Neighborhoodsin Yerevan

Kentron (central Yerevan)

The administrative and social core, covering Republic Square, Northern Avenue, Abovyan Street and the streets around the Opera. Almost all major sights, museums and restaurants sit inside it, and the layout follows Tamanyan's radial plan, which makes it unusually easy to navigate on foot. It is also the busiest and most expensive part of the city.

Best for

The most practical base for a two- to four-day visit. Streets facing main avenues can be noisy at night; interior-facing rooms are quieter.

Opera and Cascade district

The area running north from the Opera to the base of the Cascade, dense with cafes, wine bars, galleries and parks. It is central but marginally calmer than the Republic Square area, and it is where much of the city's evening life actually happens.

Best for

A good compromise between centrality and calm. The gradient rises towards the Cascade, which is worth noting if stairs or slopes are a concern.

Kond

The city's oldest surviving quarter, on a hill immediately west of the centre. Narrow lanes, staircases, older stone housing and street art, with ordinary residential life continuing throughout. It is a place to walk rather than a visitor district, and its condition is uneven.

Best for

Not a practical accommodation area. Visit on foot from the centre.

Arabkir

A large residential district north of the centre, greener and more local in feel, with parks, neighbourhood cafes and everyday shops rather than sights. Late-Soviet apartment architecture dominates.

Best for

Generally better value than Kentron and quieter, at the cost of a short bus or taxi ride to the main sights. Reasonable if you are staying a week or more.