Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and a major spiritual destination in India. Located on the banks of the River Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, the city is known for its ancient temples, historic ghats, evening Ganga Aarti and narrow streets filled with local shops and traditional food.

Also known as Kashi and Banaras, Varanasi attracts pilgrims, tourists, photographers and travellers who want to experience India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Whether you are visiting for religious reasons or planning a holiday with family and friends, there are plenty of places to explore. Here are some of the best places to visit in Varanasi for a memorable trip.

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous religious places in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great importance for Hindu devotees.

The temple attracts visitors throughout the year, especially during Mahashivratri and the holy month of Shravan. Its location near the Ganga ghats also makes it an important stop for people exploring the old city.

Visitors should check the latest darshan timings, entry guidelines and security rules before arriving. The area can become crowded during festivals and peak pilgrimage seasons.

Best for: Religious visits, spiritual experiences and temple darshan.

2. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi. Situated beside the River Ganga, it is particularly famous for its evening Ganga Aarti, a ceremony that attracts large crowds every day.

Priests perform the ritual with lamps, incense and devotional chants, creating a memorable atmosphere along the riverfront. Visitors can watch from the ghat steps or explore available boat-viewing options.

Arriving early is a good idea if you want to find a comfortable viewing spot. Keep in mind that crowds can be heavy, especially during weekends and religious festivals.

Best for: Ganga Aarti, photography and experiencing Varanasi’s spiritual atmosphere.

3. Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat is a popular place to enjoy the riverside atmosphere of Varanasi. Located near the southern end of the main ghat area, it attracts tourists, students, locals and morning walkers.

Early mornings are especially pleasant here. Visitors can watch the sunrise over the Ganga, enjoy a peaceful walk and experience the city before its busy streets become crowded.

Assi Ghat is also known for cultural activities and morning programmes that may take place on selected days. Small cafes and eateries nearby make it convenient to spend a few extra hours in the area.

Best for: Sunrise views, morning walks, relaxing by the river and photography.

4. Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the most significant cremation ghats in Varanasi. It is deeply connected with Hindu beliefs about death, liberation and the cycle of life.

Unlike many tourist attractions, this is an active cremation site and should be approached with sensitivity. Visitors should respect grieving families, avoid intrusive photography and follow local customs and instructions.

A visit can offer insight into the spiritual traditions that shape life in Varanasi, but it is important to remember that this is a sacred place rather than a conventional sightseeing spot.

Best for: Understanding Varanasi’s religious traditions and cultural significance.

5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Banaras Hindu University is one of India’s well-known educational institutions. Its large campus offers a different experience from the crowded lanes and busy ghats of the old city.

The university is home to the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses collections of art, paintings, sculptures and historical objects. Visitors interested in history and culture may enjoy exploring the museum, subject to its opening hours and entry rules.

The campus is also home to the New Vishwanath Temple, a prominent temple inspired by the architecture and traditions of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Best for: History, art, architecture and a quieter sightseeing experience.

6. New Vishwanath Temple

Located within the BHU campus, the New Vishwanath Temple is another important religious attraction in Varanasi. It is also commonly called the Birla Temple.

The temple is known for its spacious surroundings, tall structure and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the narrow lanes around the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple, this area offers more open space for visitors.

It is a good addition to your itinerary if you are already planning to visit BHU.

Best for: Temple visits, architecture and peaceful surroundings.

7. Sarnath

Sarnath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. Located a short drive from Varanasi, it is traditionally recognised as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

The Dhamek Stupa is the site’s most prominent landmark. Visitors can also explore the archaeological remains, the Sarnath Archaeological Museum and nearby Buddhist temples, depending on opening hours and access arrangements.

Sarnath provides a quieter contrast to the busy ghats of Varanasi. It is worth including in your trip if you enjoy history, religion and ancient architecture.

Best for: Buddhist heritage, historical sites and peaceful sightseeing.

8. Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort stands near the eastern bank of the River Ganga, opposite the main city area. Built in the eighteenth century, the fort is associated with the former royal family of Varanasi.

The complex features traditional architecture, courtyards and a museum displaying historical objects. Depending on the areas open to visitors, you may see vintage vehicles, royal memorabilia and other collections.

The fort is also associated with the annual Ramnagar Ramlila, a famous traditional performance held during the festival season.

Check local access arrangements before visiting, as the condition and availability of individual attractions can vary.

Best for: History, heritage architecture and cultural experiences.

9. Tulsi Manas Temple

Tulsi Manas Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is an important religious attraction in Varanasi. It is traditionally associated with the poet-saint Tulsidas, who is believed to have composed the Ramcharitmanas in the region.

The temple is known for inscriptions and verses from the Ramcharitmanas displayed on its walls. Its surroundings are generally more spacious than the lanes around the old city’s busiest temples.

The temple can be combined with visits to Durga Temple and the New Vishwanath Temple, depending on your schedule.

Best for: Devotional visits, Hindu religious literature and temple architecture.

10. Durga Temple

Durga Temple, often called the Monkey Temple, is one of Varanasi’s well-known temples. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is recognised for its traditional red-coloured exterior and distinctive architectural style.

The temple is visited by devotees throughout the year and becomes particularly busy during Navratri. Visitors should respect the religious customs and be mindful of monkeys in the surrounding area.

Its location makes it convenient to include in a sightseeing trip around the southern part of Varanasi.

Best for: Temple visits, religious architecture and local cultural experiences.

11. Godowlia Market

Godowlia Market is one of the busiest shopping areas in Varanasi. Its streets are filled with shops selling clothing, jewellery, religious items, souvenirs and products associated with the city’s traditional crafts.

It is also a useful area to explore if you want to experience the everyday energy of the city. The market can be crowded, and vehicle movement may be restricted or difficult in some lanes.

Banarasi silk sarees are among the city’s best-known products. If you are shopping for silk, ask about the material, craftsmanship and pricing before making a purchase.

Best for: Shopping, souvenirs, Banarasi textiles and local street life.

12. The Ganga Riverfront and Boat Ride

A boat ride on the Ganga is one of the most memorable ways to experience Varanasi. From the river, visitors can see the long line of ghats, historic buildings, temples and the changing atmosphere along the waterfront.

Early morning is a popular time for boat rides because of the sunrise and the activity along the river. Evening rides can also provide views of the illuminated riverfront.

Choose a reputable boat operator, agree on the price and duration before departure, and follow safety instructions. Conditions and access can change with the season and river level.

Best for: Sunrise views, sightseeing, photography and seeing the ghats from the water.

13. Chet Singh Ghat

Chet Singh Ghat is a historic riverside site associated with the conflict between Maharaja Chet Singh and the British East India Company in the eighteenth century.

The area is known for its old structures and distinctive riverside setting. Compared with the busiest ghats, it may offer a different perspective on the city’s historical architecture and waterfront.

If you are exploring several ghats on foot or by boat, consider adding Chet Singh Ghat to your route.

Best for: History, riverside walks and heritage photography.

14. Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple offers a different experience from Varanasi’s traditional temples. Instead of focusing on a particular deity, it is known for a large relief map of India carved in marble.

The temple was inaugurated in 1936 and is associated with the idea of the nation as a motherland. Its unusual design makes it an interesting stop for visitors exploring the city’s cultural and historical attractions.

Check current visiting arrangements before planning your visit.

Best for: Indian heritage, national history and a distinctive temple experience.

15. Nepali Temple

The Nepali Temple, located near Lalita Ghat, is a distinctive temple known for its Nepalese-style architecture and intricate wooden carvings.

Its design makes it stand out among the surrounding buildings of the old city. The temple is sometimes compared with traditional pagoda-style temples found in Nepal.

Because it is situated close to the riverfront, it can be included in a walking route covering nearby ghats and historic lanes.

Best for: Architecture, heritage and photography.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

The cooler months from October to March are generally popular for sightseeing in Varanasi. The weather is often more comfortable for exploring temples, walking through the old city and visiting nearby attractions such as Sarnath.

Summer can be very hot, so outdoor sightseeing may be more comfortable in the early morning and evening. The monsoon season can bring rain and changes in river conditions.

Major festivals, including Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri, can make the city especially lively but also much more crowded. If you plan to visit during a festival, arrange accommodation and transport in advance.

How Many Days Are Enough to Explore Varanasi?

For most first-time visitors, two to three days is a practical amount of time to explore the main attractions.

One-day trip: Focus on Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the nearby ghats, Dashashwamedh Ghat’s evening Aarti and a walk through the old city.

Two-day trip: Explore the main temples and ghats on the first day. Use the second day for Assi Ghat, BHU, Bharat Mata Temple or other attractions that interest you.

Three-day trip: Spend additional time exploring Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, local markets and lesser-known heritage sites.

Your ideal itinerary will depend on temple darshan plans, travel time, crowd levels and whether you prefer religious visits, history or relaxed sightseeing.

Tips for Visiting Varanasi

• Start early if you want to experience the ghats before the busiest hours.
• Check temple timings, entry requirements and security rules before travelling.
• Dress respectfully when visiting religious places.
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious ceremonies.
• Avoid intrusive photography at cremation ghats and respect families and local customs.
• Agree on boat fares and trip duration before boarding.
• Keep cash handy for small purchases, while using trusted payment methods where available.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as many old-city lanes are narrow and pedestrian movement can be easier than driving.
• During major festivals, allow extra time for transport and expect large crowds.

Final Thoughts

Varanasi offers much more than temples and religious ceremonies. From the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat to the peaceful surroundings of Sarnath and the historic Ramnagar Fort, the city has something for different kinds of travellers.

If you are visiting for the first time, begin with the main ghats and temples, set aside time for a boat ride and explore the local markets at your own pace. With a little planning and respect for local traditions, you can experience the history, spirituality and everyday life that make Varanasi such a distinctive destination.

Planning your next trip? Explore more travel guides and local recommendations on Local Divine to discover interesting places across India.