Kars — Turkey

Where ancient ruins meet the snowy highlands

Kars, perched in Turkey's far east, is a blend of Armenian heritage and Ottoman charm. Its stone streets, frosty winters, and hearty cuisine make it a unique gateway to the Caucasus.

Kars — Things to Do

• Ani Ruins — The medieval Armenian city of Ani, once called the 'City of 1,001 Churches', showcases towering stone walls and spectacular cathedral remnants.
• Kars Castle — A 12th‑century fortress overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Kars’s red‑brick houses and surrounding plains.
• Fethiye Mosque — An elegant 14th‑century Seljuk‑Ottoman mosque known for its intricate wooden minbar and serene courtyard.
• Kars Museum — Home to archaeological finds from Ani, Seljuk artifacts, and ethnographic displays of regional life.
• Lake Çıldır — A vast frozen lake in winter, perfect for ice skating, horseback rides, and traditional fish‑fried breakfasts at lakeside cafés.

Kars — Food & Drink

• Kafkas Restaurant — Famous for its lamb kebab served with a side of buttery bulgur and local apricot chutney.
• Mado Kars — Renowned for its Turkish dondurma (ice cream) flavored with regional honey and walnuts.
• Hacı Bektaş Kebab — Offers succulent grilled kebabs and the signature Kars “kavurmalı” stew with a smoky paprika broth.
• Şahin Lokantası — Cozy family‑run eatery known for its hearty “keşkek” (wheat and meat porridge) and fresh lake fish.

Kars — Where to Stay

• Grand Ani Hotel — Highly rated by guests, this hotel in Kars offers a well-regarded stay with a Google rating of 4.8 from 2663 reviews.
• Hotel Katerina Sarayi — A highly rated accommodation in Kars known for its strong guest satisfaction with a 4.5 Google rating from 1901 reviews.
• Ahıska Palas Kars — Highly rated by guests, this accommodation in Kars boasts an impressive 4.9 Google score from 951 reviews.
• Sapran Deluxe Hotel — A deluxe accommodation in Kars highly rated by guests, boasting a 4.6 score from 895 reviews.
• KARS HOST HOTEL — A well-reviewed hotel in Kars, enjoying a solid 4.3 rating from 1359 guests.

Kars — Travel Tips

• Visit Ani early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the sunrise over the ruins.
• Dress warmly in winter; temperatures can plunge below -20°C, especially around Lake Çıldır.
• Try the local apricot jam—it’s a specialty of the Kars region and pairs perfectly with cheese.
• Public transport is limited; renting a car gives you flexibility to explore the surrounding highlands.

Kars, Turkey