Yerevan

Good to know

1. 1Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The fortress of Erebuni, founded in 782 BC, is usually taken as its starting point, and the city celebrates this every year.
2. 2Much of the central city was laid out in the early twentieth century by the architect Alexander Tamanian. The circular plan around Republic Square and the wide, tree-lined boulevards come from his design.
3. 3The Cascade is a huge stairway of white stone climbing a hillside in the centre, with art installations and a view over the city towards Ararat. Ararat itself now lies across the border in Turkey, but it remains a national symbol.
4. 4Armenians use their own alphabet, created in the early fifth century by Mesrop Mashtots. The script looks unlike any other, and the Matenadaran, a museum of ancient manuscripts, is a good place to see it.
5. 5Food is a big part of the city's life: lavash flatbread, grilled meat called khorovats, dolma, and plenty of apricots, which are closely tied to Armenian identity. Armenian brandy is also well known.
6. 6The Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum at Tsitsernakaberd, on a hill above the city, is a quiet and important place to understand the country's history.

Tips for a first visit

• The centre is small enough to explore on foot, and you can reach most sights in a short walk. For longer distances, the metro is simple and there are plenty of taxis and ride-hailing apps.
• Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in the centre, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafes and minibuses.
• Visit the Vernissage, the open-air weekend market near Republic Square, for crafts, carpets and souvenirs, and the covered GUM market for fruit, dried fruit and cheese.
• Try a meal built around khorovats, then finish with strong coffee served in a small cup. Meals are often long and shared, so go without hurrying.
• Learn a few words of Armenian, such as barev for hello and shnorhakalutyun for thank you. People appreciate the effort, though Russian and English are also spoken by many.
• If you visit churches and monasteries, dress modestly and keep your voice low. It is polite to ask before photographing people.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times, with mild days and good light for walking and day trips. Summer can be very hot in the city, though evenings are lively and people stay out late. Winters are cold and can bring snow, which suits those who prefer quiet streets and cosy cafes.

From the airport

Zvartnots International Airport lies a short way west of the city, and the trip into the centre usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes by road depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are the most direct option, and there are also buses that run into the city. Once in the centre, most visitors walk, with the metro and taxis for longer hops.