Experience in Yerevan, Armenia by Gevorg

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

This is really the most wonderful city. Not just because I am from there, but because it is really that way... Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world, was founded about 2800 years ago and here you can meet all the contrasts from the past and present. Here we have a wonderful nature and also all 4 seasons you can meet here...

What is the student lifestyle like in Yerevan?

It is a very active lifestyle, so don't expect you will be bored here...
In the meantime, Yerevan and, in general, Armenia is on of the safest places for foreigners... I haven't ever heard that any foreigner had any trouble here...

How much does it cost to live in Yerevan?

It depends... but comparing with the cost of life in most of European cities, it is much cheaper... just some examples: 1 way subway or bus ticket is about 25 cents, a medium bread has the same price, you can have a very good meal, especially in university cafes, for about 3-4 euros; a glass of beer in cafes and pubes is about 1-1.5 euros, etc.

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

No, it is too easy to find an accommodation. Most of universities also have dorms and some of them are quite nice. But if you want a 1-room apartment, in nice districts you can find a furnished one from 150 - 300 euros... sometimes even less

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

The food is very good, because Armenian people like to have a good meal... There are a lot of traditional Armenian dishes, for all kind of preferences, also here you can find a lot of Arabic, Georgian, Indian, Italian, etc restaurants, which also are not expensive... What about the fruits and veggies, they are really great here and have wonderful taste...

What places would you recommend visiting in Yerevan?

Yerevan is a historical city and it is not too big... The best places to visit are Downtown, Republic Square, Opera Theater and surroundings, Abovyan Str., National History Museum, Matenadaran (Museum of old books, very old and great collection), riverside of Zangu river, Park of lovers on Baghramyan street (nearby are also very nice governmental buildings), Surb Sargis Church, Ararat Brandy Factory, etc. Armenia is not a big country, so besides Yerevan, for sure you need to visit other places also, and there are a lot... Armenia is called also "open-air museum''...

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

Yes, for sure... There are a lot of places... for example: Caucasus restaurant, Yerevan restaurant, Karapi lich, Artashi mot, most of restaurants near the Zangu river and Proshyan street, Karas tonratun, etc... most of cafes and restaurants in Yerevan are really very good...

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

Yerevan is 24-hours living city... There are many pubs, mostly in downtown, for example Texas (Tumanyan St.), many pubs on Pushkin street and nearby; clubs - Bob's Club, Kami, etc., hundreds of cafes (in good weather mostly open air) all over the city, etc...

What advice would you give future students heading to Yerevan?

Armenia is a country with traditions... Armenian people are very warm and you will meet much hospitality there... The only thing you should remember, never tell bad words or offense people, even for joke or something like that!!!