NirvanaBnB

City · Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi travel guide

The best time to go, 7 places worth your time, what to eat, and where to stay in Varanasi.

Plan my Varanasi tripStays in Varanasi

Places to visit in Varanasi

  1. 1

    Sunrise boat ride

    The ghats waking up, from Assi to Manikarnika.

    Temples & spiritual · Heritage & culture · best in the morning

  2. 2

    Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh

    The great evening ceremony.

    Temples & spiritual · best in the evening

  3. 3

    Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor

    The city's most sacred shrine.

    Temples & spiritual · best in the morning

  4. 4

    Sarnath

    Where the Buddha first taught; stupa and museum.

    Heritage & culture · Temples & spiritual

  5. 5

    Old city lanes

    A walk for silk weavers and street food.

    Local food · Shopping

  6. 6

    Ramnagar fort

    The Maharaja's fort across the river.

    Heritage & culture

  7. 7

    Banaras Hindu University

    The campus and the new Vishwanath temple.

    Heritage & culture · Relaxation

A 4-day Varanasi itinerary

An easy plan for a first visit. The trip planner makes one for your own dates, pace and interests, with a quotation.

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi

    Morning
    Travel to Varanasi. Aim to reach by lunch.
    Afternoon
    Check in at your stay (usually from 1–2 PM), have lunch and rest after the journey.
    Evening
    Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh: the great evening ceremony.

  2. Day 2: Sunrise boat ride and Sarnath

    Morning
    Sunrise boat ride: the ghats waking up, from Assi to Manikarnika.
    Afternoon
    Sarnath: where the Buddha first taught; stupa and museum.
    Evening
    Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor: the city's most sacred shrine.

  3. Day 3: Old city lanes and Ramnagar fort

    Morning
    Old city lanes: a walk for silk weavers and street food.
    Afternoon
    Ramnagar fort: the Maharaja's fort across the river.
    Evening
    Banaras Hindu University: the campus and the new Vishwanath temple.

  4. Day 4: Last morning and departure

    Morning
    A slow breakfast and a last walk around the neighbourhood.
    Afternoon
    Pack and check out (usually by 11 AM). Pick up anything you want to take home.
    Evening
    Travel home.
Make this plan for my dates

Stays in Varanasi

Questions travellers ask

What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
October to March.
How many days are enough for Varanasi?
3 to 4 nights are comfortable for the main places, with an easy first and last day.
What are the top places to visit in Varanasi?
Start with Sunrise boat ride, Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh, Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor. The full list with tips is on this page.
What is a good Varanasi itinerary?
A 3 to 4-night trip covers the main places: arrive and settle in on day one, see Sunrise boat ride, Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh, Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor over the middle days, and keep the last morning easy before check-out.
What food should I try in Varanasi?
Try kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat and malaiyyo in winter.
Can Nirvana BnB plan my Varanasi trip?
Yes. Our free trip planner makes a day-by-day itinerary with a quotation PDF in about a minute, and our travel desk confirms the price for your dates.

More travel guides