Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banaras, is one of India’s oldest and most spiritual cities. If you’re planning a trip to this holy city, you’ll want to know the best things to do in Varanasi that will make your visit truly special. This ancient city sits along the sacred Ganges River and offers visitors amazing experiences that mix old traditions with modern life.
Whether you have one day or three days to explore, Varanasi has something magical for everyone. From watching the sunrise over the Ganges to exploring busy markets and old temples, this guide will help you discover all the wonderful things to do in Varanasi that will create memories to last a lifetime.
1. Take a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Sacred Ganges River
Taking a boat ride on the Ganges River is one of the most popular things to do in Varanasi. The boat ride gives you the best view of the city’s famous ghats (river steps) and temples. The early morning boat ride during sunrise is especially beautiful when the golden light makes the water sparkle.
The morning light creates an inspiring scene with devotees bathing and performing prayers, making it a perfect spiritual experience. You can book boat rides from any of the main ghats, and the ride usually lasts 1-2 hours. Most boatmen will take you along the entire stretch of ghats, telling you stories about each one.
The boat ride costs around ₹200-500 per person depending on the time and duration. It’s best to start early around 5:30 AM to catch the beautiful sunrise and avoid crowds.
2. Experience the Magical Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The famous Ganga Aarti takes place every night from 7 PM to 8 PM on the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and watching this ceremony is truly special. This is one of the most important spiritual things to do in Varanasi that you should not miss.
During the aarti, priests dressed in colorful clothes light oil lamps and offer prayers to the Ganges River. The sound of bells, chanting, and the sight of hundreds of flickering lamps creates a magical atmosphere. Thousands of people gather to watch this beautiful ceremony every evening.
You can watch the aarti from the ghat itself (free) or from a boat on the river (₹100-200 per person). Arriving 30 minutes early helps you get a good spot to view this amazing spiritual show.
3. Visit the Famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important temples in India and a must-visit among things to do in Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is covered with gold, which is why people also call it the Golden Temple.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is among the top things to do in Varanasi because of its religious importance and beautiful architecture. The temple attracts millions of visitors every year who come to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
The temple is open from 4 AM to 11 PM, but the best time to visit is early morning or evening when it’s less crowded. Remember to dress properly (no shorts or sleeveless clothes) and carry a valid ID card for security check.
4. Explore the Historic Sarnath Archaeological Site
Sarnath is located just 10 kilometers from Varanasi city center and is one of the most important things to do in Varanasi for history lovers. This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after achieving enlightenment, making it a very special place for Buddhists around the world.
At Sarnath, you can visit the Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, and the remains of ancient monasteries. The museum houses amazing sculptures and artifacts from the Buddhist period, including the famous Lion Capital which is now India’s national symbol.
Sarnath is considered a must-see attraction and can be easily covered in half a day. You can reach Sarnath by auto-rickshaw (₹300-400 round trip) or local bus (₹20-30 one way).
5. Discover Unique Things to Do in Varanasi Beyond Temples
While temples are important, there are many unique things to do in Varanasi that show different sides of the city. One special activity is learning to cook traditional Banarasi food with local families. You can join cooking classes where you’ll learn to make dishes like kachori, jalebi, and traditional curries.
Another unique experience is taking a cycle rickshaw tour through the narrow lanes of old Varanasi. This lets you see how local people live and discover hidden gems that most tourists miss. You’ll see old houses, small temples, and busy neighborhood markets.
Art lovers can visit local weaving centers where famous Banarasi silk sarees are made. Watching skilled weavers create these beautiful sarees by hand is truly amazing and gives you a new appreciation for Indian craftsmanship.
6. Best Things to Do in Varanasi at Night
The nighttime offers some of the most exciting things to do in Varanasi at night. Besides the famous Ganga Aarti, you can take a night boat ride on the Ganges River. Night boat rides are generally safe if you choose a reliable boatman and stick to well-lit ghats.
One of the best ways to experience nightlife activities in Varanasi is by shopping till late at night in the busy markets. The Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar stay open until 10 PM, where you can buy silk sarees, brass items, and local snacks.
Varanasi has an active nightlife, with some of the greatest nightclubs for couples and friends. Places like Tarang Bar offer a lively atmosphere for those looking for modern entertainment after exploring the spiritual side of the city.
7. Top 10 Tourist Places in Varanasi You Must Visit
Here are the top 10 tourist places in Varanasi that should be on every visitor’s list:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most famous and busiest ghat where the main Ganga Aarti happens every evening.
- Assi Ghat is popular with young travelers and offers a more relaxed atmosphere for yoga and meditation.
- Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ghat, which gives visitors a deep understanding of Hindu beliefs about life and death.
- Tulsi Manas Temple is known for its beautiful marble architecture and walls covered with verses from the Ramayana.
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is famous for its morning prayers and is believed to solve devotees’ problems.
- New Vishwanath Temple at BHU (Banaras Hindu University) is a modern temple with impressive architecture.
- Bharat Mata Temple is unique because it has a map of India made in marble instead of traditional gods and goddesses.
- Durga Temple, also called Monkey Temple, is known for its red color and the many monkeys that live there.
- Alamgir Mosque shows the mixed culture of Varanasi with its Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Ramnagar Fort across the river offers great views of the ghats and houses a museum with royal collections.
8. Perfect Things to Do in Varanasi in 3 Days
If you have three days, you can explore Varanasi properly without rushing. Here’s how to plan your things to do in Varanasi in 3 days:
Day 1: Start with an early morning boat ride to see the sunrise. Visit the main ghats including Dashashwamedh, Assi, and Manikarnika. In the evening, watch the Ganga Aarti and explore the night markets.
Day 2: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple early morning. Explore Sarnath in the afternoon and learn about Buddhist history. Return to the city for dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges.
Day 3: Take a food walking tour to taste local Banarasi breakfast items. Visit BHU campus and New Vishwanath Temple. End your trip with a cycle rickshaw tour through old city lanes and visit local silk weaving centers.
9. Places to Visit in Varanasi in 1 Day
For visitors with limited time, here are the essential places to visit in Varanasi in 1 day. Start very early at 5 AM with a sunrise boat ride covering all major ghats. This gives you the best overview of the city in just 2 hours.
After the boat ride, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple around 8 AM when it’s less crowded. Have breakfast at a local eatery trying famous Banarasi kachori and jalebi. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow lanes and markets around Vishwanath Temple.
In the evening, find a good spot for the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat around 6:30 PM. After the aarti, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with Ganges view. This packed schedule covers the main spiritual and cultural experiences of Varanasi.
10. Tourist Places Near Varanasi Within 100 KMs
There are several interesting tourist places near Varanasi that make great day trips.
Sarnath (10 km) is the closest and most important, where you can spend half a day exploring Buddhist history and monuments.
Ramnagar (15 km) across the Ganges is famous for its 18th-century fort and the annual Ram Lila performances during Dussehra festival. The fort has a museum with vintage cars, royal costumes, and ancient weapons.
Chunar Fort (40 km) is a historic fort on the Ganges with great views and interesting stories from Mughal times. Vindhyachal (70 km) is an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga, popular among devotees seeking blessings.
For those interested in things to do in Ayodhya, this holy city is about 200 km from Varanasi and can be covered as an overnight trip. Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama and has become a major pilgrimage destination.
Also Read: 15 Best Things to Do in Rishikesh: Travel Tips & Costs
11. Experience Local Food Culture and Street Food Tours
Food is an important part of the things to do in Varanasi experience. The city is famous for its street food and traditional sweets that have been made the same way for hundreds of years. Start your food journey with the famous Banarasi breakfast of kachori sabzi, jalebi, and lassi.
Visit Kashi Chat Bhandar for the best chaat in the city, where they serve delicious golgappa, aloo tikki, and tamatar chaat. For sweets, try the famous malaiyo (winter special), rabri, and different types of laddoos from local sweet shops.
Don’t miss trying Banarasi paan (betel leaf preparation) which is considered the best in India. The narrow lanes near Vishwanath Temple have many paan shops where you can watch the artful preparation of this traditional mouth freshener.
Evening food walks through Godowlia and Vishwanath Gali let you taste multiple local dishes while learning about their history and cultural importance from local guides.
12. Shopping for Banarasi Silk and Local Crafts
Shopping is one of the enjoyable things to do in Varanasi that lets you take home beautiful memories. Varanasi is world-famous for its Banarasi silk sarees, which are made using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Visit Thatheri Bazaar for brass items, copper utensils, and religious artifacts. The market has been serving pilgrims and tourists for centuries with authentic handmade products. Vishwanath Gali is perfect for buying souvenirs, rudraksha beads, and small religious items.
For authentic Banarasi silk sarees, visit established shops in Godowlia area or government emporiums that guarantee quality. Watch weavers at work in small workshops where these magnificent sarees come to life thread by thread.
The narrow lanes also have shops selling traditional wooden toys, stone carvings, and miniature paintings that make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.
13. Spiritual and Yoga Experiences
Varanasi offers many spiritual things to do in Varanasi beyond visiting temples. The city is considered the yoga capital of India, and you can join morning yoga sessions at various ghats, especially Assi Ghat which is popular among international visitors.
Many ashrams and spiritual centers offer meditation courses, spiritual discourses, and prayer sessions. These experiences help visitors connect with the deeper spiritual meaning of Varanasi beyond just sightseeing.
You can also participate in early morning prayers at various temples, learn about Hindu philosophy from local priests, or join group meditation sessions on the ghats during sunset.
The spiritual atmosphere of the city naturally encourages self-reflection and inner peace, making it a perfect place for those seeking spiritual growth and understanding.
14. Best Hotels in Varanasi for Different Budgets
Finding good accommodation is important when planning things to do in Varanasi. The city offers hotels in Varanasi for every budget, from luxury heritage properties to budget hostels for backpackers.
For luxury travelers, hotels like Taj Ganges, Radisson Hotel, and BrijRama Palace offer five-star comfort with great views of the Ganges River. These hotels provide modern amenities while keeping the traditional charm of Varanasi.
Mid-range options include Hotel Ganges Grand, Hotel Surya, and Zostel Varanasi which offer good comfort and location at reasonable prices. These hotels are usually located close to main attractions and provide easy access to ghats and temples.
Budget travelers can choose from many guesthouses and hostels in the old city area. These places offer basic clean accommodation and are perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city.
15. How to Reach Varanasi – Flights and Transportation
Planning your transportation is the first step in organizing your things to do in Varanasi itinerary. Flights to Varanasi are available from all major Indian cities, with Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport being well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other metro cities.
The airport is about 25 kilometers from the city center, and you can reach the main area by taxi (₹500-700), airport shuttle, or app-based cabs. Many airlines offer direct flights, making Varanasi easily accessible for domestic and international travelers.
Varanasi Junction is one of India’s busiest railway stations with trains connecting to all major cities. The railway station is centrally located, making it convenient to reach hotels and main attractions. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are easily available from the station.
For road travelers, Varanasi is well-connected by national highways to nearby cities. Regular bus services operate from Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, and other cities. The bus stand is located in the city center with good connectivity to all parts of Varanasi.
Planning Your Perfect Varanasi Trip
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Varanasi in 2 days or planning a longer stay, this ancient city offers experiences that touch your heart and soul. From the spiritual energy of the ghats to the delicious local food and rich cultural heritage, Varanasi creates memories that last forever.
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and boat rides. During summer months (April-June), it can get very hot, but early morning and evening activities are still enjoyable.
Remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples, carry cash for small purchases and boat rides, and be prepared for crowds during peak season and festivals. The city can be overwhelming at first, but its spiritual energy and warm hospitality will soon make you feel at home.
Varanasi is not just a destination; it’s a journey into India’s spiritual heart. Every ghat, every temple, and every narrow lane has stories to tell. Whether you come seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural experiences, or simply to witness the timeless rhythms of life along the sacred Ganges, Varanasi offers things to do in Varanasi that will change how you see India and perhaps, how you see yourself.
The magic of Varanasi lies not just in its ancient temples or sacred river, but in how it brings together the old and new, the spiritual and practical, the peaceful and chaotic – all in perfect harmony. Come with an open mind and heart, and let this eternal city share its timeless wisdom with you.