Armenia may be small, but it carries a character much bigger than its size. If I had to choose a few words that I associate with it, they would be wine, monasteries, and an alphabet that looks like art.

I’ve been living in the capital, Yerevan, for a while and have observed wonderful things worth sharing.

Details That Shape the City

The city is small, and its architecture is unique. Most buildings look old from the outside but are renovated inside. Archways lead you into hidden neighborhoods, and many shops and restaurants sit a few steps below street level, often decorated in colorful, eye-catching ways.

Armenians love buying fresh flowers and on almost every corner there are small flower stalls.
I came across brick memorials marked with crosses, known as khachkars, often decorated with fresh flowers. I had the impression that someone placed them there each Sunday, though I never found out if it was a tradition or just a habit of the neighbors.

Nightlife in Yerevan

The city is relatively small, but there are a few spots in the center where the crowd is always present. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to spend the evening there.

• Republic Square stands out with its colorful fountains and surrounding architecture. At night, the dance of water, light, and music invites you to stay and enjoy the moment.

• The Opera House also offers a vibrant atmosphere, and most of the time something is happening there.

• The Cascade is where you can climb the stairs to see the city’s beauty from above. Along the way, you pass art installations and find spots to sit and relax for a while.

• Northern Avenue is another place full of energy, with shops, striking buildings, buskers, and people walking around.

Beauty in the Streets

On every corner, something beautiful catches your eye. Many shops and restaurants are decorated with care, and art is scattered throughout the city. Cozy spots to sit and coffee places are everywhere, making it easy to grab a drink. Statues are another unique feature of Yerevan, and the large ones add to the city’s charm.

What It’s Like Outside the City

Armenia offers a blend of monasteries and nature. There are many small towns surrounded by beautiful landscapes. On my trip to Georgia, I passed Lake Sevan and Dilijan, two of Armenia’s most famous towns, and the scenery looked wonderful.

Mount Aragats and Mount Ararat are two well-known summits in Armenia. From high points in Yerevan, you can catch nice views of them, and throughout the summer it was easy to spot snow on the peaks.

Festivals and Celebrations

There are many different Armenian occasions, which makes planning for weekends easier. The most popular are the wine festival, beer days, the water festival, the color festival, and various open-air concerts.

My Take on Yerevan

In my humble opinion, Yerevan is one of the most underrated cities and deserves more attention. Even in summer, when tourists arrive and the city feels lively, it still doesn’t get the recognition that many European capitals do.

The language is difficult, but most people speak decent English, and you rarely find yourself stuck in a situation where it becomes a barrier.

Have you heard about Yerevan before? If not, do you like it now that I’ve shared a little more about it?