Yerevan: Explore Armenia’s Capital City
Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. Yerevan has many attractions from the ancient Erebuni Fortress to the Matenadaran manuscript museum. Yerevan is a great place to dive into Armenian culture. It is located in the South Caucasus, with the iconic Mount Ararat located in the background. You should visit Yerevan as Armenians are also renowned for their warm and hospitable nature. Armenian cuisine is incredible with traditional dishes like khorovats (barbecue), dolma, and lavash bread. Plan your trip to Yerevan now!
How to travel to Yerevan?
If you are arriving from the main airport (Zvartnots Airport) then there is an Airport Express bus which you can use. This bus number is 201 and departs every 30 minutes and will take you to the city centre. A ticket costs 300 AMD (€0.75). If you are travelling from other cities in Armenia, then you can usually either travel by train or by minibus. Yerevan is well connected to the rest of Armenia.
How to travel around Yerevan?
The best way to travel around the centre of Yerevan is by using the metro! This connects most of the city and is an easy way to travel to and from the train station if this is where you have arrived from. It costs 100 AMD (€0.25) per ride and you will need cash to pay. You will receive a token which you will insert into a machine to allow you into the metro station.
Top Things to do:
Republic Square
Republic Square, or “Hanrapetutyan Hraparak” in Armenian, is in the centre of Yerevan. Here the National History Museum and Art Museum is located. The square’s most famous feature is the stunning “History of Armenia” monument. This is a towering structure with intricate sculptures that tell the story of Armenia’s past. The square is the location of many events, concerts, and festivals.
Armenian Genocide Museum
Between 1915-1923 an estimated 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives, here in this museum you can learn all about the Armenian Genocide. The museum’s architecture, resembles an abstract, inverted teardrop, symbolising the sorrow and resilience of the Armenian people. The museum serves as both a memorial and an educational experience, aiming to ensure that the world never forgets the suffering endured by the Armenian people. It is completely free to enter and you can see brilliant views over the city, well worth a visit!
Matenadaran
The Matenadaran was named after Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. This is home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient manuscripts and documents. The Matenadaran has over 23,000 manuscripts, covering a vast array of subjects, including history, religion, science, and literature. You can explore the medieval manuscripts, some dating back over a millennium. It costs 1500 AMD (€3.60) to enter.
Cascade Complex
The Cascade Complex is a limestone staircase, designed by architect Alexander Tamanyan. As you go up the steps, you’ll see a series of modern art installations and sculptures, including works by artists such as Fernando Botero and Lynn Chadwick. At the top of the cascade, there are panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. It is free to enter and worth a trip up both in the day and at night.
Armenia National Opera Theatre
It was opened in 1933 and has a magnificent neoclassical architecture. It has grand columns and elegant façade, is a striking sight in the city. The interior is equally impressive with intricate details and a beautiful decor. The Opera Theatre hosts a wide range of performances, from classical operas to ballet performances. If you get the chance to watch a performance I would highly recommend this!
Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral
This cathedral was completed in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia’s conversion to Christianity. This stunning cathedral is a blend of traditional Armenian architecture and contemporary design. Inside, the cathedral has beautiful frescoes and religious artworks. As the largest cathedral in Armenia, it serves as a pilgrimage site for many Armenians.
Blue Mosque
This mosque was constructed in the 18th century and is called the Blue Mosque because of its blue dome. It is the only remaining mosque in Armenia as others were either abandoned or demolished. The original mosque built here included over 70,000 square feet of land. It is free to enter and admire its beauty.
Where should you stay?
Budget – Santorini Hostel – This hostel is located near to the famous attractions as well as offering a more luxurious hostel experience
Medium – Time Hotel & Tours – Here you can relax in spacious rooms as well enjoying the nice garden this hotel has to offer
High – Andor Hotel – This hotel is one of the best priced hotels you will be able to fine and it has a 4 star rating, brilliant room for a bargain!
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