Traveling in Armenia: places, food, budget
Armenia is open for tourists again, so we're telling you how to stay entertained and what to see in this wonderful country, even if you don't like active travel.
Entry requirements: a negative PCR test in English, Russian, or Armenian, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. If you don't have a test, you can take one at your own expense at the arrival airport and self-isolate until you receive the result. There is no quarantine. It's better to get insurance with COVID coverage, but it's not mandatory.
From the airport to the city
Our starting point is the capital, Yerevan. The airport is located close to the city, and navigation is excellent. You have three ways to get to the city:
Bus
Shuttle №201 departs directly from the stop near the terminal, runs every half hour from 7 AM to 10 PM and from 10:30 PM to 7 AM. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the cost is approximately 300 Armenian drams (about 45 rubles, depending on the exchange rate). It also stops at the bus station.
Minibus
№107 runs every 20 minutes from 6 AM to 12 AM, with a stop also near the terminal. Unlike the bus, the minibus takes you to the city's outskirts and is slightly cheaper. You can also take it to the "Barekamutyun" metro station and then travel to the center by metro. The metro operates from 6 AM to 11 PM. Minibus №108 will take you to the railway station, from where you can go to Yerevan or any other city.
Taxis also go to the city, or you can book a transfer. But don't forget where you are – when using a taxi, you can experience all the Armenian hospitality and haggle with the driver.
What to see in Yerevan
As usual, we'll first tell you how to spend time in the city, and then about interesting places outside of it. Allocate a day or two to leisurely explore Yerevan's sights.
Great Cascade
The large cascade staircase with fountains, flower beds, sculptures, and its special atmosphere on the Kanaker Hills is Yerevan's main attraction. It emerged from the desire to connect the upper and lower parts of the city.
Singing Fountains
Be sure to let yourself be drawn to Republic Square – a grand show of singing fountains awaits you there in the evening! They appeared on the square near the historical museum building back in the USSR, attracting crowds of tourists. But years later, French specialists worked on it, and it became more modern.
English Park
One of the oldest parks in Yerevan, but now it's an attractive recreational area with developed infrastructure. Here you can not only relax peacefully and find inspiration on secluded alleys but also engage in active sports. The park features the Sundukyan Armenian Theater, its own rose garden, a children's playground, a fountain, and many locations for wedding photography.
Zoo
This place will appeal to both adults and children. The key to visiting is timing. If you happen to be there during feeding times, a most interesting spectacle awaits you. Here you will see ibexes, mandrills, Egyptian fruit bats, and other rare animals.
Cost for people aged 16-69: 800 drams on weekdays and 1200 on weekends (123 and 183 rubles).
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
It is also called the "swallow's fortress". It was erected on the eponymous hill in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. If you find yourself at the complex on April 24, you certainly won't be alone – it's a day of remembrance, and almost the entire city comes here.
Megerian Carpet Weaving Factory
Be sure to take a tour of the carpet weaving factory. You'll see how carpets are made, what meticulous, sometimes manual and intricate work it is. And maybe you'll even buy one! And to buy something else – for example, unusual and rare souvenirs, head to the "Vernissage" flea market.
Around Yerevan
The area here is mountainous and green, so after exploring the city, let's head out into nature. Interesting places and cities worth your attention are scattered throughout the country.
Sisian
A town on the banks of the Vorotan surrounded by mountains. Of particular note here are Shaki Waterfall and the prehistoric complex of Zorats Karer. It is located at an altitude of 1770 m and consists of interesting megalithic stones up to 2 meters high. It looks epic, and you can take many cool photos.
How to get there: by bus from Yerevan to Meghri in 3 hours.
Teishebaini
Also an ancient city with ruins and ongoing archaeological excavations. There's also a fortress with walls about 2 meters thick, and the views from it are magnificent!
Tatev Monastery
Not far from Sisian is Tatev Monastery. It also features the world's longest aerial tramway – "Wings of Tatev". The length of the road is 6 km! Find details on visiting and prices on the website.
Lake Sevan
A lake of incredible beauty just 70 km from Yerevan. Gorky once called it "a piece of sky that fell to earth among the mountains." An excellent place for a picnic on the shore.
Zvartnots Temple
Just 10 km from Yerevan, archaeologists found the remains of Zvartnots Temple. Be sure to bring a camera – the beauty is indescribable.
How to get there: by minibus to Vagharshapat, but you need to get off a little earlier. Follow your map or ask the driver to drop you off at the right place.
What to try
We recommend trying everything that catches your eye – it will be delicious no matter what, even if it contains ingredients you don't usually eat. Shashlik khorovats, dolma, kufta meatballs, pilaf with dried fruits, Armenian pizza lahmajoun, crispy lavash with matsun, gata layered dessert pastry. It doesn't even matter if you go to a fancy restaurant or dine at a roadside cafe – it's delicious everywhere. But here are a few proven establishments with national and other cuisines:
Akori – Armenian and European cuisines. The restaurant is located in the city center near the Tsitsernakaberd obelisk. It's ideal for getting acquainted with local cuisine.
Limone Cascade – an excellent place for breakfast with great coffee. Italian and European cuisines.
Asador - one of the best restaurants in the city. It offers a huge selection of seafood and excellent steak. We recommend booking a table in advance.
Taste Armenia, discover new places, take tons of beautiful photos, stock up on souvenirs – it's time to revive travel!
