Flight to Yerevan (EVN)

Flying to Yerevan: tips and information for your trip

Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is the capital and largest city of Armenia. Situated in the Caucasus, for several centuries Armenia was successively ruled by the Persian, Ottoman and Russian empires, before gaining its independence in 1991.

Over the last couple of decades, Yerevan has expanded rapidly to become Armenia’s administrative, cultural and industrial centre. With the growth of the economy, the city has been undergoing major reconstruction and has been transformed into a modern and vibrant city. Most of its buildings are made from volcanic rocks in different shades of pink, giving the city a unique atmosphere.

Things to do

1. The Cascade Complex, a giant stairway surrounded by waterfalls and gardens housing the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, dedicated to the best of Armenian contemporary art. The cascade is divided into 5 levels and you can use an escalator to reach the top that will offer you a magnificent viewpoint. Tips: visit it at night.
   
   
2. The national symbol of the Armenian people is most definitely Mount Ararat. This snow-capped sleeping volcano, located in the eastern extremity of Turkey and visible from everywhere in Yerevan, is considered a sacred mountain by Armenians. According to the Bible, Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Ararat after the great flood and subsequent receding of the waters.
   
   
3. The State Opera House, opened in 1933, is surrounded by parks, cafés and shops. There are two concert halls: the Aram Khachaturian concert hall with 1,400 seats and the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre with 1,200 seats.
   
   
4. Republic Square, the city’s main square surrounded by world-class museums and 7 fountains, is the living heart of Yerevan, day and night.
   
   
5. The Genocide Memorial and Museum, built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd, offers a powerful and interesting tribute to the victims of the Armenian genocide. The events are related through heart-wrenching photographs, documents and newspaper reports.
   
   
6. The Cathedral of Saint-Gregory the Illuminator, the largest Armenian church in the world and an impressive example of Armenian architecture. If you want to know more about the religious history of Armenia, visit the Khor Virap Monastery, one of the most popular destinations in the country located 30 km south of Yerevan.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flies to Zvartnots International Airport, located 12 km from the city centre. You can take a shuttle bus that is 300 metres from the terminal. It takes 30 minutes to reach the city. Taxis and car rental are also available.  
  
• Currency: Armenian dram (AMD). Cash and credit cards are the main methods of payment and ATMs can be found at most bank branches, as well as inside many supermarkets and corner shops.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The country dialling code is +374. Wi-Fi is widely available.
• Electric sockets: Plug type C and type F (2 round pins). The electrical system runs on a 230 V and 50 Hz power supply.
• Travel information: When visiting, make sure you have a valid passport. Visitors from visa-exempt countries are allowed to stay up to 180 days per year.

Dos and Don’ts in Yerevan:

• Get the Yerevan Card. It is the official city pass of Yerevan and gives you free access to 40 museums, many tours and attractions. Besides, you get 10–40% discounts in more than 150 partner organizations and free usage of city transport (taxi, subway).
  
  
• Be careful, men greet other men with a handshake. However, women greet each other with hugs and a kiss.
  
  
• Western-style clothing is common but neither women nor men should wear shorts.
  
  
• Try to learn some basic Armenian words, it will be greatly appreciated.
  
  
• Although tipping is new in Armenia, restaurants expect a tip of between 10 and 20%.

Essential vocabulary

• Yes – Այո (ayo)
• No – Ոչ (voch)
• Thanks – Շնորհակալություն (shnorhakalutyun)
• Please – Խնդրում եմ (khndrum em)
• Sorry – Կներեք (knerek)
• Hello – Բարեւ Ձեզ (barev dzez)
• Good morning – Բարի լույս (bari luys)
• Good afternoon – Բարի օր (bari or)
• Good evening – Բարի երեկո (bari yereko)
• Goodbye – Ցտեսություն (Tstesutyun)
• How are you? – Ինչպես ես (inchpes es?), ոնց՞ես (vonc es? – informal)
• I am well – Ես լավ եմ (yes lav em)
• I do not speak Armenian – Ես չեմ խոսում հայերեն. (yes chem khosum hayeren)

Cultural events

• All Jazz lovers will enjoy the Yerevan Jazz Day. This festival is held at the perfect spot, the Cascade Complex, where you can listen to jazz music and watch the marvellous Cascade all day long.
  
  
• Yerevan Wine Days: Every year, 15 leading local wineries display their wine and each day has a special programme. For example, the first day will focus on red wine and then, on the second day, white wine will be in the spotlight.
  
  
• The Color Run, an event which you can experience in most major cities, is also organized in Yerevan. It’s a good opportunity to have fun during your trip and try something different.
  
  
• The Taraz Festival is a good chance to admire Armenian traditional clothes that reflect their cultural identity. People dressed in vivid colours parade along the street and share the great Armenian heritage.

When to visit Yerevan?

Armenia is considered as a sunny country and has a highland continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city has its main tourist season between June and August.

What to eat and drink in Yerevan?

• Lahmacun – the Armenian pizza
• Armenian kebab
• Dolma – meat or vegetables rolled in grape leaves
• Manti – baked dumplings served with a yoghurt and garlic sauce
• Lavash – traditional Armenian bread
• Ghapama – stuffed pumpkin dish
• Armenian cheese
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Basturma – appetizer, spicy cured beef