$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Varanasi

India

Pace: balanced Spiritual Ancient Chaotic Vibrant
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Oct-Mar
Varanasi
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Varanasi

Book direct on our own Varanasi hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Humid subtropical
Languages
Hindi and English and Bhojpuri
Local currency
INR (INR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Assi Ghat
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Small amounts for good service; not mandatory.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 40 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kachori Sabzi Lassi Malaiyo Tamatar Chaat

When to visit Varanasi

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: February, November Busiest: Oct-Mar
  1. Jan
    85

    Cool, dry, pleasant

  2. Feb
    90

    Mild, sunny, ideal

  3. Mar
    80

    Warm, pleasant, Holi

  4. Apr
    50

    Hot, dry, pre-monsoon

  5. May
    30

    Very hot, dry, intense

  6. Jun
    40

    Hot, humid, monsoon starts

  7. Jul
    50

    Monsoon, humid, rain

  8. Aug
    55

    Monsoon, green, humid

  9. Sept
    65

    Post-monsoon, humid

  10. Oct
    85

    Pleasant, dry, festivals

  11. Nov
    90

    Cool, dry, peak season

  12. Dec
    85

    Cool, dry, festive

Things to do in Varanasi

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

4 places

Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

Ghats 1.5 hrs

Experience the spiritual awakening of the city from the holy river.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore the Old City Alleys

Old City 3 hrs

Wander through the labyrinthine lanes, discovering hidden temples and shops.

Outdoors

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Old City 1 hr

Visit one of the holiest Shiva temples in Hinduism.

Indoors

Learn Yoga/Meditation

Assi Ghat 2 hrs

Participate in a spiritual class by the Ganges.

Indoors

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Taste Varanasi Street Food

Various 2 hrs

Indulge in local delicacies like chaat, kachori, and sweets.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Dashashwamedh Ghat 1.5 hrs

Witness the mesmerizing evening fire ritual on the Ganges.

Outdoors

Any time of day

2 places

Visit Sarnath

Sarnath (outskirts) 4 hrs

Discover the site where Buddha first taught the Dharma.

Outdoors Good for children

Walk along the Ghats

Ghats 2 hrs

Observe daily life, rituals, and the unique architecture of the riverfront.

Outdoors Good for children

Varanasi itineraries

View All itineraries
With the family

3 Days in Varanasi — Family with Kids

Discover the spiritual heart of India with engaging experiences for the whole family.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for families with children, offering a balanced mix of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and fun activities in the ancient city of Varanasi. Experience the vibrant ghats, serene boat rides, and local crafts, ensuring memorable moments for all ages.

3 Days 13 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Varanasi

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Kachori Sabzi 95 · Outstanding
Lassi 87 · Outstanding
Malaiyo 78 · Very good
Tamatar Chaat 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Ganga Aarti At Dashashwamedh Ghat 95 · Outstanding
Sunrise Boat Ride On The Ganges 91 · Outstanding
Explore The Old City Alleys 88 · Outstanding
Visit Sarnath 84 · Very good
Taste Varanasi Street Food 81 · Very good
Walk Along The Ghats 77 · Very good
Kashi Vishwanath Temple 74 · Good
Learn Yoga/Meditation 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Budget 83 · Very good
Adventure 76 · Very good
Friends 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. 95 · Outstanding
Be prepared for crowds, noise, and sensory overload. 83 · Very good
Always drink bottled water and be cautious with street food. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Varanasi

Straight-line distance from the centre of Varanasi.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app