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About Kars
Kars is a northeastern Anatolian city sitting at 1,768 metres elevation on the high steppe, 45 kilometres west of the Armenian border. Once part of the Russian Empire (1878–1918), the city retains a distinctive grid layout and tsarist-era stone buildings that give it a look unlike anywhere else in Turkey. The surrounding province shelters the Ani Ruins — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom — as well as the Sarıkamış ski resort, Çıldır Lake and sweeping highland pastures grazed by horses and geese. Kars is also Turkey's finest cheese- and honey-producing region; the local gravyer (Gruyère-style cheese) and wild-flower honey have nationwide fame. Summers are cool and clear; winters are brutally cold, with temperatures sometimes hitting −30 °C, but they bring deep powder at Sarıkamış and the otherworldly spectacle of frozen Çıldır Lake.
- Capital
- Kars
- Largest city
- Kars
- Population
- 278000
- Languages
- Turkish, Kurdish, Azerbaijani
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (TRT)
Explore Kars by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Kars
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Kars Castle
Kümbet Mosque
Kars Museum
Çıldır Lake
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Kars Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Kars, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Kars
- Days 1-2Kars city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Kars
- Days 1-3Kars comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Kars, departure
Where to stay in Kars
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ₺600–₺1,050/day (~$19–$33)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ₺1,400–₺2,550/day (~$44–$80)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ₺2,900–₺5,100/day (~$91–$160)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Katerina
Check rates on Booking.comKars Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Ani Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comTemel Palas Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Kars
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Kaz Evi Restaurant
Antik Han Restaurant
Haydar Usta Kebapçısı
Ocakbaşı Kars
Café Mavi Köşe
Et Lokantası Özgür
Getting around Kars
Kars is connected by air, rail, and intercity bus. The airport has daily flights from Istanbul. The train station (TCDD) links Kars to Ankara via Erzurum on the Eastern Express (27 h, one of Turkey's most scenic journeys). Dolmuş minibuses serve the city; taxis are widely available.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺400–₺600/night (~$13–$19) | ₺800–₺1,400/night (~$25–$44) | ₺1,500–₺2,500/night (~$47–$78) |
| Food (per day) | ₺100–₺200/day (~$3–$6) | ₺300–₺500/day (~$9–$16) | ₺600–₺1,000/day (~$19–$31) |
| Transportation | ₺50–₺100/day (~$2–$3) | ₺100–₺250/day (~$3–$8) | ₺300–₺600/day (~$9–$19) |
| Activities | ₺50–₺150/day (~$2–$5) | ₺200–₺400/day (~$6–$13) | ₺500–₺1,000/day (~$16–$31) |
| Daily total | ₺600–₺1,050/day (~$19–$33) | ₺1,400–₺2,550/day (~$44–$80) | ₺2,900–₺5,100/day (~$91–$160) |
Best time to visit Kars
Summer (June–September) offers the best conditions for visiting Ani and hiking. Winter brings reliable snow at Sarıkamış ski resort and the frozen Çıldır Lake horse-sledge experience, but temperatures can drop to −30 °C.
Essential travel tips
- Book the Eastern Express train (Ankara–Kars) weeks in advance — it sells out quickly, especially in summer
- Visit Ani early morning to avoid tour groups and for the best light on the stone churches
- Kars gravyer cheese and honey make excellent gifts; buy from Boğatepe Cooperative or the covered bazaar
- Restaurant kitchens in Kars close early (around 21:00); plan dinner no later than 20:30
Safety information
Pack very warm layers for any visit between November and March; wind-chill at Ani can be severe
Hire a reputable driver for the Ani trip — the 45 km road is manageable by car but poorly signposted
ATMs are available in Kars city centre; carry cash for Ani entrance and village stops
Tap water in Kars is generally safe but bottled water is inexpensive and widely available
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Kars?
The best time to visit Kars is June to September.
What currency is used in Kars?
The currency in Kars is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Kars?
The main language(s) spoken in Kars: Turkish, Kurdish, Azerbaijani. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Kars?
The top attractions in Kars include Ani Ruins, Kars Castle, Kümbet Mosque, Kars Museum, and Çıldır Lake. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.