For those who’re excited about being a digital nomad in Yerevan, this digital nomad information to Yerevan outlines all you have to know from residing prices to one of the best areas to remain and far more. Armenia usually will get ignored 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 can be returning to dwell there for the remainder of the summer time. The laid-back capital of Yerevan has a vibrant cafe tradition, a lot of locations for distant working, a thriving nightlife, glorious meals, and lots to see and do in and across the metropolis.
In your downtime, you may discover Armenia’s wealthy historical past, go to vineyards and historical temples, climb mountains, and lose your self in a few of the most spectacular nature you’ll discover wherever on the earth. Armenians are extremely hospitable and also you’ll you should definitely make loads of pals whereas residing there, similar 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 a part of Armenia).
The downtown space is full of cafes, retailers, and eating places. Within the heart, you’ll discover the Cascade; a collection of marble steps climbing a steep hillside above town – the views throughout the rooftops from right here to Aratat are unimaginable. There are many co-working areas throughout town providing good WiFi speeds.
There are many attention-grabbing locations to go to close to Yerevan together with the monastery at Khor Virap with unimaginable 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 right place for climbing and swimming.
Residing in Yerevan As a Digital Nomad
I’ve been residing in Yerevan as a digital nomad and it’s certainly one of my prime locations to take action. I’ve spent most days sitting in nice cafes across the metropolis working with unbelievable views and sipping on nice espresso. If it will get a bit too noisy then there are many co-working areas out there for working remotely in Yerevan.
There’s a big digital nomad scene in Yerevan which has grown massively in current months on account 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 plenty of the Armenian diaspora from the States and different locations working and residing within the metropolis. With this in thoughts, English is extensively spoken by virtually all youthful generations and also you received’t have an issue being understood. Most data indicators and menus and so forth. 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 evening, and violent crime is sort of extraordinary. Town is definitely ranked the twentieth most secure on the earth 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 battle with its neighbor Azerbaijan. This considerations 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 Reside in Yerevan
Throughout my 4 months residing in Armenia as a digital nomad in Yerevan, I lived in lots of locations throughout town however caught to the central areas as I wished to be near all of the facilities, cafes, bars, and sights. Beneath, I’ll talk about a few of these areas in additional element and inform you about one of the best locations to remain.
1. Metropolis Middle (Kentron)
Town heart, generally known as Kentron (seems like a Transformer), is certainly one of the best place to be a digital nomad in Yerevan because it affords all the pieces you want for work and play. You’ll discover one of the best cafes, co-working areas, loads of short-term lodging, glorious nightlife, and an amazing vibe right here.
I spent most of my time working on the Inexperienced Bean Cafe and Keerk & Co, each a two-minute stroll from Cascade. Inexperienced Bean is greatest 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 good place to work all day with each inside and out of doors workspace to set your self up.
After work, there are many cool bars close by, and one of the 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, under avenue degree. Smoking has just lately been banned inside.
2. Barekamutyun
The suburb of Barekamutyun sits on a hill simply to the west of 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 one of the 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 college 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 Resort, 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 ideally suited, (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 principle Yerevan State College) and someplace I lived for a short time. It’s a wonderful place for digital nomads in Armenia with a lot of close by cafes and eating places (together with the Genatsvale Georgian Restaurant) and is barely a ten-minute stroll away from town heart.
This is without doubt one of the most buzzing elements of town and also you’ll discover a lot of college students right here. There’s a big park that sweeps across the inside 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 cozy, the WiFi is quick, they usually have working areas inside and out of doors. In addition to the superb Georgian restaurant, there’s a KFC two minutes away, a lot of bars, and loads of locations to get work accomplished close by. Click on right here to search out out extra.
4. Nor Kilikia
The small suburb of Nor Kilikia sits simply to the west of town heart throughout the big ravine of the Hrazdan Gorge. This neighborhood is a bit cheaper than a few of the others however remains to be inside strolling distance of Central Yerevan.
A few of the close by locations of curiosity embody the Armenian Genocide Memorial Advanced, English Park, and two of 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 numerous cafes, eating places, and meals courts within the space plus a grocery store, cinema, and beautiful views throughout the Gorge to town and mountains past. You’ll discover fairly just a few finances motels right here such because the V.MOD Yerevan the place I spent just a few nights once I first arrived within the metropolis. Click on right here to study extra.
5. Nor Nork
If you wish to discover a few of the most cost-effective lodging within the metropolis then Yerevan’s sprawling suburb of Nor Nork is your best option. You received’t discover a lot other than dreary, post-soviet house buildings right here and it’s a superb six miles (11 km) from town heart, however, it’s low cost.
There are some glorious 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 affords some glorious hikes and spectacular mountain views.
Nor Nork doesn’t have its personal subway cease, however plentiful buses and marshrutkas make journey to town doable. Until you’re actually seeking to finances exhausting, I’d say that Nork might be greatest averted in favor of one of many above suburbs – except you fancy a little bit of an journey after all.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Yerevan
One of many issues I struggled with essentially 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. Beneath are a few of the greatest methods to discover a place to remain.
1. Hostelworld.com/Reserving.com – There are many hostels within the metropolis heart and lots of of them have non-public rooms out there for lower than the value of a resort room. A few of the greatest I stayed at embody Bonvenon, Metro, and Envoy – all of that are tremendous central.
2. Airbnb – After I arrived in January, virtually the entire cheap Airbnb rooms had been absolutely booked. Fortunately, newcomers are discovering extra appropriate long-term lodging; which means that extra rooms have gotten out there once more.
4. Phrase of Mouth – I made many pals whereas residing in Armenia and certainly one of them helped me discover my room on the Villa Rosa as he had a pal staying there too. For those who ask round in bars and cafes workers would possibly know of a room going, so it’s positively price asking round.
Value of Residing as a Digital Nomad in Yerevan
The price of residing in Yerevan was a bit costlier 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 under.
Eating places and Groceries
A meal in a finances restaurant like the superb Fourchette Buffet the place I ate both lunch or dinner virtually each day prices round 3,000 dinars ($7.70) together with a tender drink. Sharwama and gyros might be discovered throughout town for as little as 1,200 dinars ($3.10) and that is good for lunch. KFC and Pizza Hut are different choices for reasonable eats too.
If you wish to get pleasure from a pleasant meal someplace a bit extra upmarket just like the Dargett Taproom, (the steak is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve ever had), then anticipate 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 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 most important 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 prone 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 evening for a dorm mattress, or round $30 for a personal room.
For those who’re on the lookout for long-term lodging, issues can grow to be a bit trickier. Phrase of mouth is without doubt one of the greatest methods to discover a discount, so ask round in bars and cafes. The most cost effective 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 town, which is dwelling to lots of the prime sights, bars, and cafes, is straightforward to navigate on foot. There are many buses and marshrutkas that cowl town and surrounding areas for just some cents per journey.
Keep away from hailing taxis on the street and as a substitute obtain the GG app (in English) with quick 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 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 superb and significantly low cost. It’s also possible to be part of reasonably priced day journeys 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 retailers throughout town. The three primary networks are MTS Vivacell, Staff Telecom, and Ucom (I exploit MTS Vivacell).
Identical to once I was again in China, you’ll have to take your passport with you to purchase a SIM in Armenia and they’ll take a replica. Upon getting your sim, you may prime up on the orange machines you’ll see on each avenue (English language choice out there).
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 inexpensive, tasty, and filling meal that may be discovered throughout town
- Wine is reasonable in supermarkets, so seize a bottle to share with pals at dwelling or in nature
- Keep within the metropolis’s low cost hostels as a substitute of motels
Coworking Areas in Yerevan and WiFi Pace
WiFi speeds in Yerevan is usually a bit hit and miss in some hostels and cafes (which I discovered had quite a bit to do with folks streaming movies fairly than working).
The median obtain velocity is round 26.05 Mbps, add is 12.24 Mbps with a latency of 19ms. Click on right here to verify the up-to-date speeds. To get one of the best speeds for working, use a chosen co-working house fairly than cafes within the metropolis heart. Beneath are just a few of the locations I exploit:
- 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 consists of complimentary tea, espresso, and water. Click on right here for instructions.
- 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 on right here for instructions.
- The Space CoWorking: Skilled house with mounted desks from 1,500 ($3.90) per hour or 5,000 ($13)per day. Click on right here for instructions.
Actions and Issues To Do in Yerevan
Residing in Yerevan as a digital nomad is great as there’s a lot to see and do in your downtime. From the spectacular Cascade to tranquil metropolis parks, beautiful structure, and many unimaginable close by sights 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 town. There’s a nice sculpture backyard on the backside lined with cool cafes, bars, and eating places. You possibly can both climb the steps to the highest or take the escalators contained in the constructing (which additionally homes some attention-grabbing trendy artwork shows).
You’ll discover loads of folks chilling out on the steps day and evening, because the views are a few of the greatest discovered within the metropolis. From the highest of Cascade, you may proceed even increased to Vicotory Park and the Mom Armenia Statue, that are additionally effectively price a go to and have a lot of 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 a few of the different prime sights within the metropolis such because the Opera Home, Northern Avenue buying avenue, and Republic Sq..
2. Go to Garni Temple
Among the best issues about life in Yerevan is that there are such a lot of unimaginable locations to go to close by, and Garni Temple is certainly one 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 throughout the Spring Equinox which is an expertise I’ll always remember. I first visited in January when it was lined underneath a layer of snow and once more in April when spring was effectively on its means.
Along with the temple, you may descend the canyon to the Symphony Stones which is a collection 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 on right here for more information.
3. See a Present on the Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre
I walked previous the grand Nationwide Opera and Ballet Theatre each day whereas residing in Yerevan and that is one other standard hub for folks to get collectively within the metropolis. Outdoors, is a park with ice skating in winter and different actions in summer time, in addition to a lot of 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 pieces 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 positively makes for a particular evening out in attractive environment.
Tickets begin from as little as 5,000 Dinars ($13), however if you’d like one of the best seats in the home you’ll have to pay considerably extra. Test the web site to see what’s at present taking part in and ebook tickets on-line (there’s an choice for English). Click on right here for instructions.
4. Go to the Ararat Brandy Manufacturing unit and Museum
One among 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 greater than 130 years.
One factor I discovered is that Stalin gifted a bottle of Ararat to Winston Churchill on the Yalta Convention 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 doable to take a tour of the spectacular Ararat Manufacturing unit in Yerevan and this features a tasting. The easiest way is to ebook straight through their web site. Excursions final for an hour and you may select from a wide range of completely different packages (I like to recommend the Ararat Flavors Tour). Click on right here to search out out extra.
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 Advanced is an absolute should. Right here, you’ll discover a big monument excessive above 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 (generally known as Western Armenia to Armenians, and now modern-day Turkey). The museum and grounds are free to enter and provide beautiful views of town and Ararat.
Taking a taxi is the simplest 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 in terms of reserving your return journey. You might additionally stroll from town heart which takes round an hour or so. Click on right here for instructions.
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 totally stunning. I stayed till spring when temperatures in Yerevan reached double figures and I might lastly put on a T-shirt once more.
Summers are lengthy and scorching, however you may 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 one of the best climate there sipping cool beers within the many streetside cafes, climbing within the mountains, and swimming within the many lakes and rivers.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Yerevan
As with wherever on the earth, 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.
Professionals of Residing in Yerevan
- Wonderful cafe tradition: For those who wish to sip a latte within the sunshine surrounded by stunning structure and smiling faces, then you definately’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 glorious eating places serving regional delicacies from Armenian lavash to Georgian and Iranian. One factor’s for certain, 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 town and most journeys take underneath an hour by bus to achieve the wilderness. Go to Garni Temple, Lake Sevan, and Mount Aragats amongst different locations.
Cons of Residing in Yerevan
- Increased costs: Yerevan is usually a little on the pricey facet so that you’ll have to 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 bit removed from wherever else: Though Georgia is barely six hours away by bus, Armenia is a bit out of the best way making touring to neighboring international locations troublesome (and unattainable for Turkey and Azerbaijan).
Digital Nomad Visa for Yerevan
One of many causes that Yerevan is a good 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 12 months). This may be reset by merely taking the bus or practice to Georgia after which coming again in, so there isn’t a 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 international locations may also register as non-public entrepreneurs to acquire a one-year “digital nomad visa“.
In Conclusion
Now you understand all there’s to learn 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 may’t wait to return in two weeks.
With a vibrant cafe tradition, lengthy, scorching summers, loads of coworking areas, and a few unimaginable day journeys available, Armenia is a spot that deserves a minimum of a month to discover. So, don’t delay, ebook that journey to stunning Armenia at present (and are available say hello when you see me round city).
