Uttar Pradesh, India

Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the world's oldest living cities, with stone ghats stepping down to the Ganges, evening rituals and a maze of lanes.

Varanasi: Pilgrimage Varanasi
Featured walk: Pilgrimage Varanasi · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Varanasi is Hinduism's holiest city. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges and cremations take place on its ghats.

The old city is a tangle of narrow lanes behind the riverfront; walking along the ghats is the best way to see it.

What makes Varanasi distinctive

  • The ghats on the Ganges
  • Ganga Aarti evening ceremony
  • Sunrise boat rides
  • Old city lanes

Walking tours in Varanasi

Hand-picked guided walks in Varanasi, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 28 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: History walks in Varanasi

Compare with other cities: History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Old city

    Lanes behind the ghats.

  • Assi

    A relaxed area by the southern ghats.

  • Godowlia

    The busy centre.

Free self-guided walk

Along the ghats

A free self-guided walk in Varanasi, along the Ganges from Assi Ghat to Dashashwamedh Ghat.

2.1 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Ghats

    Along the river.

  2. Old city lanes

    Behind the ghats.

  3. Assi

    The southern ghats.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Steps and narrow lanes.

  • Respect

    Do not photograph cremations.

  • Crowds

    Very busy at festivals.

When to visit

  • October to March

    Best.

  • April to June

    Very hot.

  • Monsoon

    River levels rise.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Varanasi Airport is about an hour away.

  • By rail

    Trains run to Delhi.

Local transport

  • Rickshaws

    Common.

  • Boats

    On the river.

Questions travellers ask about Varanasi

Can I watch the Ganga Aarti?

Yes, every evening at Dashashwamedh.

How many days do I need?

Two days.

Is Sarnath close?

About 10 km.

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Country overview

India

Mughal monuments, bazaars and an imperial capital

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.