Mount Ararat is visible from many parts of the city. The climate is generally temperate. Winter can be harsh, particularly in the mountainous regions. Spring is short-lived. Summer lasts four months.
Autumn is mild and sunny.
The city, like many other cities, is built around a central downtown area. It has many squares and open spaces offering travelers a chance to explore it by walking along parks, fountains and numerous monuments. During the winter, spring, and fall, one can enjoy concerts, exhibitions and plays. During the Soviet era, Yerevan became an industrial and scientific center with research and development in high technology and defense, thus enjoying a relatively high standard of living. The city has many scientific and educational institutes that provide a pool of highly technical talent.