Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and the largest city in modern day Armenia. It's not a huge city with a population just over one million people.
Although one of the oldest cities in the world, with a foundation stone from 782 BCE, it seems modern thanks to the Soviet era cityscape with some fine buildings and a construction boom in the first decades of the 21st century that is still underway at a reduced rate. For example our hotel is so new it's a building site in Google earth and older buildings across the street are under a complete rebuild.
The city is relatively low rise, due to earthquake risk, and spread out. At this time of year it was temperate and leafy - generally very pleasant. In popular precincts like Abovyan Street and near the Cascades there are many European style cafés and restaurants to enjoy and there are several malls and affluent shopping streets.
Around Yerevan - Outdoor dining; Charles Aznavour Square; Republic Square
There are more images in the Armenia Album See more...
Needless to say there is also a Russian style Opera House that was surrounded by a park and adjoined by an outdoor food market and children's playgrounds.