Experience in Yerevan, Armenia by Nvard

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

Why i love so much Yerevan? Because of the people and the rhyme of the city. Even if you work 12 hours a day, you always can afford an hour walking, or sitting in a cafe with friends. People are open and share a lot of time, feelings and thoughts.
Also the city itself is very beautiful, despite the violent transformations and destructions of the old parts of the city that took place during last 10 years, Yerevan is still beautiful and charming. Architecture is unique, you will not find anything alike in other post-soviet city. It is a combination of traditional armenian, soviet, constructivist, modernist architecture...

What is the student lifestyle like in Yerevan?

Students enjoy the city most of all. Life in Yerevan is not very expensive, so students can afford a part time job or freelancing and spend free time with friends in the city.
There are lots of cafes, pubs and bars, less clubs, but youngsters hang out at the home parties and outside in the city.

How much does it cost to live in Yerevan?

Accommodation in Yerevan costs from 150-1000euro and more. It depends what you are looking for. You can find a cheap room, or nice apartment for around 200-300euros...
Eating out is more expensive, but there are nice cafes with affordable prices.
Eating out in a cafe might cost from 3-5 for lunch and 5-10 for dinner.
Beverages are around 2-3 euros.

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

There are lots of agencies that work pretty well and help foreigners to find convenient accommodation, though there are also some websites, where you can find announcements from individuals, but most of them are either in Armenian or in Russian, so you will need a local friend to help you find an accommodation and avoid additional service fees.

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

Food is delicious. Anything you try is good. From the basic home made rolls in armenian bread lavash with cheese and vegetables to complicated dishes like Dolma, Harisa, Khashlama, etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Yerevan?

So many places to visit.
Museums, galleries, monuments, restaurants, bars...
Parajanov Museum is my favourite in Yerevan.
Matenadaran, museum of ancient manuscripts, with the biggest collection of armenian manuscripts worldwide. Museum of History and National Gallery. Museum of Yervand Qochar (near Cascade). Gafeschian Gallery (inside Cascade). Armenian Genocide Museum and Komitas Museum...
NPAK, center for contemporary experimental arts.
Be sure to visit AJZ space (www.ajzspace.org), a small art space in the center of the city, where different exhibitions, screening and other cultural events are happening. You can check the event calendar on the website.
Take a walk in Cascade, near the Opera, on Sayat Nova, and down to the Abovyan street to the Republic Square. It is beautiful especially in the night.
And after go deep to the oldest district of Yerevan - Kond and discover a hidden beautiful city.

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

The Club (Tumanian 10, close to opera)
It's a shop, restaurant, cafe and tea house. Also lots of cultural events, screenings, discussions, presentations are happening here. They have very nice cuisine.
Very close to it, you should go up the narrow street is Twelve Tables, it's a shop for handmade staff and a cafe.
Dalan Shop and Gallery is on Abovyan. One of the oldest streets in Yerevan now. When you pass Cinema Moscow you will see it. They have a souvenir shop, a gallery on the second floor, and a nice outdoor cafe in an old yerevan yard style.
Natura gold. it's my favourite place. Best tea house in Yerevan with nice and calm atmosphere.
On Saturday and Sunday there's a flea market called Vernisage, it's close to Republic Square, Hanrapetutyan street.

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

Not the best one actually. There are not so many clubs, more pubs and bars, where young people hang out no matter if it is Friday or Monday. There are a lot of live concerts happening there, cheap drinks and smoke everywhere.
Yes, you should be ready to the smoke.

What advice would you give future students heading to Yerevan?

Be ready to have a lot of fun :)
You gonna love life in Yerevan!