Ajapnyak

Ajapnyak is a district in the western part of Yerevan. While it’s more residential and quieter than the bustling city center, it still offers easy access to the heart of the capital. The area features a blend of Soviet-era apartment blocks, newer developments, and pockets of green space. Though not as touristic as central Yerevan, Ajapnyak has a strong “local life” vibe that gives you a more authentic feel of the city.

Getting to downtown Yerevan is simple, with buses, marshrutkas (minibuses), and taxis all readily available. You’ll find yourself conveniently located near supermarkets, local bakeries, and other everyday essentials. While you won’t see the big-name stores or wide range of international dining options found in the city center, there are plenty of local restaurants offering delicious Armenian fare. In recent years, areas around Margaryan Street and Halabyan Street have seen new development, with a handful of modern cafes and restaurants popping up to add a contemporary touch to the neighborhood.

Arabkir

Arabkir is one of Yerevan’s most dynamic and livable districts. Located just north of Kentron (the city’s central district), it strikes a perfect balance between the quiet suburbs and the bustling city center, offering a mix of residential comfort and urban energy. It’s a popular choice for locals who want to live close to downtown without the noise or tourist crowds. The area is known for its clean and safe streets with a welcoming atmosphere.

Getting around from Arabkir is easy - Republic Square and the Cascade Complex are just a 10- to 15-minute taxi ride away. The Barekamutyun Metro Station is located in the district, making Arabkir one of the best-connected areas outside the center.

The district's main artery, Komitas Avenue, is lined with a variety of shops, cafes, bakeries, and pharmacies. You’ll find both chain supermarkets and open-air markets for fresh produce. The food scene is diverse, with plenty of local cafes and restaurants offering everything from Armenian classics to Middle Eastern dishes and a few international options. In recent years, trendy spots have popped up around Komitas and Papazyan Streets, bringing a younger, more vibrant energy to the area.

Avan

Avan, situated on the northeastern edge of Yerevan, offers a more suburban experience compared to the city’s central neighborhoods. It’s a spacious and quiet district, ideal for those seeking a slower pace and a more residential atmosphere. The area is clean, family-friendly, and filled with greenery offering plenty of trees, gardens, and open spaces giving it a peaceful charm.

You’ll find all the everyday essentials here, including local grocery stores, bakeries, produce markets, and pharmacies. While Avan doesn’t have a big selection of trendy cafes or restaurants, there are plenty of local eateries and a few fast-food spots.

Although the area isn’t connected to the metro, buses and marshrutkas provide regular service to other parts of the city. Since Avan is a bit more removed from central Yerevan, having access to a car or ride-hailing app (like GG or Yandex Go) can make getting around easier. One of Avan’s highlights is its proximity to green spaces and natural areas. It borders the Botanical Garden, a tranquil spot perfect for a walk or some quiet time in nature.

Davtashen

Staying in Davtashen offers a peaceful and authentic experience, away from the bustle of central Yerevan. The neighborhood has a laid-back, small-district feel with a strong sense of safety and community. You'll find all the essentials nearby, such as grocery stores, bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience shops, making day-to-day living easy and comfortable.

There are several local cafes and bakeries, along with a few modern spots that have popped up in recent years. The area is home to locals, families, and working professionals, giving it a local, lived-in atmosphere. While it’s not a touristy district and English isn’t widely spoken, residents are generally warm and willing to help.

Although Davtashen doesn’t yet have a metro station, getting to the city center is simple. Buses and marshrutkas cross the Davtashen Bridge, connecting you to other parts of Yerevan. Taxis and ride apps are also convenient and affordable, with rides to Republic Square or the Cascade taking about 15 to 20 minutes.

Erebuni

Erebuni is one of the oldest and most historically significant districts in Yerevan. Located in the southeastern part of the city, it offers convenient access to the center, though it may not be as polished or tourist-friendly as neighborhoods like Kentron or Arabkir. Still, Erebuni has its own unique charm and strong local character.

The district is named after the ancient Erebuni Fortress, founded in 782 BC, which marks the very beginning of Yerevan’s history. The Erebuni Museum and Fortress are standout landmarks in the area and definitely worth a visit to explore Armenia’s rich cultural heritage.

Day-to-day living is made easy with plenty of local shops, markets, and essential stores nearby. Transportation is also convenient with parts of the district close to metro stations like Sasuntsi Davit, which takes you directly to Republic Square in just a few minutes. The area is also well-connected by buses and marshrutkas, with travel time to the city center typically around 15 to 20 minutes.

Kenton

Kentron, Yerevan’s central district, puts you right in the heart of the city. It’s the most popular area for visitors to stay, thanks to its walkability, lively atmosphere, and close proximity to top attractions. Here you’ll find some of Yerevan’s most iconic sights, including Republic Square, the Cascade, the Opera House, and Northern Avenue.

The district is highly pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. With its European-style vibe, outdoor cafes, bustling sidewalks, and public art, Kentron has an energetic yet charming feel.

You’ll have no shortage of dining options with trendy cafes, traditional Armenian restaurants, and international cuisine everywhere in the area. It’s also one of the best areas for nightlife, especially around Pushkin Street and the Opera House, where you’ll find cocktail lounges, live music spots, and a few clubs.

Shopping is convenient too, with everything from local boutiques and souvenir shops to supermarkets and convenience stores nearby.

While accommodation prices in Kentron tend to be a bit higher and the area can get noisy, especially in the evenings, the location and energy more than makeup for it. If you want to be surrounded by Yerevan’s culture, food, and nightlife, this is definitely the place to be.

Malatia - Sebastia

Malatia-Sebastia is one of Yerevan’s largest and most densely populated districts, located on the western side of the city. It’s a bustling, energetic area, especially around major roads like Sebastia Street and Arshakunyats Avenue. While not polished or touristy, it offers a genuinely local atmosphere, full of life, culture, and a strong sense of community.

The district is filled with local shops, bakeries, convenience stores, and small eateries serving traditional Armenian fare. One of its standout attractions is the GUM Market, a large, vibrant indoor bazaar where you can find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods at great prices.

Although Malatia-Sebastia isn't served by the metro, it's well-connected by buses and marshrutkas. Taxis and ride apps are very affordable, with a ride to Republic Square typically taking 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Since it's a bit farther from the city center, it's a good idea to plan your movements if you'll be spending a lot of time downtown.

Nor Nork

Staying in Nor Nork, located in the eastern part of Yerevan, offers a more relaxed, residential experience away from the busier city center. It’s a spacious and green district, known for its family-friendly vibe, wide streets, and abundance of parks and trees. While it's not a tourist hotspot, Nor Nork gives you a glimpse into everyday local life, with a more peaceful atmosphere. The area has plenty of grocery stores, markets, pharmacies, and small shops, making it convenient for long-term stays. You’ll also find local bakeries, cafes, and casual eateries, mostly catering to nearby residents, and though the dining scene is more low-key. Nor Nork is not served by the metro, but it’s well-connected to the rest of Yerevan through buses, marshrutkas, and taxis, with travel time to the city center averaging about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Nork - Marash

Staying in Nork-Marash, a hillside district just east of Yerevan’s city center, offers a unique blend of peaceful residential living with beautiful panoramic views of the city and Mount Ararat. The area is quiet, safe, and largely residential, known for its spacious homes, private villas, and low-rise apartment buildings. Because of its elevation, many parts of Nork-Marash offer beautiful overlooks. It’s not a touristy area, so you’ll be surrounded mostly by locals, families, and professionals, giving you an authentic experience of Yerevan. While there are a few local shops, bakeries, and small markets, the district is not densely commercial, so for dining, nightlife, or major shopping, you’ll likely head into nearby Kentron, which is just a 10 to 15 minute drive away. Public transport options are more limited here, so taxis or ride-hailing apps are the most convenient way to get around.

Shengavit

The southern district of Yerevan, Shengavit, offers a more local experience with a mix of residential neighborhoods, industrial zones, and Soviet-era apartment blocks. It’s not a tourist-oriented area, but it provides an authentic look at everyday Armenian life. The district is large and varied, with quieter residential pockets as well as busier streets lined with shops, markets, bakeries, and small eateries. Shengavit is home to Yerevan’s main airport (Zvartnots), so parts of the district are conveniently located for travelers flying in or out. It also has historical significance, with the Shengavit Archaeological Site nearby, one of the oldest settlements in the region. The area is well-connected by public transport, including several metro stations like Garegin Nzhdeh Square, which makes getting to the city center relatively easy. Shengavit can be a budget-friendly and practical base.