Car & Van Hire - Yerevan

In terms of historical significance, Erebuni Fortress is one of the city’s most important attractions. This site contains the remains of the walled city that preceded modern Yerevan, as well as an archaeological museum documenting the city’s history.

Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan’s historical district or Kentron. Many of the city’s most visited attractions are situated around the square, including English Park, one of the oldest and largest urban parks in the city, Saint Gregory Cathedral, one of the largest structures of its kind in the entire Caucasus region, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Other popular sights in this area are the Kond neighbourhood with its 17th-century clay and stone houses, and Yerevan Cascade, a large park with fountains, landscaped gardens and modern sculptures that offers great city views.

Yerevan has an active cultural scene, which you can explore in local museums like the National Gallery of Armenia, Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, History Museum, Modern Art Museum, Ararat Museum and Matenadaran, an archive containing one of the world’s largest collections of ancient manuscripts.

If you’re travelling with children, the city’s amusement parks will keep the little ones entertained. Some of the best-rated parks are Play City, Yerevan Park and Water World. A short drive from Kentron is Little Einstein Interactive Science Museum, where kids can learn about the basics of science in a fun and interactive way.

Kentron district is the best place to sample the richness of Armenian cuisine, especially in the streets north of Charles Aznavour Square, which are home to traditional Armenian restaurants and taverns, as well as to eateries serving European, Asian, American and Middle Eastern cuisine. You may also want to explore the various gastro bars, pubs, jazz bars and cocktail rooms along Pushkin Street or take a tour of the Yerevan Brandy Company, where the famous Ararat brandy is produced.

Kentron is also the commercial hub of Armenia’s capital city. You’ll find a mix of local and international brands in the stores around Northern Avenue and in Yerevan’s largest shopping centres: Yerevan Mall, RIO Mall and Mega Mall. Bargain hunters and antique lovers will love a stroll around Vernissage market, where you can get your hands on handwoven Armenian carpets, ceramics, wood-carved souvenirs and more.

Yerevan’s status as a UNESCO World Book Capital means there is no shortage of literary events in town. The best-known is the city’s Book Fair. Another renowned cultural event is the Golden Apricot International Film Festival. Other events of interest to tourists include Vardavar Water Festival.

Road conditions in Yerevan are generally good, and the majority of tourists can find their way around without any issues since road signs are both in Armenian and English. The main access road into the city is Motorway 5, which connects Yerevan with the airport. Other important thoroughfares include Motorway 4, which provides access to the shopping centres and attractions in Northern Yerevan, and Khanjyan Street, the main gateway to Kentron District.

Please note that winters in Yerevan are characterised by abundant snowfall. If you’re visiting between December and February, before collecting your car or van hire in Yerevan, it is worth asking whether winter tyres are recommended. Despite not being mandatory, winter tyres can make driving a lot more comfortable and safer.

There are currently no toll roads in the vicinity of Yerevan, not even on motorways.

Speed limits differ from those in Europe, as maximum speeds in motorways are lower at 110 km/h but are higher in urban and built-up areas, including in villages outside Yerevan, where you can’t exceed 60 km/h. On all other roads and unless otherwise indicated, the maximum speed is 90 km/h. Within Yerevan, a 40 km/h speed limit often applies in areas near healthcare and education venues.

Fines for traffic violations can amount to thousands of euros, though the local police have a reputation for being lenient toward tourists. However, speed cameras are everywhere and will automatically register speeding and parking violations. Fines for speeding increase for every kilometre you drive above the legal limit, though they’re usually waived if you don’t exceed the maximum speed by more than 10 km/h.

Other things to be aware of include Armenia’s zero tolerance for drinking and driving and a prohibition on travelling with children under the age of 12 in the passenger seat.

Parking is free in shopping centres and at major tourist attractions. Within the city, paid parking is the norm as fees are very reasonable. Paid parking spots are enclosed in red lines. Please note that you can park free of charge in red line areas if your stop doesn’t take more than 15 minutes.