One of the seven holy cities for Hindus, Varanasi is a sight to behold. It is an exhausting, liberating, and uninhibited experience; all at the same time. The colossal temples & ghats and the other popular places to visit in Varanasi attract millions of tourists year after year. Not only is it a popular destination among Indian travelers, foreigners love it too. Although the city is known for its ghats, temples, and music (yes, the music too), there are many other famous places in Varanasi that must be seen and experienced on your trip.
Varanasi is the oldest city in India and so contains the old-world charm within its surroundings. The city is full of culture and the the holiest cities in India. Renowned Indian writers like Tulsidas wrote Ram Charit Manas here. The city is known for its gold and silver thread work, wooden toys, carpet weaving, glass bangles, perfumes, a variety of handicrafts and artistic brass ware.
Top 39 Places To Visit In Varanasi
There is clearly no dearth of places to visit in Varanasi. Here’s a list of all the famous places to visit in Varanasi that you can explore, capture memories, dine, shop, and do everything with your loved ones. Take a look at these places and do not miss out on any on your trip to the holy land.
- Assi Ghat – For Those Seeking Spirituality
- Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Most Vibrant Ghat In Town
- Manikarnika Ghat – The Prime Cremation Ghat In Varanasi
- Shivala Ghat – The Reflection Of The Past
- Ahilyabai Ghat – Famed For Its Name
- Rana Mahal Ghat – For The True Explorers
- Panchganga Ghat – Where The Five Rivers Met
- Causatthi Ghat – The Shelter Of The Famous Sanskrit Scholar
- Kedar Ghat – Sacred Bathing Place
- Manmandir Ghat – Marvel At Views Of River Ganga
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Only Jyotirlinga In Uttar Pradesh
- Tulsi Manas Temple – Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written
- Durga Temple – The Fabled Old World Legend
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Famous Since The 1900s
- Nepali Temple – Feel The Essence Of Lord Shiva
- Chinese Temple – Dedicated To Lord Buddha
- Sita Samahit Sthal – Must Visit In Varanasi
- Tibetan Temple – Marvel At The Tibetan Architecture
- Batuk Bhairav Mandir – Temple With Healing Powers
- Bharat Mata Mandir – Worship Mother India
- Gyan Vapi Well – The Well Of Knowledge
- Ramnagar Fort & Museum – The Mughal Era Fortification
- Chunar Fort – A Spooky Little Rampart
- Sarnath – The Famed Historical Ruin
- Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – The Hub Of Art And Culture
- Man Mandir Observatory – The Varanasi Heritage
- Alamgir Mosque – Reminiscent Of The Mughal Era
- Ramnagar Ramlila – Witness The Oldest Ramlila
- Aqua World – A Summer Paradise
- Varanasi Fun City – For Thrilling Roller Coaster Rides
- St Mary’s Church – Oldest Church In Varanasi
- Banaras Hindu University – The Biggest Residential University
- Brown Bread Bakery – The First Organic Bakery In Varanasi
- Lotus Lounge – The Most Famous Terrace Lounge
- Open Hand Shop & Cafe – A Lively Modern Space
- Godowlia Market – The Busiest Shopping Junction In Town
- Chowk & Vishwanath Gali – Real Essence Of The City Lies Here
- The Banaras Silk Emporium – For The Love Of Banarasi Silk
- Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar – For Natural Products
10 Famous Ghats In Varanasi
A city set on the banks of Ganga, Varanasi is home to several ghat. Here are some of the most popular ghat in the city. Witnessing an Aarti at these ghats is considered to be one of the best things to do in Varanasi for an enigmatic experience. Let’s find out more about them.
1. Assi Ghat – For Those Seeking Spirituality
This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Varanasi with family. Located far south, Assi Ghat is where pilgrims pay homage to Lord Shiva by worshipping a huge lingam situated under a peepal tree. This ghat is a lively space, rippling in chaos and commotion and one that vividly captures the ancientness of Kashi. Among the most famous religious places in Varanasi, Assi Ghat is a must visit. The alluring sight of the arti here makes Varanasi one of the most beautiful cities in India.
Address: Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Anytime
Famous For: Recreation and festivals
Built In: 1988
Built By: Uttar Pradesh Government
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2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Most Vibrant Ghat In Town
The main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges river, Dashashwamedh Ghat is a flamboyant place known for its spiritual transcendence. It is common knowledge that Lord Brahma sacrificed 10 horses in a yajna here, and thus the name. Dashashwamedh Ghat tops the list of famous places to visit in Varanasi at night as it is a compelling space to dawdle in this small town. Be here for the Agni Pooja or Ganga aarti, as it is popularly called.
Note: Special aartis are held every Tuesday and on religious festivals.
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Culture, Heritage, Temples
Built In: 1748
Built By: Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao
3. Manikarnika Ghat – The Prime Cremation Ghat
Considered to be an auspicious place to be cremated, Manikarnika Ghat is among the pivotal places of interest in Varanasi. This ghat is an exasperating and startling experience in itself as absolutely nothing is considered sacrilegious here. The setting sun and the glowing pyres along with candle-lit flower bowls floating down the holy river Ganga make Manikarnika Ghat a sight to behold. When looking for the best tourist places in Varanasi, consider visiting this ghat.
Address: Near Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Garawasi, Jugul Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Sacred riverfronts, Cremation grounds
Built In: 1730
Built By: Bajirao Peshva
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4. Shivala Ghat – The Reflection Of The Past
Shivala Ghat is one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi that reflects upon the city’s history. A famous attraction to see here is the Shiva Temple that was built way back in the 19th century by a Nepalese king. The splendid architecture here is surely something that’ll take you by surprise and so will the craftsmanship of the temple. If you wish to take a dip in the holy water, this is one place you must visit.
Address: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Religious purpose, Historical
Built In: 1600
Built By: King Sanjay Vikram Shah
5. Ahilyabai Ghat – Famed For Its Name
Known as Kevalgiri ghat earlier, this place is famous for being the first one of its kind that got named after the person, like in this case, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. This is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi as you can visit this ghat at any time, the best hour is in the morning when you can see Hindu devotees taking a dip with a belief that it’ll cleanse their sin and witness the beauty of the ghat at its best.
Address: Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Religious bathing rituals
Built In: 1785
Built By: Queen Ahilyabai Holkar
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6. Rana Mahal Ghat – For The True Explorers
These places should definitely be a part of our itinerary for a memorable Varanasi sightseeing. Built by Raja Rana Jagat Singh at the time when he came to the city as a pilgrim, this ghat attracts a lot of tourists day in and out. It is situated right next to a palace which is believed to be the residence of the Maharaja during the period of his pilgrimage. If architecture is something that tickles your fancy, then there’s a lot to see and admire here.
Address: Ghats of Varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Heritage tour
Built In: 1670
Built By: King Rana Jagatsingh
7. Panchganga Ghat – Where The Five Rivers Met
No doubt Varanasi is full of the innumerable ghats, but the Panchganga Ghat surely stands out. Believed to be the mythical meeting place of five sacred rivers, this place has images of the five goddesses namely Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Dhutpapa, and Kirana. A lot of travelers stop by here to seek blessings and soak up some peaceful vibes of the place.
Address: 7/111, Sonarpura Rd, Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Spiritual bathing, Prayers, Festivals
Built In: 1580
Built By: Maratha Empire
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8. Chousatti Ghat – Famous Sanskrit Scholar’s Shelter
There are various reasons that this ghat is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Banaras. Famed for being the shelter of the famous Sanskrit scholar Madhusudan Sarasvati and for its palace built by King Digbatiya of Champaran, Bihar, this ghat is one of its kind. It also houses a temple complex that features images of Goddess Kali. And on occasions like Holi and 12th dark-half of Chaitra, this place welcomes tourists in a huge number.
Address: Ghats of varanasi, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Temples
Built In: NA
Built By: NA
9. Kedar Ghat – Sacred Bathing Place
Counted as one of the oldest ghats in the town of Varanasi and one of the best places to explore in Varanasi, Kedar Ghat is considered the best for holy bathing. The Kedareshwar Temple here is visited by various tourists who offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The breathtakingly beautiful surroundings and heartwarming vibes of this ghat make it one of the best Varanasi sightseeing places where one can spend quality time!
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Spiritual bathing, Prayers, Kedareshwar Temple
Built In: NA
Built By: NA
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10. Manmandir Ghat – Marvel At Views Of River Ganga
Built in the early 17th century by Maharaja Mann Singh, this ghat is famous for its palace and observatory. The palace was built by the maharaja and the observatory was built in 1710 by Savai Jaisingh II. You can marvel at the views of the River Ganga from a stone balcony situated on the northern side of the ghat.
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: NA
Famous For: Palace visit, Observatory, Views of the sunset on River Ganga
Built In: 1600
Built By: Maharaja Man Singh
10 Popular Temples In Varanasi
Being one of the holiest cities in India and with religious importance, it boasts several temples that are each distinctive in its architecture and the variety of deities each temples houses. A place of worship and spiritual retreat, check out the best temples to visit in Varanasi.
11. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Only Jyotirlinga In Uttar Pradesh
The list of places to visit in Varanasi would be incomplete without including the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and has also been referred to in the holy scriptures. The temple structure as it stands today consists of a series of smaller shrines located in the Vishwanath Galli.
Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 3 am – 11 am, 12:30 pm – 08 pm, & 09 pm – 11 pm
Famous For: One of the twelve Jyotrilingas
Built In: 1777
Built By: Rani Ahilyabai Holkar
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12. Tulsi Manas Temple – Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written
Among the many sightseeing places in Varanasi is the Tulsi Manas Temple, the place where Tulsidas wrote the Hindu epic Ramayana in an Awadhi dialect of the Hindi language. The temple was funded by the Birla family and constructed in white marble in 1964. Verses and scenes from Ramcharitmanas are engraved on the mandir walls.
Address: Sankat Mochan Rd, Durgakund Rd, Near Jalan, Varanasi, 221005
Timings: 5 am – 12 pm & 04 pm – 09 pm
Famous For: The ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas
Built In: 1964
Built By: Sureka Family of Howrah
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13. Durga Temple – The Fabled Old World Legend
Also called the monkey temple, this mandir is among the mythical places to see in Varanasi. Built in the 18th century by a Bengali Maharani, the temple is painted red with ochre. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Durga in the temple was not constructed, it appeared on its own. If you’re looking for places to visit in Varanasi in 2 days, this is one attraction you can’t miss.
Address: 27, Durgakund Rd, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 5 am – 11 pm
Famous For: Dedicated to Maa Durga
Built In: 18th century
Built By: Rani Bhabani of Natore
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14. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple – Famous Since The 1900s
Located at the banks of River Assi, this temple is one of the most-visited Varanasi tourist attractions. This temple is not only known for its spirituality but is also popular across the town for its historicity. Built by the well-known freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in the 1900s, this temple is visited by the devotees of Hanuman as well as Lord Rama.
Address: B41/140-B-1-P, Bhogabeer Colony, behind Sankat Mochan Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 8 am – 7 pm
Famous For: Situated on the banks of Assi River
Built In: 18th century
Built By: NA
15. Nepali Temple – Feel The Essence Of Lord Shiva
This temple is amongst the oldest ones in the holy town of Varanasi. Dedicated to the powerful Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the best marvels in the city from the 19th century. Founded by the King of Nepal, it resembles Pashupatinath temple in the city of Kathmandu. Apart from the religious aspects, it is the architecture of this temple that attracts the tourists in huge numbers, making it one of the best Varanasi attractions.
Address: near Lalita Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: One of the oldest Shiva temples
Built In: 1843
Built By: Rana Bahadur Shah & Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah Deva
16. Chinese Temple – Dedicated To Lord Buddha
Chinese Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is built in the Chinese architectural style and is mainly done in different shades of two colors – red and yellow. The exterior is simple but the interior is elaborately and beautifully decorated. The meditation hall is spacious and peaceful, surrounding you with a spiritual vibe. It is one of the best places to go in Varanasi to seek calmness.
Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
Famous For: Dedicated to Lord Buddha
Built In: 1939
Built By: Chinese devotees
17. Sita Samahit Sthal – Must Visit In Varanasi
Sita Samahit Sthal is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi with friends. The site where this Hindu temple stands is believed to be a very significant site related to the epic, Ramayana. This is said to be the place where Goddess Sita spent her days in exile. This is also the spot where she descended into the earth after Lord Rama found out about their children.
Address: Jangiganj Dhantulsi Marg, Bankat Uparwar N. Barpur, Uttar Pradesh 221309 Timings: NA
Famous For: It is believed that at this place Mother Sita had absorbed herself in the earth.
Built In: Sri Prakash Narayan Punj
Built By: 1990
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18. Tibetan Temple – Marvel At The Tibetan Architecture
A stunning temple with a Tibetan architecture, this temple is where Lord Buddha taught his disciples the four truths of life. Visit the temple and marvel at the Buddhist paintings that nicely adorn the walls of the temple. The temple has another distinctive feature which is the prayer wheel that releases strips of paper with chants written on them if rotated clockwise.
Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: NA
Famous For: Soothing ambience, Religious purpose, Spiritual
Built In: NA
Built By: Tibetan Monks
19. Batuk Bhairav Mandir – Temple With Healing Powers
This temple is a place of worship for Aghoris and Tantriks, it is a place of profound energy, good vibes and of utmost religious importance. Dedicated to Batuk Bhairav who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple also has a unique feature that is the lamp which is said to have healing powers.
Address: Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, Near Kashirag Apartment, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Timings: 4 am – 10:00 pm
Famous For: Religious activities
Built In: 17th century
Built By: NA
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20. Bharat Mata Mandir – Worship Mother India
It’s a unique shrine that is dedicated to our country, Mother India as the name suggests. This temple is very different from others as it’s not dedicated to any specific deity or a lord. The temple features a relief map of India carved in marble. The temple was the brainchild of Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter.
Address: Vidyapeeth Road, Cantt Road Lalapura, Chanuwasatti Chandua Chittupur, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 7 am – 5:30 pm
Famous For: A huge map of undivided India carved in marble
Built In: 1936
Built By: Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta
4 Sightseeing Places In And Around Varanasi
While there are plenty of places to visit in Varanasi, here’s a list of places that you can visit around Varanasi for a day outing or a short trip.
21. Gyan Vapi Well – The Well Of Knowledge
The Gyan Vapi well is located within the Gyanvapi Mosque, which was constructed by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, on the site of the demolished Kashi Vishwanath Temple. During the British regime, the well was considered to be holier than the Ganges and was among the important and best places to visit in Varanasi as it contains the Shiva lingam.
Address: 31-24, Gyanvapi Main Road, Lahori Tola, Gyanvapi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Famous For: Religious purpose, Spiritual
Built In: 1664
Built By: Aurangzeb
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22. Ramnagar Fort & Museum – The Mughal Era Fort
Located opposite to the Tulsi Ghat, the Ramnagar Fort is an 18th-century crumbling ruin in dire need of restoration. However, the crimson sunset as viewed from inside this enclosure is reason enough to give Ramnagar Fort a spot on the list of places to visit in Varanasi. This old rampart is also home to a vintage museum that is famous for its rare collection of old American cars, ivory works, medieval costumes, and a huge astronomical clock. When gong for Varanasi sightseeing, this place should definitely be considered!
Address: Ram nagar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221008
Timings: 10 am – 05:30 pm
Famous For: Sightseeing, Photography
Built In: 1750
Built By: Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh
23. Chunar Fort – A Spooky Little Rampart
Situated in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, the Chunar Fort is located approximately 23 km southwest of Varanasi and certainly one of the best Varanasi sightseeing experiences. The earliest recorded history in Chunar is from the 16th century, traced to a garrison of the Mughal emperor, Babar. The tombs of some of his soldiers are still venerated here. The fort is believed to be divinely blessed and is among the popular places to visit in and around Varanasi in one day.
Address: Tammanpatti, Uttar Pradesh 231304
Timings: 8 am – 5 pm
Famous For: Historic, Sightseeing, Phootgraphy
Built In: 1029
Built By: King Sahadeo
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24. Sarnath – The Famed Historical Ruins
Located 13 km northeast of Varanasi, Sarnath is among the famous Buddhist pilgrimages in India that will give you the best Varanasi sightseeing experience. It is a popular place to visit around Varanasi for those seeking peace and solitude after jostling their way through the frazzled ghats and gullies of Kashi. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, the Buddha came to Sarnath seeking his former companions and thus gave his first sermon here. Sarnath is known to be one of the best places to visit in Banaras. Popular sightseeing places in Sarnath include the Dhamekh Stupa & Monastery Ruins, the Archaeological Museum, the Chaukhandi Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Chinese & Thai Temple and Monastery.
Address: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: Always open
Famous For: Historical ruins, Sightseeing, Photography
Built In: 300 BC
Built By: Emperor Ashoka
8 Other Places Of Interest In Varanasi
Apart from temples and ghats, Varanasi is a cultural and heritage site that travelers love to explore. Check out some other places of interest that you can unravel on your trip to this divine city!
25. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – Art And Culture Hub
A distinctly classical sound, characteristic of an endless stream of madness rings through Varanasi. And the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum located within the prestigious Banaras Hindu University bears testament to this rippling clangor. The museum was set up in 1920 with Rabindranath Tagore as its honorary chairman and is among the foremost Banaras tourist places today. The museum showcases miniature paintings, sculptures, and local history displays. It also has an art gallery dedicated to the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich.
Address: Banaras Hindu University, Semi Circle Road No. 3 Opp Institute of Mgmt Studies, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Famous For: Museum, Art, Culture
Built In: 1920
Built By: NA
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26. Man Mandir Observatory – The Varanasi Heritage
Located on the Man Mandir Ghat, this masonry observatory is established atop the Man Singh Palace. It was built in 1737 by Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur city. The observatory consists of 4 main astronomical instruments and is among the heritage places to see in Varanasi. The Man Mandir Observatory is now under the Archaeological Survey of India and needs to be refurbished.
Address: Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: Sunrise – sunset
Fanous for: It showcases and preserves the ancient heritage of Varanasi
Built In: 1737
Built By: Maharaja Jai Singh II
27. Alamgir Mosque – Reminiscent Of The Mughal Era
Built on the site of a desecrated Vishnu temple in the 17th century, the Alamgir Mosque is among the famous Varanasi tourist places. The mosque as it stands today, dominating Panchganga Ghat is proof of the ludicrous methods adopted by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Non-muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque. Needless to say, this is one of the top places to visit in Varanasi.
Address: Panchganga Ghat, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: NA
Famous For: Religious purpose, architecture
Built In: 17th century
Built By: Aurangzeb
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28. Ramnagar Ramlila – Witness The Oldest Ramlila
A tradition that is being performed as a set of plays to tell the story of Lord Ram and Lord Laxman’s journey as told by the Ramayana. The Ramlila act played at Ramnagar is said to be the oldest and the best Ramlila in the world. It goes on for 31 days as the audience anticipated to witness the story of the Lord unfold in front of their eyes. If you are looking for things to do in Varanasi, head to Ramnagar and witness this beautiful enactment.
Address: Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Dates: 29 September – 8 October
Famous For: Ramlila Play
Built In: NA
Built By: NA
29. Aqua World – A Summer Paradise
Aqua World is a popular theme park located on the Varanasi-Allahabad highway. This is a small water park but a good place to enjoy in the water. There are several slides connected to a huge main pool. The colourful slides and rides make Aqua World an interesting place to visit with your friends and family.
Address: NH 2, Mohan Sarai Bypass, Panditpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221011
Timings: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Famous For: Water rides, Theme park
Built In: NA
Built By: Uttar Pradesh Government
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30. Varanasi Fun City – For Thrilling Roller Coaster Rides
Varanasi Fun City another highly popular water park in Varanasi. The place has several fun rides and activities. The thrilling Roller Coaster is one of the highlights of this park. This is one of the best places to spend your holiday with your family and friends. Varanasi Fun City also has a food court where you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks with your loved ones.
Address: Pandeypur Panchkoshi Road, In Front of St. Mary Convent School Daniyalpur, Sona Talab, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Famous For: Amusement Park, Roller Coaster Rides
Built In: NA
Built By: Uttar Pradesh Government
31. St Mary’s Church – Oldest Church In Varanasi
One of the famous Varanasi tourist places, St Mary’s Church is an amazing historically relevant building structure in Varanasi. This oldest church in the city has existed for over 200 years now. It was built by Reverend George Weatly in 1810. The church used to serve as a place of worship for the European and British community living in Varanasi. It is also South Asia’s oldest remaining garrison church.
Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Famous For: Religious Purpose, Architecture
Built In: 1946
Built By: NA
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32. Banaras Hindu University – The Biggest Residential University
The Banaras Hindu University is one of the most famous places to visit in Varanasi. Situated across a 5.3 square kilometre campus, the university is home to 30,000 students who study and reside within. This makes the university the largest residential university in Asia. The university has Indo-Gothic architecture while the sprawling lawns add to its immense beauty.
Address: Ajagara, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Famous For: Religious Purpose, Architecture
Built In: 1916
Built By: Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
3 Best Cafes In Varanasi
To take a break from the exhausting sightseeing and exploring the town, you can head out to these amazing cafes in Varanasi that offer lip-smacking delicacies to gorge on while witnessing surreal views of the ghats of Varanasi.
33. Brown Bread Bakery – City’s First Organic Bakery
Situated near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the Brown Bread Bakery is a rooftop restaurant known for its European Breakfast buffet. The organic shop at this cafe includes palatable cheese, cookies, and cakes; making it one of the most popular Varanasi tourist places. It is thronged by Indians and foreigners alike.
Address: D 25/42 Ganga Mahal, Bangali Tola Rd, Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 7 am – 10 pm
Average cost for two: INR 500
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34. Lotus Lounge – The Most Famous Terrace Lounge
Among the ultimate Varanasi tourist places, the Lotus Lounge is a comfortable, relaxing space perched right over Mansarovar Ghat. Replete with lounge cushions and tatami mats, their terrace makes for a lovely place to destress after spending an entire day soaking in the atmosphere of Banaras. Sit here contemplating eternity while sipping on your Hot Chocolate.
Address: Sonarpura Rd Below Lotus Lounge Restaurant, Manasarowar Ghat, Manasarowar, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 8:30 am – 10 pm
Average cost for two: INR 600
35. Open Hand Shop & Cafe – A Lively Modern Space
Located near Assi Ghat, the Open Hand Shop & Cafe is among the famous tourist places in Varanasi. The best part about this cafe is its remodeled space and furnishings that make it a perfect chilling spot. Selling captivating handicrafts made by the local community, Open Hand Shop & Cafe is mostly thronged by foreign tourists.
Address: B1/128-3 Assi ghat Road Opp Sparrow Cafe Dumraun, Assi – Lanka Rd, Bagh Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Timings: 8:30 am – 10 pm
Average cost for two: INR 450
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Shopping In Varanasi: 4 Amazing Markets
Go on the best experience of shopping in Varanasi that boasts a variety of items you can buy as souvenirs and take home with you.
36. Godowlia Market – The Busiest Shopping Junction In Town
The biggest and the busiest market in town, Godowlia is among the popular tourist places in Varanasi. It sells everything from daily household items to glass bangles and trinkets. The smell of camphor that wafts out of every second shop in this market will surely get you drunk on the divine. So, make sure you do not skip this place at all as it is one the famous places to visit in Banaras.
Address: Dashaswmedh Road, Ramapura Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
Famous For: Household items, accessories, jewelry
37. Chowk & Vishwanath Gali – Real Essence Of The City Lies Here
Two of the most popular street markets in town, Chowk and Vishwanath Gali are the quintessential places to visit in Varanasi. Famous for their silk items and ornate jewelry, these markets are always full of life, whether it is in the sweltering summer or the foggy winter. Head here to experience the real Banarasi mizaaj.
Address: Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Famous For: Silk items, Ornate jewelry
Tip: Don’t forget to binge on the street food.
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38. The Banaras Silk Emporium – For The Love Of Banarasi Silk
one of the most famous places to visit in Banaras, The Banaras Silk Emporium is a leading manufacturer, wholesaler, and exporter of traditional silk sarees, stoles, and bed covers offering reasonable prices and impeccable quality. Situated on the Cantonment Road, this place is a must visit for everyone looking to splurge on Banarasi silk, especially as it is counted as one of the best places to visit in Varanasi for couples.
Address: Cantonment Rd, Near JVH Mall, Cantonment, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Famous For: Banarasi silk
39. Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar – For Natural And Organic Products
The Shri Gandhi Ashram Khadi Bhandar is situated on the Sankat Mochan Road. Selling saris, kurta pajamas, shirts, and head scarves, this place should be visited by all the fans of the homespun fabric. Some of the authentic work can be cought from here and taken back as souvenirs.
Address: Shop No. B2/138, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Road, Assi Road, Bhadaini, Near Mata Anandamai Hospital, Anandbagh, Dumraon Colony, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Famous For: Apparel, homespun fabric
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Best Time To Visit Varanasi
October to March is the ideal time to visit Varanasi. A five-day festival called Ganga Mahotsav is celebrated in November every year and is a star attraction in Varanasi. Therefore, the best season to visit Varanasi is considered to be winter. The tourist places in Varanasi during this time that you’ll get to witness the best of the city!
Where To Stay
Here is the list of the best luxury and budget hotels in Varanasi where you can stay and have a relaxing vacation. Take a look!
1. Luxury Hotels
Hotel Clarks
Some of the finest luxury hotels in Varanasi are Hotel Clarks, Radisson Hotel, and Ramada Plaza JHV. You can also go through some guest houses in Varanasi to enjoy a calm and serene stay.
2. Budget Hotels
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Hotel Park Inn
You can pick from a range of budget hotels such as Hotel Park Inn, Hotel Alka, and Hotel City Inn. Alternatively, you can also stay in guesthouses and ashrams.
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How To Reach
Here are the 3 possible ways for you to reach Varanasi:- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is well connected to other Indian cities
- By Rail: The Varanasi Junction railway station is connected to all major cities in India
- By Road: Buses are available from Delhi and adjoining cities in Uttar Pradesh
Wonder how many times we value what we have or what we get. If you too, are looking for answers or just seeking some new experiences in life, Varanasi is where you should be headed. To make the most of it, make sure you add the above-listed places to visit in Varanasi in your itinerary. Just plan your trip to Varanasi and head out for a blissful experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Varanasi
Which are some of the safest places to visit in Varanasi for families with kids?
Most of the places in Varanasi are safe to visit for families with kids as Varanasi is a city that has a very simple lifestyle that makes it quite safe to roam around the city even at night. If you want specific names then you can head to Assi Ghat, Vishwanath Gali, and Dhashwamedha Ghat.
Which are some of the must-visit places in Varanasi?
Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Dashwamedha Ghat are some of the must-visit places n Varanasi that one must tour to enjoy a vibrant Ganga aarti and also the serene beauty of the calm river bank.
What is famous in Varanasi?
Varanasi is the oldest city in India and its streets and every place have something to explore. There are various kinds of food and other specialities which makes this city a unique one. And alongside that, there are some ancient ghats that still hold the history of the oldest heritage of the country.
What to wear in Varanasi?
Varanasi is a spiritual place and it is closely linked to the Indian culture thus it is advised to wear decent clothes here. If the travellers wear modest clothes it might attract fewer stares from the locals. If someone plans to visit the Kashi Vishwanath, then there is a strict dress code of wearing a saree for women.
What are the famous shopping spots in Varanasi?
Varanasi is famous for its silk sarees which are an indispensable part of the bride’s trousseau. This is one of the major things which people come to buy from here and some of the famous shopping spots are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, and Dashwamedh Gali.
Why is Assi Ghat famous in Varanasi?
Assi Ghat is one of the famous ghats to visit in Varanasi where thousands of pilgrims visit on a daily basis. This ancient ghat allows the pilgrims to offer water to the Shiva lingam which is placed under the peepal tree.
What street foods are popular in Varanasi?
There are several street foods in Varanasi including Kachori Sabzi, Chena Dahi Vada, Malaiyyo, Choora Matar, and Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe. When in Varanasi do not forget to try the popular street foods.
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Ayesha is a freelance travel blogger and editor. She is constantly looking for experiences that go beyond the typical tourist sites. When not writing, she enjoys reading, yoga, and photography.
