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“So… You’re French?” “Yes” “Why are you coming here, in Armenia?” “For tourism” “You come from France and you want to visit… Armenia!!!???“ “Huh… Yeah I want to visit Yerevan” “All right… Oh I get it, you come here to visit friends who live in Yerevan right?” “No no, I’m traveling by myself… I know there are things to do in Yerevan“
The guy at the customs exchanges a knowing look with his colleague, and then started jabbering in Armenian. I didn’t get a word except “tourism“, and they literally burst out laughing! “Okay, said the customs officer, clearly pleasantly surprised. Welcome to Armenia!” and he stamped my passport!
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Description of Yerevan
Here we go! After a few hours spent in a van coming from Tbilisi (the driver was driving like crazy!), I left Georgia to go to Armenia, actually to go to its capital, Yerevan! In Tbilisi, a handful of drivers, all Armenians, patiently wait for passengers to go to Armenia. Once the van is full, they just go! I knew where to find them and of course, when they saw me, they asked me where I was from. When they found out I was from France, they went crazy “Woooooow! France!? We loooove this country! Charles Aznavour! Zinedine Zidane!” And I had a better treatment than the other ones 😀 I didn’t even started checking all the things to do in Yerevan, but I already liked the city!
And it was just getting started! I knew Armenia and France were in good terms and had a good relationship, but not to that extent! They say “Merci!” to say thank you, just like in French. In Yerevan, I saw the France Square, a few french cafés. Like Luang Prabang in Laos, you can really feel the French influence. They are also big billboards with Charles Aznavour on them, there’s a Charles Aznavour Square, and a Charles Aznavour Museum!!! It was closed during my stay in Yerevan, this museum in honor of the French singer exhibits his discs, books, awards, photos of the artist… For those who don’t know him, Aznavour is a French singer and has Armenian origins…
With all this, I almost felt like I was home! The Armenian people I talk to are charmed when I tell them I live in Paris. Aznavour’s name comes out systematically when I say I’m french. He’s not the only one of Armenian descent. I completely forgot this, but the Kardashian family is from Armenia, too! And some Armenian girls I talked to in a bar really wanted to remind me this “They’re from here, not from the US!” It’s funny though, I’m not even lying but some of them were looking like the Kardashians a bit! Anyway, references change, it really depends who you talk to…
Conflict with Turkey
Those girls I saw in the bar in Yerevan are not completely wrong. If you look at the family tree of the Kardashian family, a few generations ago, this family was still in Armenia. I don’t know them that much to tell you exactly when they migrated to the US, but it was probably around 1915. For those who where not sleeping during history class, 1915 is the year the Armenian Genocide took place. Estimations say 1.2 million Armenian were killed by the Ottoman government (Turkish people). To this day, Armenians hate Turkish people, because Turkey never recognized the genocide.
Conflict with Azerbaijan
Turkey is not the only country Armenia despises. There’s also the neighboring country, Azerbaijan. But why? An area, Nagorno-Karabakh. After the USSR’s dissolution, Nagorno-Karabakh, populated by 80% of Armenian people, became part of Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh wants its independence, or to be part of Armenia. And Armenia wants this region to be part of their country. Because of this disagreement, Armenians cannot go to Azerbaijan, and vice versa. No flights/trains/buses from one country to the other, and they’re like side by side. In Armenia, I tried to check Azerbaijan Airlines’ website, it was blocked… I had to use a VPN… Anyway, the conflict lasts for decades… Wanna go to Nagorno-Karabakh? Here are a few Armenia itineraries with Nagorno Karabakh.
What to do in Yerevan
Having a walk in the city center
Walking around in Yerevan is enjoyable. Although this is the capital city, the traffic is not too dense. You’ll find a lot of bars, shops, groceries, etc… Located underground! A little bit confusing at first! A few times, I saw in the city play ping pong tables, and people playing. Since it was reaaally hot during my stay (37°C/99°F), I saw a lot of women in the streets with umbrellas to protect them from the sun (umbrellas, not parasols!).
In the evening, go to Republic Square, in front of the History Museum of Armenia. You’ll see water jets in the fountain! Very beautiful, a lot of people are present to admire the water jets, mostly families. This is where I noticed that unlike Georgia, people come to me in the street just to say hi. I also noticed I get the “Can I get a picture with you?” a little bit more than before. It’s ok, it’s always asked courteously… But it always feels weird when the locals want to get a picture with you.
Taste the Armenian food
The armenian food is honestly good. They like to eat tabbouleh, and soups in general. If you go to Yerevan, I suggest you to test out the “Tavern Yerevan” restaurant (there are a few ones in the city), to eat typically Armenian food. As for alcohol, Armenia produces good red wine, but the Ararat is very popular! This is cognac!
Mother Armenia
A little bit like Mother Georgia in Tbilisi, there is Mother Armenia in Yerevan. This monumental statue is located in Victory Park, in the heights of the city, just next to a small theme park. Since the statue is in the heights of the city, it feels like Mother Armenia is watching and taking care of the city.
Republic Square
Republic Square is a central place in Yerevan. This is where you’ll see the history museum of Armenia (haven’t been inside), but also the government of the Republic of Armenia, and a beautiful fountain in front of the museum.
Cascade complex
Cascade complex is also very popular in Yerevan. From the outside, you’ll see stairs with fountains and gardens. From the inside, there’s the Cafesjian Museum of Art, an art museum with different exhibitions.
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
One of the most famous cathedrals of the country is Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. This is the biggest church in Armenia, dedicated to Gregory the Illuminator. Obviously, this cathedral reminds of the Holy Trinity cathedral in Tbilisi. This cathedral is also quite new (2001), to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion of Armenia.
Yerevan is not a capital like the ones we’re used to see. There’s not too many people, and it’s enjoyable to walk around. Being french there helps, I can tell! If you plan to go to this beautiful country, here are several things to know before visiting Armenia!
How to get to Yerevan
The best way to get there is by plane. Click here to check the latest flight prices. If you’re already in Caucasus (Tbilissi, Batumi) there are vans going to Yerevan.
When to go to Yerevan
It’s very hot in July and August but if you can be there for the Vardavar festival, it’s perfect! It takes place in July (98 days after Easter exactly).
How to get around in Yerevan
There are marchoutkas (vans) all over the city. A one-way ride is 100 drams (0.20€). Otherwise you can walk.
Where to stay in Yerevan
If you’re traveling on a budget, the Sleep Studio Hostel is a great hostel. Click here to book your stay. If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, the Mia Casa Hotel Yerevan is for you. Click here to book your stay. If you’re into luxury hotels, the Grand Hotel Yerevan will satisfy you. Click here to book your stay. Otherwise click here to check what are the hotels available in Yerevan.
Finally, if you prefer to stay in an apartment, click here to check the apartments available on Airbnb.
Yerevan travel tips
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Do not leave home without a travel insurance! Here’s why buy travel insurance!
- Want a tailor-made trip to Armenia? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling.
I’m loving the architecture and the historical context is really interesting! This country (region) has never been on my radar but my interest is now piqued. I wonder if I could get by with just English there.
Thank you! Yes no problem, people speak English there as well, you can go!
Hello Roobens. this is Paul. I am from Jamaica. I am also planning to go to Armenia very soon. By the way, I also once lived in France and might return soon;
My question is, as a black man, which group of people do you find to be more friendlier, less racist and more open to you, Armenians or Georgians….?
as well what country and capital city is more interesting for the people, beauty, culture and modernity?
Waiting to hear from you
Hey Paul! Both were nice, and they’re not racists. But I feel like Armenians were more friendly. Some of them naturally came to me just to say hi, and it didn’t happen in Georgia. They were also asking for pics in Armenia, or telling me “Enjoy your stay in Armenia!”. Again, it didn’t happen in Georgia.
That doesn’t mean Georgians are not good people, just that Armenians were more open to talk to me, and clearly expressed how happy they were, seeing a black man visiting their country. I’m still in touch with an Armenian family I met in the street. It was on Republic Square. The kids came to me, and then their mom, we talked for at least one hour and then we exchanged contacts. We still talk every now and then!
Beauty? Culture? Tbilisi, and there are more things to visit there. People? Yerevan without a doubt! Modernity is more or less the same in both cities. I preferred Yerevan, but my opinion may be too biased, I met great people in Yerevan and we had a lot of fun, therefore I had a better time there.