Experience The Best Of Varanasi, India In 72 Hours

Whether you have two days or two weeks to travel, our Varanasi, India city guide covers the must see sites, local food recommendations, where to stay, how much the city will cost, an example itinerary, and how to get around the city - including how to get to and from the airport, bus and train stations.

Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples. Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and played an important role in the development of Buddhism and over the years grew as an important industrial centre, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture. Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE when he gave his first sermon, "The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma". Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many ghats, embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the river bank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions.

Getting To & From The Airport, Bus & Train Stations

Regardless of your point-of-entry into this city, the fastest, cheapest, and most recommended way to get anywhere in the city is by Tuk-Tuk. You can either contact your hotel or hostel and pre-arrange a pick-up with them or simply exit the terminal and find a driver (very easy).

First Things First - What/Where To Eat & Drink?

From amazing TripAdvisor recommendations for a hole-in-the-wall chicken shop, government owned and run Bhang (weed) stores, to the best street food you have ever had, Varanasi will not disappoint the fat kid inside of you!

Must-See's Of Varanasi

Varanasi is a thriving ancient city, rich with color, history, and small side streets that act like a maze…But with the right plan, the city can be explored and mastered in 72 hours. Here are 6 must see sights in the city you can’t miss:

Exploring Varanasi Via Rickshaw

The best option for getting around the city, for sure (aside from walking). You can rent a rickshaw for less than a dollar and can explore the entire city this way. Make sure to ask for the price before you hop on.
*For those of you thinking “I feel bad making someone physically work a bicycle” or “This man is so old, I don’t want to make him take me where I need to go”. Listen, we felt this way too. Is it sometimes strange asking a 70 year old man to take you to the bar on the back of his bike? Sure. Is it wrong? No. Here’s why: though his job is undesirable for us and we feel ‘bad’ in the west for making someone do something so physically exhausting, this may literally be his only way of making money. Without you taking his services he might not eat. Support local and live in the moment.

Where We Stay

There are tons of accommodation options in Varanasi, from hostels, Airbnbs, bed & breakfasts, and many 5-star hotels.

Ganpati Guest House “if you stay here, we are sure that you will have a good time in Varanasi. The staff are very kind and have a good spirit. The history of Ganpati Guest House: The Ganpati is located at the east end of the Mother Ganges in Varanasi, makes its presence known throughout the riverbanks not only by shining the world's oldest culture as well as oldest city. A city of light...but also by offering cutting-edge restaurants, renowned facilities, amazing view and comfortable accommodations. This 3-story Redstone pyramid was built in 1905 on the river Ganges, contains so many amenities on such an enormous scale that it's becomes practically amazing vacation. Spacious rooms surrounded by the plants, which boasts your staying, dining and entertainment. The Garden, at more than 1000 square feet, is one of Varanasi's oldest existing buildings and rarely available, offering a tranquil sitting, an array of nice music, a rack of books nearby. We want to deliver inside of the property a best atmosphere. We're trying to become a little more contemporary and appeal to all age crowds with holy feelings. We want to offer the best entertainment, dining, staying and relax without insulting the worth of your damage. That's not to say that "The city of Light" will be memorable entire the life. It is, after all, still a part of what makes the property unique, and explained that the hotel is prepared to keep the better executed elements of the riverbank-culture theme.
($28-35/night for a private double room - cost depends on size of room and if you want a balcony (hint hint, you do!)).

Travel Tips & Helpful Hints

Do I need a visa? Pretty much every country needs a visa for India. However, 140+ countries are eligible for an E-Visa. The application is long and the fee $100US (for Americans at least) but it makes arriving and getting into India a breeze. Apply and learn more here.

What is the power voltage? The voltage is 220v whereas the US is 110V - so your devices may get a little warm while charging.

What about smoking weed or drinking in the streets? Weed is illegal but is not a huge deal. In Varanasi it is especially relaxed and every tuk tuk driver will offer to sell you a joint. We really recommend this travel bloggers post about weed in India. She breaks down the legality of it all, where you can buy it, when and who you can buy it from and what to do if you get caught.
As far as drinking goes, it is not permissible to drink in public and the police will fine you. So have a good time at the bars.
*Note: A lot of restaurants here sell beer illegally (it is an expensive license) - therefore it will not be on their menu. Ask the price of their beer first, otherwise you will be charged 1.5x - 2x what you should - and there is nothing you can do about it (yes, I learned this the hard way).

What is the currency and its value? The currency used in India is called the Indian Rupee (INR). The current value (at the time writing) is INR 70 = $1 USD.

What is the weather like? Always hot!? The weather in India substantially differs depending what part of the country you are in. The monsoon seasons are different for different regions of this massive country. Believe it or not, India can be brutally cold certain times of the year. Research the weather for every location you plan to visit before you leave.

Are naked Baba’s really just roaming the streets? Yes! And it’s awesome! If they invite you into their tent to smoke, talk or relax, feel free to oblige. However if you smoke with them, realize they are going to want a ‘donation’ of money from you. If you want a picture, thats cool too. Just ask first. Some baba’s (especially the naked ones) don’t want ever tourist who sees them to stick a camera in their face. Forge a relationship first.

“You talk a lot about haggling with the locals - isn’t that rude”? Fair question, but no. As told to us by our local Indian friend, Raj, Indians like to haggle, its like a game, it lets them know you are interested. If you ask the price and say “too high” and walk away, they will say nothing back to you, assuming you are not interested at all. If you come back with a price (50% of what they offered) it lets them know you are interested in maybe buying something. They will be excited at this prospect and negotiate with you until you both find a happy price.

So What's It Going To Cost?

Here is how much we spent, and what we spent it on, in 72 hours.

Food: Breakfast: We spent $2.50 USD each morning.
Lunch: $2.50 USD at local restaurants; usually ordering curry of course.
Dinner: $4 USD each evening, too.
Total for Food = $9.00 USD each/per day.

Beer: So cheap! 100INR ($1.20) for a large bottle beer.
Total for Beer = $2.40-$4.80 USD each/per day.

Accommodation: Ganpati Geusthouse
($28-35/night for a private double room - cost depends on size of room and if you want a balcony (hint hint, you do!)).

Transportation (Including getting to and from the airport): Take a tuk tuk from your point of entry to your hotel (100INR). Rent a motorbike one day if you want to explore outside the main touristy area (350INR) and walk.
Total for Transportation = $8.

Activities: If you see all the sights mentioned on this post (including renting a motorbike), you can expect to spend:
Total for Activities = $20 USD.