Guide
Places to Go in Varanasi (Banaras), and What to Eat Nearby
The places to go in Varanasi are the ghats along the Ganga, the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the old-city lanes around it, and, a short drive away, Sarnath. Most of the old city is best seen on foot or by boat. Below is what to see, what to eat near each place, and a simple one-day plan, written by a family sweet shop in the middle of it all.
Places to go, and food nearby
| Place | Why go | Eat nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | The main ghat, with the Ganga Aarti every evening at sunset | Lassi and chaat in Godowlia; sweets in Thatheri Bazar, about 500 m away |
| A sunrise boat ride | The best way to see the ghats; boats leave from Dashashwamedh and Assi | Malai toast and chai afterwards near Godowlia |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | The city's most important Shiva temple, reached through the old lanes or the temple corridor | Breakfast and sweets in Thatheri Bazar, about 800 m away |
| Manikarnika Ghat | The ancient cremation ghat; watch quietly and respectfully | Back through the lanes to Chowk and Thatheri Bazar |
| Assi Ghat | The southern end of the ghats, with a morning aarti and a relaxed café scene | Cafés at Assi; paan in nearby Lanka |
| Sankat Mochan and Durga Temple | Two much-loved temples in the south of the city | Street food around Lanka |
| Banaras Hindu University | A large green campus with the New Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan museum | Sweets and snacks on the BHU side, around Lanka |
| Ramnagar Fort | The Maharaja of Banaras's fort and museum across the river | Eat in the city before you cross |
| Sarnath | Where the Buddha gave his first sermon; Dhamek Stupa and the museum, about 10 km from the city | Take Lal Peda for the road: it keeps well |
| Thatheri Bazar and Chowk | The old market lanes between the ghats and the temple, known for metalwork shops and food | Kachori-jalebi breakfast, Malaiyo from the winter-morning vendors, and sweets at Sri Narayan Misthan Bhandar |
A one-day plan for the old city
- Sunrise: a boat ride along the ghats from Dashashwamedh
- Breakfast: kachori, sabzi and jalebi in Thatheri Bazar
- Morning: Kashi Vishwanath Temple; then sweets at Sri Narayan Misthan Bhandar, about 800 m from the temple
- Afternoon: Sarnath, or BHU and Sankat Mochan
- Evening: the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, then lassi and paan
Getting around
The old city's lanes are narrow and best walked. Cars and autos stop at the edges, around Godowlia and Chowk. Boats are the easiest way to move between ghats, and autos or taxis for Sarnath, BHU and Ramnagar.
Hungry? Read our guide to places to eat in Varanasi and the famous sweet shops of Varanasi. Shopping? See what to buy in Varanasi.
Places listed by Incredible India and the Varanasi Development Authority.
Questions
What are the top places to visit in Varanasi?
Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti, a sunrise boat ride along the ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sankat Mochan Temple, Banaras Hindu University with the New Vishwanath Temple, Ramnagar Fort, and Sarnath outside the city.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two to three days covers the ghats, the main temples, Sarnath and the food lanes at a comfortable pace. One full day is enough for the old city alone.
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March, when the weather is cool. Dev Deepawali in November lights up the ghats, and winter is the only season for Malaiyo.
Where is the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi?
The main Ganga Aarti is held every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Assi Ghat holds a morning aarti.
What is famous to buy in Varanasi?
Banarasi silk sarees, brass and copper ware (Thatheri Bazar is named after its metalsmiths), wooden toys, Banarasi paan, and sweets that travel well, such as Lal Peda. Several of these are registered GIs of Banaras.
Where can I eat near Dashashwamedh Ghat?
Godowlia, next to the ghat, has chaat and lassi. Thatheri Bazar, about 500 m away, has breakfast shops and sweet shops including Sri Narayan Misthan Bhandar, open until 9 PM.
Stop by in Thatheri Bazar
Sri Narayan Misthan Bhandar is about 500 m from Dashashwamedh Ghat and about 800 m from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, open every day, 8 AM – 9 PM.