attempting this road, as there are occasional exchanges of gunfire across that border.)

You can also cross between Georgia and Armenia at Gogavan / Guguti and Bavra / Ninotsminda: these routes are trouble-free.

The other approach is from Iran, crossing at Nordooz / Agarak. From there it's a six hour drive to Yerevan: interesting places along the way are Meghri, Kapan, Goris, and Sisian.

Do not even think of trying to cross into Armenia by road direct from Türkiye or from Azerbaijan.

Travel on a Bus in Yerevan

Minibuses (marshrutkas) are the chief mode of transport within Armenia and internationally. Some five or six shuttle vanes run daily between Tbilisi and Yerevan, taking 5-6 hours (via Vanadzor & Debed Canyon) and costing 6500 dram or 35 lari. They depart in the morning to a very approximate timetable, setting off when full or when the driver so pleases, with the last departure around 1 pm. Change in Tbilisi for destinations across Georgia, Türkiye and (if you're sure of your welcome) Azerbaijan - these no longer have any direct services to Yerevan.

Buses no longer run across the border with Iran. From Tehran or Tabriz, take local transport to Nordooz, walk across the border to Agarak and then you should be able to find a shuttle van to Yerevan.

There are several bus-stations in Yerevan but the main one is the

• Central Bus Station - Kilikia | Tsovakal Isakovi Ave, 6 Building GPS: 40.17249, 44.49067 2 kilometers west of downtown on Admiral Isakov Ave ☎ +374 10 565370 . Minibuses from here run north to Vanadzor & Tbilisi, west to Gyumri, east to Stepankert in Nagorny-Karabakh, and southeast to Sisian, Goris, Kapan and Meghri near the border crossing for Iran. Local services ply to the airport, Zvartnots town and Echmiadzin. To reach Kilikia from downtown, take Minibus 13 (from Barekamutsun Metro), 23 (from the train station) or 15, 67 and 75 (from Republic Plaza). A taxi using the meter would be 500 dram.

Northern towns such as Sevan and Dilijian are served by

• Northern Bus Station - GPS: 40.239422, 44.569604 5 kilometers north of downtown on the road to Sevan - It's quite a way out, and if you're trying to reach Sevanvank and other lakeside churches and they're a further taxi ride from Sevan: you'd do better to negotiate a taxi or take an organised day-trip from Yerevan. The station building is huge and empty, a gaunt mausoleum to the Soviet era. Get here by shuttle van 113 or 101 from Komitas St.

Buses to Garni, Gogh and Geghard run from

• Gai Bus Station - Gai Ave GPS: 40.1982828, 44.5664636 - It's just an open square 3 kilometers northeast of the centre. Take buses 22, 26, 36 or marshrutkas 9, 69, 73 from the downtown.

• Tour bus Yerevan-Tbilisi: ytours.com/ Envoy Tours (based at Envoy Hostel on Parpetsi Street) run tours around the nation, which include a one-way tour from Yerevan to Tbilisi (Friday) and Tbilisi to Yerevan (Saturday). The tour takes 11 hours via sites along the Debed Canyon, and costs 30,000 dram (credit cards accepted). They also run 2 / 3 day tours to Nagorny-Karabakh.

How to get around in Yerevan

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• Marshal Baghramyan - Marchal Baghramian - Marshal Baghramyan Ave GPS: 40.191694, 44.505944 for American University of Armenia, Embassy of UK, Lovers Park, National Assembly of Armenia, Presidential Palace - Marshal Baghramyan (Yerevan Metro) Marshal Baghramyan (Yerevan Metro)

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• Yeritasardakan - Eritasardakan - Isahakyan Street GPS: 40.186944, 44.521111 for Abovian street, Alexander Spendiarian Armenian Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre, Freedom Plaza (Azatutyan Hraparak), Komitas Chamber Music Hall, University of Architecture and Construction, Medical University - Yeritasardakan (Yerevan Metro) Yeritasardakan

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• Hanrapetutian Hraparak - Republic Plaza, formerly Lenin Plaza | Republic Plaza GPS: 40.178515, 44.515628 for Armenia Marriott hotel, Central Bank, Erebuni Hotel, Government House, History Museum of Armenia, National Gallery, Vernissage - Republic Plaza (Yerevan Metro) Rep square metro station

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• Zoravar Andranik - General Andranik, formerly Hoktemberyan | Tigran Mets Ave GPS: 40.1717, 44.5133 for Spartak (Armenia) Sports Stadium, Ayrarat Market, Luna Park, Saint Gregory Gothic Church, Tashir Mall, agricultural bazaar & GUM market General Andranik (Yerevan Metro) General Andranik (Yerevan Metro)

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• Sassountsi David - David of Sasun | Sevan Street GPS: 40.155175, 44.507236 for Yerevan Mall, Yerevan Railway Station David of Sasun (metro station) SasuntsiDavitMetro

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• Gortsaranain - Factory | Street Bagratuniats near to intersection of Arshakuniats Arshakuniats Ave GPS: 40.1405, 44.4981 for Nairit Chemical Plant Gortsaranain (Yerevan Metro) Gortsaranayin Metro Station (1)

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• Shengavit - Chengavit | 9th Street GPS: 40.1453, 44.4849 for shuttle shuttle van to Charbakh - Shengavit (Yerevan Metro) Shengavit Metro Station, Yerevan, Armenia

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• Gareguin Njdehi - Garegin Nzhdeh Plaza, formerly Spandaryan Hraparak - Garegin Nzhdeh Plaza, GPS: 40.151, 44.4835 for Mika Stadium, Yerevan Lake Garegin Nzhdeh Plaza (Yerevan Metro) Garegin Nzhdeh Plaza (Yerevan Metro)

Travel by minivan in Yerevan

More than a hundred shuttle van (marshrutka, pronounced mar-shroot-kah) routes criss-cross the city and travel to the suburbs and beyond (such as to Georgia or Karabagh). At 100 dram a ride in Yerevan and they are a bargain. The shuttle vanes are often overcrowded, and you may find yourself standing, crouched without a seat during rush hour. The route number is displayed prominently in the window, along with Armenian text listing the major monuments and streets of the route. The Opera (ՕՊԵՐԱ) is an easy Armenian word to recognize on these signs, and is the main crossing point of many of the lines. When you want to get off, you should say “kangnek” or “ijnokh ka” for the driver to hear, or else, just say “stop” in English. The numbers of the shuttle vanes are written on the bus stations though and the webpage of the tourist information has the whole list with destinations. Pay when leaving a shuttle van.

By bus or trolleybus

Yerevan also has trolley and regular bus lines, operated by "Yergortrans." The fare is very affordable (50 dram for trolley and 100 dram for regular bus) and the vehicles are not too crowded. Pay when leaving a bus.

Yerevan Routes is an app for your Android/i☎. It does not give you exact bus schedule but still a very useful (and the only) way to find out about all bus, trolley, and marshrutka routes: y.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.s_us.cityroutes Android version & /us/app/yerevan-routes/id747849163 i☎ version].

Best way to travel in Yerevan by a Taxi

Abundant throughout the city, a taxi anywhere within the center should not cost more than 600 dram. Almost all taxis with company names on the sides have meters, and prices tend to be competitive among taxi companies. To flag an empty one down on the street, just hold your arm out and pat your hand in the air, if they’re free they’ll stop. Taxis without a logo on the side tend to charge more, and may to try to get more out of foreigners. To avoid being ripped off, either call a taxi from a big company or head for the most modern looking ones which usually have a meter. Make sure that the driver switches it on when you start and politely remind him to do so if he has "forgotten" it. If taxi has meter and the driver hasn't turned it on, in most cases passenger can not pay for the trip. Carry some coins to prevent the drivers from telling you that they have no change on them. Standard price is a minimum of 500 dram for the first 5 km and 100 dram for every further km. A vehicle and driver can easily be rented for day trip outside of Yerevan, for as little as US$20 plus fuel.

The local Uber is called / gg (yes, lower case; you'll see the black-on-white stickers in the rear windows all over the city); it does require an Armenian or Georgian SIM card to register, but if you have it (or have a friend who has it), trips within the center are charged a flat rate of 600 dram.

Beware of moonlighting "taxi" drivers at the airport who will try to charge you ridiculous amounts (20,000 dram or more) to get to the city. Finally never ever believe any taxi driver who wants to convince you that there is no bus or minivan to the destination you are heading to.

By car

Possible, but largely pointless - taxis being so cheap. If, however, you are renting for side trips to the nationside, but are based in the city, take note of the local driving habits. The residents are not aggressive (if you don't count black Mercedes SUVs with Russian plates - these are downright crazy), but not accommodating either. You'll be calmly cut off or overtaken; prepare for turns and lane changes in advance. Police are very thorough; they patrol the center constantly, with flashing lights but no sirens, and pounce when they see a violation (such as crossing a solid line). Traffic jams occur because everyone rushes onto the intersection on green, are then stuck there as the light turns, and then the crossing traffic repeats the same exercise. Parking in the center is mostly paid (except nights and weekends), but not particularly tight; there are clear instructions in English on the parking columns, but do yourself a favor and buy a weekly pass at the rental agency - at only 1,000 dram, it's a ridiculous bargain (your plate number is then entered into the database and the meter maids check against it). The curbside parking may be at a premium in some places and at certain times; nearby establishments then commandeer the portions of the road out front, and a semi-official-looking "assistant" in a reflective vest might be waving you into a spot if he sees you intending to park there. Accept the offer; the payment for the services is not expected until you depart, and then for the 100 dram coin he will venture out into the traffic and stop it, allowing you to safely back up and drive away.

What to see in Yerevan

Churches

[[2014 Erywań, Katedra św. Grzegorza Oświeciciela (05) - Street Gregory the Illuminator Gothic Church

Churches in Yerevan are open from early morning till very late evening. There is no entrance fee ever charged. If you manage to find the priest you can ask him to bless you and any object (of non-violent usage) that belongs to you (including friendship and other relationships).

• Katoghike - Holy Mother of God Kathoghike Church, Սուրբ Աստվածածին Կաթողիկէ Եկեղեցի | corner of Sayat-Nova Ave. and Abovian Street GPS: 40.184369, 44.518978 Metro: Yeritasardakan 300 m - Katoghike Church, Yerevan Katoghike Church, Yerevan - 2017 - 5 A The oldest surviving church of Yerevan. It is a tiny structure constructed in typical Armenian style. Katoghike means "cathedral"; the reason for the incongruity is that the present-day church, dating from XIII century, was incorporated whole into the XVII century basilica - but that one was pulled down in 1936. In 2015 and the Catholicos consecrated the large white-and-pink Surp Anna church that is now adjoining Katoghike.

• Katoghike Tsiranavor Church of Avan - Ավանի Սուրբ Աստվածածին Կաթողիկե Եկեղեցի, Katoghike Tsiranavor church, later renamed Surp Hovhannes | GPS: 40.215048, 44.571965 in Avan neighborhood - Katoghike Tsiranavor Church of Avan Avan 1 - This is the city's oldest surviving church, which was completed in the 6th century.

• Street Gregory the Illuminator Gothic Church - Yervand Kochar Street GPS: 40.171944, 44.516667 Metro: Zoravar Andranik - Saint Gregory the Illuminator Gothic Church, Yerevan 2014 Erywań, Katedra św. Grzegorza Oświeciciela (05) Completed in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia as a Christian nation. The holy relics of Street Gregory the Armenian were given back to the Armenian Church by the Vatican in 2001 and placed in this cathedral. The building is a megalomaniacal exaggeration of traditional Armenian Church Architecture. As opposed to all other churches in Yerevan (and Armenia) the cathedral is full of light and does not carry any stand for candles. The candle-house is a separate structure next door. However and the complex is vastly and visibly unfinished.

• Street Sargis Vicarial Church - Galshoyan Street GPS: 40.181396, 44.565188 at the border of the downtown, on a picturesque gorge of Hrazdan River, Metro: Yeritasardakan 2 kilometers - Saint Sarkis Church, Nor Nork Սուրբ Սարգիս եկեղեցի, Նոր Նորք, Երեւան From the Victory Bridge (or alternatively the Brandy Factory building) there is a beautiful view on the church and surroundings (structures of different shades constructed in immediate proximity to the church during the Soviet years of forced secularisation). The church is always crowded. Usually there are also many young people as Street Sargis (or Street Sergius in Western churches) is the patron saint of young people and of lovers.

• Street Astvatsatsin of Nork - Holy Cross Church, Սուրբ Խաչ եկեղեցու | Nork-Marash (Նորք-Մարաշ) administrative neighborhood, near to Olimpos Educational Complex GPS: 40.18675, 44.54125 The most convenient way for reaching the church is using Yerevan funicular. The funicular itself is a special experience. However the church is not immediately next to the funicular stop so you may need some help of the local residents at the end. The entrance to funicular is at the crossroad of Nalbandian and Charents streets. The church is in the Nork neighborhood of Yerevan - the sleeping quarter of rich. - Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church Surp Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church This is the replica of a beautiful 18th-century Street Holy Mother of God (Sb Astvatsatsin in Armenian) church destroyed during the Soviet years of forced secularisation. Because of the sudden death of the benefactor the church complex was never finished.

• Street John The Baptist Church - Street Hovhannes Church | Saint Hovhanes Street GPS: 40.185265, 44.503673 Southwest 500 m from Metro Marshal Baghramyan, near main Post Office - Saint John the Baptist Church, Yerevan Street John The Baptist Church of Yerevan -

Landmarks

File:Հանրապետության Հրապարակ - Republic Plaza Cascade of Yerevan - |Cascades Armenia - Yerevan (2901210867) - «Cat» by Fernando Botero

• Erebuni Fortress - Erebuni St.(Էրեբունի փող), 38 GPS: 40.140647, 44.537949 Metro: Sasuntsi David 2 kilometers ☎ +374 10 432661 Erebuni Fortress Erebuni - 3610 The excavations, recreations and museum of the nearly 3,000-year-old fortress that established Yerevan. Fairly well- (and maybe the best-) preserved fortress of Urartian Period in Armenia.

• Republic Plaza - Armenian: Հանրապետության Հրապարակ Russian: Площадь Республики | GPS: 40.177525, 44.512572 Metro: Republic Plaza - Republic Plaza, Yerevan Հանրապետության Հրապարակ - The city's main square is a grand example of Soviet public architecture. The early buildings (the Houses of Government and the Ministry of Communications and the Marriott Hotel) are Neo-Classical with Armenian hints. The later buildings (the Foreign Ministry and Art Gallery) are Modernist imitations.
  Within the square and the Singing Fountains perform most evenings April-Oct, dancing and frothing to classical and contemporary music. In Oct 2018 the city mourned the passing of Charles Aznavour with impromptu shrines, images and sound tracks here and elsewhere: the Singing Fountains danced pretty much the same to his best-known tunes as they'd previously done to Rossini's or Sinatra's.

• Northern Avenue - GPS: 40.182222, 44.514722 Metro: Hanrapetutyan Hraparak (Republic Plaza) - Northern Avenue, Yerevan Northern-yerevan-1207 Imfeasible to miss, this pedestrian avenue was opened in 2008 connecting Opera with Republic Plaza and the two hubs of central Yerevan. It's a post-modern response to post-World War II Soviet Yerevan architecture. It is emerging as the shopping neighborhood, together with Sayat-Nova ave., Terian st., Tumanian st. and Abovian st.

- Abovyan street.jpg

• Abovian street - Աբովյան Փողոց | Kentron neighborhood - GPS: 40.1853, 44.5207 Metro: Yeritasardakan. It's home to very few remaining Belle Époque period structures of Republican Armenia. Some gems of Art Nouveau, early Modern (constructivist and the like), and Moorish Revival style can be found in the backyards of Abovian, Nalbandian and Hanrapetutian streets. Most often they are in a very poor condition due to neglect. Hanrapetutian st. might get a special attention if you are not time constrained.

• Freedom (or Theatrical) Plaza - GPS: 40.18536, 44.51522 - Freedom Plaza, Yerevan Yerevan Opera House North side of the square is the Opera House, followed by a park full of open air cafés on the eest, from south it borders the Northern Avenue, and on the east the square slowly transforms into park with Swan Lake.

• Mashtots avenue - Mashtots Ave GPS: 40.1825, 44.509722 in the centre - Mashtots Avenue Ulice Mesropa Maštoce It's the 8-lane highway of the city which somehow also accommodates a pedestrian zones on the sides (result of standard Soviet planning of main 'Prospekts'). It is overly noisy because of the heavy traffic (mostly unorganised public transportation) but the parts close to The Opera is a favourite hangout place for the local residents. There are three buildings on the avenue which are well worth attention - Matenadaran and the covered market (the interior is now a modern supermarket and mall, but the highly-decorated original exterior survives) and Blue Mosque.

• Matenadaran - GPS: 40.19207, 44.52113 - Matenadaran 2014 Erywań, Matenadaran (18) Houses the world's largest collection of Armenian illuminated manuscripts, and one of the largest such collections of any kind in the world. A display room has a sampling of some of the finest works, and the additional cost of the guided tour is worthwhile. The building is dug into the hill and can withstand a nuclear attack. The white stone statue in front is of Mesrop Mashtots, teaching the Armenian alphabet, his invention, to a rapt disciple (Koryun, Armenia's first historian and biographer), and looking down at the street of his name.

• Blue Mosque - 12 Mesrop Mashtots Ave GPS: 40.1781, 44.5056 Yerevan Metro logo - 16px]]: Hanrapetutyan Hraparak - Blue Mosque, Yerevan Erevan - La Mosquée bleue 01 An 18th-century Shia Islamic Mosque, one of the extreme few surviving structures of a once (before Soviet secularisation) prospering Muslim community of Yerevan.

• Cascades, Sculpture Park and Cafesjian Museum - Cafesjian Centre for the Arts | 10 Tamanyan Street GPS: 40.191375, 44.515522 ☎ +374 10 541932 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 10:00-17:00, F-Su 10:00-20:00 Adults 1,000 dram, children under 12 - free Yerevan Cascade Cafesjian Center for the Arts (CCA 1) - The Sculpture Park is a small green zone in the immediate North of the Opera. Sculptures from Botero and other artists of international fame decorate the park. The park is part of Cafesjian Museum - the Armenian version of Guggenheim. The main part of the museum is in the Cascades - an Art Deco version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon stretching nearly the height of the Empire State Building. It's a massive white stairway up a hillside of central Yerevan, decorated with green stretches, fountains and waterfalls. Higher level of the Cascades give a spectacular view of Mount Ararat and panorama of central Yerevan with its hilariously multi-colour roofs. The first floor and the bookstore of the museum as well as the indoor escalators to the top of the Cascades are free of charge.

Museums

Armenia Museum of Art and History - National Art Gallery of Armenia

• Aram Khachaturyan House Museum - 3 Zarobyan St. GPS: 40.190175, 44.513406 ☎ +374 10 589418 House-Museum of Aram Khachaturian Արամ Խաչատրյանի տուն-թանգարան (1)

• The National Art Gallery - Republic Plaza GPS: 40.17875, 44.514167 - National Gallery of Armenia Armenia Museum of Art and History Located in the same building as the History Museum of Armenia. Features several floors full of mostly paintings, organized by their country of origin. The Armenian collection is the best and of very high quality and the Russian is quite good (Kandinsky, Serov, Chagall), and art lovers will enjoy the European collection as well.

• History Museum of Armenia - 4 Republic Plaza GPS: 40.1789, 44.5137 ☎ +374 10 520691 | Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sa 11:00-18:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00 1,000 dram, usual discounts apply A roundup of the nation's history from early settlements to the twentieth century. Lots of archaeological exhibits and pieces of art give an impression of each period. If you would like to move along the timeline then start at the top of the building. The early periods are amply annotated, but the English (and Russian) tags thin out considerably by mid-XIX century, reappear in the exhibit dedicated to the Great Catastrophe of 1915 (though it's very disturbing even without a single word), and are missing completely for the Soviet era, so if you're interested in the more modern history of the nation and don't speak Armenian, a guided tour may be advisable. A "strictly no photography" policy applies.

• Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art - Cafesjian Centre for the Arts | 3 Tamanyan St. GPS: 40.193353, 44.515722 North of France Plaza. ☎ +374 10 541932 | Opening Hours: Escaltors & gallery open every day; special galleries open Fri-Sun only Small fee for one gallery; the rest free. Cafesjian Museum of Art Cafesjian Center for the Arts (CCA 1) A modern art museum, house to the collection of Gerard Cafesjian. It has Arshile Gorky, Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall and other big names on display. The collection is very rich in Glass Art, has many pieces of Libenský-Brychtová couple, including specially made 'For Armenia' series. A separate floor is devoted to Swarovski Chandelier collection. Entry can be made at any level, but the pay desk, information, shop and facilities are at the bottom.

• The Yerevan History Museum - 1/1 Argishti Street GPS: 40.174332, 44.503446 Right next to City Hall ☎ +374 10 568109 | Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00–17:30 400 dram. Tour in Russian, English, ehalal.io/fr/muslim-friendly-travel-2023/French%2C+German+3%2C000+dram+Yerevan+History+Museum+%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB+%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B4%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6+%D5%A9%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A3%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6+1+Yerevan+History+Museum+Presents+all+periods+of+the+life+in+Yerevan+starting+from+paleolithic+settlements+%2850%2C000+years%29+to+modern+days.+Ancient+maps+and+the+pictures+of+the+lost+city%2C+pre-Soviet+Erivan%2C+are+of+special+interest.+Lift+and+sloping+floors+for+people+who+use+wheelchairs.%0A%0A%2A+Contemporary+Art+Museum+-+Martiros+Saryan+Street+GPS%3A+40.17972%2C+44.50537+North+of+the+Blue+Mosque+%0A%2A+Erebuni+Museum+of+History+-+%D4%B7%D6%80%D5%A5%D5%A2%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%82+%D5%A9%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A3%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6 Subterrranean bookshops (5211782442).jpg
• Subterrranean bookshops at Khanjyan Street address=Khanjyan Street and Vardanants Street GPS 40.17511, 44.52057 ☎

Currency

Exchange kiosks at Zvartnots Airport have only a 3% spread between "buy" and "sell" for major currencies, so these are very good value, and downtown is similar. (Western high-street exchanges have about 15% spread, and airports 30% or worse.) However for less common currencies eg Turkish lira the spread is much wider: exchange only the minimum at the airport then shop around for better rates downtown. Stores and restaurants will frequently accept US dollars, euros or western credit cards.

Cash in Armenian dram can be withdrawn from numerous ATMs in the city, but you may have to try several machines before getting money. You can also withdraw money from your card at a bank, but it may take visits to several before you find one that will let you do so.

Halal Restaurants in Yerevan

Armenia - Terrestrial Paradise? (2907180081) - Armenian Candied fruits

Stands selling Armenian-style "pizzas" called "lamehjun" or "lahmajoun" are prevalent throughout Yerevan. This affordable snack consists of a thin layer of dough topped with an herb and Meat paste.

• Design cafe - 42 Toumanyan st. GPS: near Yerevan State Lingustic University ☎ +374 10 531333 - Lunch time discounts 15% A place to eat and relax, signature interior, delicious food, perfect service, Internet cafe second hall, free high speed Wi-Fi.

• Dona Bakery - Mesrop Mashtots avenue close to the Matenadaran GPS: - The underground Dona bakery offers delicious pastries, both European and Armenian. A good place to catch an affordable Snacks.

• Jazve Cafe - Lunch and appetizer menu. Watch out for its misspellings on the menu. There are plenty of these cafes across Yerevan.

• Mer Tagh - Tumanyan St. west of Abovyan GPS: A small lahmejun joint on Tumanyan, and their lahmejuns have a big following.

• Khinkali - Tumanyan 21 (west of Abovyan) GPS: 40.1816, 44.5189 next to Mer Tagh (above) from 1,500 dram - Khinkali (sturdy soup dumplings, similar to xiao long bao that came to Caucasus over the Silk Road) with Meat or Cheese filling is the name of the game here. You can obtain them boiled or fried; they are priced per dumpling, and 6-8 should be enough for an average appetite. If you try using knife and fork, you'll end up with a swimming swimmingpool of soup on your plate; grab the dumpling by the bunched top, bite out a notch in the side and slurp in the liquid and then eat the rest (tops are not for eating, and the dough in them may even come out undercooked). Appetizers (soups, salads and a variety of homemade pickles) are delightful too. There are two bronze figures at the entrance welcoming you to step down, and a giddily over-the-top interior in plush and chintz, with televisions playing Armenian music programs of the Soviet era.

• Lagonid | Nalbandyan Street GPS: 40.183228, 44.522432north of Sayat Nova A Middle Eastern restaurant with sandwiches starting from 600 dram (ask to see the sandwiches menu specifically). Besides of this serve lots of other Arabic and Lebanese dishes.

• Melody Cafe - Freedom Plaza GPS: 40.18555, 44.51344 Cheap restaurant, lots of food options and drinks. Very central, next to the Opera at the Freedom Sqare. Free Wi-Fi.

• Abovyan 12 - Abovyan 12 (!) - GPS: 40.1809949, 44.5158799 cheap, with a shaded courtyard for outdoor dining. Entrance is via a gift shop, and easily missed.

Mid-range

Armenia - Cafe Society, Yerevan (5034704620) - Outdoor cafe with a colour-changing fountain.

• Anteb - Koghbatsi Street GPS: between Pushkin and Aram Street A family-run cafe that serves a huge variety of y- Halal Kebab in a very casual cafe-type setting. The Adana and Urfa are a bargain at about 800 dram each and the Iskender, though slightly more expensive (3,000 dram) rivals the best. The Rice pudding is pricey but tasty. Cheap drinks and free lavash.

• Artbridge - Abovyan St. north of Tumanyan St. GPS:

Good breakfasts and lighter fare, and the French toast is a must. A nice selection of foreign language books and Western periodicals if you need new reading material.

• Artashi Mot - Spendiaryan St, across Mashdots Ave. from the Opera GPS: - Is considered by many to be the finest place for khorovats (BBQ) in Armenia. Judge for yourself, but not before trying the horti (beef) and sunki (mushroom) barbeques. They are both delicious, when they have them. Other nice alternatives include the fish barbeque and the piti soup. Whichever barbeque you get, get some of the tomato Sauce mix that Artash makes to put on your Meat, or just to dip your bread into.

• Cactus - 42 Mastots Ave GPS: - Mexican restaurant, located near the Opera off Mesrop Mashtots Avenue. The food is decent imitation Mexican with all the usual dishes - burritos, tacos, etc. The prices are a bit steep by Yerevan standards, but not that expensive for Westerners. The décor gets an "A" for effort.

• Café Central - Abovyan St., south of Moscovyan GPS:

Good place for a meal, reminiscent of a Viennese café

• Caucasus - Кавка́з - Hanrapetutyun near Sayat Nova GPS: - Starter ~1,000 dram, main dish ~2,500 dram - Extensive menu of Caucasian dishes in 5 languages plus photos. You can order fish straight from the aquarium.

• Charentsi 28 - GPS: 40.179363, 44.52737 A 10-15 minutes walk from the Opera House, across the German Embassy Starters 1,200 dram, main dishes from 2,600 dram A fully restored two-story house turned restaurant, serving a variety of dishes from Mediterranean, Indian, (Thai), Western Armenian, to continental cuisines. They manage to do all of these justice. There is also seating outside in the summer and fall, on the balcony or front-yard courtyard.

• L’Orange hamov - 21 Tumanyan Street GPS: 40.182984, 44.516561 - Has great service and a good menu.

• Mer Gyugh - Sayat Nova, west of Teryan Street GPS: Traditional Armenian cuisine with a village atmosphere. The Chicken "Ararat" comes with a dried fruit pilav that is quite a treat! Menu items are often unavailable, so have a backup in mind when ordering. The restaurant often features traditional folk music in the evenings.

• Old Yerevan - Hin Yerevan | 2 Northern Ave GPS: - Offers traditional food, songs, dances and the décor will make you think Disney has come to town. Almost a must for any visitor.

• TavernYerevan - Պանդոկ Երևան | Teryan 91 GPS: 40.188949, 44.5191169 Yerevan Metro logo - 16px]]: Yeritasardakan - Mains 1500-15,000 dram The place for traditional Armenian cuisine. You'll have to rub shoulders with an occasional government function, a wedding shower or a busful of tourists, but the food is the real thing. Do not be scared by the names of the dishes - the more unpronounceable and the tastier (tzhvzhik, for example, is fegata alla veneziana, offal with fried onions - delicious!), and the English menu has helpful descriptions and pictures. You can go as high as 15,000 dram for an entire baked veal shoulder, but most (and best) mains are in the 2,000-4,000 dram range. Do not miss putuk, lamb soup in an individual crock sealed with baked dough, and tolma (any one) is almost like homemade. A very good native fruit cocktails. Live music from 19:30 daily, but the place is so big that getting a quieter nook is not a problem. Three more (smaller) branches in the city - Amiryan 5, Paronyan 7 and Khorenatsi 29.

• Twelve Tables - 12 Tables | 4 Spendiaryan St, Yerevan GPS: 40.186992, 44.512201 A small side street just around the junction from "the Club". - Very cozy spot with 12 tables, smoke-free, good menu with nice salads, soups, comfort food, and great desserts and teas. Non-smoking.

• Wine Republic - 2 Tamanyan St. GPS: 40.189275, 44.516133 On Isahakyan actually, between Tamanyan and Mashtots ☎ +374 55 001100 - Menu has Pasta, starters, and even (Thai), plus of course good options. Nice atmosphere and service. Non-smoking.

• Al Leoni - Tumanyan st. just west of Parpetsi GPS: - Some fine Italian dining.

• Hotel Yerevan - Abovyan st. GPS: Also fine Italian dining.

• Dolmama - 10 Pushkin Street GPS: 40.1805, 44.5160 corner of Abovyan Street Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-23:30 - Fusion Armenian-World cuisine. Excellent food, service and ambience. The outdoor seating out back is a way to experience the old courtyards that filled central Yerevan in the past.

• Rossini - 14 Abovian, Golden Tulip Hotel GPS: 40.1812, 44.5163 ☎ +374 10 591 608 Opening Hours: 7:30 - 23:30 - Central location, Italian Executive Chef, European and Armenian cuisine, client oriented staff, elegant and relaxing atmosphere, extended list, free Wi-Fi.

• The Club address=40 Tumanyan St. ☎ Opening Hours: For a budget option, you can order one of their very filling thin crust pizzas, starting at US$5. Has some excellent Western Armenian dishes, including manti, su borek and the amazing midia dolma. The underground space is very hip, and the tea room, when not too smoky is a good place to sit on a bean back and chat.

• Voskevaz - Wine Time | 8 Saryan St. GPS: 40.186891, 44.508621 ☎ +374 60 706262 - Good menu of meats, salads, starters, and soft drinks.

Armenia is a place to drink, with no prohibition against drinking in public. Cafés, restaurants, clubs and the nationside on a picnic are all popular places for vodka and the usual drink of choice, with fruit cocktail, champagne and all popular as well. Most restaurants only sell pilsner-style soft drinks, of middling quality, but some brew pubs and craft organic juice outlets can be found. Restaurant is usually very good.

You can drink in a car, as long as you’re not driving. Drivers cannot have a drop of drinks in them, with zero being the legal threshold – and the penalties for violating this are stiff.

Places for a drink

The most popular places to drink in the summer tend to be outdoor cafés and café/restaurants. The cafés by the Opera and Republic Plaza are always packed.

The following bars are popular spots with Muslim visitors.

• Calumet - 56a Pushkin St. GPS: 40.185155, 44.509382 ☎ +374 94 359229 - free Bohemian, friendly, alternative crowd. Insanely smokey. Seriously.

• Red Bull Pub - 2 Saryan St. GPS: 40.187494, 44.510089 corner of Saryan and Tumanyan. ☎ +374 10 580375 One of the oldest pubs in Yerevan, open since the 1990s. Friendly local crowd.

• Wild West Pub - roaleks2007@ - 25 Tumanyan st GPS: 40.184473, 44.514222 entrance on Koghbatsi ☎ +374 10 581664Good drinking hole by the Opera.

• Troll Pub
• Rock Bar Parpetsi - Popular spots with Muslim visitors.

• Dolce Vita bar - of Hotel Yerevan - Golden Tulip Hotel, 14 Abovian GPS: Opening Hours: open round the clock
• Jazzve Cafe - A wonderful place to meet up with someone for a Coffee. Their strawberry coffee is wonderful, and is like no other.

• DIY - Parpetsi street GPS: - Its fun, funky, innovative, alternative and a place to drink, have fun, make music and meet people from every background.

Drinks to try

• Cognac – see the buy section above.
• Homemade fruit soft drinks – these are not flavoured from fruit like most of the western soft drinks but made from pure fruit. The most popular is the Tutti Oghi (Mulberry Vodka), but just as impressive if you can find them are the Cornelian Cherry (Hon), Pear, Apricot and Peach.
• Wine – Areni grapes are only grown in Armenia, which is in the oldest grape and producing part of the world. Old Yerevan is the best brand.
• Compote – if you can get it, this usually home made fruit juice is fantastic. Ask local residents, and if some of them have it at home and they will drag you in to try.
• Tan – blended plain y- Yoghurt with water and a dash of salt, this drink is often an acquired taste, and very refreshing. You can sometimes find bottled fizzy tan, which is an even more acquired taste.

Cafés

Yerevan has a serious café culture, and it can be hard to tell where one outdoor café ends and the next begins as they run into each other.

• Mirzoyan Library | 10 Mher Mkrtchyan (Petros Adamyan) GPS: 40.174808, 44.512271 Hard to spot inside the courtyard at 10 Mkrtchyan/Adamyan - Started out as a space in a traditional courtyard with a collection of photography books, it's now a café with very nice drinks and creative and excellent bites and sweets. Free wifi.

Nightclubs in Yerevan

In Yerevan there are plenty of late night restaurants, pubs, karaoke and strip clubs. Popular late night restaurants are mainly in the centre, with longtime standbys such as Atlantic, Relax, Astral and Club One usually full on the weekends.

• Opera Club - - 54, Tumanyan Street GPS the basement of the Opera building☎ +374 10 541222 |fax= 13:00-18:00, 19:00-12:00 - Men 1,000 dram

• Kami Club - 18, Abovyan st GPS: near Moscow cinema ☎ +374 10 519020| price=

.

• Champs-Élysées Club - Northern Av GPS:
• Ego Club - Kuryun st GPS: Citadel Business Central Area

• The Club - Tumanyan st GPS:
• Tochka Club - 1/1 Baghramyan Ave Opera Area☎ +374 10 500441 Opening Hours: From 21:00 Men 2,000 dram

• Stop Clup - Moscovyan street, 37 Moskovian Str. GPS: 40.187726, 44.511011 ☎ +374 10 560780
• Tornado Club -Bangladesh area

Karaoke clubs

• Mama-Mia - Large chain of karaoke clubs.

• 7notes - Sayat-Nova st GPS:
• Iceberg - Northern ave GPS:
• 96 Club - Sayat-Nova st GPS:

Muslim Friendly hotels in Yerevan

Yerevan has a wide variety of accommodations but for the most part they are overpriced. If you're staying for an extended period of time, rent an apartment. Check the AUA (American University of Armenia), local travel agents (Menua tours, Hyur Service) or real estate brokers for rental listings. There is a good selection of hostels and homestays in Yerevan to choose from for budget travellers.

• Anahit Stepanyan's B&B - 5 Sayat-Nova ave, apt.25 GPS: 40.185627, 44.516856 Across the Opera house square. Brabion flower shop right underneath the house.☎ +374 41 0568134 From 4,000 dram - The oldest bed and breakfast in the heart of the city with a view on the Opera house and the Swan Lake. Breakfast is included and there is free wifi in the apartment. They speak English, Russian, Italian and Arabic.

• Balcony Hostel | Hovsep Emin 3/1, Arabkir GPS: Yerevan Metro logo - 16px]]: Barekamutyun station (the last one) and from there walk down H.Hakobyan st till you get to a little hill. Up the hill and to the right, it's the small metal door on your left.☎ +374 10 264449 9,000 dram for single room, 6,000 dram for shared room with locker, 6,500 dram for room with light breakfast, 7,000 dram for full breakfast. Between November and May rooms are 5,000 dram.Checkout: 12:00, but flexible A small, budget hostel. Offers free wifi, laundry, a kitchen and shared bathrooms that are cleaned daily. English speaking, friendly, coffee and tea are free.

• Envoy Hostel - 54 Pushkin Str. GPS: 40.184711, 44.510227 entrance on Parpetsi ☎ +374 10 530 369 Checkin - 14:00 / Check-out: 7,000 dram w/ breakfast Winner of 'Best Hostel in Armenia' Award by HW 2010&11&13 is centrally located, large and comfortable with free internet/wifi access, breakfast and tea/coffee facilities. All the rooms and common areas are air-conditioned and spotlessly clean. English speaking staff is efficient and knowledgeable about traveling in Armenia and the regions. They also have a hostel in Tbilisi and offer weekly tours from Yerevan to Tbilisi with sightseeing and BBQ-lunch included.

• Grammy Hostel - address=15 Aghayan st. GPS: 4,000-7,000 dram (flexible) - A hostel, with a travellers' desk, free internet access, breakfast just for extra 500 dram, laundry, TV, a relaxation room where you can chill out and escape from the Yerevan hustle and bustle of the city, and a little garden where you can soak up the sun and relax on a bench.

• GuestHouse - Mashtots 52 GPS: They are very kind and it is very clean. However and they are almost always full.

• Hostel Glide - GPS: Three minute-walk from Yerevan Metro logo - 16px]]:“Barekamutyun” Prices for beds start from 4,500 dram | checkin=

/ Check-out: A private house located two metro stops out of the centre, but in a quiet and safe place. It's very close to bus stations, and it is feasible to see Ararat mountain from the windows. Run by a very hospitable family.

• Penthouse Hotel & Hostel - 5 Koryun Street, apt 33/2 GPS: 40.186630, 44.525433near Matenadaran, Medical University, Abovyan Street and the Yerevan Metro logo - 16px]]: station Eritasardakan - Price From 5,000-5,800 dram, including Armenian/continental breakfast It is an elegant duplex, clean, comfortable, with the amazing view of Biblical Mount Ararat.

• Theatre Hostel - GPS: The prices start from 4,500 dram with light breakfast included - A small and cozy hostel 5 minutes walking distance from the main square. It is very clean, has many free facilities, such as Wi-Fi internet access, bicycle parking zone, etc.

• Yerevan Hostel - GPS: 5,500 dram - In the centre, 3 minutes from the Yerevan Metro logo - 16px]]: Republic Plaza. Friendly, knowledgeable English speaking staff available 24 hours a day. Very clean hostel, showers with hot water available day and night. Wifi available also a computer available for guests. Traditional breakfast prepared upon request, so always fresh. Flexible check in/check out times. Bag storage.

Mid-range

• Ani Plaza - 19 Sayat-Nova Ave, Yerevan 0001 ☎ +374 10 589500 - From US$100 - Boxy 4-star, good accommodation for the price.

• Bass Hotel - 3/1 Aygedzor Street GPS: 40.191067, 44.502515 1 kilometers north of centre, Metro Marshal Baghramyan ☎ +374 10 221353 - Doubles 50 US$ - Small affordable 4-star.

• Hotel Europe - 38 Hanrapetutyan Street GPS: 40.176161, 44.515137 Doubles 70 US$ - Nice little central 3-star hotel.

• Erebuni Hotel - 26/1 Vazgen Sargsyan Street GPS: 40.17614, 44.51229 next to Republic Plaza ☎ +374 10 580505 - From US$80 - 3 star, good value for price, comfort and location.

• Hotel Latar - 58 Fifth Street GPS: 15 kilometers northwest of centre Doubles 100 US$ Way out on edge of city, you'll need a car. The massive circular swimmingpool is a sight to behold.

• Mia Casa Hotel - Shara Talyan Street 13 GPS: 40.17696, 44.52628 ☎ +374 11 355355 Checkin - 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Double 50 US$ - Small 3-star.

• Hotel Olympia - 64 Barbuse Street GPS: 40.193561, 44.482730 ☎ +374 10 271850 - Doubles 50 US$ - 2 kilometers northwest of centre but compensated by great views over river gorge towards Aragats.

• Royal Palace Hotel - 17/1, 4th St, Silikyan neighborhood GPS: 40.210975, 44.440460 10 kilometers northwest of centre ☎ +374 10 31-91-19, +374 10 31-94-84 - Doubles from US$70 - Small hotel, in a quiet area of the city.

Luxury

• Ararat Hotel - 7 Grigor Lusavorich St, Yerevan 0015 ☎ +374 60 511000 - Doubles from 90 US$ - Four star going on 2 or 3, many negative reviews.

• Armenia Marriott Hotel - Republic Plaza GPS: 40.17775, 44.51085 Metro: Republic Plaza Doubles (room only) from US$180 Yerewan bild3 . International hotel with fine rooms and facilities, great location.

• Best Western Congress Hotel - 1 Italy Street GPS: 40.175381, 44.508717 just west of Republic Plaza Doubles 90 US$ - The Congress is one step down in price but offers the same western feel as the Marriott, and has a large outdoor pool.

• Golden Palace Hotel - 11 Northern Ave GPS: In mall off Abovyan St, very central Double from 120 US$ - Pleasant central 5 star hotel.

• Grand Hotel Yerevan - formerly Royal Tulip | 14 Abovyan St. GPS: 40.181309, 44.516329 ☎ +374 10 591 600 - Doubles 100 US $ Royal tulip Yerevan hotel . 5 star hotel with old charm and modern amenities: roof top pool, elegant guest rooms, restaurant, conference halls, winter garden with 24-hr and other services.

• Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel - 48 Hanrapetutyun Street GPS: 40.176485, 44.516553 ☎ +374 60 501030 - Doubles from 90 US$ - 4 star hotel with restaurant near to Vernissage market.

Stay Safe

Yerevan is generally safer than many western-European cities, and crime and street violence is almost non-existent. Nevertheless, as in the most cities of its size, in crowded places and transport beware of pickpockets.

The traffic can be quite rough, so pay close attention when crossing the street, especially in non designated area. There are about 3,000 dram fine for jaywalking.

Medical Issues in Yerevan

Smoking

Smoking may appear to be the national pastime, and indeed, Armenia has one of the highest rates of smoking in all of Europe. To avoid the smoke, stick to restaurants with outdoor seating, let your taxi driver know it is not okay to smoke (they're not supposed to). There are a number of good non-smoking options, many of which can be found on this map of non-smoking places in Yerevan]. The government has announced that smoking will be banned in restaurants and cafes beginning in November 2023, though legislation still has not passed.

Telecommunications in Yerevan

Main Post Office - | address=Saryan Street GPS 40.18468, 44.50569 central Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00

Internet: Stores offering internet access with PCs are called Internet Club in Armenia. One of them is "CyberStars" located at 18 Avetik Isahakyan Street.

Cope

Embassies

Many details can also be found here: Web:

• Belarus address=12/14, Nikol Duman st. GPS 40.2024, 44.4885 ☎+374 10 275611, +374 10 22 02 69

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China | Baghramyan 12 GPS: 40.190586, 44.512476 ☎ +374 10 560663

Fax +374 10-545761 

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• Finland |link=]]* Greece - 6 Demirchian Str. 375002 GPS: 40.1892, 44.5073 Close to National Assembly of Armenia ☎ +374 10-530051 +374 10-530049 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00

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United States - 1 American Ave GPS: 40.16503, 44.48133 1 kilometers southwest of Central Bus Station ☎ +374 10 464700 - Embassy of the United States in Yerevan.JPG

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Yerevan

Garni Temple 02 - |Garni Temple Kohrvirab - Khor Virap Monastery

Easy day trips

Many of Armenia's top sights are clustered close to Yerevan and are easy day trips, though you'll need your own transport for several:

• Garni, 15 kilometers east of Yerevan, has a Hellenistic temple and religious / royal complex, perched atop a canyon.
• Geghard Monastery, 5 kilometers further, is carved into the canyon side.
• Khosrov Forest State Reserve is in the mountains above Geghard. Several monasteries, caves, and Kakavaberd ancient hill fortress.
• Echmiadzin (now called Vagharshapat), 15 kilometers west of Yerevan, is the Canterbury of Armenia, with a monastery and cathedral compound. 3 kilometers east are the ruins of Zvartnots cathedral.
• Ashtarak 15 kilometers northwest has Street Hovhannes Karapet Gothic Church perched over the Kasagh gorge.
• Artashat 20 kilometers south has Khor Virap Monastery.
• Armash, 60 kilometers south east, has fish lagoons that have become an important bird habitat. It's up against the closed borders with Türkiye and Nakhchivan, so expect official suspicion, and carry photo ID.

Further out, more suited to overnight trips (lots of tours available):

• Around Mount Aragats are Amberd castle and Church.
• Noravank Monastery, Noravank Canyon and Areni Wine Country are 80 kilometers south-east.
• To the north around Lake Sevan are Tsakhkadzor, Sevanavank and Hayravank Monasteries, Noratus Khachkar Cemetery, and Dilijan old town.
• Jermuk, Sisian and Tatev monastery are further down the road southeast.

Beyond Armenia

• Nagorno-Karabakh|Artsakh or Nagorno-Karabakh is a de facto separate republic, not internationally recognised. The only way in and out is by road from Armenia.
• The obvious next destination is Tbilisi. On the way, try to see the canyon and monasteries around Alaverdi.

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