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

Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour

Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour

€22
per adult
Varanasi Experience 01 Night -02 Days Tour
Varanasi: Ganges River Morning Cruise with Snacks and Tea

Varanasi: Ganges River Morning Cruise with Snacks and Tea

€14
per adult
Varanasi: Ganges River Morning Cruise with Snacks and Tea
Varanasi tour in one day

Varanasi tour in one day

€111
per adult
Varanasi tour in one day
Full Day Varanasi Private Tour with Temples, Ghats & Rituals

Full Day Varanasi Private Tour with Temples, Ghats & Rituals

€44
per adult
Full Day Varanasi Private Tour with Temples, Ghats & Rituals
Evening Boat Ride

Evening Boat Ride

€24
per adult
Evening Boat Ride
Varanasi: Private city sightseeing & Ganges Cruis

Full-day private Varanasi tour with AC car, boat & Sarnath

€143
per adult
Full-day private Varanasi tour with AC car, boat & Sarnath
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

€106
per adult
The Ultimate 3 Days in Varanasi - How to Spend 39 Hours - For First Timers
Morning Aarti with Boat Ride & Rooftop Breakfast

Varanasi Dawn: Sunrise Cruise & Rooftop Breakfast

€29
per adult
Varanasi Dawn: Sunrise Cruise & Rooftop Breakfast
Private Full-Day Varanasi Tour with Boat Ride

Private Full-Day Varanasi Tour with Boat Ride

€125
per adult
Private Full-Day Varanasi Tour with Boat Ride
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What to do in Varanasi

Stay near popular Varanasi attractions

A large temple with a tall spire and multiple smaller domes.

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 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 may 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 boats, buildings, and a temple.

Sigra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sigra and surrounding area, you can visit Bharat Mata and Dasaswamedh ghat.

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

Lanka

When in Lanka, you can plan a visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Sant Ravidas Ghat, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 may 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

While there might not be top attractions in Mahmoorganj, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Hanuman Ghat and Tulsi Ghat.

A row of lit candles in glass holders on a reflective surface.

Bhadohi

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 holiday 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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of Varanasi is Sigra and Mahmoorganj is 2 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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.

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