Armenia Capital City | 10 Amazing Things About Yerevan, The Capital City of Armenia

Armenia capital city, Yerevan, the largest city of the country, is one of the oldest cities in the world as well. Although the capital city of Armenia has a small area, it offers so many unique, interesting and specific things that will encourage you to visit it.

Have you ever visited the Armenia capital city, Yerevan? If not, then we highly recommend you and let’s see why.

First of all, there are only few cities in the world that are as ancient as Yerevan. In 2018, the Armenia capital will celebrate its 2,800^th anniversary.

Aside from being very hospitable and warm city, Yerevan has many things to offer culturally and historically, as well.

Even though it has a small area, tourists can find a lot of unique, surprising and exotic things for them.

Here we are going to acquaint you with some of the most unique and special features of the capital city of Armenia that the locals are so proud of.

So, let’s explore Yerevan from a different angle that, may be, will motivate you to spend your holidays in such a lovely city.

Armenia Capital City is 29 Older Than Rome

You wonder whether there is a modern capital today that predates Rome? Perhaps you think about Paris, Berlin, Washington, London, etc. But these cities are too young to match Rome and a map will, probably, help you to solve this question.

Are you ready to find out something really very astonishing for you? Armenia capital city Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the word that is continuously inhabited.

Cuneiform inscriptions that survived to our days testify the date of Yerevan’s founding that goes back to the 782BC. Whereas, Rome was founded in 753BC. Yes, you’re right Yerevan is 29 years older than Rome.

Can you imagine that the contemporary of famous Babylon is still continuing its progress and is a flourishing city now? This is already enough argument to say that Yerevan is well worth visiting.

You Can Never Ever Stay Thirsty in Armenia Capital

The famous drinking fountain of the Repblic square

Yerevan. Summer. Very, very hot weather. What would you like to do first? Of Course, buy a bottle of cold water right from the nearest supermarket, right? But, why would you buy it if you can get it for free and even more delicious?

The trick is that the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan has very unique drinking fountains that are called “pulpulak” by the locals. This becomes funny, but this is already the second analogy with Rome.

For many tourists, it is quite hard to image as many European cities don’t have such facilities. Conversely, Armenia capital, Yerevan has such specific stone creations in almost every corner. But, probably the most famous fountain is the one in Republic square.

First drinking fountains appeared in Armenia capital in 1920s and now the total number of these fountains reaches to about 1500. It means that you can meet them in every street at least once.

Over the time, they became very popular and now have a significant role in the Armenian culture.

Some of these fountains serve as memorials that have the names of the people who passed away. Aside from being useful they are also the symbol of the city. So, if by any chance, you will visit Armenia capital, don’t miss your opportunity to try this fresh, cold and tasty water.

Ridiculously Cheap Prices and “Gentleman” Attitude in Transport of Armenia Capital

As it turns out, the public transport culture of Armenia, especially of Yerevan, is very unique and special for tourists and foreigners. The capital city of Armenia has a metro system, buses, trolleybuses and small minibuses (marshutkas).

It’s not only about types of transport, but also the culture and prices that will interest you.

Buses are all over the city. Even though signs of buses are in Armenian, don’t worry! You don’t have learn Armenian for moving around. There is an app, called YerevanRoutes, which has an English version and provides the complete route map of the buses.

Now comes another great news. Transport in Yerevan is extra cheap. You just need to pay 100 AMD (about 25 cents) for metro, minibus or even bus.

After midnight, you can choose a taxi as your best and safest way of transportation. Furthermore, taxis are always abundant in Armenia capital. Just like metro and buses taxi is also extra cheap. Inside Yerevan taxis cost around 600 to 1200AMD ($1-$2).

Time for cultural aspect! There is a few things we’d like to let you know before you use Yerevan transport. You’re not forced to follow the rules, but if not doing so, expect people to stare at you with a sharp look.

Despite your gender, be respectful to elderly people. If there are not enough places in the bus and you see an old person standing, don’t hesitate to give your place to him/her.

Dear gentlemen, please always prove that you’re a gentleman. If you notice young, old, little, middle aged lady, show your respect by giving your place to them. It’s ok for young girls to refuse the offer, but elderly people will not refuse, we promise!

Armenia Capital’s Got a Nickname, Pink City

During the Soviet Union period the capital city of Armenia earned a nickname, known as “The pink city”. The name came from the buildings that are built of very beautiful, naturally colored pale pink, volcanic stones.

The color is especially beautifully seen during the sunrise and sunset, but throughout the day it can also change the shade of its color. It is thanks to Alexander Tamanian, the main architect of Armenia capital, that the city is known as the pink city.

Alexander Tamanian aimed to create a small neo-Classical city that would be equivalent in style to such famous cites as Paris or Vienna.

These shades of pink give Yerevan a vibrant and lively atmosphere that even foreigners say that they feel comfortable and cozy in this city.

The Guardian Angel, Named Ararat is Watching Over Armenia Capital

Armenia capital offers the best view of Mount Ararat. It is believed that it was the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the biblical flood. You can enjoy the breathtaking panorama view of this magnificent mountain from the top of the Cascades that is situated right in the center of Yerevan.

The highest peak of the mountain, Greater Ararat is 5,137 m, while Little Ararat is 3,896 m. It is not only the national symbol of Armenia but is also considered to be a sacred mountain for the locals.

Make sure to be in Yerevan when the days are clear (without fog and rain). Why? Because we assure you the beautiful view of this mountain from the Cascades. Also, it is a great location for landscape photography.

There is an interesting fact to know, it may sound funny, but it’s true. Those houses in Yerevan that have a grand view to Mount Ararat are much more expensive than bigger and better houses. The view to that mountain is a big deal folks!

Sometimes it seems that Ararat is like a guardian angel, who is always standing right next to the city and protecting it. Armenians LOVE Ararat! Not only you can personally see Ararat, but you’ll find its name on different billboards, brands (Ararat cognac) and other places.

Crime, Danger? We’ve Never Heard of it in Armenia Capital!

The capital city of Armenia is truly considered as one of the safest cities in Armenia. It is, actually, much safer, even during the nighttime, than in many European cities.

Yes, the crime rate here is the lowest. Almost none! Fantastic! It should also be noted that after the survey of the famous newspaper “The Independent” Armenia is in the list of top 10 safest countries in the world.

Aside from these, Armenians are very welcoming people and help tourists and foreigners, even invite them to have food together. So, Yerevan is generally very safe, hospitable and warm city.

It’s a normal practice for city residents to take night walks. By night walks, we mean 3 or 4 am. Of course, not everyone is awake that time, but in case you need to take a walk and think about life, you can do it.

And there is no treat of getting stabbed, robbed or anything. So, enjoy your safe night journey!

Yerevan Folks Have a Subway Obsession and There is a Reason for It

Subway Metro Station “Yeritasardakan”. In Armenian it means “Youth”. The reason is that most of Universities of Yerevan are situated near the station, so it’s popular among students and lecturers to use subway to get to classes.

For many Armenians metro is their favorite way of transportation. Especially youngsters are the obsessed ones. It’s the most logical thing, because all metro stations have free Wi-Fi access. Oh, now it’s your favorite as well?

But hold on, there are more reasons. It is especially pleasant to travel by metro during summer months when it’s so cool inside the subway.

Probably, the biggest advantage of the Armenian subway is that it’s incredibly clean and safe. All the travelers appreciate the level of cleanness of Yerevan subway.

Those who have been to American (especially New York) subways, probably saw the image of knocked out drag addicts, homeless people and dirty stations.

We guarantee that you will never see any of this in Yerevan subway. Clean, safe and pleasantly cool! Are you interested? Then visit Armenia capital and check it out.

Yummy Local Food Markets Are Waiting for You in Armenia Capital

We have several reasons for you to visit Yerevan food markets. First of all, it’s one of the best ways to get an insight of the locals’ lifestyle. In supermarkets, there is always a long queue. There may be people who always seem to be in a hurry and want to get out first. While it’s the opposite in food markets.

Another reason is that all the vegies, fruits and other things are 100% organic in local food markets. You never know what’s inside the packed food in supermarket, usually they are not very organic. In food markets, products are brought right from farmers’ market.

Yummmmm! This is probably the best part. Everything is so yummy. Of course, when we go to the market we don’t have plans to buy everything. But we all have this moment when we want to taste something without buying. It’s all real in Yerevan food markets.

It’s a great place for meeting the friendly Armenians who will offer you different tasty foods to try, after which, you will, definitely, be full.

Besides, at some point you may think it’s museum of food. Many foreigners admire the wide range of unique dried fruits. Those dried fruits are so colorful and diverse that seem to be a work of art. People especially enjoy the delicious “sujukhs” (walnuts dipped in dried grape juice or other fruit juices).

So, if you’ll be in Yerevan, make sure to visit these local markets and try something new for you.

Culture, Art, Shopping, Bargaining in Armenia Capital; All in One Place Called Vernissage

Variety of souvenirs in Yerevan’s Vernissage market

Vernissage is an open-air exhibition market near the Aram and Buzand streets of the capital city of Armenia. Last moment gift pickups, souvenirs, unique works of arts, it’s all here.

You can find different kinds of traditional Armenian art works. They include wooden sculptures, traditional carpets, handicrafts, old collections of coins and medallions, books, beautiful paintings, jewelry, musical instruments and many other interesting things.

Vernissage is a perfect place for getting acquainted with Armenian culture and art. And there is a special art with a very handy one for you to know. This is the art of bargaining. Folks here love to bargain. The first price you hear is never the last one, so try hard!

Ladies, You Won’t Believe How Affordable are Beauty Salons and Dentists in Armenia Capital

Another must-know thing about Armenia capital is that it offers high quality dentist and cosmetology services with quite reasonable prices compared to other countries. This is the reason why the Armenians who live abroad enjoy visiting a dentist and beauty salons during their stay in Armenia.

Recently there is also a tendency of foreigners of coming to Armenia to cure their teeth.

Girls, this one is for you! Going to hairdressers has never been cheaper anywhere before. Dying, cutting and dressing the hair may cost you form 6000 – 10000 AMD ($10-$20).

Getting your nails done is even cheaper. But don’t rush to think that service quality is equally low. It’s the total opposite.

This is why Armenian girls always have ready-to-go looks. If you’re unexpectedly invited to a party and think can’t manage to get ready, then don’t panic. Get your outfit ready, go to the nearest beauty salon and tell them when you need to show up at the party.

That’s it! They get you completely ready in no time with ridiculously affordable prcies.

By the way, the territory of Yerevan’s center has become quite large after the Soviet period. You can compare the map of Soviet Yerevan with the map of modern Yerevan and see the differences.

Also, we recommend you to examine the map of Yerevan and learn more about some of the main streets of the city if you plan to visit it.