Best Places to Visit in Varanasi: 20 Places You Should Not Miss
Best Places to Visit in Varanasi: 20 Places You Should Not Miss
Varanasi, also known as Banaras and Kashi, is a city where spirituality, history, culture, food and everyday life come together along the Ganga.
For a first-time visitor, deciding where to go can be confusing because Varanasi has much more to offer than just the famous ghats. From ancient temples and morning boat rides to Sarnath, heritage sites, old-city lanes and local food experiences, there are many places worth exploring.
The official District Varanasi tourism information lists major attractions including the Ganga Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath, while Incredible India highlights the city's ghats, temples and cultural experiences as major attractions.
Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Varanasi for your next trip.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most important religious landmarks in Varanasi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located in the heart of the old city.
For many visitors, a visit to Kashi Vishwanath is an important part of experiencing the spiritual side of Kashi.
Best for: Spiritual tourism, pilgrimage and cultural experience.
Tip: Check the latest official temple information before visiting because darshan arrangements, entry procedures and crowd conditions can change.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most famous ghats of Varanasi and is particularly known for the Ganga Aarti held in the evening.
The ghat is also a convenient starting point for exploring the riverfront and nearby old-city areas.
Best for: Ganga Aarti, evening atmosphere, boat rides and photography.
3. Assi Ghat
Located toward the southern end of the main Varanasi riverfront, Assi Ghat is known for its peaceful atmosphere and Subah-e-Banaras, an early-morning cultural and spiritual experience involving prayers, yoga, music and meditation.
If you enjoy quieter mornings, Assi Ghat is worth adding to your itinerary.
Best for: Sunrise, morning activities, cafes, boat rides and relaxed exploration.
4. Ganga Ghats
The ghats are the heart of the Varanasi experience.
Varanasi has 88 ghats, according to the District Varanasi tourism website. Different ghats have different histories, traditions and uses.
Instead of visiting only one ghat, consider walking along a section of the riverfront or exploring the ghats from a boat.
Best for: Walking, photography, sunrise and understanding local life.
5. Ganga Boat Ride
A boat ride on the Ganga is one of the most memorable ways to experience Varanasi.
Early morning is particularly popular because the light over the river creates beautiful views of the ghats, temples and city skyline. The District Varanasi tourism website also highlights morning boat rides as a popular visitor experience.
You can also explore boat options for special occasions such as sunrise or evening Ganga Aarti.
Best for: Sunrise, sightseeing, photography and couples.
6. Sarnath
Sarnath is around 10 kilometres northeast of Varanasi and is one of the most important Buddhist destinations near the city. It is traditionally associated with Buddha's first teaching of the Dhamma.
The peaceful environment makes Sarnath very different from the busy lanes and ghats of central Varanasi.
Best for: History, Buddhism, architecture and a half-day trip.
7. Dhamek Stupa
Dhamek Stupa is one of the major historical landmarks of Sarnath.
Visitors interested in Buddhist history can combine the stupa with the other archaeological and cultural attractions in Sarnath.
Best for: History, architecture and photography.
8. Sarnath Museum
The Sarnath Museum is another important stop for visitors interested in India's ancient history and art.
Among its significant collections is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, one of the most recognisable symbols associated with India's national emblem.
Best for: History, archaeology and Indian art.
9. Manikarnika Ghat
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most significant cremation ghats in Varanasi.
It is a place associated with Hindu funeral traditions and the city's long-standing spiritual beliefs surrounding life, death and liberation.
Visitors should approach the area respectfully. Photography around cremation activities should be avoided unless explicitly permitted.
Best for: Understanding Varanasi's spiritual traditions and history.
10. Tulsi Ghat
Tulsi Ghat is associated with the cultural and literary history of Varanasi and is part of the long chain of ghats along the Ganga.
It is a good place to explore if you want to move beyond the busiest tourist points.
Best for: Heritage, walking and riverfront photography.
11. Chet Singh Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat is known for its historic riverside architecture and fort-like structure.
It offers a different visual character from the larger and busier ghats around Dashashwamedh.
Best for: Heritage photography and quieter riverfront exploration.
12. Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is one of the most recognised educational institutions in India and is an important part of Varanasi's modern cultural identity.
The large campus offers a different side of the city away from the dense old-city lanes.
Best for: Architecture, education, culture and relaxed exploration.
13. New Vishwanath Temple
Located within the BHU campus, New Vishwanath Temple is another well-known temple attraction in Varanasi.
It is included among the city's important cultural and spiritual attractions by tourism sources.
Best for: Architecture and spiritual tourism.
14. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is an important temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
It is one of the well-known religious places visitors can include when exploring Varanasi beyond the main Ganga Ghats.
Best for: Spiritual tourism and temple visits.
15. Durga Temple
The Durga Temple is another important religious site in Varanasi.
Its distinctive architecture and religious significance make it a popular stop for visitors exploring the city's temples. Incredible India lists the temple among the notable attractions around Varanasi.
Best for: Temple architecture and spiritual tourism.
16. Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Mata Temple offers a different experience from the traditional temples of Varanasi.
The temple is known for its large marble relief map of India, making it an interesting stop for visitors looking for something different from the city's usual temple and ghat experiences.
Best for: Architecture, culture and history.
17. Ramnagar Fort
Located across the Ganga from central Varanasi, Ramnagar Fort offers visitors a glimpse into the region's royal history.
The fort complex includes historic architecture, a museum and collections associated with the former royal family. Incredible India currently lists visiting hours beginning at 10:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM, but visitors should verify timings before travelling.
Best for: History, architecture and heritage photography.
18. Banaras Old City & Its Lanes
One of the best ways to experience Varanasi is simply to walk through the old-city lanes.
The narrow streets around the major temples and ghats are filled with small shops, local food, traditional houses, temples and everyday life.
You don't always need a specific landmark. Sometimes the experience is simply walking through Kashi and observing the city.
Best for: Street photography, food, shopping and cultural exploration.
19. Local Markets of Varanasi
Varanasi is also known for its textiles, handicrafts, religious items, sweets and traditional products.
Depending on your interests, you can explore local markets for Banarasi sarees, handicrafts, souvenirs and traditional foods.
If buying expensive textiles, take your time, compare shops and ask about the material and craftsmanship before purchasing.
Best for: Shopping and local experiences.
20. Varanasi Ganga Aarti Experience
While Dashashwamedh Ghat is the best-known location associated with the evening Ganga Aarti, the experience itself deserves a separate place on your Varanasi itinerary.
As evening arrives, lamps, bells, chants and rituals create a powerful atmosphere along the riverfront.
You can experience the Aarti from the ghat or explore available boat experiences depending on your preference.
Best for: First-time visitors, cultural experience and evening sightseeing.
Which Places Should You Visit in Varanasi in 1 Day?
If you only have one day, focus on the most iconic experiences:
Morning
Sunrise Ganga boat ride
Assi Ghat
Ganga Ghats
Late Morning
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Old City lanes
Evening
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Ganga Aarti
This gives you a combination of river, spirituality, heritage and local culture.
Which Places Should You Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days?
With two days, you can explore at a more comfortable pace.
Day 1
Sunrise boat ride
Assi Ghat
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Old City
Local food
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Ganga Aarti
Day 2
Sarnath
Sarnath Museum
Dhamek Stupa
BHU / New Vishwanath Temple
Ramnagar Fort or additional ghats
This also connects naturally with our [2 Days in Varanasi: Complete Itinerary for First-Time Visitors] article.
Best Places in Varanasi for Photography
If photography is part of your trip, some particularly interesting locations include:
Assi Ghat
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Chet Singh Ghat
Ganga boat
Old City lanes
Sunrise along the Ganga
Heritage architecture
Sarnath
Ramnagar Fort
For a dedicated photography guide, read our Best Places for Photography in Varanasi article.
Best Time to Explore Varanasi
The ideal time depends on the type of experience you want.
Early morning is excellent for the Ganga, ghats, boat rides and quieter streets.
Late afternoon and evening are good for exploring the riverfront and experiencing the atmosphere around Ganga Aarti.
For comfortable sightseeing, many travellers prefer the cooler months, while festival periods can offer special cultural experiences but may also bring larger crowds.
How Many Days Do You Need in Varanasi?
For a first visit:
1 day: Main ghats + Kashi Vishwanath + Ganga Aarti
2 days: Add Sarnath, BHU and more local exploration
3–4 days: Explore temples, food, markets, heritage sites, neighbourhoods and nearby experiences at a slower pace.
If you want to experience Varanasi rather than simply tick off landmarks, 2–3 days can give you much more breathing room.
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The best experience usually comes from combining:
Ganga + Ghats + Temples + Food + Old City + Local Experiences
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous place to visit in Varanasi?
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ganga Ghats and Dashashwamedh Ghat are among the city's best-known attractions.
What should I not miss in Varanasi?
For a first trip, try not to miss a sunrise experience on the Ganga, the ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the old city and an evening Ganga Aarti.
Is Sarnath worth visiting from Varanasi?
Yes. Sarnath is about 10 km northeast of Varanasi and offers a completely different historical and cultural experience from the Ganga Ghats.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
Two days can cover many of the major attractions, while three or more days allow you to explore at a slower pace.
Can I explore Varanasi by boat?
Yes. A Ganga boat ride is one of the popular ways to see the ghats, particularly in the morning.
Which ghat is famous for Ganga Aarti?
Dashashwamedh Ghat is particularly famous for its evening Ganga Aarti.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi is more than a list of tourist attractions.
It is the sound of temple bells in the morning, boats moving across the Ganga, narrow lanes filled with local life, the aroma of Banarasi food, ancient temples and the evening lights along the river.
If this is your first visit, don't try to rush through everything.
Choose a few important places, leave some time for wandering and allow yourself to experience Kashi at its own pace.
Explore. Experience. Explore More.
BookMyBanaras — Your Banaras Travel Companion.