Yerevan, Capital of Armenia

As the capital of Armenia and Armenians worldwide, Yerevan is a cosmopolitan capital catering to peoples from across the globe.  The city embodies a wide variety of cultures, traditions and tastes while at the same time retaining its own sense of identity as an Armenian city.  You will be forgiven for thinking you are at both somewhere in Europe and at the same time somewhere on the cusp of Asia.  This is by design: Armenians have always been at the crossroads of East and West, delighting in taking the best of each in shaping their lives.  Yerevan reflects that blend of cultures that is at its heart, the enigma of its existence.

For most, Yerevan is the first stop on their visit, and the city makes a good “bookend” to your visit, with a large selection of overnight venues; great cuisine; and a cosmopolitan lifestyle that lets you “ease into” this unique culture. One can spend a lifetime in this burgeoning metropolis, but for the average tourist limited to a shorter stay, take the city’s many attractions in doses. If you are on a short visit, spend a day or two at the beginning of your tour to enjoy the city’s street life and visit a museum or two (start at the State History Museum) to get a feel for the culture you are about to explore; then take another day or two to unwind, shop or visit a few more sites before you leave. The best way to explore the city is by taking one of the walking tours of the city, which pass through historic and the most popular areas and include museums, galleries, parks, monuments, cafes and restaurants along the way. If you are staying longer, this guide is just as useful; pointing to places you might not have known about, with a constantly updated database of attractions, events, overnight and culinary venues.

History of Yerevan

Yerevan is one of the oldest cities on earth.  Excavated caves at Lake Yerevan  uncovered Stone Age artifacts from ca. 250,000 BC; but the city’s history as a continuously settled area probably began around 5000 BC, at the Bronze Age. More...

Ecology and Climate

Yerevan is located at the meeting of the Hrazdan River and the Ararat Valley; a high altitude plateau of semi-desert character that requires irrigation much of the year.  Covering 210 square km of space, the city is its own province. More...

People and Culture

Yerevan is a microcosm of Armenia, magnified.  A magnet for people from around the country, the city reflects their cultures and traditions while preserving its own sense of self. More...

City Layout

Yerevan’s districts are made of its neighborhoods and a recent invention, which can cause confusion when asking locals directions.  Like the country’s marz, there were many more districts  in Soviet times than there are now, with different names.  These were regrouped into twelve larger city districts. More...

Attractions

Yerevan has so much to see, it is impossible to take it all in, in one short trip.  And Yerevan has something for just about anyone, whether you are a history buff seeking the thrill of walking through 7000 year old ruins. More...

Walking Tours