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 the 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.

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!

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 Vrindavan
• 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 easily one of the must visit places in Varanasi! 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

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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

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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

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5. Ahilyabai Ghat – Famed For Its Name

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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

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This 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

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7. Panchganga Ghat – Where The Five Rivers Met

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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

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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

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9. Kedar Ghat – Sacred Bathing Place

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Counted as one of the oldest ghats in the town of 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 a palace and an 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

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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 

12. Tulsi Manas Temple – Where Ramcharitmanas Was Written

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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

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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

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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

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15. Nepali Temple – Feel The Essence Of Lord Shiva

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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

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16. Chinese Temple – Dedicated To Lord Buddha

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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. 

Address: Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
Famous For: Dedicated to Lord Buddha
Built In: 1939
Built By: Chinese devotees