What to do in Varanasi

Activities, attractions and tours

Varanasi which includes a bay or harbour, a coastal town and boating
Varanasi which includes religious elements
Tulsi Ghat which includes a day spa, religious elements and general coastal views
Varanasi featuring boating and a bay or harbour
Tulsi Ghat featuring a sunset, fishing and a lake or waterhole
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Most fun & popular experiences in Varanasi

Tours & day trips

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Full Day Varanasi Private Tour with Temples, Ghats & Rituals

Full Day Varanasi Private Tour with Temples, Ghats & Rituals

Activity duration is 11 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp829.472 per adult*
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Spa & wellness

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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
9.6 out of 10 with 125 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp2.890.124 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 Rp17.825.184 per adult*
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Shows & concerts

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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
8.6 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is Rp1.523.520 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 Rp397.392 per adult
Private Heritage and Spiritual Walk Tour - Varanasi KashiOpens in new tab

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

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 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
Ancient Varanasi city architecture at sunset

Assi Ghat

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

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

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
Ramnagar Fort showing a house, heritage elements and a ruin

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 which includes 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
Tulsi Ghat which includes a day spa, religious elements and general coastal views

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
Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Monastery featuring a temple or place of worship, religious elements and street scenes

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

Explore areas of Varanasi

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
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 Hanuman Ghat and Tulsi Ghat.

Mahmoorganj
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 JVH Mall and Hanuman Ghat.

Godaulia
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 Scindia Ghat and Dasaswamedh ghat.

Sigra
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 JVH Mall.

Varanasi Nagar Nigam

Day trip destinations from Varanasi

Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Monastery featuring a temple or place of worship, religious elements and street scenes

Sarnath

Dev Deepawali at varanasi

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 kilometers from the city centre 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 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.