Vagharshapat, Armenia 🇦🇲
#1000
40.162775, 44.293166
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vagharshapat is a historic city known for its ancient churches and proximity to the capital city of Yerevan. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps; many cafes offer free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AMD ≈ 0.0022 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, though bottled water is recommended in some areas. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from VivaCell, Telecom Armenia, and Beeline. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Araratbank and VTB Armenia widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available including hotels and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted at most locations, but cash is still recommended for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options start around $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Vagharshapat offers dorms starting at $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Yerevan is the closest coworking space, about 20 minutes away by car. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Dargett offers a relaxed vibe and good internet speed. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups held at local cafes; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat meetups organized via social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Go is widely used for taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available through local shops; no scooter-sharing services found. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Sevan, approximately 1 hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Armenia Air operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Armenia Air and FlyOne provide international services. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M1 highway connects Vagharshapat to Yerevan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Yerevan railway station, 20 minutes away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is quite affordable, with single fares costing 100 AMD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minibuses to nearby cities update frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Vagharshapat Medical Center provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Yerevan, 20 minutes away. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Gym in Vagharshapat offers membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries are available, with services starting at $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Yandex Eats are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kufta - a meatball dish popular in Armenian cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Bean café offers a range of vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kamar Mankunk offers traditional Armenian pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets provide fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | A lot of options through local platforms like A1 and MyShop. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services available through local apps. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars in Yerevan provide vibrant nightlife, but Vagharshapat is quieter. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kotayk Brewery produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Gaitana Wine Bar located in Yerevan, known for local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell lavash and barbeque in central areas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta and Pizza spots like Ciao Italia in Yerevan. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Echmiadzin Cathedral, the oldest Christian cathedral in the world. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Mother Cathedral Museum showcases religious artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. Hripsime Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Zvartnots Cathedral ruins are nearby. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Echmiadzin Festival occurs in September, celebrating the city’s heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The center of Vagharshapat is rich with cultural diversity. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Armenian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet is a short drive away. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Vagharshapat market offers local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music, especially in Yerevan. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Public murals can be found in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in making traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 25 in Yerevan features modern Armenian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Railway Station is a notable landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its rich religious history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hovinar Park offers a beautiful green escape in the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Dilijan National Park is a couple of hours’ drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking paths along the river Araks provide scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views of Mount Ararat can be seen from various viewpoints. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Areas along the riverbanks are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Hovinar Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Armenian Post provides reliable service for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide general tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local universities offer Armenian language and cultural classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library serves as a quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes with gaming setups can be found. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | None in Vagharshapat, but options in Yerevan. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Armenia applies a flat income tax rate of 23%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 23% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property area. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% for property purchases. |