Varanasi, also called Kashi or Banaras, is the spiritual capital of India. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history that goes back thousands of years. The holy River Ganga flows through the city, making it one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus.
But Varanasi is not only about temples and ghats — it’s a complete cultural experience. The narrow lanes, traditional markets, soulful music, and delicious street food all add to its charm. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a history lover, or a curious traveler, Varanasi offers something unique for everyone.
In this blog, we will cover the Top 10 Varanasi Visiting Places that you must explore. These include famous temples, ghats, museums, and hidden gems. If you are planning your trip, this guide will help you discover the things to see in Varanasi and understand why it is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Varanasi and India.
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The Soul of Varanasi
One of the main attractions in Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, making it one of the most sacred shrines in India.
- Why Visit: For spiritual awakening and blessings of Lord Shiva.
- Highlight: The golden spire of the temple and the divine atmosphere inside.
- Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning for peaceful darshan.
If you are looking for the most important places in Banaras to visit, this temple comes at the very top.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – The Heartbeat of Varanasi
No trip to Varanasi is complete without visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the busiest and most famous ghats.
- Why Visit: To witness the grand Ganga Aarti every evening.
- Highlight: Priests performing synchronized rituals with fire lamps, chants, and music.
- Travel Tip: Arrive one hour early to get the best view.
This ghat is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Varanasi, drawing thousands of visitors every day.
3. Assi Ghat – Subah-e-Banaras Experience
Assi Ghat is where spiritual mornings in Varanasi begin. People come here for yoga, meditation, and the sunrise boat ride.
- Why Visit: To experience Subah-e-Banaras, the morning cultural program.
- Highlight: Sunrise over the River Ganga.
- Travel Tip: Start your day here at 5 AM.
For travelers searching for things to see in Varanasi, Assi Ghat is a must.
4. Sarnath – The Land of Buddha’s First Sermon
Located just 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
- Why Visit: This is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
- Highlight: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and the Archaeological Museum.
- Travel Tip: Hire a taxi from Varanasi to Sarnath for a half-day trip.
When it comes to tourist destinations in Varanasi, Sarnath stands out for its peaceful environment.
5. Ramnagar Fort & Museum – Royal Legacy of Banaras
Across the Ganga River lies the Ramnagar Fort, built in the 18th century. It is still home to the royal family of Banaras.
- Why Visit: To explore history and royal collections.
- Highlight: Vintage cars, weapons, and traditional costumes inside the museum.
- Travel Tip: Visit during sunset for breathtaking river views.
Among the Varanasi visiting places, this fort gives you a taste of the city’s royal past.
6. Manikarnika Ghat – The Ghat of Eternity
One of the oldest and most sacred ghats, Manikarnika Ghat is the main cremation ground of Varanasi.
- Why Visit: To witness the eternal flame said to be burning for centuries.
- Highlight: It represents the Hindu belief in the cycle of life and death.
- Travel Tip: Observe respectfully; photography may not be allowed.
This is one of the most unique Varanasi main attractions, offering deep spiritual insights.
7. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) & New Vishwanath Temple
BHU is one of Asia’s largest universities and a tourist attraction in Varanasi in itself. The campus houses the New Vishwanath Temple, modeled after the Kashi Vishwanath shrine.
- Why Visit: To see the blend of education, history, and spirituality.
- Highlight: The Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum with paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.
- Travel Tip: Take a taxi to explore the large campus comfortably.
For those interested in both knowledge and culture, this is among the best places in Banaras to visit.
8. Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – A Cultural Treasure
Located inside BHU, this museum is a paradise for art lovers.
- Why Visit: To see rare collections of miniature paintings, textiles, and Buddhist sculptures.
- Highlight: Historical manuscripts and folk art from across India.
- Travel Tip: Allocate at least 1-2 hours here if you love history.
It’s one of the lesser-known but highly rewarding tourist destinations in Varanasi.
9. Tulsi Manas Temple – Literary Heritage
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and holds great cultural value. It is believed that Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas at this spot.
- Why Visit: To see walls inscribed with verses from Ramcharitmanas.
- Highlight: Beautiful marble structure and spiritual ambiance.
- Travel Tip: Combine this visit with Durga Temple nearby.
It’s a unique stop among the things to see in Varanasi, especially for literature enthusiasts.
10. Local Markets & Street Food – The Taste of Banaras
No list of Varanasi visiting places is complete without exploring its colorful bazaars and mouth-watering street food.
- Markets to Visit: Godowlia, Chowk, and Thatheri Bazaar.
- What to Buy: Banarasi silk sarees, handicrafts, wooden toys, and brass items.
- Food to Try: Kachori-Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyyo (winter special), and Banarasi Paan.
These experiences make Varanasi not just a tourist attraction, but a living cultural journey.
Travel Tips for Visiting Varanasi
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Getting Around: Private taxis are the best way to cover multiple spots.
- Respect Local Culture: Temples and ghats are sacred, so dress modestly.
- Stay Options: Choose hotels near ghats for easy access.
- Plan in Advance: Varanasi can get crowded during festivals like Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri.
Itineraries for Exploring Varanasi Visiting Places
1-Day Itinerary – Quick Varanasi Tour
| Time | Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | Boat ride at Assi Ghat & attend Subah-e-Banaras | Sunrise, yoga, morning prayers |
| 8:00 AM | Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Spiritual darshan of Lord Shiva |
| 11:00 AM | Explore Manikarnika Ghat & nearby lanes | Ancient rituals & heritage walks |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch & rest | Try Banarasi thali |
| 3:00 PM | Visit Ramnagar Fort & Museum | Royal history & river views |
| 6:30 PM | Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat | The most famous tourist attraction in Varanasi |
| 8:00 PM | Dinner & Banarasi paan | Local flavors |
2-Day Itinerary – Spiritual + Cultural Experience
Day 1: (Follow 1-Day itinerary above)
Day 2:
| Time | Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Head to Sarnath (10 km away) | Dhamek Stupa, Buddha’s first sermon |
| 11:00 AM | Explore Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (BHU) | Ancient paintings & artifacts |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch inside BHU or nearby | Relax before next spots |
| 3:00 PM | Visit Tulsi Manas Temple & Durga Temple | Literary & cultural heritage |
| 6:00 PM | Evening walk at Godowlia Market | Banarasi sarees & handicrafts |
| Night | Street food tour – Kachori, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyyo | Banaras on your plate |
3-Day Itinerary – Complete Varanasi Experience
Day 1 & Day 2: (Follow above)
Day 3:
| Time | Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Temple darshan at New Vishwanath Temple (BHU) | Modern spiritual center |
| 10:00 AM | Explore hidden lanes of Old Banaras | Photography & cultural walks |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch | Try street-style thali |
| 3:00 PM | Visit more ghats like Harishchandra Ghat & Tulsi Ghat | Lesser-crowded spiritual spots |
| Evening | Attend Dev Deepawali (seasonal) or local music performance | Cultural immersion |
| Night | Relax with a final boat ride | Ending on a peaceful note |
Conclusion
Varanasi is not just a city — it’s an emotion, a spiritual journey, and a cultural celebration. From the divine aura of Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the peaceful charm of Sarnath, from the lively Dashashwamedh Ghat to the royal Ramnagar Fort, these top 10 Varanasi visiting places capture the essence of India’s spiritual heart.
Whether you are searching for things to see in Varanasi, exploring Tourist Destination in Varanasi, or looking for unique places in Banaras to visit, this guide covers it all.
Make your trip hassle-free by booking with Holy Kashi Tour — your trusted partner for taxi services, guided tours, and customized travel plans in Varanasi.
FAQS
1. What are the top Varanasi Visiting Places for first-time travelers?
If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t miss Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath, and Ramnagar Fort. These are the most famous tourist attractions in Varanasi.
2. How many days are enough to see the main attractions in Varanasi?
Ideally, 2 to 3 days are perfect. In 2 days you can cover the major temples, ghats, and Sarnath. A 3-day itinerary allows you to explore more hidden places in Banaras to visit, like local markets, Tulsi Manas Temple, and cultural walks.
3. What are the best things to see in Varanasi besides temples?
Apart from temples, don’t miss the evening Ganga Aarti, boat rides on the Ganga, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and the vibrant local markets. Street food is also one of the most unforgettable experiences.
4. What is the best time to explore tourist destinations in Varanasi?
The best time to visit Varanasi is October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Festivals like Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri make the city even more vibrant, and you can enjoy all the Varanasi main attractions comfortably.
5. Is Varanasi safe for tourists?
Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for tourists. Just be cautious in crowded areas, respect the sacred spaces, and choose trusted taxi or tour services like Holy Kashi Tour for a comfortable and safe experience.
6. Can I visit Sarnath and Varanasi in one day?
Yes, Sarnath is just 10 km from Varanasi. Many travelers combine Sarnath with a day of exploring Varanasi visiting places like Assi Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Hiring a private taxi makes it easier and faster.
7. What are the must-try foods in Banaras?
Some local favorites are Kachori-Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Malaiyyo (winter delicacy), Banarasi Thandai, and of course, the famous Banarasi Paan. Food is as much a part of the city’s charm as its tourist destinations.
