Things to do in Varanasi

Activities, attractions and tours

A river with boats and a historic building in the background.
A hand holding a lit candle, with a blurred background of lights.
A man sitting by the riverbank, a boat named 'RUDRA GROUP' in the foreground, and a brick building with signs in the background.
A row of colorful boats docked at a calm water body.
A man standing in calm water, holding a cup, with a reflective surface and a distant shoreline.

Things to do

Explore Varanasi’s heritage

Explore Varanasi’s heritage

P1,216
per adult
Explore Varanasi’s heritage
Varanasi Ghats

3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour

P17,505
per adult
3 Days Private Enchanting Varanasi Tour
Evening View of the Ghats from the River Ganga

Pilgrimage Varanasi

P1,997
per adult
Pilgrimage Varanasi
Our guest enjoying boat tour on the banks of ganges river.

The Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi - How to Spend 39 Hours - For First Timers

P7,559
per adult
The Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi - How to Spend 39 Hours - For First Timers
Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour with Chai & Arti Ceremony

Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour with Arti Ceremony

P1,879
per adult
Varanasi: Sunrise Boat Tour with Arti Ceremony
Varanasi tour in one day

Varanasi tour in one day

P7,815
per adult
Varanasi tour in one day
One Day Admirable tour in Varanasi Private Guided Tour

One Day Admirable tour in Varanasi Private Guided Tour

P4,009
per adult
One Day Admirable tour in Varanasi Private Guided Tour
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What to do in Varanasi

Stay near popular Varanasi attractions

A temple adorned with orange marigold garlands and a statue of a deity.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

9.4/10 (211 reviews)
One of Hinduism's twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands crowned with a gold-plated spire in Varanasi. Arrive at dawn for the transcendent Mangala Aarti when chants and incense create the most
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Where to stay in Varanasi

Find the best Varanasi areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Varanasi
Learn more about Varanasi
A bustling riverside market with boats and people.

Godaulia

While Godaulia isn't home to many top sights, Bharat Mata and JVH Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

A riverside cityscape with boats, buildings, and a temple.

Sigra

When in Sigra, you can plan a visit to Bharat Mata and Dasaswamedh ghat, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A temple with a white roof, colorful murals, and a red entrance.

Lanka

Though Lanka might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Sant Ravidas Ghat.

A river with boats and people. There are steps leading up to a building with a dome.
Photo by Tracy Glenn
Open Photo by Tracy Glenn

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

While Varanasi Nagar Nigam might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bharat Mata and JVH Mall.

A riverside cityscape with colorful buildings and boats.

Mahmoorganj

Though Mahmoorganj might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hanuman Ghat and Tulsi Ghat.

A bull on a sandy beach with boats and a building in the background.

Chandauli

Frequently asked questions

Is Varanasi worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the local charm and cultural highlights or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Varanasi.
How do I spend a day in Varanasi?
Archaeological Museum and Kashi Vishwanath Temple are two excellent places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Varanasi while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Varanasi?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Varanasi?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat and Hanuman Ghat with a three-day getaway in Varanasi. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Chandauli.
Is Varanasi a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Varanasi, like Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Assi Ghat, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometers from the city center of Varanasi is Sigra and Mahmoorganj is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Varanasi with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Varanasi with kids.

What to do in Varanasi for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in Varanasi for adults including Sant Ravidas Ghat and Alamgir Mosque.
Are there free things to do in Varanasi?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Varanasi. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.