- Where are we going for shopping - Yerevan or Tbilisi?
- Armenian and Georgian cuisine - battle of the titans
- Metropolitan attractions
On the one hand, the capitals of the two states of the Caucasus are located quite close to each other, on the other hand, they are very different. The question of what to visit, Yerevan or Tbilisi, is not worth it. It would be more correct to ask which city to go to first?
Yerevan is called a city on an eternal vacation - life seems so quiet and calm here. Even tourists are in no hurry in search of attractions, but leisurely stroll along the streets and boulevards of the old city, breathing in the scent of history. Tbilisi is no less an old capital, but the city is more lively, sunny, active.
Where are we going for shopping - Yerevan or Tbilisi?
There is no need to go shopping in the capital of sunny Armenia, as soon as the weekend comes, a huge market unfolds on Republic Square, in the very heart of Yerevan. Here is a real paradise for tourists who have the opportunity to buy from chic works of art to penny souvenirs and gifts to relatives and neighbors. The subject of national pride, Armenian carpets, are best bought at a factory, there is a huge selection and there is a quality guarantee. It is important to keep the receipt in order to present it at customs; when buying an antique carpet, you need to stock up on a certificate allowing the export of artistic value from the country.
Shopping in Georgian is also a very pleasant event, especially if you know what and where to buy. Unlike Yerevan, in the main square of the country you will not see dealers in antiques and all sorts of things in Tbilisi. For interesting shopping, you need to go to the Dry Bridge, where a flea market opens from the very early morning. It is here that you can find ancient national costumes or real daggers of Georgian horsemen. You need to look for souvenirs in the city center in small shops and shops. There is also something that unites two countries and two capitals - carpets, new and antique, which are no less beautiful in Georgia than their neighbors on a geographical map.
Armenian and Georgian cuisine - battle of the titans
Tourists who will be able to appreciate the cuisine of both countries are the winners in the battle of culinary experts and chefs. Yerevan will delight you with real "khorovats" shashlik, famous khinkali, similar to dumplings and dolma - stuffed cabbage, where more delicate and tender grape leaves are used instead of cabbage leaves. Among alcoholic beverages, guests prefer Armenian cognac, and the ladies conduct tasting of fruit vodkas made from apricots, peaches, and mulberry.
The gastronomy of the two countries has many similarities, for example, you can also taste delicious khinkali in Tbilisi. And the country's brand is fragrant khachapuri - dough cakes with baked cottage cheese, besides them, tourists pay attention to the following dishes: fragrant crumpets; white cakes; famous Georgian white cheese. Of course, the famous grape wines should be tried among alcoholic beverages.
Metropolitan attractions
It is best to start your acquaintance with ancient Yerevan with the Erebuni fortress, which has already celebrated the 2800th anniversary of its birth. The main walking place for foreign guests is Republic Square, but not only because of the huge market. This place itself is a landmark of the capital, where the main business cards are located - "Singing Fountains" and "Cascade". The last structure is impressive - it is a complex of stepped transitions, it is located on five levels, from each tier offers stunning views of the city.
The cultural program of acquaintance with Tbilisi originates in the Old City, where any traveler instantly falls under the charm of the ancient city, narrow, winding streets, stone houses 2-3 stories high, twined with vines to the very roof. The city has its own ancient fortress - Narikala, which is located on the top of a mountain with the original name of Mtatsminda. True, after the earthquake of 1827, only ruins remained of the fortress, but they also look impressive, like Tbilisi itself, stretched below.
From entertainment activities, guests choose a trip to the so-called sulfur baths. It is known that thanks to the sulfur spring, the first settlement appeared here. And today the buildings of the baths, built in the oriental style with beautiful domes, invite travelers tired of the day to relax and feel the effect of the healing waters.
Comparison of the two capitals does not make it possible to determine the winner.
Yerevan is chosen by travelers who:
- prefer a leisurely pace of life;
- adore real Armenian cognac and would like to learn how to cook dolma;
- they love walks through ancient fortresses and gorgeous city panoramas.
Tbilisi is most often visited by tourists who:
- have heard a lot about the famous Georgian hospitality;
- love immersion in history;
- would like to experience the effects of the famous Tiflis sulfur springs;
- they prefer real Georgian wine to strong alcoholic beverages.
