Armenia

Cost of living

What a month costs

Yerevan is one of the better value capitals in the region. Rents in the center rose with the recent influx of remote workers, but groceries, dining and transport stay cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Yerevan

1. Republic SquareThe grand central square ringed by pink tuff buildings, with musical fountains on summer nights.
2. Cascade ComplexA giant limestone stairway of gardens and sculpture housing the Cafesjian Center for the Arts.
3. MatenadaranA hillside repository and museum of thousands of ancient Armenian manuscripts.
4. TsitsernakaberdThe Armenian Genocide memorial and museum, a solemn and essential stop above the city.
5. Vernissage MarketA sprawling weekend open-air market for crafts, carpets, jewelry and antiques.
6. History Museum of ArmeniaOn Republic Square, covering the country from Bronze Age finds to the modern era.
7. Blue MosqueA serene restored 18th-century Persian mosque with tiled courtyards near the center.
8. Opera House and Freedom SquareThe elegant hub of Yerevan's cultural life, surrounded by cafés and swan lake.
9. Mother Armenia and Victory ParkA towering statue with sweeping views and a small amusement park below.
10. GUM MarketA lively covered market piled with dried fruit, spices, cheeses and pickles to sample.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Lake SevanA vast alpine lake an hour east, with the hilltop Sevanavank monastery and summer beaches.
2. DilijanForested spa town often called Armenian Switzerland, great for hikes and cool air in summer.
3. Garni and GeghardA Greco-Roman temple and a cliff-carved cave monastery, easily paired in one day trip.
4. Khor VirapA monastery on the plain with the postcard view of snow-capped Mount Ararat right behind it.
5. TatevA remote medieval monastery reached by the Wings of Tatev, one of the world's longest cable cars.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. LumenA specialty coffee favorite near Northern Avenue, popular with the laptop crowd.
2. Green BeanA local specialty roaster with several bright, friendly cafés around town.
3. Coffeeshop CompanyA central Vienna-style café that is reliable for pastries and a long sit.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. DolmamaA refined institution for traditional Armenian dishes in a courtyard setting.
2. LavashA buzzy modern take on Armenian classics just off Republic Square, always busy.
3. SherepContemporary Armenian cooking with an open kitchen, from the Lavash team.
4. Tavern YerevanA cheerful traditional tavern chain, generous plates of khorovats and dolma.
5. AntebWell-loved for Armenian and Middle Eastern flavors with a Gaziantep influence.
6. Wine RepublicA relaxed bistro and wine bar showcasing the country's revived winemaking.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. AchajourA central café known for hearty breakfasts and long brunches.
2. LumenGood coffee plus eggs and pastries to start the morning slowly.
3. Green BeanReliable morning spot for eggs, granola and a proper flat white.