Flight to Yerevan - Zvartnots Int´l (EVN) starting at €99.99*

Nestled at the foot of mighty Mount Ararat, Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. The capital city of Armenia, Yerevan is situated at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, and this is reflected in its culture. The city’s rich and diverse history blends traditional Armenian and modern European influences.

Yerevan is also known as the Pink City, and you can see an excellent example of the pink and yellow tuff of which the city is built in the buildings around Republic Square. This is a great starting point for any walking tour of a city. Yerevan is divided into twelve districts, which fan out from Kentron, the central district, making it easy to find your way around. Most popular tourist destinations are within walking distance of each other, and all are either free or have low admission prices. Yerevan boasts a wealth of museums illustrating its fascinating history.

The National Gallery of Armenia and the History Museum of Armenia are both in Republic Square, and you can see ancient Armenian manuscripts at Matenadaran, also known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute. The Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, located in the beautiful Yerevan Cascade Complex, offers an excellent opportunity to experience Yerevan’s vibrant contemporary arts scene. The Tsitsernakabert Monument Complex and Armenian Genocide Museum, at the edge of the Kentron district, is dedicated to the memory of over one million ethnic Armenians killed in the Genocide of 1915.

There are over thirty notable churches in Yerevan, which is appropriate for the capital city of the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion. These include the massive Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, which towers over the central district, and the medieval Katoghike Church, which is believed to be the oldest church in Yerevan. The Blue or Persian Mosque, with its blue dome and tiling, is an eighteenth-century reminder of Yerevan’s Iranian period.

Public transport in Yerevan itself is simple and inexpensive. The Yerevan metro is safe and reliable, and tickets are cheap at 100 dram (AMD), just 15p (GBP) per journey. Marshrutkas, a type of shared minibus, stop at bus stops or can be hailed like taxis, and are also inexpensive at 100 dram per journey.

Yerevan is a modern city as well as a historical one, boasting a vibrant contemporary culture. You can enjoy an operatic or orchestral performance at the Opera House or catch a jazz or open mic performance in one of the city’s many restaurants and bars.

Food in Yerevan blends the best in traditional and contemporary cuisine. Despite an emphasis on meat-based dishes, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options are available in Yerevan’s restaurants, and you’ll find something to suit every taste and budget. Book a table at a modern restaurant for delicious contemporary cooking and live music, or look out for small, traditional restaurants and takeaways serving lahmajoon (also known as Armenian pizza), khorovats (barbecue) or khachapuri (a type of stuffed flatbread).

Wine culture is huge in Armenia, so enjoy a glass or two in one of Yerevan’s many wine bars. Most bars offer a food menu, and many restaurants and bars have delightful outdoor seating areas. If you’re travelling with children, visit one of the old Soviet amusement parks, which offer charmingly old-fashioned entertainment for the family. The Sunday open-air market at Vernissage is an excellent place to spend a day and pick up souvenirs.

Yerevan provides a perfect base for exploring the beautiful Armenian countryside. Day trips to Lake Sevan or Dilijan provide great opportunities for hiking, taking in the scenery, and enjoying local food and drink. You’ll find spectacular mountain views on a trip to Goris, where you can visit Tatev Monastery and the cave village of Old Khndzoresk. Around an hour and a half from Yerevan, the spa town of Tsaghgazor offers stunning views of Kotayk Province from the ski lift.

It’s easy to get to places from Yerevan by taking a bus or hiring a car. Yerevan’s climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Freezing temperatures can last from November to February, with heavy rains in early spring. Summer and early autumn are the best months for hiking and walking tours. If you want to explore a city rich in history and culture, book a Eurowings flight to Yerevan today!