Yerevan, with its distinctive charm, might not be the greenest city, but it offers beautiful parks perfect for relaxation.
As autumn sets in, these parks become even more inviting. Fall is arguably the best season in Armenia, with mild temperatures and warm weather lasting through October. It’s an ideal time to start your weekend in a small café and stroll in the Botanical Garden or Lover’s Park.
Unfortunately, there are not so many parks with green spaces. Some of them are too crowded and noisy because of the nearby busy traffic and numerous cafes. However, some places may feel like you are outside the city. It’s also because Yerevan is a city of different landscapes. For example, you can find a gorge inside the city.
This blog will explore some of the parks where you can read a book or enjoy a Sunday walk with kids.
Lover’s Park
If you ask the locals about their favorite park downtown, they will most likely point to Lover’s Park. Although it’s located close to one of the busiest avenues just in front of the presidential residence, the park is a calm place.
Once named Pushkin Park, it was renamed in 1995 and fully renovated by the Boghossian Foundation in 2005. It has a unique design, something from Japanese landscaping with Armenian elements, featuring stones from various Armenian regions. Reopened in 2008, it now hosts various events and is a great spot for relaxation and gatherings, especially among couples. Besides, as fall is a popular time for weddings the park has become a photo shoot spot for newlyweds.
The café at Lovers’ Park is a popular spot for freelancers, offering a peaceful atmosphere for work during the week. On weekends, it transforms into a lively family hub, with children enjoying the nearby playground, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and fun.
Botanical Garden
This garden is a protected area that serves as a vital center for plant research and conservation. The Botanical Garden plays a crucial role in preserving Armenia’s unique flora, some of which are rare or endangered. However, it’s also a great place to walk with kids or read a book in one of its quiet alleys.
The garden spans over 80 hectares and houses a wide variety of plant species from Armenia and other regions. By the way, the garden also has a museum which is the kids’ favorite. Here they can learn about the flora of Armenia and, for example, play a game to guess a mineral.
The Botanical Garden is a place for a picnic or outdoor games. The locals come here to ride a bike or a scooter.
Tumanyan Park
Photo credit: Visit Yerevan
Tumanyan Park, located near the Hrazdan Gorge in Yerevan, offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It’s a real peaceful oasis in the bustling capital. The park is popular, especially among young people due to its proximity to the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies.
Visitors can enjoy paved paths, benches, and public facilities. The park is also a hub for outdoor activities, from casual sports to group celebrations, and is a great place to exercise or jog, even in winter. There is a big playground for kids where some celebrate children’s birthday parties. In addition to its scenic views, Tumanyan Park hosts performances, including open-air ballet events, making it a cultural hotspot as well.
Children’s Railway
Another great spot with a unique charm. First, it’s a park located in the gorge where you feel as if you are in the country. Secondly, its highlight is the old railway, with a two-car train running along a 2-kilometer track. Surrounded by trees and the sound of the nearby river, it feels like a peaceful retreat from the city.
Though the railway holds a special place in the hearts of many, it has not been much renovated since Soviet times. So do not expect to find some new facilities. However, maybe this nostalgic charm is something that captivates visitors. Besides, there is an old building of railway station built in the 1930s.
English Park
Photo credit: Visit Yerevan
Another park “hidden” downtown like the Children’s Railway is the English Park, one of the oldest parks in the city. Established in the 1860s, it spans 5.5 hectares just a 5-minute walk from the Yerevan Municipality building and Republic Square.
Over the years, the park has seen numerous renovations, including a major one in 1910. It holds historical significance, hosting Armenia’s first football match in 1920. The park is home to the Gabriel Sundukyan Academic Theater.
In the early 2000s, a portion of the park was isolated due to the construction of Italy Street, and that section was later redeveloped as Yerevan’s 2800th Anniversary Park. Another highlight of the park is the planetarium showing films about the universe and the development of space technology.
Yerevan Zoo
This is more than just a place to observe animals—it’s a beautiful park where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks amidst nature. Yerevan Zoo has around 1,200 animals and birds from across the globe, including species unique to Armenia’s rich fauna. It’s a popular destination for families, particularly children, who delight in the variety of wildlife. But it’s also a peaceful space for those seeking a relaxing stroll through its well-maintained paths. It’s sometimes too hot to walk in the park in the summer heat, but autumn is an ideal time to enjoy the park.
