Yerevan

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Yerevan City is in its own administrative area as the capital of Armenia.

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Understand

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Get in

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By plane

Western airlines flying to Yerevan are: British Airways from London Austrian Airlines from Vienna Czech Airlines from Prague Lufthansa from Munich

and the Armenian airline ArmAvia flies twice a week from Paris

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Get around

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On foot

The center of Yerevan is extremely compact and easy to get around by foot. Watch your step, however, as potholes, construction sites, and ruthless drivers abound.

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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 50 dram (US$0.10), the cheapest aside from walking. There is only one line, however, so the convenience of the metro is largely dependent on where you are going.

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By minibus

Dozens of minibus routes exist that criss-cross the city and travel to the suburbs and beyond (such as to Georgia or Karabagh). At 100 dram (US$0.20) a ride, they are a bargain. The minibuses are often overcrowed, and one may find themselves standing, crouched without a seat during 'rush hour'.

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By bus

While some old Soviet-era city buses still exist, they are far and few between. While the price is right (50 dram/US$0.10), you are better off springing the extra dime and grabbing a minibus.

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By taxi

Abundant throughout the city, a taxi ride anywhere downtown shouldn't cost you more than 1000 dram (US$2), although it is not unknown for drivers to try to get more out of foreigners. A car and driver can often be rented for day trip outside of Yerevan, for as little as $20 plus gas.

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See

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Do

Make sure to see the main square. Perhaps considered the finest example of Soviet era architecture as far as squares go (only rivalled by Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).

For music fans attend the Opera and/or the Chamber Music Orchesra performances.

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Learn

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Work

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Buy

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Eat

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Budget

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Mid-range

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Splurge

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Drink

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Sleep

Yerevan has a wide variety of accommodations but for the most part they are over priced. If you're staying for an extended period of time, rent an apartment. Check the AUA (American University of Armenia) or real estate brokers for rental listings.

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Budget

There is a dormitory/hostel at 52 Mashtots Poghota that I've been using for years. They are very kind and it is very clean.

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Mid-range

It is almost impossible to sleep cheap in Yerevan. The cheapest hotel will generally run $15 to $20 per person. Hostels do not exist as they do in Europe but a good alternative is 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 writing the Armenian Information Center at http://www.armeniainfo.am.

Ani Plaza http://www.anihotel.com/
Ararat Hotel http://www.ararathotel.am/
Congress http://www.congresshotelyerevan.com/
Hotel Europe http://www.europehotel.am/

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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.

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.