Kars — city image

Kars Neyi Meşhur?

179 published placesUpdated April 6, 2026

Kars neyiyle meşhur? Kars stands out with its license plate code 36, the Ani archaeological site, its Russian-period urban fabric and castle, Çıldır and Sarıkamış, its cheese museums, and its goose cuisine.

One-day overview

Morning

Ani Harabeleri

Afternoon

Çıldır Gölü

Evening

Yerel yemek

Famous for

  • historical

    Ani Harabeleri

    UNESCO mirası antik şehir.

  • nature

    Çıldır Gölü

    Kışın donan göl üzerinde aktiviteler yapılır.

Flavor notes

  • Kars GravyeriÜnlü peynir çeşidi.
  • Kaz EtiKış aylarının geleneksel yemeği.

Quick navigation

City guide

Overview and planning notes.

Kars Travel Guide: Ani, goose, and Sarıkamış

Short answer: Kars is known for its license plate code 36, the Ani Ruins, Russian architecture and Kars Castle, Lake Çıldır, and Sarıkamış. The local culinary scene highlights Kars goose, Gruyere cheese, and cağ kebab.

Build your trip on three pillars

Most travelers in Kars divide their time between Ani and the museums, the castle–churches and the urban fabric, and goose–cheese and winter nature. To see the full list, you can browse the categories on the Kars homepage.

Ani and archaeology

The Ani Ruins and the Walls of the Ancient City of Ani are considered within the same UNESCO setting. Ani Ruins · Walls of the ancient city of Ani.

The Cathedral of Ani and the Mosque of Menucehr are key stops within the site. Cathedral of Ani · Mosque of Menucehr.

All historical records: Kars — historical places.

Kars Castle, churches, and the railway station

Kars Castle, Fethiye Mosque, and the Stone Bridge form the central axis. Kars Castle · Fethiye Mosque · Stone Bridge.

The Church of the Apostles in Kars and St. Gregory Church reflect the city's multi-cultural fabric. Church of the Apostles in Kars · St. Gregory (Abughamrents) Church.

Kars Railway Station is an architectural stop. Kars Railway Station.

Çıldır, Sarıkamış, and the park

Lake Çıldır is renowned for its frozen-lake atmosphere in winter. Lake Çıldır.

The Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains and the Sarıkamış Soğuksu Recreation Area are popular for winter tourism and summer retreats. Sarıkamış Allahuekber Mountains · Sarıkamış Soğuksu Recreation Area.

City park: Mesut Yılmaz Relaxation Park.

All park records: Kars — nature and parks.

Museums

The Kars Museum, the Caucasus Campaign Military History Museum, and the Kars Cheese Museum make up the cultural trio. Kars Museum · Caucasus Campaign Military History Museum · Kars Cheese Museum.

The Boğatepe Cheese Museum and the Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha Mansion are complementary stops. Boğatepe Cheese Museum · Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha Mansion and Art Gallery.

All museums: Kars — museums and art galleries.

Gastronomy: goose, cağ, and breakfast

Goose and local dishes: Kars Kaz Evi, Hanımeli Kars Mutfağı, Han-ı Hanedan.

Cağ kebab: Kosor Cağ Kebap Kars.

Russian flavors: Pushkin Cafe Restaurant.

Breakfast: Kars Kahvaltı Evi, Kahveland.

Castle cafe: Kale Cafe (Kars Castle Branch).

Extended lists: Popular restaurants, Breakfast spots, Cafes and dessert shops.

Sample 4-day itinerary

Day 1 — Ani: archaeological site and museum; evening goose or cağ kebab.

Day 2 — Kars center: castle, churches, and railway line.

Day 3 — Cheese: Kars or Boğatepe cheese museums.

Day 4 — Çıldır or Sarıkamış: the lake or the winter/nature park.

Featured places

Published content; sorted by popularity and rating.

View all

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Kars's license plate code and in which region is it located?
    Kars is located in the Eastern Anatolia Region on a high plateau, with the license plate code 36.
  • How do you get to the Ani Archaeological Site?
    It's about a half-hour drive up from the center; sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • Are there sleigh rides and horse tours on Lake Çıldır?
    They become available during the winter months; check with local guides or businesses for pricing and safety details.
  • When is Kars goose eaten?
    It is most popular during the winter months at traditional tables; reservations may be required at restaurants in advance.
  • Where can you buy Gruyere cheese?
    It is available at Boğatepe and the city's cheese museums, as well as local dairies; be sure to transport it with a cold chain.
  • Kars çok soğuk mu?
    Evet Türkiye’nin en soğuk şehirlerinden biridir.

Lesser-known stops

  • Boğatepe Köyü

    Peynir üretimiyle ünlü köy.

    Why overlooked? Turistik rotalarda az yer alır.

  • Kars Tren Rotası

    Doğu Ekspresi manzaraları.

    Why overlooked? Deneyim odaklı turizmde bilinir.

Other provinces in the same thematic area.

Community routes

Stops link to place listings.