Experience in Yerevan, Armenia by Anahit

What is it like to live in Yerevan? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With its rich history and culture, Yerevan has a European lifestyle. The social life is just perfect, the nightlife and variety of social events and activities are always [art of the daily Yerevan. It is a very comfortable city to live, study and to work due to its compact master plan and mixed-used multifunctional neighborhoods. You can find 24 hours open shops, pharmacies, taxi and other services in each corner of the blocks. People are helpful, the new generation speaks English very well, and is willing to help and assist in the streets. The old generation is very hospitable, besides of the national Armenian language speaks Russian. I would totally recommend visiting the city, as it provides all types of activities for different interests: museum, concerts, cafes, extreme tourism etc.

What is the student lifestyle like in Yerevan?

Student life in Yerevan is very active. Students spend lots of time outdoors. Although there are not too many modern libraries, currently various coworking spaces are opening in the city, which is a cool place to study and to chill with friends. You can also work in paralell to your studies.

How much does it cost to live in Yerevan?

Yerevan life is quite cheap compared to European prices. You need 80-150 euro to rent a nice room in the centre and 150-300 euro to rent a large apartment in the central locations of Yerevan. The living expenses are quite cheap. The food, the cafes and restaurants are also cheap. You need 200-300 euro for total expenses per month with a non-saving mode. With savings (like cooking at home, using metro) you need 70-100 euro per month. The public transport is very cheap. Taxi will const 1-3 euro from different parts of the city.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Yerevan? Is there any advice you can give?

There are a lot of accommodations in Yerevan. It is easy to find by List.am website or by local agencies.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Armenia is famous for its awesome cuisine. The food is very tasty, starting with a simple bread and cheese ending with traditional tolma and different dashes with meat. In almost every cafe you can try traditional food, soups, salads and meat deashes.

What places would you recommend visiting in Yerevan?

Yerevan is compact city. All the attractions are basicly concentrated in downtown (small centre). It is worth visiting Cascade, modern art galleries with public spaces and gardens on the hill, Opepa buildings with surrounding parks and Swan Lake, Vernissage in Saryan square with open air painter's gallery, Northern Avenue with its modern boutiques, Republic Square of Armenia, Gregory Illuminator Church etc.

Is it good to eat out in Yerevan? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yerevan is the perfect place to eat outside. The most affordable places are Karas branches, Tashor Pizza branches, Melody cafe. Retro cafe and all cafes in cascade and Saryan street are pretty good to have drink and lunches.

Is the nightlife good in Yerevan? Where is good to go?

All neighborhoods are safe in Yerevan. However, the Centre neighborhood is the best one by its architecture. The Arabkir district, Davidashen, and Kievyan street is also good to live.

What advice would you give future students heading to Yerevan?

The best thing is to live in city center. so you can fully enjoy the social life. There are a lot of events, try to find via facebook. People are very social, so it is easy to make friends. Always ask for help in the streets.