Things to do in Varanasi

Planning questions about Varanasi

What are the best things to do in Varanasi?

Hidden Secrets of Varanasi: Vibrant Tradition (Guided Tour) is the highest ranked experience in Varanasi, scoring 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking from 475 traveler reviews. The Ultimate 1 Day in Varanasi - How to Spend 13 Hours - Private Guided Tour, A Journey of A lifetime, Varanasi full day guided tour | Ranked 1 Tour Operator on Viator, Banaras Wala Tours round out the top five. Outty ranks 485 bookable experiences in Varanasi, India, and 4 of them score 90 or above.

How much do activities in Varanasi cost?

The median price across everything we rank in Varanasi is $46 per person, and the cheapest starting price is $4 on 6D Panch Aarti VR Experience at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Guided, small-group and skip-the-line versions sit above the median, and peak weekends price higher than midweek mornings.

Can I book something in Varanasi for today?

Yes. 120 of the top 120 experiences we rank in Varanasi currently show same-day availability. Same-day slots are limited, so book early in the day where you can.

Is Varanasi good for families?

Yes. 4 of the experiences we rank in Varanasi are family friendly, covering short, low-cost activities as well as full-day outings. Check the minimum age on each experience page before booking.

How many days do you need in Varanasi?

Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting: one anchor experience each morning, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

Prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

Can I cancel a booking in Varanasi?

119 of the 120 experiences we rank in Varanasi offer free cancellation, usually up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact window is shown on each experience page before you book.

How does the Outty Ranking work?

Every experience in Varanasi gets a single 0 to 100 score built from traveler sentiment, the depth of review evidence, recent booking momentum, price fairness against comparable options in the same city, operator standing and cancellation flexibility. Scores are benchmarked within Varanasi so a strong local option is not buried by global volume, and anything at 90 or above joins the Outty 90+ Club.