Varanasi is not a city you visit — it's a city that visits you, long after you leave. If this is your first time in India, or your first time in one of the world's oldest living cities, you'll want a guide. We've curated the best things to do in Varanasi, including hidden spots that backpackers and solo travelers discover only when they stay at a hostel like Mosaic, where our team knows the city by heart.
No visit to Varanasi is complete without experiencing the ghats — the 80+ stone steps that descend to the Ganga River. Each ghat has its own character, and spending time on them is essential for understanding Varanasi's spiritual pulse.
Assi Ghat (our neighborhood) is perfect for first-time visitors and solo travelers. It's the southernmost ghat, quieter than Dashaswamedh, and the heart of the backpacker community. If you stay at Mosaic Hostel on Assi Ghat, you're already in the middle of it. Walk down in the morning, watch locals bathing and performing rituals, and grab chai from one of the tea stalls. The morning light here is unforgettable.
Dashaswamedh Ghat is where the famous Ganga Aarti happens every evening at sunset. This is the experience — hundreds gather, priests chant, massive fire lamps are swung, and the entire ritual lasts 45 minutes. Budget travelers and female solo travelers often stay at Assi Ghat to be close to Dashaswamedh, just a 10-minute walk away.
Manikarnika Ghat is Varanasi's burning ghat — one of the oldest cremation grounds in the city. It's intense and spiritual, not a tourist attraction. Many visitors skip it, but others find it one of the most meaningful parts of their Varanasi experience. Go with respect, don't photograph, and consider going with a guide.
Pro tip: The best time to visit the ghats is at sunrise (5:30–6:30 AM) or at sunset (5:30–7:00 PM). During the day, they're crowded and hot. Staying at a hostel near Assi Ghat means you're just steps away and can explore multiple ghats throughout the day.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most important temple in Varanasi — one of 12 sacred Jyotirlingas (shrines to Shiva) across India. Entering is free, but expect crowds and a queue. Women travelers should wear loose clothing and cover shoulders/knees. First-time visitors often hire a local guide (₹200–300) to navigate the busy lanes.
Durga Temple is quieter, older (built in the 18th century), and surrounded by peacocks. The views from the temple's upper levels are beautiful, and it's less touristy than Kashi Vishwanath.
Tulsi Manas Temple houses a manuscript of the Tulsi Manas (an ancient Hindu epic). It's architecturally beautiful and a favorite among budget backpackers exploring spiritual Varanasi.
The old city of Varanasi is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, temples, and markets. Getting lost is part of the experience. Here's what not to miss:
Vishwanath Lane runs from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the river and is packed with temples, shops selling religious items, and street food. It's chaotic, colorful, and completely authentic.
Mandir Ghat & Market Area has some of the best street food in Varanasi — puri bhaji, chikhalwali, and jalebis are must-tries. Solo travelers and budget backpackers love this area because it's affordable and locals-only.
Silk Market sells traditional Varanasi silk sarees and scarves. Expect to bargain; merchants are skilled negotiators. Budget 1–2 hours if you want to shop.
Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganga (₹300–500 per person): Start your day with a private or shared boat ride. Paddle into the mist as the city wakes up. Many hostels including Mosaic can arrange this.
Cooking Class: Learn to make dal, roti, or curry from a local cook. Several hostels including ours offer cooking classes (₹500–800). This is especially popular with solo travelers and female visitors.
Yoga & Meditation: Varanasi has numerous yoga studios and ashrams. Sessions are ₹200–500 and range from gentle hatha to intense ashtanga. Early morning yoga on Assi Ghat is magical.
Night Aarti at Assi Ghat: Smaller and more intimate than Dashaswamedh, this evening ritual at Assi Ghat is perfect if you want a spiritual experience without overwhelming crowds.
Walking Food Tour: Hire a guide to take you through street food hotspots. Expect to taste 8–10 different foods for ₹400–600. It's the best way to experience Varanasi's culinary culture.
Accommodation: Budget hostels like Mosaic charge ₹499–999 for dorms and ₹800–2000 for private rooms. Booking direct is cheaper than through OTAs.
Transportation: The city is walkable for main attractions. Tuk-tuks are ₹30–50 for short rides. Autorickshaws are safer for longer distances or if you're traveling solo at night.
Food Budget: Street food is ₹20–50 per item. Restaurants near the ghats are ₹150–300 per dish. Eating where locals eat saves money. See our full daily cost breakdown for a complete budget picture.
Best Time to Visit: October–March (winter). April–June is hot and uncomfortable. July–September is monsoon season. Our month-by-month guide covers festivals and crowd levels too.
Varanasi is safe for solo travelers and female backpackers, especially if you stay at a community-focused hostel like Mosaic. Most visitors report feeling very welcome. That said:
- Avoid isolated streets after dark
- Dress conservatively (avoid shorts and sleeveless tops)
- Use registered taxis or Uber for night travel
- Join hostel group activities to meet other travelers
Hostels on Assi Ghat are preferred by female solo travelers because the neighborhood is central, safe, and social. Read our full general safety guide or our solo female travelers' guide for more detail.
First-time visitors: 2–3 days minimum. One day for the ghats and Ganga Aarti, one day for temples and walking tours.
Spiritual seekers: 5–7 days to fully absorb the city's energy.
Budget backpackers: 3–4 days is ideal to balance budget travel with experiences.
Things to do in Varanasi are endless, but they're best experienced with a local guide and from a well-located hostel near Assi Ghat. Mosaic Hostel puts you steps from the action, surrounded by community, and in the heart of Varanasi's backpacker scene.
Book your stay at Mosaic today and start your Varanasi story.
- Sarnath Day Trip Guide from Varanasi
- Varanasi Airport & Railway Station to Assi Ghat: Transfer Guide
- Best Hostels in Varanasi — Honest Guide