Overview

Armenia is a country of beauty, history and culture. This ancient mountainous country offers a wide range of activities for the traveller. From swimming in lake Sevan, hiking on Mt Aragats, picnicking in Ashtarak valley, exploring the mountains of Karabagh to appreciating the Opera, sipping soorj (Armenian Coffee) in the many relaxing cafés and enjoying the Yerevan night life.

History Highlights

General Facts

Holidays/Festivals

Date Celebration Details
Dec.31, January 1&2 New Year Major National public holiday
January 6 Christmas As per the Armenian Apostolic Church
March 8 Women's Day All females get a mention!
April 7 Mother's & Beauty Day What can we say females like the attention!
April 24 Genocide Memorial Day Public holiday. Entire Day is dedicated to paying respect and laying flowers at the Genocide memorial at Tzitzernakaberd in Yerevan.
May 1 Labour Day Public holiday across many European countries
May 9 Victory and Peace Day Soviet era carry over-memorial for war veterans
May 28 Restoration of Armenian Statehood Day Dating back to 1918
July 5 Constitution Day Public holiday
A Sunday in July Vardavar Festival Don't leave home without your wet weather gear! It's a water splashing day. Everyone is guaranteed to get wet!
September 21 Independence Day Dating back to 1991
December 7 Earthquake Victims Memorial Day Dating back to 1988


Weather

Armenia has four seasons, however, the winter and summer are more severe and the spring and Autumn are much milder and shorter. Typical Yerevan temperature in winter (Dec-Feb) reaches around minus 20 degrees C and the summer (Jun-Aug) temperature averages around the mid to high 30 degrees C. Other regions can vary across the year.



Where to Go

Around Yerevan


Republic Square is the main square in Yerevan and is by far the grandest. It is surrounded by majestic buildings that light up at night to an even grander view. You will find the Marriot Hotel, Main Post Office, the History Museum and governmental buildings around the square. The History Museum faces a group of fountains that operate throughout the warmer seasons and often serves as a place to cool down as kids will splash around in it in summer. In the centre of the square is a round-about that has been constructed in 2003/ 2004 and it displays a sample of all the different types of rocks known to be found in Armenia. Further across where a giant advertisement screen stands is the ex-location of the statue of Lenin once overlooking the square in Soviet times.

Genocide Memorial in Tsitsernakaberd (close to the Hrazdan Stadium) in Yerevan holds the eternal flame in memory of the 1.5 million who were victims of the Genocide in 1915 by the Ottoman Turks. This memorial site is visited by Armenians every year on the 24th April, where the masses pay their respect and lay flowers around the flame. Indeed a somber occasion that shouldn't be missed if in Armenia at that date. There is also a dedicated museum close by.

Opera House occupying an entire block off Mashtots and between Tumanyan, Teryan and Sayat Nova streets is not only the centre for most cultural events but also a popular hang out due to the numerous cafés surrounding the building. While in Yerevan a cultural event is indeed an experience that should not be missed. Enjoy an opera (e.g. Anush or Guyaneh are well known operas) or a folk dance recital where maximum ticket prices are typically 3000 AMD for the best seats in town. Or if in town in summer, stroll up in the evening and you are likely to catch a free open air cultural show of some sort. And if none of this is your cup of tea then why not settle for a pomegranate tea or an Armenian soorj at one of the cafes instead, and soak up the atmosphere.

Matenadaran is the museum housing sample manuscripts and early translations, dedicated to Mesrop Mashtots who created the Armenian alphabet in 405 A.D. Some interesting facts to note is that the Armenian alphabet:

The museum sits at the end of the main artery Mashtots Ave (also known as Prospect Ave during the soviet era). There is a giant statue of Mesrop Mashtots in the front of the building.

Note that if you do visit the Madenadaran, you should also consider visiting the Grand Candy store nearby and experience a freshly made .bonchik. a cream filled pastry. See the .Where to eat. section for more details.

Cascade is a project started in the Soviet era, and only finished around 2004 thanks to the assistance and support of the Cafesjian Foundation. It boasts a series of steps to the top of the hill known as the Monument. At the top of the steps a modern art museum is being developed by the same Foundation housing. Scattered around the Cascade, you will also notice many other artworks as you climb to the top including a giant cat at the foot of the stairs (where there is an entrance to the escalator nearby). There are cubic people statues at the first level exit and playful rabbits at a further level up. In summer the stairs are even more impressive with flower beds in full bloom surrounding the entire climb. Also a nice experience is to go close to the fountain area and sit at the base of the stairs and simply enjoy the sound of the water gushing down.

In the warmer seasons you will also find regular open air entertainment provided by the Cafesjian Foundation enjoyed by the public.

Mother Armenia & Victory Park are up on the hill and outside of the main Yerevan "kendron" (central) area. Victory park, once a Soviet era park housing war memorabilia is now an amusement park/ entertainment venue. The Mother Armenia statue stands on a war museum.

Surp Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral is the newest built cathedral in Yerevan. It was built to mark the 1700 anniversary of the acceptance of Christianity as Armenia's national religion in 301A.D. The enormous cathedral is quite impressive as you will note that there are no internal support columns. It is situated on Tigran Mets Street (close to Khanjian St.).

In the Regions

So much to see and so little time! The entire country is studded with places of interest and historical significance. If you want to see everything in detail you could be here for months! However some of the highlights include the following:

Heading North & North West

Lake Sevan is the largest lake in modern Armenia. The weather is typically cooler in this area so Yerevan locals flock there in summer for relief from the summer heat. It is primarily a holiday destination and a favourite spot for those keen for fishing. However there are also a few places of interest to see close by such as Akhtamar, Hyravank and others.
clock about 45 minutes north of Yerevan

Dilijan is a small town further north from Sevan. It is a popular holiday destination for locals. It is quite a pleasant and lush region. You can visit nearby attractions including the ancient church of Haghartzin, perched up on a hill in the woods (well worth the effort to get there). Goshavank is another ancient church nearby and Barz Lij is a quiet lake nestled in woods. make sure to have a picnic here! Ijevan is a large city at the furthest point north before crossing the border to Azerbaijan. Its about another 45 minutes drive out from Dilijan.
clock about 1.5 hours north of Yerevan

Alaverdi is a quaint town situated in a valley along the picturesque Debed Canyon. It is a mining town with refineries close by. Close by you will find many historic sights worth visiting. This includes Akhtala Berd, an ancient castle which also has a church on the grounds. Look out for the mosh (blackberry) bushes around in summer. Haghbat is a monastery where Sayat Nova stayed at. This quiet monastery nestled on top of a hill, has a series of churches next to each other, one with underground storage vessels. There is a secret passage to the village below used by the locals in history in times of war. Sanahin is another monastery complex dating back to the 10th century, home to the Mikoyan brothers who designed the MIG fighter airplanes.

Oshakan is where the grave of Mesrop Mashtotz resides. A church has been erected on the site in his honour. Make sure you check out the manicured grass Armenian alphabet on the church grounds. A cute village next to Oshakan is Voskevaz. A short drive further will get you to Byurakan, a quaint, relaxing village on top of a hill. Make sure you stop at the .Asdghadidaran. (Observatory) on the way.
clock about 30 minutes west of Yerevan.

Mt Aragats is the highest peak in modern Armenia and it has four peaks. You can drive to the Black Lake situated at a high altitude. Also close by is Ambert, an ancient castle in ruins and an accompanying Church. This region is quite suitable for hiking for those who are keen!
clock about 1 hour north west of Yerevan

Jermuk is the city where the source of the popular bottled mineral water is found. You can visit the Jermuk mineral water factory, a state of the art bottling plant. Also must see attractions are the local waterfall (where the water hugs the surface of the rock as it descends) and the hot water spring where it is said that the different temperature water will cure different ailments.
clock about 3 hours south east of Yerevan


Kharabagh

If you are here for more than one week it will be worth travelling to this beautiful mountainous land which has been fought over in recent history. Only accessible by car, it will take approximately 6 hours to reach Kharabagh. Kharabagh is somewhat of a disputed territory due to its recent history of war with Azerbaijan. To enter, if not travelling on an Armenian passport, you do need a visa which can be purchased either in Yerevan, Armenia or in Stepanakert, Kharabagh. Once there, you should allow yourself at least 2 to 3 days to explore this historical land.
clock about 6 hours south east of Yerevan

The history of Armenians in Kharabagh (also known as Artsakh) is deeply rooted. The best way to learn about it is to visit the history museum in Stepanakert, the capital city. You will find Stepanakert a clean and tidy city populated with some of the most courageous Armenians. They speak a different dialect of Armenian which can be hard to understand for even those who can speak Armenian. Notice the BBQ's hanging off the balconies, you can tell they are fond of their Khorovats (Armenian BBQ) here! Also make sure you visit the famous, iconic statue of the Mamik and Babik (Grandmother and Grandfather) on route to Gandzasar. It symobilses how entrenched the Armenians are in this land that only their heads are above the land to watch over it (their bodies remain as roots in the ground). Gandzasar is a monestary 20 km away from Stepanakert, known to house the head of John the Baptist. The once impossible road to travel on to reach the monestary has recently been repaved and is now a perfect route to travel on. This monestary, pearched up on top of a hill is set in tree covered rolling hills. It is said that inside the main church, images of two angels have appeared (one on either side of the altar) which has helped to protect it during the wars. You can see the marks from the shootings during the war on the far side wall of the main church.

Shoushi is the second biggest city in Artsakh only 10 km away from Stepanakert. This cliff top city has been a focal point in the war with Azerbaijan. It now sits on Armenian territory and is very safe to visit. The winding tree lined street up to Shoushi is stunning and so is the main cathedral there known to be one of the most beautiful in the region.

Amaras is where Mesrop Mashtots, the founder of the Armenian alphabet has been stationed at, and who established a school and a church there. You will also find the oldest tree in the ex-soviet region at Amaras. This tree is said to have been seen by John the Baptist, Mesrop Mashtots, Khrimian Hayrik and many others.



Where to Shop

Vernisage is a popular market in Yerevan known for its high quality local handcraft and souvenirs. The market is held only on Saturday and Sundays typically between 10 am and 6 pm (sometimes later in Summer). Although an open air market, it operates around the year come rain, shine or snow! Vernisage is stretched between Khanjyan and Nalbandyan (from the foot of the metro on Nalbandyan to Khanjyan).

Barekamutiun square has a hidden market literally under the road. Take one of the metro entrances down to discover this circular market selling anything from house ware, fashion and knick-knacks. Don.t miss the .department store. at the same square known as the .Hanrapetian Hanrakhanoot.. It houses a large collection of fashion and footwear. This is where the locals get their trendy threads from! Make sure you brush up on your negotiation skills before you go of you want to pick up a bargain or two! Barekamutiun is on the cross roads of Baghramian (leading out of the Kendron) and Komitas, Kochar and Kievian.

Rasia an old theatre, looks more like it belongs in Japan or China with its .modern Asian. roof line. Inside it holds a large number of stalls primarily selling fashion and footwear. If you find a bargain make sure you buy it the first go otherwise you might regret it as chances are you wont be able to track down the same stall again easily! Rasia is situated on the corner of Tigran Mets and Khanjyan.

Yeritasardakan metro entrance also has a small market. There is a large collection of books on sale at the entrance and inside there is a small amount of fashion, house ware, children's gear. This also used to be a .department store. in the Soviet days. You are sure to find much more range of products these days! Yeritasardakan is off Abovyan, further up from Sayat Nova where the metro entrance is.

Bangladesh markets is situated in the suburb locally called Bangladesh (South West Suburb). It has a range of fashion, house ware and knick knacks. Make sure also to visit the .Malatsia. markets close by.

Petak is a indoor market on two levels with stalls selling fashion, footwear, house ware and food items. Petak is behind Sourmaloo (a wholesale market off Arshakoonyats St.).

Ferdos is a small, winding, overcrowded-rabbit-warren like market. But don't get put off by any of this, in fact all these features adds to the character of this popular market. If you find a bargain don't think twice and get it as you might not be able to find you way back to the same stall again! There are lots of stalls selling fashion, footwear and house ware items. Enjoy this charming market typical of what you would find in the middle east! Ferdos is located on Tigran Mets between the Hrabarak and Khanjyan. It has a small entrance off the street, so make sure to ask so you don't walk past it!

Hrazdan markets is situated right next to the Hrazdan Stadium. It is an indoor complex of stalls. One of the more expensive markets in town, expect to be quoted more in USD than in AMD. It has a large and interesting range of fashion and footwear.

Tashir is the newest shopping complex in Yerevan. A department store in the Soviet days it was known as the .Goom. which locals still refer to. It has several levels of stores you would expect to find in any shopping mall including a supermarket on the ground floor, eating areas, exclusive boutiques, fashion and footwear, stationary stores, jewellery stores etc. Tashir is situated further down from Rasia on Tigran Mets.

Voski Shooka means Gold market. This is where you can have any gold jewelry made to order or buy a ready made item. It is located on Khorenatsi St (previously Marx St) closer to Khanjyan St.



Where to Eat

Jan-Jak Russo Jan-Jak Russo Decorated in the style of a French cafe/bistro and wine bar and located on 32, Tumanyan st. Les amis de Jan-Jak Russo is open 24 hours to welcome visitors in a warm and casual atmosphere with live music of different genre starting from 9 pm daily. The friendly waiters will help you pick a dish to your taste, and a wine (French, Italian, Armenian, and other) to make your meals even more delicious. Visitors are also encouraged to draw on a paper table cloth; leave your contacts on the 'canvas' and your drawing will be put on an auction. Monet will be jealous! Some special dishes, as well as all the news about upcoming events are put down on the board which is regularly updated. (10%)

L'Espresso Lounge Bar on 40, Tumanyan St. is a unique place that serves a variety of coffee, alcoholic drinks and cocktails. Pleasant atmosphere, good music, and friendly staff will make you a habitué of the place. VIP hall is also available. If you are in a hurry and have no time to enjoy your cup of coffee there, get a 'take-away' drink and have extra 50% off in addition to 15% discount you will get as envoy guest. (15%)

Pizza & Pasta at the corner of Mashtots and Pushkin streets is a small simple place that offers some pizza, salads and pasta at reasonable price. They may also deliver for free to the hostel. (10%)

Yerevan Tavern - Craving some Armenian cuisine? Yerevan Tavern is happy to welcome you to get acquainted with Armenian traditional cuisine, taste delicious food and enjoy Armenian music. They offer a wonderful combination of price, quality in an exceptional atmosphere. (10%)

The Beatles - now you can go back to Liverpool of the 1960s without leaving Yerevan. The songs of the famous pop and rock group, the walls decorated with their pictures, the twilight of the hall and a table looking down at you from the ceiling, create a unique combination of modern style and nostalgia. You can visit us on Pushkin Street. (10%)

Chez Michele - Bistro on Pushkin, just one minute walk from Envoy, is a cosy place for some Turkish kebab and barbeque, as well as some French dishes. Please note they are not open until 11 o.clock, so you cannot plan for an early breakfast.

Khoravatz! If you are a meat lover and can pronounce that then you will never go hungry! It's the BBQ meat Armenian style. The main type of BBQ meat is pork, but you can also find beef and chicken too. Kebab is BBQ minced meat, also a popular dish.

Armenians are mainly meat lovers and most dishes have some sort of meat in them. If you are vegetarian there is a wide range of delicious salads and soups available. Some places will also have vegetarian stuffed vine leaves (dolma).

As to find where to eat, choices are many! In particular in summer, numerous outdoor café's can be found to be a perfect stop for soorj (Armenian coffee), café glace or ice cream. Typically the food served in these café's are not of highest quality, however there are many restaurants that make up for it. Here are a few worth mentioning.

The Club - 40 Tumanyan St. A café/ restaurant (and bookshop) on a basement level. Indeed a pleasurable dinning experience set in a industrial look décor, it serves a range of traditional and modern Armenian dishes. Also a good place to go for a drink or coffee.

Mer Gyough - Translated to "Our Village" is a quaint little restaurant on Sayat Nova (behind the Opera). This friendly little place offers great quality traditional Armenian food. Complete with a hand written menu, chipped plates, and waiters/ waitresses dressed in traditional clothes it is the closest thing to actually being in a village.

Old Erevan - 1 Northern Ave (corner of Tumanyan St, Opposite the Opera). A four storey restaurant each level with a different theme and décor, all with its own live entertainment is definitely a unique experience.

CCCP - Although more expensive than the average, this place is worth a go purely for its décor. It takes you back to the Soviet era, complete from the propaganda and even the menu item names. A must just for the experience of the atmosphere.

Square One - A modern western standard café offering also a delivery menu is also known to be a hang out for spyurkahay's (Armenian Diaspora's)

Artbridge - A cosy bookshop/ café on Abovyan offering a range of fresh menu items. This is also another popular diasporan hangout.

Poplavok - An icon and landmark in its own right, it is well known by the locals. It is set on a man made lake with paddle boats and typically has live jazz music. It offers an extensive menu but is best known for its name. Poplavok means fishing float in Russian as it appears to be bopping on the water.

Grand Candy - situated close to the Madenadaran at the end of Mashtots, it is not quite a café but an iconic Armenian food experience, better known as the .bonchikanotz.. It is famous for its .bonchiks. the Armenian equivalent of the doughnut, no hole but filled with cream. Best eaten hot, it is an experience you should have when visiting Armenia.

Shamrock - an Irish pub on Saryan street is a popular place for foreigners to hang out. All the atmosphere is created for you to enjoy a glass of beer and relax in company of your friends.

Have you discovered a great local restaurant thats worth mentioning? Let us know and we will include it here. Tell us what you liked about it most.



How to get there

Marshootka

Most of Armenia gets around on Marshootkas. For 100AMD a ride (paid to the driver when disembarking) regardless of how far you go, it is the most efficient way to get around town (and even out of town but for a higher cost). This mode of transport is in between a bus and a taxi as it goes by set routes indicated by the number displayed on the minibus but you can hail it anywhere en-route and again ask to be dropped off where it suits you best. For route information please ask our friendly reception staff.

Taxi

Typically costing 100AMD per km it is a fast way of getting around town. Note that hailing a cab on the street can cost more than ordering a taxi by phone. When hailing a cab in the street always negotiate the rate based on the destination before getting in the cab. You can also hire a taxi for out of town destinations at agreed rates.

Metro

There is a short metro track which extends from the 3rd district up to Barekamootiun. Dating back to the Soviet era, this mode of transport is also an experience complete with crystal chandeliers and marble floors in the stations. Tickets are purchased as you enter the metro station at 50AMD.

Car Hire

You can hire a car with a driver to get around town and to explore the region. Although it is not recommended that you drive while in Yerevan, personal cars are also available for rental from local car rental companies. Envoy hostel can also arrange minibus tours upon request. The minibus is a 15 person air conditioned Mercedes Sprinter. To find out more check Tours on this website.

Van

What to Say

English Armenian
Hello Barev
How are you? Vonts es?
Thank you Shnorhakal (often "merci" is acceptable)
Please Khndrem
Yes Ayo (colloquially "ha")
No Voch (colloquially "che")
What is the time? Djame kanisen eh?
How much is this? Es inch arje?
What is your name? Anooned inch eh?
Where is? Oor eh?
Good Morning Bari looys
Good Night Bari Gisher

Tours

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Exchange Rate

1 USD = 360 AMD
1 EUR = 507 AMD
1 GBP = 588 AMD
Updated: 3/7/2009

Learn Armenian!

Hello = Barev
How are you? = Vontzes?
Today = Aysor
How much is it? = inch arje?
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