Love These Budget-Friendly Gems: Cheap Eats & More In Yerevan

Welcome to Yerevan, a city filled with captivating wonders that beckon travelers from all walks of life. This guide, crowdwritten by dedicated Peace Corps volunteers who served in Armenia, is tailor-made for you, whether you’re a current Peace Corps volunteer, or a budget-friendly traveler seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in Yerevan.

Yerevan has a cool history, yummy food, and friendly people. This means every penny-pinching explorer will have an awesome time. From Envoy Hostel, a home away from home for Peace Corps volunteers, to the many cheap restaurants with food for every taste, Yerevan has hidden gems waiting to be explored. With this guide straight from the volunteers, make memories and let the spirit of Yerevan lead you on an extraordinary, wallet-friendly adventure. Safe travels!

Budget-Friendly Stays in Yerevan: Envoy Hostel and More

Enthusiastic travelers embracing Yerevan's budget-friendly hospitality at the Envoy Hostel, a vibrant gathering of diverse souls outside the charming Armenian abode.

For Peace Corps volunteers and budget travelers, the Envoy Hostel stands as a welcoming sanctuary in Yerevan. Located at the corner of Pushkin and Parpetsi streets, this hostel offers dorm rooms at reasonable rates, making it an ideal place to rest and recharge. If you’re respectful and friendly, you’ll always find a bathroom to freshen up and a cool space to relax while waiting for your bus back to your site.

Near the Envoy are some Peace Corps staples like SAS grocery store [Tumanyan], Araks restaurant, Achajour cafe, Dargett Brewpub, and Eat+Fit vegan/vegetarian restaurant.

If Envoy is booked, Hostel Bivouac across the street is another safe, cheap choice. Ibis Hotel [Northern Ave] is budget-friendly for family and friends visiting during your service too. The Arm Hostel [Mashtots], very close to the Envoy, offers an affordable private room but I dont’ remember good air conditioning.

Yummy Armenian Food: Restaurants to Savor

Exterior view of Sherup Restaurant, a culinary gem in Yerevan, Armenia, where tantalizing aromas and warm ambiance invite diners to savor authentic Armenian flavors.

Captivating evening ambiance at EVN Restaurant in Yerevan, Armenia, adorned with warm lights and a welcoming facade, inviting diners to indulge in delightful culinary experiences under the night sky

Yerevan has food for every taste.

For a great burger and anything with BBQ sauce: EVN Diner is a go-to.
Buritos: don’t go to Cactus. Enough said.
For vegan chocolate cake: 12 Tables
Anything else vegan: 12 Tables, Eat+Fit
Affordable but upscale Armenian/Caucasus dining: Sherep, Lavash.
Want international?: Dragon Garden (Chinese), Sakurada (Japanese) [Nalbondya St], Karma [Teryan St] or Indian Mehak [Koryun St] (Indian food).
The Caucasus Tavern has authentic dishes that capture the taste of Georgia.
Lahmajo: anywhere you can get it
Falafel near the Peace Corps office: Lagonid
Colombian coffee: Haldi.Co! [kochar St]
Brunch place: Cafe Central.

Great food is out there!

Imported foods (peanut butter!) are found must more commonly now in chain supermarkets like SAS, Parma, and Yerevan City. You can also usually find things like Ritz, Reese’s, or salsa. Since the Russian ‘invasion’, you can find so many more imports than before – happy hunting. Go Green Armenia is your local small business for organic products, health foods, natural PB, alternative flours, etc. – and the best place to find brown sugar reliably!

Wine Tasting on Saryan Street

Wine lovers – Saryan Street is for you! In Vino, a wine shop and cafe, and its restaurant Tapastan have a huge wine selection plus yummy bites. The owner’s vineyard Trinity Canyons gets 5 stars – a must for wine experts.

Getting Around Yerevan

City bus navigating the bustling streets of Yerevan, Armenia, connecting passengers to the heart of urban life and cultural wonders.

Getting around Yerevan is pretty easy thanks to public transportation. Buses from Kilikia Station to Mashtots Street in the city center run a lot. Take bus 5 (purple), 47 (red), 67 (blue), or 259 (teal). For Envoy Hostel, get off at the 3rd stop on Mashtots near KFC. “Opera” is easy to read in Armenian Օպերա and is a good landmark to navigate by – if a bus says Opera you know it will take you into Kentron.

Tip: Mashtots is often listed on bus signs as “Prospect.” Kilikia station may be listed as “Kilikia,” “K. Avtokayan,” or just “Avtokayan.” Any bus from Kilikia that says Mashtots/Prospect will get you downtown to a point you can walk to Envoy Hostel.

A taxi is the most convenient way from Kilikia to the Peace Corps Office. Instead of listing the address, it’s faster to say “Take me to the German Embassy, please.” – The German Embassy is next door to the office.

Tip 2: A taxi within any two points in Kentron should cost you 600 dram (2023 fares). Ask the price in advance, be assertive, or use the Yandex or GG taxi apps. Standard Yerevan rates leaving Kentron are 600 base price + 100 dram/kilometer. If you can speak Armenian, you will not be ripped off if you are confident and hailing a cab from a street is often faster than an app and supports a different subset of the economy.

Buses from Mashtots to the shopping malls are yellow & branded with the mall logos.

Man Mar Publishing [Parpetsi], a historic gem in Yerevan, Armenia, preserving literary heritage and promoting culture.

Discover a treasure trove of fine writing instruments and stationery at the Pen Shop, nestled in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia - your haven for all things pen and paper.

Other Finds in Yerevan

English language teaching materials: Man Mar Publishing [Parpetsi], Oxford University Press [Kasyan] (Accessible via the Barekamutyun metro station)
School supplies/stationery: Pen Box [chain], Bookinist [chain], Phoenix [Isahakyan], Gamma [Khorenatsi]
English books: Bookinist, Zangak
Electronics/computers: ZigZag Electronics has a mega store. There are also a couple of good repair shops on [Sayat-Nova].
Music shop: Forte [Mashtots/Pushkin]
Most volunteers stick to buying clothing from places like New Yorker, Orsay, MNGO, LC Waikiki (Turkish owned) etc.
And you can find popular international brands at the Yerevan Mall and the Dalma Mall.

Budget-Friendly Top Attractions: A Peace Corps View

Glorious Mother Armenia statue standing tall, symbolizing strength and resilience, overlooking the captivating cityscape of Yerevan, Armenia.

Cascade marvel in Yerevan, Armenia, an architectural masterpiece adorned with contemporary art and blooming gardens.

As a Peace Corps volunteer, I’ve explored Yerevan’s coolest attractions that touched my heart. Let me guide you to some must-sees.

Republic Square: Yerevan’s beating heart blends old and new. See the awesome architecture and fountains with cool light shows at night.
Cafesjian Museum: In Cascade, this museum has an great contemporary art collection. See brilliant art and city views.
Opera House: Experience culture at a majestic ballet like “Anoush” or “Gayane.”
Mother Armenia: This huge statue symbolizes strength and resilience. Climb up for awesome sunset views.
Cascade: Climb this huge stairway with intriguing sculptures, art, and gardens – a perfect blend.
Blue Mosque: This historic mosque is notable for its bright blue domes and ornate interior decoration.
Lover’s Park is a popular public park featuring artful landscaping, walking paths, fountains, and sculptures, providing a romantic setting for couples and families to stroll and relax.
Gum Market: (also known as Vernissage or Vernisaj Market) This large open-air market in downtown Yerevan is where locals go to buy fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, nuts, clothing, and household goods at the many colorful street stalls and vendors.
National History Museum: Discover Armenia’s past through artifacts and treasures. Understand the storied heritage.

These are just a taste of Yerevan’s charm. You’ll meet warm locals, eat yummy Armenian food, and be immersed in a vibrant culture for memories that will last forever. Let Yerevan weave its magic!

Apps and Resources for Yerevan

Discover Yerevan's wonders with the eTours Map & Walking Tours app, your digital guide to captivating adventures in the heart of Armenia's capital city.

Icon button for GG Taxi app, the convenient ride-hailing solution that gets you where you need to go with just a tap.

Easily explore Yerevan with these helpful apps and resources. As a Peace Corps volunteer and frequent traveler, I’ve found some great tools to enhance your visit.

Menu.am: This is the main app for food delivery from various restaurants.
Yandex Taxi (app) and GG Taxi (app): Get rides easily with these apps. GG is local and affordable, but most current volunteers use Yandex, especially because it covers longer distances.
eTours Yerevan Map & Walking Tours (app): Get to know Yerevan’s streets, attractions and hidden gems. Share this with fellow travelers.
iamyerevan.com: Get the buzz on events, culture and restaurants from this cool local website.

Let these digital tools guide you in discovering Yerevan’s secrets for an awesome visit. Embrace technology and let the city unfold!

Parting Words:

As you say goodbye to Yerevan, remember this city has endless treasures to uncover. Immerse yourself in the culture, tastes and warmth that define this beautiful country. Share your experiences and inspire others to explore Yerevan’s magic. Whether you’re a Peace Corps volunteer, a visitor from afar, or a budget traveler seeking something unique, Yerevan welcomes you. Make memories, and let the spirit of Yerevan guide you on an extraordinary adventure. Safe travels and until we meet again!

Now, go forth and find new things! And tell me about them! Sharing is caring!

This blog post based on information given by Lyz (RPCV A26) and added to by other PCVs