Yerevan

Yerevan (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 Alexander Tamanyan's (the architect) new plans to make a perfect city - a Neo-Classical wide-avenues-based town resembling Paris, Vienna and Saint Petersburg.

Downtown Yerevan

Central Yerevan is a true jewel of early Soviet architecture. She 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 color of the stone used for building as for the flamboyant spirit of her young population.

[edit] Districts

Most of tourist Yerevan is concentrated in the Center. The center is 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 center.

• Kentron, Center City or Downtown - is central Yerevan, locally called 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, the great majority of the center is in Beaux-Arts tradition. Downtown Yerevan follows Tamanyan's plan for a circular city with two hubs - grand Republic Square, and the more elegant and soft Opera district (Opera house, Freedom Square and the Swan Lake Park). The two are linked with newly-constructed pedestrian-only Northern Avenue. The Main Avenue (standard South European Corso) is still under construction (for last 60 years, though on a greater scale during the last couple of years) and will eventually reach the hill on which the historical Kond neighborhood rests. 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 (dept 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 large construction site of 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 district is situated ruins of fortress of Erebuni, founded in 782 BC by king Argishti.

• Bangladesh - Not much to offer a tourist, the name however is worth an explanation. At the time this was one of the furthest new districts built in Yerevan, and because of the distance, locals quickly began calling it Bangladesh, (not to be confused with Bangladesh country) which has stuck to this day. Apparently, locals considered Bangladesh as a very far place. The biggest outdoor bazaar of Yerevan is located in this district.

• Nor Nork district is the last Soviet project of residential expansion of Yerevan. It entirely consists of standardised Soviet Panel blocs. However, every tourist crosses this district on the way to 'obligatory' Garni temple and Geghard monastery (as the highway to that direction is connected to the main avenue of this district). The main attraction of this district would be the Gay Statue, though 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).

[edit] Understand

A statue of a woman in a traditional attire in Downtown 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.

[edit] People

Yerevan is a very homogenous city, though tiny Yezidi and Molokan (Russian) minorities exist. Because the population of the city was only 20,000 a century ago, 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 center 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-WWII wave of immigration. Since independence, 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.

[edit] 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 practiced 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 practices (but not history) is similar to both Orthodox and Catholic movements as well as to the Reformed Churches, e.g. the Church of England.
Great majority of Armenians are Apostolic Christians and have their own Catholicos (religious leader, like the Pope for Catholics). Today, 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: Currently some new ones are being built, or old ones rehabilitated.
The Protestant (Evangelical) Armenians are rather few in number with only one church on Nar-Dos street. Anglican (Episcopal) Christians used to congregate at St Zoravor church for Sunday Eucharist, however shortly after stopped the practice due to extreme small size of the community (and the fact that both Armenian Apostolic Church and Anglican Communion adhere to the concept of one baptism and welcome each others' members to celebrate Eucharist together).
Orthodox Christians currently maintain one church in Kanaker district of Yerevan. A new, large-scale, onion-domed Orthodox church is under construction at Yerevan Lake district, 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 church in Yerevan per se, but rather in the villages around Yerevan.
Yezidian (pagan religious and ethnic minority in Armenia) religious rituals, as most of that religion, are kept secret. So no Yezidian practice can be observed easily in Yerevan.
Muslims are steadily growing in numbers since the collapse of the Soviet State, fueled by the Iranian immigration. There is currently 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.

[edit] Climate

With a continental climate, Yerevan experiences long hot summers, and cold winters, both with little or no humidity. 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. Fall is the most popular, with perfect weather, and great farm fresh foods.

[edit] Itineraries

[edit] 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, and sit near the door when in a smokier café, and ask to have it left open when possible. Some restaurants have non smoking sections, but rarely is there separate ventilation. Yum-Yum Donuts is strictly non-smoking, and Melody café has a walled off section for non-smoking all year round. Artbridge and Twinings have separate rooms for non-smokers.

[edit] Get in

Opera house of Yerevan.

[edit] Visa

Most visitors to Armenia need to obtain a visa, though most can get one upon arrival. For more detailed information contact your nearest Armenian embassy or consulate. More details at [1]
Standard 21-day visas can be obtained at the airport in Yerevan upon arrival at a cost of AMD 3000 or just over $8. 120-day single entry visas are 15,000 dram ($42 US). Note that Nagorno-Karabakh Republic needs a separate visa issued in the Yerevan 'consulate' of the country (ask your hotel for details).
A slightly more expensive (and slightly more secure) alternative is e-visa. It is very useful if you are not eligible for visa-free entry as you do not need to lose time obtaining it upon arrival. Applications for e-Visas can be submitted online, verified on line, and in most cases, e-visas will be approved and issued on-line within two business days. With a valid e-visa travelers can arrive in Armenia through the following border crossing checkpoints: Ayrum railway station, Bavra, Bagratashen, Gogavan land borders with the Republic of Georgia, Zvartnots International Airport and Meghri land border with Iran. The e-visa costs either $15 USD for a 21 day duration or $60 USD for a 120 day duration.
As a matter of fact Armenian visa gives you right to stay in Russia for up to 5 days: There is an agreement between these countries to provide transit land to visitors. To be on the safe side, check at the Russian Embassy in your country before booking a ticket.

[edit] By plane

Zvartnots International Airport (IATA: EVN) is the main gate to Armenia. In 2006, a new terminal was opened, where most arrivals and departures are now based. It remains a smaller airport however, so navigating your way around is easy and fast. Free WiFi access is availabe in the depature terminal.
Numerous carriers fly to Yerevan aside from Armavia: AirFrance, Lufthansa, Iran Air, Czech Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Aeroflot and the like. Yerevan is connected to all major European and Middle Eastern cities: London, Paris, Amsterdam, Athens, Moscow, Vienna, Berlin, Prague, St Petersburg, Zurich, Minsk, Riga, Kiev, Istanbul, Dubai, Aleppo, Tehran, Beirut and so on. Air Arabia connects Yerevan to the Gulf states, Egypt and India via Sharjah. Armavia reopened the Route Yerevan - Tbilisi - Yerevan again, with two daily Flights (July 2011)

[edit] Between the airport and the city

Zvartnots is only 14 km from Yerevan city center by road.

• Taking a taxi to the city is the best option. A taxi ride from the airport to the city will cost from AMD 3000 ($10) to the center, and up to 5000 ($16) for the most distant parts of the city. Some drivers may try to convince you to pay more, but don’t ever believe them, and telling them you will call the police (who will help you) should straighten out any opportunists. Almost 100% taxis are using a taxi meter (“sheochik”), so, the best if you have local currency with you to pay for the trip.
• A public bus N107 is available during the day-time for about $0,7, which will take you to the Opera House in central Yerevan.

[edit] By train

An overnight train runs daily from Tbilisi in Georgia. After departing at 7PM the journey takes twelve hours, estimated arrivial time in Yerevan is 7:18AM, however delays are common. Border formalites will be at 11PM, expect it to take some time. The wagons are the standard Soviet era hold-overs but the they're farirly comfortable. Bring your own food and water as there is no restaurant car onboard. Fares starts at 49 laris for second class. Notice that during the summer months this train runs from Batumi instead.

[edit] By car

Options include arriving into Armenia via Georgia or Iran. A drive to Yerevan from Armenia-Iran border will take approximately 6 hours, and is a great way to explore Southern Armenia, cities like Meghri, Kapan, Goris, Sisian, etc.
Arriving from Georgia will allow you to drive trough Northern Armenia and driving to Yerevan will take 4-5 hours.
Highways are high standard, although sometimes can be narrow (1 line to each direction) due to mountainous land shaft.

[edit] By bus

You can reach Yerevan by bus from Tbilisi, fare costs 15 lari ($10US) and takes about 12 hours. More expensive is to take a 30 lari ($20 US) marshutka/minibus but it’s much faster at about 5 hours. Sometimes you can take a shared car from Tbilisi as well. Again, a bit more expensive than minibus, but faster and more comfortable. Bus service to Yerevan also is available in Istanbul, or many of the cities on the Black Sea coast of Turkey en route to Yerevan, with a detour through Georgia. In Yerevan some of the bus lines from Turkey are: Karbut Tour: +374-10-54-26-97 and Oz Aybaki +374-10-56-50-03.

[edit] Get around

[edit] On foot

The center of Yerevan is very compact and easy to get around by foot. Watch your step, however, as construction sites, potholes and aggressive drivers abound. Make sure to be careful especially while crossing the street. In Yerevan, Armenia (and many other places I am sure) the drivers may tend to be very distracted when driving and don't pay attention to the road, especially to jaywalkers. Be aware, that there are recently introduced penalties for jaywalking and crossing the streets in non-designated areas, and once spotted by police, you will have to pay a fine of AMD 3000 ($9).

[edit] By metro

The metro system in Yerevan is quite reliable and relatively modern, having been built in the early 1980s. It is the quickest way around town, and at 100 dram (less than US$0.30), the cheapest aside from walking.

Yerevan City Hall

Today the metro operates as a single line, with a shuttle branch and covers 12km (7.5 miles), with trains running every five minutes from 6:30 a.m. till 11 p.m. Due to Yerevan's uneven landscape, the metro in some cases goes above ground. Continuing the tradition of all ex-Soviet underground systems, most of the stations are exquisitely decorated, often blending Armenian national motifs with late-Soviet architecture.

[edit] By minibus

More than a hundred minibus (marshrutka, pronounced mar-shroot-kah) routes exist that criss-cross the city and travel to the suburbs and beyond (such as to Georgia or Karabagh). At 100 dram (US$0.33) a ride in Yerevan, they are a bargain. The minibuses 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 landmarks 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 minibuses are written on the bus stations though and the webpage of the tourist information has the whole list with destinations. Pay when leaving a minibus.

[edit] By bus or trolleybus

Yerevan has a few trolley lines and buses, operated by "Yergortrans." The fare is very inexpensive (50 dram, nearly $0.15) and the vehicles are not too crowded. Pay when leaving a bus or trolley.

[edit] By taxi

Abundant throughout the city, a taxi ride anywhere downtown should not cost more than 1000 dram (US$3). 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 500-600 Dram for the first 5 km and than 100 Dram for every further km. A car and driver can easily be rented for day trip outside of Yerevan, for as little as $20 plus gas. 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 taxidriver who wants to convince you that there is no bus or minivan to the destination you are heading to.

[edit][add listing] See

• Erebuni Fortress – 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 Square, the western (older) part

• Republic Square - Make sure to see the main square. Though it never took the planed shape of the Grand Square of a perfect city of Tamanyan, it still can be considered the finest example of Soviet era architecture as far as squares go. The early buildings (the Houses of Government, the Ministry of Communications, and the Marriott Hotel) are fine example of Neo-Classical architecture with Armenian hints. The buildings from later period (the Foreign Ministry, and Art Gallery) are Modernist imitations of previous ones.
• Northern Avenue - impossible to miss, this pedestrian avenue was just opened in 2008 connecting Opera with Republic Square, the two hubs of central Yerevan. It's a Post-Modern response to post-WWII Soviet Yerevan architecture. It is emerging as the shopping district, together with Sayat-Nova ave., Terian st., Tumanian st., and Abovian st.

The Opera House

• Abovian street - 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.
• The Opera – It's the 'soft' center of the city. It is topped by the magnificent building of the Opera House. The building is perhaps modeled after SemperOper of Dresden, however it is supposed to be double as beautiful as the Yerevan building is two sided: One side (entrance from the Theatrical/Freedom square) is home to Opera and Ballet Theatre, while the street side houses the Khachaturian Concert Hall.
• Freedom (or Theatrical) Square is part of The Opera. North side of the square is the Opera House, followed by a park full of open air cafés on the West, from South it borders the Northern Avenue, and on the East the square slowly transforms into park with Swan Lake. The Swan Lake park ends with the controversial statue of the composer Arno Babajanyan, which already was majorly reshaped twice during the first year of its placement. The Swan Lake park usually hosts various open air art exhibitions.
• Cascades, Sculpture Park and Cafesjian Museum [2] – 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 itself 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 it's 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.

The Cascades (fragment)

• Mashtots avenue - It's the eight-lane highway in the center 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 locals. There are 3 buildings on the avenue which are well worth attention - Matenadaran, Blue Mosque, and the Covered Market.
• Matenadaran [3]– Houses the worlds 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.
• Blue Mosque - is an 18th century Shia Islamic Mosque, one of the extreme few surviving structures of once (before Soviet secularisation) prospering Muslim Community of Yerevan.
• Covered Market - It's an original building, a combination of Jungenstil and Beaux-Arts. It still houses a market of fresh, sun-dried and conserved produce.
• Main Railway Station is a Neo-classical building, small scale version of Soviet skyscrapers such as Moscow State University or Warsaw Culture Palace, with a red-star-topped high spire serving as a symmetry axis. The Railway Station building dominates the David of Sasoun Square which has the statue of David of Sasoun (hero of the Armenian epic tale) as a centerpiece. The state itself is worth seeing (some would claim more than the building): It is the masterpiece of Kotchar - the mastermind of Cubism driven Dimentionalism movement in Armenia - a very dynamic Equestrian statue. The metro stop 'Sasuntsi David' opens into the square. Unfortunately, the square, the building and the statue are in a measly condition now, as the blockade-driven underusage of the railway left the place unattended.

[edit] Parks

• Victory Park/Monument - Amusement park. Features a huge monument of Mother Armenia as well as some Soviet military equipment on display. Very nice view of the city center.
• Lover's Park [4] - the oldest park of Yerevan. Recently renovated in tradition of Japanese landscaping with Armenian spirit. It often hosts open air art exhibitions and concerts. It is best reachable by metro, station 'Marshal Baghramian' - perhaps the most underused building and allegedly the best in Modernist style.

The Singing Fountains

• Children's Park - This is 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. In order to find it you will need a direction from a local.
• The Singing Fountains - From early Spring to late Autumn each evening there is a fountain and light show in front of the Art Gallery at the Republic square. The program includes some classical favorites, as well as contemporary Jazz, Rock and Pop (US or Russian). Usually it spans from 10pm to 11pm. It is free of charge.

[edit] Museums

• Parajanov Museum [5] - The House-Museum of Sergei Parajanov, a famous Soviet film director. The museum is best known for special Parajanov collages and art that everybody loves and enjoys. It is equally highly appreciated by children, teenage and most demanding art critic. Many highest level official informal meetings are conducted here. The entrance is about 2 euros and the guided tours are offered for about 8 euro. It is a must to see!
• Saryan Museum [6] If you are a lover of bright colours and enjoy Expressionist Art then House Museum of Martiros Saryan is a place for you. It's a 3 floor structure, built during the lifetime of the artist, as his house and house for his heritage after his life. So most of the Museum is designed by the artist himself. Address: Saryan 3, EVN002.

Cafesjian Museum at the Cascades

• Cafesjian Museum of Modern Art [7] is a museum of modern art, 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 special-made "For Armenia" series. A separate floor is devoted to Swarovski Chandelier collection.
• The National Art Gallery [8] - Located at Republic Square in the same building as the National History Museum. Features several floors full of mostly paintings, organized by their country of origin. The Armenian collection is the best and of very high quality, the Russian is quite good (Kandinsky, Serov, Chagall), and art lovers will enjoy the European collection as well.
• The Armenian Genocide Memorial (Genocide Museum & Tsitsernakaberd Monument) [9] - Located on a hill above the city center. A very austere monument dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Worth seeing. Tsitsernakaberd (meaning "Fortress of swallows") is probably best reached by taxi. Genocide Museum is home to French artist Jean Jansem's startling collection of paintings named Génocide.
• The City Museum of Yerevan [10] - presents all periods of the life in Yerevan starting from paleolithic settlements (50000 years) to modern days. Ancient maps and the pictures of the lost city, pre-Soviet Erivan, are of special interest.
• Museum of Woodwork houses some artifacts of Armenian historical wood carving culture (doors, furniture and the like) as well as wood-based sculptures of modern day artists. Situated at the address Paronyan 2 (at a ring border of downtown).

[edit] Churches

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 is The oldest surviving church of Yerevan. It is a tiny structure constructed in typical Armenian style. Currently, the area of Katoghike (also named St Holy Mother of God) church is under construction: It is planed that a white stone based St Anne Monastery will be built, of which Katoghike church will be only a minor part. On the crossroads of Sayat-Nova ave. and Abovian st.

St Gregory Cathedral

• St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was completed in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia as a Christian nation. The holy relics of St Gregory the Armenian were given back to the Armenian Church by the Vatican in 2001 and placed in this cathedral. The building is a megalomaniac 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, the complex is vastly and visibly unfinished. Not far from the Republic Square (visible from there).
• St Sargis Vicarial Church is at the border of the city centre, on a picturesque gorge of Hrazdan River. 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 St Sargis (or St Sergius in Western churches) is the patron saint of young people and of lovers.
• St Astvatsatsin of Nork is the replica of a beautiful 18th century St 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. 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 locals at the end. The entrance to funicular is at the crossroad of Nalbandian and Charents streets. The church is in the Nork district of Yerevan - the sleeping quarter of rich.

[edit] Other

• The Ararat Cognac Factory – The oldest factory in Armenia. Offers tours and tasting.
• AquaWorld – a water park which is popular with the locals in the summers.
• L'atelier Restaurant Salon Imperial Russian Antiques [11] at the address Mashtots 37, near Opera.
• Levon's Amazing Underground World – see what happened when Levon set out to dig a potato storage cellar for his wife, you won’t be disappointed.

[edit][add listing] Do

Old carpets at the market

• For music fans, attend cheap and excellent performances at the Opera and/or the Chamber Music Orchestra. If a national dance group is performing, don’t miss it.
• Spend a late night at a café in the Opera park. Station yourself by the sidewalk at Melody Café for some of the best people watching in Yerevan.
• Chill out in Yerevan Green Belt. The most popular among the locals are the Paplavok Park (Mashtots ave.) and the Czerny Fountain Park (Sayat-Nova ave.)
• Visit one of the themed restaurants in the Hrazdan Gorge to see the locals partying. The food does not tend to venture far from barbeque and crayfish, but it is usually good barbeque, and the prices range from very reasonable to the unreasonable. Check the prices on the hard liquor and wines before ordering a bottle if you’re price sensitive.
• Climb the Cascades (or take the escalator) 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 ferris wheel.
• A walk through the weekend Vernissage by Republic Square metro is a must. From car (and perhaps rocket) parts to rugs, souvenirs, instruments and paintings, this outdoor market seemingly has everything.
• Catch a concert on the Cascades or the Lover's Park [12], and an art exhibition at Swan Lake park or Lover's Park.
• Do not miss an evening with the Republic square Singing Fountains, 10-11p.m.
• Ice-skate with many locals at the Swan Lake (next to the Opera House) during winter months.
• Cool down in the WaterWorld [13]

• Medical Procedures - Yerevan offers some world class medical treatments for fraction of the usual price. The most common are heart surgeries, nose jobs, hair removal and laser eye surgery.

[edit] Events

• Vardavar is the pagan holiday of water (currently a church holiday). It is a summertime movable feast that is mostly enjoyed by virtually everyone, grown and child alike: Litres of water is poured on everyone by everyone. Some parks have administered events.
• Trndez is the pagan holiday of fire (currently a church holiday). It is observed on the February 13. Huge bonfire can be observed in each courtyard with people merrily singing around, youngsters jumping over and the like.
• Yerevan Birthday is celebrated on the second Saturday of each October. That's usually a huge event, with central Yerevan being pedestrian only: Many stages all over the city for theatrical or music (usually thematic - ethnic minorities, folk, jazz, rock, pop, classics and the like) performances with a culmination on Republic square.

• Golden Apricot [14] is a fairly well established international film festival, usually held in July. Armenians take pride in it.
• ReAnimania [15] is an emerging international animated film festival. It is held in Autumn.

[edit] Work

Diaspora Armenians may obtain a residency permit to live and work in Armenia without a problem. The 10 year visa/permit for $350 is the best deal. Non-Armenians should have an invitation, or establish a business to get a work/business visa.
Volunteering in Armenia may be a suitable for those wanting the experience. Armenian Volunteer Corps [16] can organize a volunteer placement and visa for you.
For those of Ethnic Armenian Descent, there are programs such as Birthright Armenia [17], which will pay for your trip if you participate in their program.
Tutoring in English is always an option for native English speakers. Demand to learn English, and practice English conversation is high.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Armenian brandy (locally called Cognac as well) is considered one of the world's finest brandies and is accordingly a popular gift to take home for tourists. It was actually Winston Churchill's brandy of choice. There are many stores within central Yerevan center devoted solely to brandy from the Ararat Cognac Factory; the airport is also a good place to stock up at duty free. As a rule, the more aged the brandy, the more refined the taste and the more expensive. But regardless the series of brandy, in Yerevan it will be an excellent value.
• Armenian rugs, new and old are a favorite choice. New carpets can be purchased at the Mergeryan Rug Factory for a good price. More upscale is the international brand “Tufenkian Carpets”, with a shop on Tumanyan near Abovyan. Both will add your name or inscription request into an existing rug, or do a custom rug for you. There is no problem with exporting these. Old rugs are found in stores all over town, or in Vernissage. Be sure the seller obtains an export certificate from the ministry of culture for you – or you’re taking a chance that it may be confiscated. Negotiate to have the certificate delivered to you as part of the purchase price, and buy your rug a week before you go to give them time to obtain this certificate. New rugs do not require certification, but keep your factory certificate as proof that it is new.
• More fragile, but maybe worth the effort are some of the more exotic jams and preserves made in Armenia. From walnut preserves, to “Sea Buckthorne” (Chichkhan), virtually everything that grows in Armenia is canned!

[edit] Currency

Dram (AMD) is a national currency of Armenia. As of July 2010:

• 1 USD = approx. 364 AMD
• 1 EUR = approx. 470 AMD

The rates can vary. Check [18] for the most recent rates.
When arriving in Zvartnots International Airport exchange only 20-30 USD for taxi or airport service as the exchange rate at the airport is always poor. Exchanges can be found all over the city, and do not charge a commission – count your money on the spot, though they tend to be patently honest. Banks tend to be the least convenient place to exchange, and tend to have the worst rates – exchange on the streets. Exchange rates on the streets are almost all quite competitive, so shopping around is only worthwhile for very large amounts. Stores and restaurants will frequently accept dollars in a pinch, though they prefer dram.
Cash (in dram only) can be withdrawn from numerous ATM's located in the city, but you may have to try several machines before getting money. Try local banks (like Ararat). HSBC ATM's usually refuse to recognise non-Armenian cards. Though VISA and Master Card are accepted in many restaurants, supermarkets and shops in Yerevan, carry some cash. To withdraw dollars from your credit card, you can go into a bank.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• 'Design cafe nice and lovely place, to eat and relax, signature interior, delicious food, perfect service, Internet cafe second hall, free Wi Fi high speed Internet. St. 42 Toumanyan, near Yerevan State Lingustic University. Lunch time discounts 15%. info@designcafe.am, +37410 531333
• Lagonid is a Middle Eastern restaurant with sandwiches starting from $3. On Nalbandyan St. north of Sayat Nova.
• Mer Tagh is a small lahmejun joint on Tumanyan, and their lahmejuns have a big following. Stands selling Armenian-style "pizzas" called "lamehjun" or "lahmajoun" are prevalent throughout Yerevan. This cheap snack consists of a thin layer of dough topped with an herb and meat paste. Tumanyan St. west of Abovyan.
• Khingali, on Tumanyan next to Mer Tagh (above) has excellent khingali (dumplings) with meat or cheese filling. Either can be served boiled or fried. Tumanyan St. west of Abovyan.
• Dona Bakery The underground Dona bakery located on Mesrop Mashtots avenue close to the Matenadaran offers delicious pastries, both European and Armenian. A good place to catch an inexpensive snack.
• Jazve Cafe is also a wonderful pace to meet up with someone over a cup of coffee or just to have lunch, desert... anything for that matter! Its lunch and appetizer menu is absolutely outstanding. Watch out for its misspelling on the menu. Jazve's wonderful costumers can correct it, but, sadly, they don't get paid. There are plenty of these cafe's across Yerevan.

[edit] Mid-range

• Turkish Restaurant (name unknown) a family-run joint that serves all of the standard Turkish kebabs in a very casual cafe-type setting. The Adana and Urfa are a bargain at about 800 each and the Iskender, though slightly more expensive (3000) rivals anything I've found in Istanbul. The rice pudding is pricey but tasty. Cheap drinks and free lavash make this place a winner. On the corner of Pushkin and Ghazar Perpetsi St. If you're at Pushkin and Mashtots facing roughly north (toward the Tumanyan and the Cascades) take a left on Pushkin and go maybe 100 meters. It will be on your left, next to a travel agency/exchange place kitty-corner from the Envoy hostel.
• Café Central a solid place for a meal, reminiscent of a Viennese café. Abovyan St., south of Moscovyan.
• Old Yerevan (Hin Yerevan) has traditional foods, song, dance, and the décor will make you think Disney has come to town. Almost a must for any visitor. 2 Northern Ave.
• Artbridge is a staple of the Yerevan eating scene. The food strong on breakfasts and lighter fare. Artbridge also has a nice selection of foreign language books and Western periodicals if you are desperate for some new reading material. Abovyan St. north of Tumanyan St.
• Artashi Mot is considered by many to be the finest khorovats (BBQ) joint in Armenia. Judge for yourself, but not before trying the horti (beef) and sunki (mushroom) barbeques. They are both mouthwateringly 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. On Manoogian St, right across from the National Cathedral's candle prayer room.
• L’Orange [19] has great service and a good menu. 21 Tumanyan St.
• There is a local company named " CheeZLer [20]" that makes great cheesecakes. Cheesecakes are sold in most of the big supermarkets in the centre of Yerevan city. You can even order cheesecakes online only for 7.5 $ (per 1 kg cake).
• Mer Gyugh An excellent restaurant in Yerevan to sample traditional Armenian cuisine is this restaurant, located on Sayat Nova Street not far from the Opera. The creatively decorated interior mimics an Armenian village in Lebanon. The chicken "Ararat" comes with a dried fruit pilav that is quite a treat! The restaurant often features traditional folk music in the evenings. Sayat Nova Ave., west of Terian.
• Cactus Yerevan's 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 Western travelers. The décor gets an "A" for effort. 42 Mastots Ave.
• Caucasus (Кавка́з), Sayat Nova. Extensive menu of caucasian dishes in 5 languages plus photos. Starter ~1000 AMD, main dish ~2500 AMD. You can order fish straight from the aquarium.

• Latelier (Restaurant Salon), Mashtots 37 (Near Opera), ☎ 50-02-03. 11-12. Excellent food, service. Great place for Romance and Business  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Dolmama – fusion Armenian-World cuisine. Excellent food, service and ambiance. The outdoor seating out back is a way to experience the old courtyards that filled central Yerevan in the past. 10 Pushkin Str.
• The Club 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 great place to sit on a bean back and chat. For a budget option, you can order one of their very filling thin crust pizzas, possibly the best in Yerevan, starting at $5. 40 Tumanyan St.
• Mozarteum – opened in Spring 2008, this is an excellent addition to the Yerevan food scene with excellent Armenian and international cuisine, and great ambiance. Intersection of Sayat Nova and Byron St.
• Al Leoni (on Tumanyan just west of Parpetsi) and Hotel Yerevan (on Abovyan) for some fine Italian dining.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Armenia itself is a place to drink, with no prohibition against drinking in public. Cafes, bars, restaurants, clubs and the countryside on a picnic are all popular places for vodka, the usual drink of choice, with wine, beer, champagne and brandy all popular as well. You can even drink in a car – as long as you’re not driving. Drivers cannot have a drop of alcohol in them, with Zero being the legal threshold – and the penalties for violating this are stiff.

[edit] Places for a drink

• The most popular places to drink in the summer tend to be outdoor cafes and café/restaurants. The cafes by the Opera and Republic Square are always packed.
• Bars such as Tro's Pub(Saryan 5 St.),Rock Bar Parpetsi .are popular spots with visitors.
• Popular nightclubs are mainly in the center, with longtime standby’s such as Atlantic, Relax, Astral and Club One usually full on the weekends.

Like mentioned before, "Jazzve Cafe" is also a wonderful place to meet up with someone For a drink make sure to try is wonderful strawberry coffee as that is a drink like no other!

• There is also a little place called DIY, on Parpetsi street. Its fun, funky, innovative, alternative and a place to drink, have fun, make music and meet people from every background.

[edit] Drinks to try

• Cognac – see the buy section above.
• Homemade fruit vodkas – these are not flavored from fruit like most of the western vodkas, they are actually 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 wine 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.
• Tan – blended plain yogurt with water and a dash of salt, this drink is often an acquired taste, and very refreshing. It’s a healthy alternative to soda, so give it a try. You can sometimes find bottled fizzy tan, which is an even more acquired taste!

[edit] Night Clubs

In Yerevan there are plenty of Night Clubs, Pubs, Karaoke and Strip Clubs especially in downtown. Locals' and tourists' favourite night clubs are:

• Bunker Club Sayat-Nova street
• Opera Club the basement of the Opera building.
• Kami Club Abovyan near Moscow cinema
• Champs-Élysées Club on Northern Avenue
• Ego Club on Kuryun street, Citadel Business Center Area
• The Club on Tumanyan street
• Tochka Club Opera Area
• Stop Clup Moscovyan street
• Tornado Club Brand-new huge club in Bangladesh area

Popular

• Tro's Pub Saryan 5 Street
• Pub Red Bull Moscovyan street
• Western Pub Tumanyan street
• Wild West Pub Tumanyan street

Yerevan Night Life is famous for its Strip Clubs

• Omega Club Teryan street
• Pyramida Club Sayat-Nova street
• Charlotte Club Baghramyan street
• Dinoul Club Baghramyan strret
• Cherry Club Leningradyan street
• Safari Club Set of Clubs, Republic Square area and a brand-new club on Arshakunyats street

Favourite Karaoke Clubs are:

• Mama-Mia Large set of Karaoke clubs
• 7Notes Sayat-Nova street
• Iceberg Northern avenue
• 96 Club Sayat-Nova street

This is a brief list of famous clubs in Yerevan.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

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), locat travel agents (Menua tours, Hyur Service) or real estate brokers for rental listings.

[edit] Budget

It is almost impossible to sleep cheap in a hotel in Yerevan. Try home stays with Armenian families that rent out rooms. There are many of these places and they cost from $8 - $12 per night per person. Many are located in the center of Yerevan and if you can handle not having your own “space” they are a wonderful way to truly see Armenian hospitality up close. You can get a list of these home stays by contacting the Armenian Information Center [21].

• Envoy Hostel [22] (corner of Pushkin and Parpetsi).Centrally located, it is the only European standard hostel in Yerevan.This hostel is large and comfortable with a free internet/wifi access. All the rooms and common areas are air conditioned and spotless.The English speaking staff is very efficient and knowledgeable about traveling in Armenia and the region.They also run well organized tours to Armenia and Georgia [23]. The accommodation costs normally 7000 AMD with breakfast and their tours are also with very good value for money.
• Hostel Glide [24] It is a private house located in the center of the city, but in a quiet and safe place. It's very close to bus stations and a 3 minute-walk from metro station “Barekamutyun” . It is possible to see Ararat mountain from the windows. It is run by a very hospitable family and one of the members of the family is an extreme guy, who organizes crazy and unforgettable tours all over Armenia and Nagorno-Karabkh republic. The prices for beds start from 4500AMD.
• Theatre Hostel [25] A small and cozy hostel which provides cheap options in the town and is just 5 minutes walking distance from the main square of Yerevan. It is very clean, has many free facilities, such as wi-fi internet access, bicycle parking zone, etc. The prices start from 6500 AMD with light breakfast included.
• Balcony Hostel, Hovsep Emin 3/1, Arabkir district of Yerevan (Take the metro to Barekamutyun station (the last on) 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. A taxi from the airport here should cost 3000-4000), ☎ 00 374 10 26 44 49, [26]. checkin: anytime; checkout: 12:00, but flexile. A small hostel which provides option for budget travelers. The newly renovated hostel offers free wifi, laundry, a kitchen and shared bathrooms that are cleaned daily. English speaking, friendly, and rather cheap- from 9000 for a private room to 6000 for a bed in a shared room, or 6500-7000 for a room with breakfast. Between November and May rooms are 5000. Coffee and Tee are free. 9000 for single room, 6000 for shared room with locker, 6500 for room with light breakfast, 7000 for full breakfast.  edit
• GuestHouse a wonderful location at Mashtots 52. They are very kind and it is very clean. However, they are almost always full.
• several homestays, on Sayat Nova 5, Anahit Stepanyan. About 15 USD per person (summer 2009), conditions from bad to average, one bathroom for sometimes 20 people..  edit
• Areg Hotel [27] (near Sasuntsi David Square, south and not too far from downtown) Nice, small and clean, it's the cheapest (real) hotel. Single: 50 USD - Double: 73 USD - Triple: 86 USD (Tax and breakfast included)
• Penthouse Hotel & Hostel [28] 5 Koryun Street, apt 33/2(near Matenadaran, Medical University, Abovyan Street, the metro station Eritasardakan) It is an elegant duplex, clean, comfortable, with the amazing view of Biblical Mount Ararat. The rates are from 5000-5800 AMD (9-10,40 Euro), including Armenian/continental breakfast.

[edit] Mid-range

• Ani Plaza [29]
• Ararat Hotel [30]
• Congress [31]
• Casa Delano??
• Hotel Europe [32]
• Erebuni Hotel [33]

[edit] Splurge

The main western standard hotels are the Marriott Hotel Armenia, located in Republic Square, Hotel Yerevan (Golden Tulip) on Abovyan, and the Congress Hotel, a short walk from Republic Square. The Congress is one step down in price but offers the same western feel as the Marriott, and has a large outdoor pool. The Golden Palace, which claims 5 stars, has recently opened (July 2005). It is at the top of the Cascade. Hotel Latar, far on the outskirts of the city is like another world – as are the prices. The massive circular pool is a sight to behold.
The Hotel Ani and Bass Hotel are nice and offer more realistic prices for western style accommodations. The specialty niche has the Tufenkian Hotel which tries to give you western standards but be true to the Armenian culture. It is high up in the Nork district of Yerevan, and you will be lucky if your taxi can find it easily. Olympia Hotel is situated in one of the most prestigious parts of Yerevan. The outstanding view from your balcony (you’ll see Mountain Ararat, Mountain Aragats, Hrazdan valley and hear the sound of the waterfall just in front of you). Renovated and recently opened Erebuni Hotel is also a good choice in terms of price, location (next to Republic Square) and accommodations.

• Armenia Marriott Hotel [34]
• Golden Palace Hotel [35]
• Golden Tulip Hotel Yerevan [36]
• Olympia Hotel [37]
• Tufenkian Avan Villa Yerevan [38]

[edit] Read

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

[edit] Stay safe

Yerevan is generally safer than many western-European cities. Crime and street violence is almost non-existent here. 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 3000 Dram (9 USD) fine for jaywalking.

[edit] Contact

• Armenian Tourism Development Agency, 3 Nalbandyan Street, [39].

[edit] Mobile phone providers

There are three GSM service providers operating in Armenia. It is strongly advised to acquire a temporary prepaid SIM card as they are cheap and convenient, allowing both local and international calls, no charge for incoming calls and no monthly fee. Mobile internet and UTMS are also offered from all companies, as well as the normal full range of wireless services.
VivaCell and Orange have booths offering free SIM-Cards to incomming visitors at the airport. They are also easiest to top-up (at pretty much any store or kisok in the country!) and have better English service, rates and coverage. Majority of foreign visitors find their unlocked mobile phones compatible with Armenian SIM cards (GSM 900/1800). GSM coverage maps of Armenia: [40].

• VivaCell [41](Armenian, English, and Russian) is the leading GSM service provider in Armenia and offers quality service at reasonable rates (owned by the Russian giant MTS). They have the best coverage outside of Yerevan. VivaCell pre-paid SIM card ("ALO" card) costs AMD 1100-7000 (USD 3-20) depending on how much starting credit you want. At their flagship store off of Republic Square, VivaCell is very helpful to forgeiners and will make sure that you understand everything in English, French or Russian. They offer very low prices for international calls from your phone via a VoIP (be sure to dial 77 00+country code+the number, i.e.77001... for US or 770048... for Poland!), infact it is much cheaper per minute to call the US or Canada(13AMD/$0.03) or Russia(30AMD/$0.08) than it is to dail Armenian networks.

• Beeline [42](Armenian and Russian) (formerly ArmenTel but have switched to the Russian brand) also have a pre-paid card. Note: this option may no longer be available to those without Armenian residency, although Russians and Ukrainians seem to be exempted.

• Orange [43](Armenian and English) (The French multi-national is a newcommer, in the country since mid-2009) offers a pre-paid card called Let's Talk with complicated but competitive rates. All networks in Armenia(35AMD/$0.09) lower rates may apply within the network or for night-time calls, US or Canada(15AMD/$0.04), Russia(30AMD/$0.08).

[edit] Cope

[edit] Embassies

This is not a full list.

• Canada, Amiryan 1, ☎ +374 91-401-238.  edit
• China, Baghramyan 12, ☎ +374 10-560-663 (chiemb@arminco.com, fax: +374 10-545761), [44].  edit
• Finland, Tamanyan 6/14, ☎ +374 91-401-623.  edit
• France, Grigor Lusavorich 8, ☎ +374 10-591-950, [45].  edit
• Germany, Tscharenz 29, [46].  edit
• Greece, 6 Demirchian Str. 375002, ☎ +374 10-530-051 (gremb.ere@mfa.gr, fax: +374 10-530-049), [47]. M-F: 09:00 - 16:00.  edit
• Italy, Viale Italia 5, ☎ +374 10-542-335, [48].  edit
• Poland, Hanrapetutyan 44a, ☎ +374 91-426-885, [49].  edit
• Romania, Str. Barbusse, nr. 15, Cartierul Arabkir, ☎ +374 10-275-332 (ambrom@netsys.am).  edit
• Russia, Grigor Lusavorich 13a, ☎ +374 10-567-197, [50].  edit
• Slovakia, Sayat-Nova 19, ☎ +374 10-532-553, [51].  edit
• United Kingdom, Baghramyan 34, [52].  edit
• United States, 1 American Ave, ☎ +374 10-464-700 (usinfo@usa.am), [53].  edit

[edit] Get out

[edit] Day tours

There are many convenient day trips based from Yerevan, including a bunch better saved as overnight trips.

• Garni and Geghard are an absolute must, or people will not believe you’ve been to Armenia.
• Zvartnots Cathedral ruins and Echmiadzin.
• Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank monasteries overlooking the Kasagh River Canyon and the churches of Ashtarak.
• Khor Virab Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Noravank Canyon and Areni Wine Country.
• Lake Sevan, Sevanavank and Hayravank Monasteries, and Noratus Khachkar Cemetary.
• Dilijan old town, Haghartsin and Goshavank Monasteries.
• The Debed Canyon and the monasteries of Lori (UNESCO World Heritage sites of Haghpat and Sanahin, plus Odzun, Kobayr, Horomayri and Surp Grigori).

[edit] Public transportation

Buses and Minivans are the major means of transportation within the country. From Yerevan you can get to literally every place in Armenia within a day. To make things confusing for foreigners, there exists a confusing amount of different regional bus-stations in Yervan and especially the minivans tend to leave from hard to find places just somewhere at the side of the road. When heading into Yerevan, they are not unknown to drop you at random spots somewhere in the city, so ask the driver beforehand to drop you at a convenient place. The following is a incomplete list of the major bus- "stations".

[edit] Central/Kilikia Bus Station

This is the biggest bus station in Yerevan. It is located to the south-west of the city center on Admiral Isakov Avenue, around one kilometer form the shuka at the end of Mashtots Avenue. To get there, take Minibuses 13 (from Barekamutsun Metro), 23 (from the Train Station) or 15, 68 and 75 (from Repuplic Square). The buses from here serve for example Sisian, Goris, Kapan, Gyumri and Vanadzor.

[edit] Northern Bus Station

This bus station lies around 5km north of the city center on the Yervan-Sevan Highway. It is worth visiting just for its soviet architecture and the desperate feeling the huge and empty building gives. To get there take bus 113 or Minibus 101 (both from somewhere on Komitas). Buses and Minivans from here go to for example Dillijan and Sevan.

[edit] By train

Trains are cheap but inconvenient and uncomfortable options, but for the adventurous they can be taken on the Yerevan-Lake Sevan, Yerevan-Gyumri, Vanadzor-Alaverdi-Tbilisi and Yerevan-Yevlakh routes.