Things to do in Varanasi

Activities, attractions and tours

Varanasi which includes a bay or harbour, a coastal town and boating
Varanasi which includes a bay or harbour, a coastal town and boating
Varanasi which includes religious aspects
Tulsi Ghat which includes boating, a day spa and general coastal views
Varanasi which includes boating and a bay or harbour
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What to do in Varanasi

Popular places to visit

The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Guptakashi, believed to be constructed by the Pandavas during their Guptavasa, is located in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

4.5/5(10 reviews)

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

Dasaswamedh ghat

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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
Ancient Varanasi city architecture at sunset

Assi Ghat

4.5/5(10 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Varanasi with a stop at Assi Ghat. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Assi Ghat
New Vishwanath Temple historical building in Varanasi, India

Banaras Hindu University

5/5(10 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Banaras Hindu University during your travels in Varanasi. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the temples in the area.

Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi, India. Bird Take Off from Sacred Ghat In Varanasi. Pigeons Fly Up In Slow Mo. Birds Flight. Orange Flags Fluttering In Slow Mo, Symbolizing Hanuman. Cinematic View On Ganga River. Many

Hanuman Ghat

3/5(3 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Varanasi with a trip to Hanuman Ghat. Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its temples.

Hanuman Ghat
Tulsi Ghat which includes boating, a day spa and general coastal views

Tulsi Ghat

4/5(12 reviews)

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 which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and building ruins

Ramnagar Fort

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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 which includes markets and religious aspects

Durga Temple

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

Durga Temple
New Vishwanatha Temple featuring religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

New Vishwanatha Temple

5/5(1 review)

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

New Vishwanatha Temple

Areas of Varanasi

River Ganges, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India; 30-Jan-2019; Siberian migratory birds over river Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Mahmoorganj

5/5(1 area review)

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

Mahmoorganj
Historic Buddhist temple in Varanasi, India. Buddhist temples structure like Bangkok ,Thailand

Lanka

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

Lanka
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Many Boats moored on Ganga river near ghats. Hundreds of tourists and locals come in boats to watch Ganga Maha Aarti ceremony and the fire ceremony. Purple sunset sky

Sigra

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

Sigra
Varanasi, India - March 07, 2025: Main ghat at Ganges river in Varanasi city, India

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 Scindia Ghat and Bharat Mata.

Godaulia
Hindu Holi city of Haridwar near Ganges, Uttranchal, India

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 Scindia Ghat and Bharat Mata.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Dev Deepawali at varanasi

Bhadohi

Varanasi, seen from Ganges.

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 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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