In the event you’re occupied with being a digital nomad in Yerevan, this digital nomad information to Yerevan outlines all you must know from residing prices to the very best areas to remain and rather more. Armenia typically will get neglected in favor of its neighbor Georgia, however this vacation spot is ideal for distant working.
I’ve been a digital nomad in Armenia for the final 4 months and will likely be returning to stay there for the remainder of the summer season. The laid-back capital of Yerevan has a vibrant cafe tradition, numerous locations for distant working, a thriving nightlife, wonderful meals, and many to see and do in and across the metropolis.
In your downtime, you possibly can discover Armenia’s wealthy historical past, go to vineyards and historic temples, climb mountains, and lose your self in among the most spectacular nature you’ll discover wherever on this planet. Armenians are extremely hospitable and also you’ll be sure you make loads of buddies whereas residing there, identical to I’ve.
About Yerevan
Yerevan has solely been the capital of Armenia since 1918 however it’s the cultural heart of the nation and its beating coronary heart. Town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sits within the shadow of the mighty Mount Ararat; an extinct volcano simply over the border in Turkey (in an space that was traditionally part of Armenia).
The downtown space is filled with cafes, outlets, and eating places. Within the heart, you’ll discover the Cascade; a sequence of marble steps climbing a steep hillside above the town – the views throughout the rooftops from right here to Aratat are unbelievable. There are many co-working areas throughout the town providing good WiFi speeds.
There are many fascinating locations to go to close to Yerevan together with the monastery at Khor Virap with unbelievable views of Ararat, Garni Pagan Temple which rivals the Parthenon in Athens, and the majestic Lake Sevan; a highland lake dotted with temples and monasteries that’s the proper place for mountaineering and swimming.
Dwelling in Yerevan As a Digital Nomad
I’ve been residing in Yerevan as a digital nomad and it’s one in every of my high locations to take action. I’ve spent most days sitting in nice cafes across the metropolis working with incredible views and sipping on nice espresso. If it will get a bit too noisy then there are many co-working spaces obtainable for working remotely in Yerevan.
There’s a big digital nomad scene in Yerevan which has grown massively in current months because of the battle in Ukraine. Many Russians fleeing conscription have headed to Georgia and Armenia as they don’t require a visa. This has meant that costs have risen barely, however issues are starting to settle.
You’ll additionally discover lots of the Armenian diaspora from the States and different locations working and residing within the metropolis. With this in thoughts, English is broadly spoken by virtually all youthful generations and also you received’t have an issue being understood. Most info indicators and menus and many others. are in Armenian, Russian, and English.
Is Yerevan Secure?
Yerevan is an extremely protected metropolis by world requirements. I’ve by no means felt unsafe strolling round day or night time, and violent crime is sort of extraordinary. Town is definitely ranked the 20th safest in the world out of 417 cities so that ought to offer you a sign of how protected it’s (close by Tbilisi is available in at forty third).
The one issues I’ve encountered in Yerevan relate to rip-off taxi drivers which isn’t distinctive to Armenia, (Uzbekistan takes the lead on that entrance), and my downside was solved immediately the day I downloaded the GG app (Armenian Uber). Simply follow ride-sharing apps if you wish to get round by taxi (Yandex is an alternative choice).
One factor to concentrate on is that Armenia is locked in an ongoing conflict with its neighbor Azerbaijan. This issues the Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh area and hostilities are ongoing. This doesn’t have an effect on the remainder of the nation, together with Yerevan, so merely keep away from touring wherever close to delicate border areas.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Yerevan
Throughout my 4 months residing in Armenia as a digital nomad in Yerevan, I lived in lots of locations throughout the town however caught to the central areas as I needed to be near all of the facilities, cafes, bars, and sights. Under, I’ll focus on a few of these areas in additional element and inform you about the very best locations to remain.
1. Metropolis Heart (Kentron)
Town heart, referred to as Kentron (appears like a Transformer), is certainly the very best place to be a digital nomad in Yerevan because it presents all the things you want for work and play. You’ll discover the very best cafes, co-working areas, loads of short-term lodging, wonderful nightlife, and a terrific vibe right here.
I spent most of my time working on the Green Bean Cafe and Keerk & Co, each a two-minute stroll from Cascade. Inexperienced Bean is finest to go to early on earlier than it will get busy, (they’ve a wonderful menu of wholesome lunches and breakfasts), and Keerk & Co is a superb place to work all day with each inside and outdoors workspace to set your self up.
After work, there are many cool bars close by, and the very best of those are Darget Brewpub, The Beatles, Irish Pub, and my pal’s bar Rock’n’Rolla. You’ll discover that, not like the cafes, most bars in Yerevan are underground, beneath avenue degree. Smoking has lately been banned inside.
2. Barekamutyun
The suburb of Barekamutyun sits on a hill simply to the west of the town heart and is inside strolling distance of Cascade. I stayed right here for a month and the views of Ararat had been wonderful (and the very best shawarma within the metropolis might be discovered on the Olimp quick meals place on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue).
That is extra of a residential space for students of the close by American College of Armenia, and there aren’t many cafes match for working, but it surely’s a thirty-minute stroll or five-minute subway/bus experience into city, and Keerk & Co is positioned simply on the backside of Marshal Baghramyan.
I had a long-term room on the Villa Rosa Lodge, which is run by some Iranians residing in Yerevan. The worth wasn’t unhealthy, however there wasn’t a desk within the room and the kitchen wasn’t excellent, (although that didn’t matter with the wonderful shawarma store close by). Barekamutyun additionally has a subway cease.
3. Aygestan
Aygesturn is one other standard college space (the primary Yerevan State College) and someplace I lived for a short time. It’s a wonderful place for digital nomads in Armenia with numerous close by cafes and eating places (together with the Genatsvale Georgian Restaurant) and is just a ten-minute stroll away from the town heart.
This is among the most buzzing elements of the town and also you’ll discover numerous college students right here. There’s a big park that sweeps across the internal metropolis, a subway (Yeritasardakan), and most of Yerevan’s primary sights are inside strolling distance.
I stayed for every week on the Metro Hostel on Abovyan Avenue. The rooms are clear and comfy, the WiFi is quick, they usually have working areas inside and outdoors. In addition to the wonderful Georgian restaurant, there’s a KFC two minutes away, numerous bars, and loads of locations to get work accomplished close by. Click here to find out more.
4. Nor Kilikia
The small suburb of Nor Kilikia sits simply to the west of the town heart throughout the massive ravine of the Hrazdan Gorge. This neighborhood is a little bit cheaper than among the others however continues to be inside strolling distance of Central Yerevan.
A number of the close by locations of curiosity embrace the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, English Park, and two of the town’s stadiums internet hosting sporting and different occasions. It takes round ten to fifteen minutes to stroll to Republic Sq., and there are additionally loads of buses that go into city.
There are various cafes, eating places, and meals courts within the space plus a grocery store, cinema, and beautiful views throughout the Gorge to the town and mountains past. You’ll discover fairly just a few finances resorts right here such because the V.MOD Yerevan the place I spent just a few nights once I first arrived within the metropolis. Click here to learn more.
5. Nor Nork
If you wish to discover among the least expensive lodging within the metropolis then Yerevan’s sprawling suburb of Nor Nork is your most suitable option. You received’t discover a lot aside from dreary, post-soviet condo buildings right here and it’s six miles (11 km) from the town heart, however, it’s low cost.
There are some wonderful eating places serving conventional Armenian delicacies to be discovered on this neighborhood together with Restaurant Kars and Royal Yerevan. The neighborhood can also be inside strolling distance from the scenic Jrvezh Forest Park which presents some wonderful hikes and spectacular mountain views.
Nor Nork doesn’t have its personal subway cease, however plentiful buses and marshrutkas make journey to the town attainable. Until you’re actually seeking to finances onerous, I’d say that Nork might be finest prevented in favor of one of many above suburbs – except you fancy a little bit of an journey in fact.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Yerevan
One of many issues I struggled with probably the most was discovering appropriate, long-term lodging in Yerevan with good WiFi, a desk, and a location near all of the facilities within the metropolis. Under are among the finest methods to discover a place to remain.
1. Hostelworld.com/Booking.com – There are many hostels within the metropolis heart and plenty of of them have non-public rooms obtainable for lower than the value of a lodge room. A number of the finest I stayed at embrace Bonvenon, Metro, and Envoy – all of that are tremendous central.
2. Airbnb – Once I arrived in January, virtually the entire cheap Airbnb rooms had been totally booked. Fortunately, newcomers are discovering extra appropriate long-term lodging; that means that extra rooms have gotten obtainable once more.
4. Phrase of Mouth – I made many buddies whereas residing in Armenia and one in every of them helped me discover my room on the Villa Rosa as he had a pal staying there too. In the event you ask round in bars and cafes employees may know of a room going, so it’s undoubtedly price asking round.
Price of Dwelling as a Digital Nomad in Yerevan
The price of residing in Yerevan was a little bit dearer than I used to be anticipating, however that most likely had extra to do with coming straight from the Kurdish areas of Turkey which was exceptionally low cost.
Lodging and consuming out within the metropolis heart can price roughly the identical as in Western Europe, however there are additionally loads of bargains available and I’ll inform you extra about these beneath.
Eating places and Groceries
A meal in a finances restaurant like the wonderful Fourchette Buffet the place I ate both lunch or dinner virtually day by day prices round 3,000 dinars ($7.70) together with a mushy drink. Sharwama and gyros might be discovered throughout the town for as little as 1,200 dinars ($3.10) and that is excellent for lunch. KFC and Pizza Hut are different choices for affordable eats too.
If you wish to get pleasure from a pleasant meal someplace a little bit extra upmarket just like the Dargett Taproom, (the steak is among the finest I’ve ever had), then count on to pay round 10,000 dinars ($25) together with a beer or glass of wine.
Espresso in a restaurant prices 1,000-2,000 dinars ($2.60-$5.10) which I believe is a little bit expensive, however that is for cafes within the metropolis heart, across the Cascade, and different vacationer hotspots. A pint of beer in a bar prices about 1500-2000 dinars ($3.90-$5.10) which isn’t too dissimilar to again dwelling within the UK.
You’ll discover supermarkets on virtually each avenue and the main chain is SAS. These are nice locations to purchase necessities, snacks, iced espresso, beer, and wine to get pleasure from at your lodging.
Lodging Prices
Lodging is more likely to be your greatest expense when residing as a digital nomad in Yerevan. For brief to mid-term stays there are many low cost hostels within the metropolis heart that price from as little as $10 per night time for a dorm mattress, or round $30 for a personal room.
In the event you’re searching for long-term lodging, issues can change into a little bit trickier. Phrase of mouth is among the finest methods to discover a cut price, so ask round in bars and cafes. The most affordable locations on Airbnb begin from round $600 per 30 days.
Transportation Prices in Yerevan
Transport in and round Yerevan is exceptionally low cost. The middle of the town, which is dwelling to most of the high points of interest, bars, and cafes, is simple to navigate on foot. There are many buses and marshrutkas that cowl the town and surrounding areas for only a few cents per journey.
Keep away from hailing taxis on the street and as a substitute obtain the GG app (in English) with brief journeys across the metropolis costing round 1,000 dinars ($2.60). That is one space the place the price of residing in Armenia means it can save you your cash for extra necessary issues like day journeys (and beer).
If you wish to go a little bit additional afield or go to one other metropolis, (I like to recommend charming Gyumri and majestic Sevan), then trains, buses, and marshrutkas are a simple approach to get journey. For such a wild and mountainous nation, transport hyperlinks are excellent and notably low cost. You can too be part of inexpensive day trips to Lake Sevan, wineries, and Tatev Monastery.
SIM Playing cards and Information
A SIM card with an information bundle begins from 1,500 dinars ($3.90) for 3GB of information and might be purchased from official telecom outlets throughout the town. The three primary networks are MTS Vivacell, Crew Telecom, and Ucom (I take advantage of MTS Vivacell).
Similar to once I was again in China, you’ll must take your passport with you to purchase a SIM in Armenia and they’ll take a duplicate. After you have your sim, you possibly can high up on the orange machines you’ll see on each avenue (English language choice obtainable).
Cash Saving Suggestions for Yerevan
Listed below are just a few money-saving ideas I personally utilized in Yerevan:
- Use marshrutkas (mounted route minibus) to get round
- Use GG ride-sharing app as a substitute of taxis for brief distances
- Shawarma is an affordable, tasty, and filling meal that may be discovered throughout the town
- Wine is reasonable in supermarkets, so seize a bottle to share with buddies at dwelling or in nature
- Keep within the metropolis’s low cost hostels as a substitute of resorts
Coworking Areas in Yerevan and WiFi Velocity
WiFi speeds in Yerevan could be a bit hit and miss in some hostels and cafes (which I discovered had rather a lot to do with folks streaming movies reasonably than working).
The median obtain pace is round 26.05 Mbps, add is 12.24 Mbps with a latency of 19ms. Click here to check the up-to-date speeds. To get the very best speeds for working, use a delegated co-working house reasonably than cafes within the metropolis heart. Under are just a few of the locations I take advantage of:
- Yerevan Coworking: My favourite co-working house within the metropolis. Costs begin at 1,000 dinars ($2.60) per hour or 4,000 ($10.40) for the day. The worth contains complimentary tea, espresso, and water. Click here for directions.
- Loft: One of many grooviest co-working areas in Yerevan with the addition of video games when you’ve completed. It’s centrally positioned and prices 4,500 dinars ($11.65) per day. Click here for directions.
- The Area CoWorking: Skilled house with mounted desks from 1,500 ($3.90) per hour or 5,000 ($13)per day. Click here for directions.
Actions and Issues To Do in Yerevan
Dwelling in Yerevan as a digital nomad is superb as there’s a lot to see and do in your downtime. From the spectacular Cascade to tranquil metropolis parks, beautiful structure, and plenty of unbelievable close by points of interest such because the Garni Temple, you received’t be bored for a second.
1. Climb the Cascade
The marginally kitsch Cascade Monument is within the heart of Yerevan and overlooks the town. There’s a pleasing sculpture backyard on the backside lined with cool cafes, bars, and eating places. You may both climb the steps to the highest or take the escalators contained in the constructing (which additionally homes some fascinating fashionable artwork shows).
You’ll discover loads of folks chilling out on the steps day and night time, because the views are among the finest discovered within the metropolis. From the highest of Cascade, you possibly can proceed even larger to Vicotory Park and the Mother Armenia Statue, that are additionally effectively price a go to and have numerous rides and amusements.
This Yerevan attraction is totally free, together with the escalators, and is the place the place many Armenians meet for a espresso or a chunk to eat. It’s completely located near among the different high points of interest within the metropolis such because the Opera House, Northern Avenue purchasing avenue, and Republic Square.
2. Go to Garni Temple
The most effective issues about life in Yerevan is that there are such a lot of unbelievable locations to go to close by, and Garni Temple is one in every of my absolute favorites. It’s the one surviving pre-Christian temple in Armenia and is perched above an enormous canyon up within the mountains above Yerevan.
I’ve been to Garni twice and was invited by a pal to observe an actual pagan ceremony there through the Spring Equinox which is an expertise I’ll always remember. I first visited in January when it was lined below a layer of snow and once more in April when spring was effectively on its manner.
Along with the temple, you possibly can descend the canyon to the Symphony Stones which is a sequence of basalt columns clinging to the rock face, not dissimilar to an upside-down model of the Large’s Causeway in Eire. There are hourly buses to Garni which take simply 35 minutes and loads of excursions to contemplate. Click here for more info.
3. See a Present on the Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre
I walked previous the grand National Opera and Ballet Theatre day by day whereas residing in Yerevan and that is one other standard hub for folks to get collectively within the metropolis. Exterior, is a park with ice skating in winter and different actions in summer season, in addition to numerous bars and cafes close by.
It’s additionally the place to go if you wish to see an opera or ballet efficiency with all the things from Swan Lake to Spartacus being proven there. I’ve been to the Bolshoi in Moscow and though not as well-known, Yerevan’s personal providing undoubtedly makes for a particular night time out in attractive environment.
Tickets begin from as little as 5,000 Dinars ($13), however if you need the very best seats in the home you’ll must pay considerably extra. Check the website to see what’s at the moment enjoying and e-book tickets on-line (there’s an choice for English). Click here for directions.
4. Go to the Ararat Brandy Manufacturing facility and Museum
Certainly one of my favourite tipples to maintain the chilly away whereas being a Yerevan digital nomad in winter was Ararat Brandy (the five-year-old to be particular). It’s one of many nicest cognacs I’ve ever tried and has been made within the metropolis for more than 130 years.
One factor I discovered is that Stalin gifted a bottle of Ararat to Winston Churchill at the Yalta Conference throughout WWII, and Churchill beloved it a lot he continued to order a crate yearly and have it shipped to London (a convention I’ll should proceed myself).
It’s attainable to take a tour of the spectacular Ararat Manufacturing facility in Yerevan and this features a tasting. The easiest way is to e-book immediately through their web site. Excursions final for an hour and you may select from quite a lot of completely different packages (I like to recommend the Ararat Flavors Tour). Click here to find out more.
5. Go to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Advanced
If you wish to get a deeper understanding of Armenia then a go to to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex is an absolute should. Right here, you’ll discover a big monument excessive above the town with a peaceable backyard, an everlasting flame, and a museum beneath the advanced.
The museum accommodates pictures and shows of the genocide of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire (referred to as Western Armenia to Armenians, and now modern-day Turkey). The museum and grounds are free to enter and provide beautiful views of the town and Ararat.
Taking a taxi is the best approach to get to the memorial (use GG or Yandex), because it’s not really easy to get there with public transport. There’s free WiFi contained in the museum, which helps with regards to reserving your return journey. You possibly can additionally stroll from the town heart which takes round an hour or so. Click here for directions.
Climate in Yerevan
I arrived in Armenia on 1st January 2023 and it was an actual winter wonderland. Armenia types a part of the Caucasus Mountains so winters might be harsh and chilly, however completely stunning. I stayed till spring when temperatures in Yerevan reached double figures and I may lastly put on a T-shirt once more.
Summers are lengthy and scorching, however you possibly can escape into the close by mountains and to the majestic Lake Sevan to chill down. I can’t wait to get again and luxuriate in the very best climate there sipping cool beers within the many streetside cafes, mountaineering within the mountains, and swimming within the many lakes and rivers.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Yerevan
As with wherever on this planet, there are each execs and cons of residing in Yerevan and being a digital nomad in Armenia. The professionals far outweigh the cons and I can’t wait to get again there quickly.
Execs of Dwelling in Yerevan
- Wonderful cafe tradition: In the event you prefer to sip a latte within the sunshine surrounded by stunning structure and smiling faces, then you definitely’ll find it irresistible right here.
- Vibrant nightlife: Yerevan is packed full of wonderful bars, pubs, and golf equipment to sip cocktails or dance till dawn.
- Scrumptious meals: Yerevan has some wonderful eating places serving regional delicacies from Armenian lavash to Georgian and Iranian. One factor’s for positive, you received’t go hungry right here.
- Day journeys to the mountains: It’s really easy to get out into Armenia’s breathtaking mountains from the town and most journeys take below an hour by bus to achieve the wilderness. Go to Garni Temple, Lake Sevan, and Mount Aragats amongst different locations.
Cons of Dwelling in Yerevan
- Greater costs: Yerevan could be a little on the pricey facet so that you’ll must finances accordingly.
- Chilly winters: If like me you don’t just like the chilly, then keep away from winter in Yerevan (I tousled there and arrived in January).
- It’s a little bit removed from wherever else: Though Georgia is just six hours away by bus, Armenia is a little bit out of the best way making touring to neighboring nations tough (and not possible for Turkey and Azerbaijan).
Digital Nomad Visa for Yerevan
One of many causes that Yerevan is a superb vacation spot for digital nomads is that many nationalities can keep visa-free for as much as six months (some nationalities can keep as much as a yr). This may be reset by merely taking the bus or practice to Georgia after which coming again in, so there isn’t any want for a nomad visa.
American, EU and British residents can keep in Armenia visa-free for 180 days. Sadly, it’s not really easy for Canadians who require a visa to enter (21 or 120 days). Residents of all nations can even register as non-public entrepreneurs to acquire a one-year “digital nomad visa“.
In Conclusion
Now you understand all there’s to find out about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, the charming capital of Armenia. I completely beloved the 4 months I spent residing and dealing within the metropolis and might’t wait to return in two weeks.
With a vibrant cafe tradition, lengthy, scorching summers, loads of coworking areas, and a few unbelievable day journeys available, Armenia is a spot that deserves not less than a month to discover. So, don’t delay, e-book that journey to stunning Armenia at the moment (and are available say hello if you happen to see me round city).
