Yerevan

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster within a few blocks of Republic Square, along Abovyan Street and Mashtots Avenue. That position puts you on foot to the Cascade arts complex, the Vernissage weekend market, and the restaurant strip on Saryan Street.

Getting around

• The metro costs pocket change per ride. It runs through the city center and connects south to Sasountsi David station near the main rail terminal. Use it for any longer north-south trip rather than flagging a taxi.
• Sit-down restaurants on and around Saryan Street typically offer a set business lunch from noon to 3pm for a very affordable set price, usually soup, a main course, and bread. That is far cheaper than ordering off the dinner menu at the same table.
• Vernissage, the outdoor flea and craft market near Republic Square, only operates Friday through Sunday. Plan around that if you want to browse it, and note that the week of April 24 draws a large diaspora crowd for Genocide Remembrance Day, pushing both foot traffic and hostel prices up sharply.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest from November through February, outside of New Year's week. July and August fill up fastest, and the week around April 24 books out early.