Yerevan City Guide

Local dishes like khorovats BBQ and dolma are must-tries. International options include Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian. Vegetarian and vegan places are growing. Many spots stay open late on weekends.

Nightlife is active, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues mainly in the city center.

Coffee scene is vibrant with specialty shops and Armenian coffee traditions. Local roasters are emerging.

Tipping is not required but appreciated. Restaurants often include a 10% service charge; if not, 5-10% is common. Taxi rounding up is usual.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or official stores. Main providers are Viva-MTS, Ucom, and Beeline. Passports are needed. eSIMs available with Viva-MTS and Ucom.

City is fairly clean in central areas. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is limited.

Some pharmacies, minimarts, and food places open 24/7. Night clinics are limited but hospital emergency rooms operate around the clock.

Large supermarkets stock international products. Fresh markets offer local produce and expect bargaining. Shops open 9 AM to 10 PM or later, with most open on Sundays.

Card payments work well in supermarkets, restaurants, and big shops. Cash is still usual for markets, taxis, and small stores.

ATMs are common across the city, available at banks, shopping centers, and main streets. Fees are low but check your bank.

International schools teach in English and French, like QSI and French International School. Admissions follow international calendars.

Nomad groups and meetups are growing. Co-working spaces and events support networking and community.

Good park access with shaded paths. Popular spots include Lovers' Park and Hrazdan Gorge.

Parks and the Cascade area provide safe, scenic running routes. Local running groups exist.

Several modern gyms offer a range of equipment and classes.

Tennis courts are available at sports clubs, with equipment rental and coaching options.

Padel courts are less common but growing in popularity.

Several studios offer different yoga styles. Many have English-speaking instructors.

Gym options include boxing, wrestling, and judo. English-speaking instructors are limited but some are available.

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort is about an hour away. It offers slopes for all levels and equipment rentals. Ski season runs mid-December to early April.

Lake Sevan offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing in summer. Rentals and tours are available.

No surfing in Yerevan; landlocked location.

Limited recreational diving on Lake Sevan but not a major destination.

Private clinics offer better quality and shorter waits. English speakers are found in Nairi and Astghik Medical Centers. Pharmacies are common, some 24/7.

Tap water is safe to drink, sourced from mountain springs.

Parks like Lovers' Park and English Park have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes and baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Yerevan Zoo and Waterworld.

Public acceptance is low with few safe spaces. Discrimination risks exist.

Pet policies vary but are improving. Several vet clinics and pet-friendly parks exist.