Best Things to Do in Varanasi: 25 Experiences Worth Planning

Varanasi is a city that rewards curiosity.

From watching the sunrise over the Ganga and walking through centuries-old lanes to visiting temples, tasting Banarasi food and experiencing the evening Ganga Aarti, there are many different ways to experience the city.

If you are visiting Varanasi for the first time, the biggest challenge is not finding things to do—it is deciding what is actually worth your time.

This guide brings together 25 experiences that can help you plan a memorable Varanasi trip without trying to rush through everything in a single day.

1. Take a Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganga

A sunrise boat ride is one of the most memorable experiences in Varanasi.

As the sun rises over the Ganga, the ghats slowly come alive with morning rituals, prayers, bathing, yoga and everyday life.

From the river, you get a completely different perspective of the city.

For first-time visitors, this is one experience worth putting near the beginning of your itinerary.

If you want to understand the different boat options, read our Varanasi Boat Ride Guide.

You can also explore Signature Boat Experiences by BookMyBanaras.

2. Explore the Ghats of Varanasi

The ghats are at the heart of Varanasi.

Stretching along the Ganga, they are used for religious ceremonies, bathing, prayer, festivals, cremation rituals and everyday activities.

Some ghats are busy and famous, while others are quieter and better suited to simply sitting beside the river.

Among the better-known ghats are:

• Assi Ghat

• Dashashwamedh Ghat

• Manikarnika Ghat

• Kedar Ghat

• Scindia Ghat

• Tulsi Ghat

• Chet Singh Ghat

If you want to understand which ghats to visit and what makes each one different, read our complete guide to the Ghats of Varanasi.

3. Experience the Ganga Aarti

The evening Ganga Aarti is one of Varanasi's most famous experiences.

The ceremony takes place beside the Ganga and attracts visitors and pilgrims who gather to watch the evening rituals.

You can experience the Aarti from the riverside or from a boat.

Arriving early is useful if you want to find a comfortable viewing position, particularly during busy travel periods.

For everything you need to know before going, see our Ganga Aarti Varanasi Guide.

4. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

For many travellers, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple is an important part of a Varanasi trip.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most significant religious sites associated with Kashi.

Because temple entry arrangements and visitor procedures can change, check the latest official information before your visit.

You can learn more about planning the visit in our Kashi Vishwanath Temple Guide.

If you are interested in traditional religious experiences, you can also explore Spiritual Pooja Services.

5. Walk Through the Old City

One of the best ways to experience Varanasi is simply to walk.

The Old City is filled with narrow lanes, small temples, traditional shops, cafés, food stalls and centuries-old buildings.

You may find that some of the most interesting moments of your trip happen between the major attractions.

Give yourself enough time to explore without following a strict schedule.

6. Try Traditional Banarasi Food

Food is an important part of Varanasi's identity.

During your trip, consider trying some of the city's traditional flavours, including:

• Kachori sabzi

• Tamatar chaat

• Banarasi lassi

• Banarasi paan

• Chooda matar

• Local sweets

• Seasonal malaiyyo

Our What to Eat in Varanasi guide covers the city's broader food culture.

For a more focused street-food experience, our Best Street Food in Varanasi guide is also useful.

7. Visit Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is one of the most popular places for visitors to experience the riverside atmosphere of Varanasi.

Early mornings are particularly interesting, when the area begins to fill with people participating in yoga, prayers and other activities.

It is also a good starting point for exploring the southern stretch of the ghats.

8. Watch Varanasi Wake Up

You do not necessarily need a major attraction to enjoy Varanasi.

Wake up early, walk toward the Ganga and spend some time watching the city begin its day.

You may see pilgrims taking a dip in the river, boats preparing for morning rides, priests performing rituals and locals beginning their daily routines.

This slower experience is one of the reasons many travellers remember Varanasi differently from other Indian cities.

9. Explore Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most prominent ghats in Varanasi.

It is particularly associated with the evening Ganga Aarti.

Even outside the Aarti, the ghat can be an interesting place to observe the activity around the river.

If you are planning an evening here, combine it with a boat experience to see the riverfront from another perspective.

10. Visit Manikarnika Ghat Respectfully

Manikarnika Ghat is one of Varanasi's principal cremation ghats and holds deep religious significance.

This is not a conventional tourist attraction.

If you visit the area, maintain distance, respect local customs and avoid intrusive photography or treating funeral ceremonies as entertainment.

Understanding the cultural and religious context is more important than simply checking the location off your itinerary.

11. Discover Banarasi Paan

Banarasi paan is closely associated with the city's food culture.

Even if you do not normally eat paan, learning about its place in local culture can be an interesting part of exploring Varanasi.

If you try it, ask the vendor about the ingredients and choose according to your own preferences.

12. Explore Varanasi's Local Markets

Varanasi is also known for its traditional markets and textiles.

Depending on your interests, you can explore areas around the Old City and look for:

• Banarasi silk

• Sarees

• Handcrafted products

• Religious items

• Traditional souvenirs

• Local snacks

If you are shopping for silk or other valuable products, take time to understand what you are buying and purchase from established sellers.

13. Experience Varanasi Beyond the Main Tourist Route

One of the easiest mistakes in Varanasi is trying to follow a checklist from morning to night.

Instead, leave some free time.

Sit beside the Ganga, explore a lane that catches your attention, stop for chai or simply watch the city.

These unplanned moments can become some of the most memorable parts of your trip.

14. Take a Heritage Walk

A heritage walk can help you understand the history and culture behind the places you are seeing.

Instead of simply passing through the Old City, a local guide can explain the stories, traditions, architecture and cultural significance of different areas.

For visitors who want deeper context, consider Local Guide Services by BookMyBanaras.

15. Visit Sarnath

Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist destinations near Varanasi.

It is associated with the Buddha's first sermon and contains several important archaeological and religious sites.

Some places you can explore include:

• Dhamek Stupa

• Chaukhandi Stupa

• Archaeological Museum

• Mulagandha Kuti

• International Buddhist temples

If you have enough time, Sarnath can fit comfortably into a Varanasi itinerary as a half-day experience.

Read our Sarnath Varanasi Guide before planning your visit.

16. Visit Varanasi's Temples

Kashi Vishwanath may be the most famous temple associated with the city, but Varanasi has many other temples and religious spaces.

Depending on your interests, you can explore temples connected with different traditions and local neighbourhoods.

Remember that temples are active places of worship, so visitors should follow local rules and dress respectfully.

17. Spend Time Along the Ganga

You do not always need an activity.

Find a comfortable place near the river and simply spend some time watching the boats and people moving along the ghats.

The changing light throughout the day creates completely different views of Varanasi.

18. Explore Varanasi at Sunset

Sunrise gets most of the attention, but sunset can also be beautiful along the Ganga.

The changing light over the river and buildings creates a different atmosphere from the morning.

You can combine sunset with an evening boat ride or continue toward the Ganga Aarti.

19. Try a Traditional Lassi

Lassi is one of the classic drinks visitors associate with Varanasi.

You will find different versions around the city, including thick traditional preparations and versions topped with local ingredients.

When trying street food or drinks, use normal food and hygiene precautions and choose busy, established shops when possible.

20. Discover Varanasi's Spiritual Side

For many travellers, Varanasi is more than a sightseeing destination.

Prayer, rituals, temples, meditation, ceremonies and life around the Ganga are part of everyday life here.

You do not have to participate in every ritual to appreciate the spiritual character of the city.

Simply observing respectfully can be an important part of the experience.

21. Photograph the Ghats and Riverfront Responsibly

Varanasi offers countless photographic opportunities.

Sunrise boats, architecture, reflections on the Ganga and the colourful riverfront can all create memorable photographs.

However, photography should always respect people and religious ceremonies.

Avoid photographing private moments or cremation rituals without permission.

For travellers specifically interested in photography experiences, BookMyBanaras also offers relevant boat and photography experiences.

22. Explore Varanasi at Your Own Pace

Do not try to visit every famous place in one day.

A better approach is to group nearby experiences together.

For example:

Morning:
Boat ride → Ghats → Breakfast

Day:
Old City → Temple → Food

Evening:
Ganga Aarti → Dinner

This gives you enough time to enjoy each experience instead of constantly travelling between locations.

23. Plan a Two-Day Varanasi Experience

If you have only two days, you can still experience many of the city's highlights.

A simple structure could be:

Day 1:
Sunrise boat ride → Ghats → Old City → Kashi Vishwanath → Ganga Aarti

Day 2:
Food → Local exploration → Additional ghats → Sarnath or another cultural experience

For a detailed schedule, see our 2 Days in Varanasi Itinerary.

24. Stay for Three Days If You Want a Slower Trip

Three days gives you more breathing room.

You can explore the major attractions while still leaving time for food, walking, shopping and simply spending time beside the Ganga.

You can also include Sarnath without making the entire trip feel rushed.

Our 3 Days in Varanasi Itinerary gives you a more detailed plan.

25. Experience Varanasi With a Local Perspective

Perhaps the most valuable thing to do in Varanasi is to experience it beyond the standard tourist checklist.

A local guide, carefully planned boat experience or cultural walk can help you understand the city rather than simply seeing it.

If you want help arranging different experiences, you can explore BookMyBanaras Tour Packages.

How Many Days Do You Need for These Experiences?

You do not need to complete all 25 experiences.

One Day

Focus on:

• Sunrise boat ride

• Ghats

• Kashi Vishwanath area

• Old City

• Ganga Aarti

Two Days

Add:

• More ghats

• Local food

• Markets

• Heritage walk

• Additional temple visits

Three Days

You can comfortably add:

• Sarnath

• More local experiences

• Shopping

• Additional time around the Ganga

• A slower exploration of Banaras

For first-time visitors, 2–3 days is a useful starting point.

Best Things to Do in Varanasi by Time of Day

The exact experience will depend on the season, weather and current local arrangements.

How to Plan Your Varanasi Trip

The easiest way to plan Varanasi is to build your itinerary around a few key experiences rather than trying to see everything.

Start with:

Ganga + Ghats → Temple → Food → Aarti → Sarnath

Then add experiences depending on how many days you have.

If you are still planning the overall trip, start with our complete Varanasi Travel Guide.

Final Thoughts

Varanasi is not a destination where you need to rush from one attraction to another.

The sunrise over the Ganga, the sound of temple bells, the narrow lanes of the Old City, a simple Banarasi meal and an evening beside the river can be just as meaningful as visiting a famous landmark.

Choose the experiences that match your interests, leave some room for unexpected discoveries and give yourself enough time to experience the city at its own pace.

If you want help arranging your Varanasi experiences, explore BookMyBanaras for boat rides, local guides, spiritual services and tour packages.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Varanasi?

Some of the most popular experiences include taking a sunrise boat ride, exploring the ghats, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, experiencing the Ganga Aarti, exploring the Old City, trying Banarasi food and visiting Sarnath.

Is a sunrise boat ride worth it in Varanasi?

Yes. A sunrise boat ride offers a unique view of the ghats and allows visitors to experience the Ganga and riverfront as the city begins its day.

How many days are enough to explore Varanasi?

Two to three days is a useful amount of time for a first visit. You can cover the major experiences while also allowing time for food, walking and Sarnath.

What should I not miss in Varanasi?

For a first visit, consider prioritising a sunrise boat ride, the ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti, Old City exploration and local food.

Is Sarnath worth visiting from Varanasi?

Sarnath is an important historical and Buddhist site near Varanasi and can work well as a half-day trip when your itinerary allows.

What is Varanasi famous for?

Varanasi is known for its Ganga riverfront, historic ghats, temples, spiritual traditions, Ganga Aarti, Banarasi food, textiles and cultural heritage.