Old Yerevan District Yerevan
Old and new
Yerevan is constantly reinventing itself. As the city works to improve its infrastructure, the urban landscape changes. Yerevan's "Old Yerevan" neighbourhood, roughly defined by the intersections of Mashtots Boulevard, Arami and Buzand streets, is one of those places in mid-transition. Though the majority of the original structures in the area are still standing, they are about to be part of a major urban renewal project, paradoxically called "Old Yerevan District".
Back in Tsarist times, these buildings housed Yerevan's Armenian-speaking business elite, as evidenced by the intricate designs on their facades. During Soviet times, however, the area quickly turned into a slum of sorts, as the buildings, despite being listed as heritage sites, were largely neglected by the authorities. The neighbourhood was saved from the fate which other older areas of the city suffered in the 2000s. It will be reconstructed instead.
Though the plan is highly controversial, many conservationists and other concerned citizens agree that this would at least preserve the area's character, and reinvigorate tourism to the area. In the meantime, the neighbourhood has developed a unique identity as a hidden youth hangout spot. One of my favourite places is an undeground anarchist squathouse hidden in one of the building's courtyard. Other DIY bars like Simona and Jean Paul Sartre Existential Cafe are located nearby.
I remember buying my first-ever bicycle from a guy who set up a pop-up shop in one of those derelict buildings. Lots of fun memories there. It's worth visiting before everything changes.
About this spot
Rostom Street 29
- 24 hours daily
AMD
no-price
Find your way with 142 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Yerevan
Industrial Ruins
Post-industrial ruin paradise
The industrial ruins to the south of Yerevan's downtown make a perfect playground for ''ruin porn'' photographers and soviet architecture enthusiasts...
by
Raffi
Elliott
Artists' Building
A Soviet institution
The "Artists' Building" in Yerevan is Brezhnev-era apartment tower were many artists, artisans & new occupants practice their craft to this day...
by
Raffi
Elliott
The Green Bean Cafe
Coffee and pastries
"The Green Bean Cafe" in Yerevan is a place I go to for meeting someone fast or when I need somewhere quiet to work. Great vegetarian & vegan food!
by
Arpi
Janyan
Hraparak Metro
Soviet Shdevr
It truly is a Soviet masterpiece considering its unique design and build: it is part metro station, part cavern and, once upon a time, part cafe.
by
Alan
Grigorian
Open Air Cinema
Constructivism alive
The "Open Air Cinema" in Yerevan in Moscow Cinema has a rich history, and Soviet ruin-porn enthusiasts can access the building all-year round, too!
by
Raffi
Elliott
Homeland Handycrafts
Armenian fair trade
"Homeland Handycrafts" in Yerevan is a social enterprise designed to revive traditional Armenian crafts while employing the most vulnerable population...
by
Raffi
Elliott
Millennial Park
Celebrating 2800 years of Yerevan
by
Raffi
Elliott
Hanrapetutyan Street
Beautiful old architecture
"Hanrapetutyan Street" in Yerevan is one of the most central in the city, yet there is so much to see here. The buildings are really beautiful and old...
by
Sofia
Manukyan
Ardēan
Embracing art
"Ardēan": a center for art, architecture and design that has its gallery shop on Abovyan street in Yerevan. I like how they combine technology & tradition.
by
Arpi
Ohanyan
Mermaids of the Underground
Or Soviet nudity
The "Mermaids of the Underground" in Yerevan is a sculpture from 1981. The mermaids wear nothing but their hair, which was quite unusual for its time...
by
Vahagn
Vardumyan
Shengavit
A 6000-year-old town in Yerevan!
"Shengavit" is an impressive 6000-year-old settlement which is preserved even better than Yerevan's old town! It was an accidental discovery in the 1930s.
by
Vahagn
Vardumyan
Cross-stone Makers
Talking stones
The "Cross-stone Makers" in Yerevan follow a tradition that goes back to 879 AD. The masters' metal tools on the stone create a meditative sound for me...
by
Arpi
Ohanyan
Heading to Yerevan?
142 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Yerevan?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 142 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Yerevan
Get to know our other Spotters from Yerevan
As featured on:
