Stepanakert

There is some dispute whether the first settlement in this area was started by Armenians in 5th century and thus was called Vararakn ("rapid spring" in Armenian) or by a Karabakh khan in 18th century, and was thus called Khankendi (Turkic for "the khan's village").

The city was renamed in 1923 to Stepanakert to honour Stepan Shahumyan, ethnic Armenian leader. It also became the capital of the newly created Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. Shortly after that municipal authorities adopted a new city layout designed by the prominent Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian, which is still in use.

During the war, the city suffered immense damage from Azeri bombardment which continued from 1992 to 1994.

Armenian is the universal language, but Russian is spoken widely, and it may always be used for everyday contacts with locals. Older locals are likely to speak Azeri and therefore understand some Turkish, but they may be hesitant to use it.

English is becoming more and more popular since most children now learn it at school. Be prepared that most children but also many younger adults want to improve their English and therefore try to engage you in English-language conversation while you walk around. This can be lot of fun and you are likely to get valuable information about accommodation or bus connections that way. In the ministries, there is always at least one person who can speak English fluently. If not, they call somebody. The same applies in larger shops like electronic markets or phone stores.

Tourists must obtain a Nagorno-Karabakh visa, see Nagorno-Karabakh#Get in for more details.

There are several city bus lines. The price was 100 dram in March 2015.

There are lots of taxis ranging from a very old cars to a brand new Mercedes. Taxi prices are a bit higher than in Yerevan and increase if you leave the city for the countryside. Drivers tend to be honest, but using a meter is always a good idea.

• 🌍 Stepanakert Shuka (farmers market), Sasuntsi Tavit Street. Great selection of fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables, plus other supplies. You can try fresh jingalov hats here, a dish with wild mountain herbs for which Karabakh is famous. 
• 🌍 We Are Our Mountains Monument (Tatik & Papik Monument). This monument of an elderly Karabakh man and woman has become the symbol of Artsakh. 
• 🌍 St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church. The new church built in 2007. 
• You should also visit some government buildings and universities.

There are many museums that show the history of the region. There are also a lot of parks, many of them are brand new with nice statues and memorials. People are very friendly and will be happy if your children play with their children.

• 🌍 Drama Theatre of Vahram Papazian (State Drama Theatre), 63 Tumanyan Street, ☏ +374 47944147. (updated Feb 2015)

• Janapar Trail. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Trailhead to Shushi. Janapar trail with trail markings leading to Shushi. 
• 🌍 Trailhead to Patara. Marked Janapar Trail leading to Patara village. 

There are five schools of higher education in Stepanakert: Artsakh State University and four private universities. Artsakh State was established in 1969 as a branch of the Baku Pedagogical Institute. In 1973, it was renamed Stepanakert Pedagogical Institute and following the end of the war, in 1995, it received its current name. The university offers courses spread across seven departments and has an attendance level of 4,500.

There are many souvenir shops. A very nice one can be found in the lobby of hotel "Armenia".

Stepanakert boasts of a number of art galleries and rug shops.

There are so many cafes throughout the city.

• 🌍 Tashir Pizza, 20 Azatamartikneri St.. Western style place with pizza, salad and soup. Non-smoking section and wifi. 
• 🌍 Restaurant "Rosya". Upscale Russian restaurant. 

• Stepanakert Shuka. Sample the many very strong vodkas (oghi) made from the local fruit. Mulberry vodka is the most famous, but apricot, pear, cornelian cherry and others are also delicious with a serious kick. 
• 🌍 Artsakh Alco. Shop with high quality local vodkas and drinks made from fruit. Nice packaging. 
• 🌍 Roots (Armatner), 16/38 Vazgen Sargsyan Str., ☏ +374 97 332228. Hip non-smoking wine bar in Stepanakert, with a small food menu as well, which can be hit or miss. Non-smoking, popular, downstairs serves as a venue for interesting events and talks. Very inexpensive. US$1. (updated Nov 2017)

Budget accommodation (about US$5) is easily available as there are many guest houses. Try to speak with locals about that or ask marshrutka driver which drove you to Stepanakert.

The tourist office kiosk is located opposite to the parliament building in the 20th February street/Renaissance square. They offer many nice brochures with information about the main attractions. Website.

There are several spots with free WiFi. These spots are in parks and around sights and monuments. Look for the signs of WiFi from Karabakh Telecom.

There are several Internet cafés in the city and also the restaurants offer free WiFi.

The locals are friendly and helpful towards foreign visitors. Anything can be discussed freely, including the war and current events. But you should always have a valid visa and keep your distance from the line of contact. Be aware that there is a large military presence here and taking photos of them as well as soldiers or government buildings without permission may not be received kindly. Asking beforehand is a good idea if you are unsure.

• Agdam is also a very good place to see. It is an abandoned city, which is not a common site. There are thousands of old houses, but no one lives there. There is an old mosque there as well.
• Gandzasar Monastery and Cathedral of St John the Baptist is the most spectacular historic monument in Nagorno-Karabakh. It represents a wonderful masterpiece of old Armenian architecture, erected in 13th century. It should be seen by every tourist who decided to visit Nagorno-Karabakh. Gandzasar is located on the hill top, in the vicinity the Vank village, about 60 km distant from Stepanakert. The marshrutka line 205 run from Stepanakert to Vank twice a day 09:00 and 15:00. It returns from Vank at 14:50 and costs 600 dram (March 2015); or you can arrange a taxi.