Our Travel Guide To Yerevan, Armenia
Energetic, vibrant, exciting, pink and unique. These are just a few things that made us fall in love with the pink capital of Armenia.
We stepped out of our hire car in the center of the city, Yerevan has a sweet smell about the streets and the air is dusty. It’s a smaller city with history built into its brick buildings and a cascading staircase that rivals the Roman Spanish Steps.
Armenia is a country with scars and a history that will bring you to tears, however today it stands rebuilt and stronger than ever. If you are planning to visit Armenia we put together a small Yerevan guide. Also if you are planning to venture further than the capital check out our Armenia Road Trip Blog and YouTube!
Yerevan Essentials
The local currency in Armenia is the Armenian dram (AMD)
We used card is most city locations and only used cash for street markets and off the beaten path stores.
The local time is GMT +3 in the summer and GMT +4 in winter.
We just used street taxis and the metro to get around the city, both are great options and we felt safe. As with any country always ask the fair price before you get in the Taxi!
Yerevan has free water all over the city. Everywhere around you can find fountains with drinking water. Water fountains are called called “Pulpulak” in the Armenian language.
Yerevan situated along the Hrazdan River.
Yerevan Highlights
Yervan Cascade
We started our day in Yerevan similarly to the way we start all our days on tour, just as the sun started to shine. We thought it would be best to head straight to the Cascade steps being as it’s the most iconic place in Yerevan. When we arrived the limestone steps shined under the morning light. Locals ran up and down the stairs and commuters walked down into the city, it was a buzz with action. The cascade steps were built to connect the downtown city to the higher up residential areas of Yeveran.
Even though the steps were built in 1971 to 1980 the steps are still not finished, either side of the staircase has a strange unfinished look and when you get to the top a large part of the steps are missing however it does look like they are working to complete the steps and we would love to return once they have completed them to enjoy the views from they very top step. Nevertheless the cascade complex was beautiful and the architecture is nothing like we had seen before. Sean chased me up the stairs as the locals watched on, there is something playful and inspiring about this place. Being surrounded by fountains, Armenian cross-stones, courtyards and gardens with unique sculptures makes for a indescribable atmosphere that makes you excited to explore.
If you don’t fancy walking up all 572 steps there is a escalator up to the top inside the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, one of the most prominent museums in Yerevan.
Mother Armenia
When you reach the top of the cascade steps you can keep climbing, past the Memorial of the 50th anniversary of Soviet Armenia. From there, you can get to Victory Park and visit the Mother Armenia statue. As you walk through the trees and fun fair rides you start to wonder where this statue is and somehow out of nowhere she appears prominent and strong. This copper statue has a greater meaning, symbolizing peace through strength. Because the statue is situated on the top of a hill it feels like she is watching over the city.
Even though the park that surrounds the status is full of fun, games and laughter you can feel the vibe change as you walk towards the 52 meter statue. Around the base of the statue lies tanks and old military vehicles, as you walk inside you can visit the Military Museum full of relics and photos from the past. We walked towards the Eternal flame, and onto the observation deck with a breathtaking view of the city.
Blue Mosque, The Last Active Mosque In Armenia
The blue entrance is distinctive and can’t be missed as you walk along a busy main street in Yerevan. As you open the door and walk down a few stairs you are met with a small oasis in the center of the city. Apricot trees and cherry trees make up a small maintained garden and the polished Mosaic tiles of the surrounding building are well looked after. Currently, it is the only remaining mosque in Yerevan. The others were either abandoned or demolished making this a unique and unmissable stop on your Yerevan tour.
Yerevan At Night
Before arriving in Armenia we had been told countless times not to go out at night or drive in the evening, well we didn’t listen and we are so glad we didn’t. Yerevan at night was awesome! Yes, you still need to have your wits about you like you need to in any city in the world but the vibe was incredible! The streets were full of families, grandparents and groups of friends all hanging out into the late evening. we walked around enjoying the city lights and watching the singing fountains at Republic Square which is called “the heart of Yerevan”. The singing fountains are situated right next to the History Museum and Art Gallery and will be enjoyed by everyone, the show seems to go on for hours as the water dances, music fills the square and the lights bounce of the surrounding buildings. We always felt safe and found the Armenian people friendly and welcoming.
Where to Eat and Drink
Armenian cuisine is filled with exciting new flavors, some I wasn’t too sure about as you can see from the pictures. We tried Lavash and many beautifully prepared salads with fresh herbs and greens. Being plant based in Armenia wasn’t easy but not impossible, google translate will be your best friend but we also found something whenever we stopped for dinner.
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Recommended Restaurant - Mayrig Restaurant Yerevan
Travel Tips
Driving in Yeveran was eye opening. It’s fast paced and aggressive, only drive in the city if you are a confident and an experienced driver.
Anyone can visit the Mosques, Churches or Monastery in Yerevan during opening hours. However, do be mindful and respectful when inside. If you’re a female and are entering the mosque itself, be sure to cover up.
Photo Diary
If you think the Caucasus region is under-travelled, then Yerevan surely is even more so. Weather you spend your time admiring the Soviet-era architecture, wandering through markets or hopping from café to café, Yerevan’s charm will grow on you the more time you spend here. It doesn’t have traditional big city vibes, its more calm and slow paced something you don’t get to experience in a capital city very often.
This city of contradictions is welcoming and an experience not to be missed. Embrace all it’s quirks and smells and I guarantee you will have the time of your life in the pink city of Yerevan.
If you have additional suggestions for travelers to Yerevan, please drop them in the comments section!
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