Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Yerevan

Accommodation

$8-20 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, shared rooms in budget guesthouses, or basic private rooms with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$8-18 per day

Street food, local bakeries, traditional lavash wraps, grocery shopping for self-catering, and occasional meals at neighborhood eateries

Transportation

$2-6 per day

Public buses, metro system, marshrutkas (shared minibuses), and extensive walking

Activities

$3-12 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums on certain days, church visits, and hiking in nearby areas

Shop at local markets and grocery stores instead of tourist areas for 60-70% savings on food costs

Use the metro and public buses extensively - typically 10-15x cheaper than taxis for getting around the city

Visit free attractions like Republic Square, Cascade Complex, and numerous churches that don't charge entry fees

Eat lunch at traditional Armenian restaurants rather than dinner, as many offer the same dishes for 30-40% less during lunch hours

Book accommodation in residential neighborhoods rather than the city center for 25-50% savings while still having good public transport access

Take advantage of free walking tours and tip-based experiences rather than expensive private guided tours

Relying solely on taxis and rideshares instead of learning the efficient public transport system, which can cost 8-12x more

Eating exclusively in the tourist-heavy areas around Republic Square and Northern Avenue where prices are typically 100-200% higher than local neighborhoods

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak season, missing out on 30-60% early booking discounts