Things to do in Varanasi

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Varanasi which includes boating, a bay or harbor and a coastal town
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
Photo provided by Zach Gibson
Tulsi Ghat showing religious aspects, general coastal views and boating
Varanasi featuring a bay or harbor and boating
Tulsi Ghat featuring a sunset, fishing and a lake or waterhole
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Most popular activities in Varanasi

Tours & day trips

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Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour

Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
6.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,257 per adult*
Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

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Varanasi : Full Day City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

Varanasi : Full Day City Highlights Day Tour & Ganges Cruise

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,092 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

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2-Night Private Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from River Cruise Pier

2-Night Private Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from River Cruise Pier

Activity duration is 3 days
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥159,203 per adult*
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Water activities

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Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner

Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥13,607 per adult*
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Shopping & fashion

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Private Heritage and Spiritual Walk Tour - Varanasi Kashi

Private Heritage and Spiritual Walk Tour - Varanasi Kashi

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥3,750 per adult
Private Heritage and Spiritual Walk Tour - Varanasi KashiOpens in new tab

What to do in Varanasi

Discover the most popular places to visit in Varanasi

Dasaswamedh ghat featuring markets as well as a large group of people

Dasaswamedh ghat

Observe sadhus conducting rituals, pilgrims bathing in holy water and priests performing the enthralling Ganga aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges River.

Dasaswamedh ghat
New Vishwanatha Temple which includes heritage elements, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Banaras Hindu University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Banaras Hindu University, during your travels in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Banaras Hindu University
Tulsi Ghat showing religious aspects, general coastal views and boating

Tulsi Ghat

Watch pilgrims bathe in sacred water, see holy men perform ancient rituals and visit the former home of a great Indian poet.

Tulsi Ghat
Ramnagar Fort featuring a ruin, a house and heritage architecture

Ramnagar Fort

Admire the architecture of this 17th-century fort, discover exhibits of armor, jewelry and vintage cars and watch stunning sunsets over the Ganges River.

Ramnagar Fort
Durga Temple showing religious aspects and markets

Durga Temple

Discover an immaculate image of a revered Hindu god and watch mischievous troops of monkeys at this attractive centuries-old temple.

Durga Temple
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Monastery showing heritage architecture, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara

Listen to monks chanting Buddhist sermons and spot interesting artwork at this modern temple, set among picturesque gardens, ruined temples and sacred shrines.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
New Vishwanatha Temple featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship

New Vishwanatha Temple

Spot interesting statues and artwork and relax amid pristine gardens at this serene temple, set within an attractive university campus.

New Vishwanatha Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

After visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Assi Ghat

You can find out about the history of Varanasi when you stop by Assi Ghat. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Assi Ghat

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Varanasi

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Lanka

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

Lanka
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Mahmoorganj

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

Mahmoorganj
Morning river paddle on the Ganges, Varanasi.

Sigra

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

Sigra
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Godaulia

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

Godaulia
Varanasi which includes religious elements as well as an individual male

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 Scindia Ghat and JVH Mall.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

Popular day trips from Varanasi

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Monastery showing heritage architecture, religious aspects and a temple or place of worship

Sarnath

Mirzapur

Mirzapur

Photo by Marquestra

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.