Wizz Air’s new flight opens up a whole new city break destination for Brits, and not only is it less expensive than spots such as Poland, it’s full of history, walkable, and has plenty to do
Budget airline Wizz Air recently announced six new routes from its London Luton Airport base, and one city in particular is an up-and-coming destination for Brits in 2026 thanks to its rich history and inexpensive pints.
From June 12, 2026, Brits will be able to fly from Luton to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. In addition to connecting the two cities, the new route represents the first direct flights from the UK to Armenia, adding a potential new city break to many people’s lists. Flights on Wizz Air will take just over five hours, and start at just £51.99 one way.
While technically Armenia is in West Asia, it’s often considered to be part of Eastern Europe due to its culture and history. Yerevan is already a popular city break destination among Europeans, but it is rarely visited by Brits, with only 11,000 people from the UK visiting in 2025. However, the new route may see the numbers rise in 2026.
For history fans, Yerevan is a must-visit, as it’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its rich history is encapsulated in the many different types of architecture from across the eras, including a mix of newer Soviet and contemporary designs.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral is considered the oldest cathedral in the world, with the original church dating back to the early fourth century. It was built over a Pagan temple, as the country adopted Christianity as the state religion. Over the years has been rebuilt and reconstructed, with a range of different art and architecture styles.
The Kond District is the city’s oldest quarter, with narrow streets, stone houses, and even areas with unpaved roads. Large areas were destroyed during the Soviet era, with residents moved into modern apartment blocks, although there are attempts to reconstruct this historic area.
Yerevan is often called the Pink City, as many of the buildings have a light pink hue, which you’ll notice more in certain lights. This is because many of its older buildings were built in a local volcanic stone that has a pink tint to it. To really appreciate these buildings, head to Republic Square. It’s also home to the popular dancing fountains, which light up and play music in the evenings.
With prices going up in many European cities, Yerevan remains an inexpensive city break. According to Numbeo, which compares costs between cities, Yerevan is about 20% cheaper than Warsaw, with meals out and alcohol tending to be much cheaper than Poland. Pints in local pubs cost between £1.50 and £2, especially for Armenian beers, while a mid-range bottle of wine is about £7.
There are some great hotel deals to be found. The five-star Grand Hotel Yerevan, which has a central location near to tourist spots and a seasonal outdoor pool, has rooms from just £101 per night. Or if you’re looking for somewhere more budget-friendly, try the centrally located Erebuni Hotel Yerevan. Clean and modern, it has basic rooms for £47 a night including breakfast, and it’s set on a side street just off Republic Square.
READ MORE: Luxury train journey in Spain that’s ‘cheaper version of Orient Express’READ MORE: I stayed in a cheap all-inclusive for a month in winter and instantly regretted it
The city has lots of traditional Armenian restaurants serving hearty local cuisine. Try flatbreads like lavash, or dolma, which are stuffed vine leaves. If you like barbecue, look out for restaurants offering khorovats, which is meat grilled on a skewer, usually pork, beef, or lamb.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com