Where to Stay in Varanasi Choosing where to stay in Varanasi comes with its challenges, after all, it is one of the oldest living civilisations on Earth, filled with thousands of years of spiritual history, narrow galis, colourful ghats, temples, ashrams and a lively buzz that has no equivalent elsewhere in the planetary confines. Whether you’re the new kid in town or making a return to revive your spirit as a frequent visitor, where to stay in Varanasi defines your trip experience.
Some travellers desire the peace which comes with riverside retreats, others fancy being close to the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, while a few love staying back in luxury hotels off the bustling lanes. This guide discusses where to stay in Varanasi, including popular areas and hotel advice for travellers on sightseeing, activities, and tips. budget details & best neighbourhoods about interest & access/experience levels.
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Why Choosing the Right Area Matters in Varanasi
The emerging Indian city is strikingly repetitive in character. Varanasi, however, is different: lifestyle and home are determined by its medieval alleys, ghat banks and temples. So knowing where to stay in Varanasi is the first step toward planning your visit.
Here’s why the area matters:
- Commute stress levels decrease when you are closer to the ghats
- Vehicle access can be difficult on narrow streets
- Cultural intensity: There are both slow times and huge clusters of people.
- Sunrise & Ganga views are location-specific.
- Night Aartis and Rituals vary with areas
- Cyprus Taxi Services. Travel to different places becomes easy due to transport services near certain areas
This post shows where to stay in Varanasi, categorised by travel styles: pilgrims, backpackers, families, luxury travellers and digital nomads.
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Best Areas to Stay in Varanasi – Comparison Table
| Area | Best For | Vibe / Highlights | Average Hotel Price (₹/Night) | Nearby Attractions |
| Assi Ghat | First-time visitors, families, foreigners | Peaceful, cultural, cafés, yoga, Ganga views | ₹1,500–₹8,000 | Assi Ghat, BHU, Boat rides |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | Temple visits, Ganga Aarti lovers | Busy, spiritual, central location | ₹2,500–₹10,000 | Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti |
| Nadesar | Luxury travelers | Premium, quiet, greenery, 5-star hotels | ₹7,000–₹25,000 | Varanasi Cantt, Mall Road |
| Bhelupur | Families & pilgrims | Calm, safe, better parking & access | ₹1,200–₹6,000 | Kedar Ghat, Local markets |
| Lanka | Students, backpackers | Youthful, budget stays, cafés | ₹600–₹2,500 | BHU Gate, Assi Ghat |
| Shivala Ghat | Couples, peaceful stay | Scenic, quieter ghats, heritage houses | ₹1,800–₹7,000 | Tulsi Ghat, Boat rides |
| Sigra | Business travelers | Modern, city-centre, shopping | ₹2,000–₹8,000 | IP Mall, Cantt |
| Bengali Tola | Solo travellers, spiritual seekers | Narrow lanes, authentic ghat life | ₹800–₹4,000 | Main Ghats, Old City Lanes |
Best Areas to Stay in Varanasi
Below is a complete breakdown of where to stay in Varanasi by neighbourhoods. Each area offers its own charm, accessibility, and typical hotel style.
1. Assi Ghat – Best for Peace, Cafés & Culture
Assi Ghat is one of the favourite places to stay in Varanasi for tourists. It is quieter than Dashashwamedh Ghat but rich in culture, rituals, yoga and riverside calm. A lot of travellers hang around here for extended periods because it’s more chilled.
Why Stay Near Assi Ghat
- Walkable access to the ghats
- Lively cafés and global food
- Peaceful sunrise river views
- Home to Subah-e-Banaras morning rituals
- Ideal for digital nomads
Top Hotels
- Stay Banaras
- Hotel Ganges Grand
- The Amayaa
- Om Vilas Luxury Boutique
Ask any experienced travellers where to stay in Varanasi, and many will tell you that for culture without chaos, Assi Ghat is ideal.
2. Dashashwamedh Ghat – Best for First-Time Visitors
For those who prefer to be as centrally located as possible, this is where to stay in Varanasi. The main Ganga Aarti takes place here every evening, attracting thousands. The hotel properties are usually located a few steps away and boast of balconies overlooking the Ganga.
Why Stay Near Dashashwamedh
NEAREST TO THE CITY’S MOST ICONIC RITUALS
- Perfect for photography
- Tons of shops, street foods and temples
Top Hotels
- Hotel Alka
- BrijRama Palace
- Ganges View Heritage Hotel
But if you’re in search of quiet, this might not be where to stay in Varanasi, as the lanes can be very crowded.
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3. Godowlia – Best for Markets & Convenience
For those who want a blend of modern hotels and access to the ghats, Godowlia Chowk is not a bad area. It’s also a perfect answer to where to stay in Varanasi for accessibility!
Why Stay in Godowlia
- Market and street food hub
- Close to temple routes
- Hotels for all budgets
Top Hotels
- Hotel Landmark
- Palace on Ganges
- De Bougainvilla
4. Cantonment Area – Best for Luxury & Comfort
When your concern is comfort, big rooms, facilities from the current time and accessibility close to the railway or airport: this is where you can stay in Varanasi.
Why Stay Here
- Wide roads and easy transportation
- Major 5-star hotels are available
- Great for families and businesspeople
Top Hotels
- Taj Ganges
- Radisson Hotel Varanasi
- Ramada Plaza
This is perfect for travellers who want Varanasi plus the culture, but not in the thick of it all.
5. Nadesar – Best for Resorts & Spa Retreats
Reuters Nadesar is a serene and leafy area with some of Varanasi’s finest hotels. Several wellness tourists opt to stay in Varanasi in this destination.
Top Hotels
- Taj Nadesar Palace
- Tree of Life Resort
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Best Hotels Based on Budget
Here is a split-up of where to stay in Varanasi as per your budget category.
Luxury Hotels (₹12,000–₹40,000+)
- If the perfect combination for you is luxury + spirituality, here are places to stay in Varanasi:
- BrijRama Palace – Heritage palace on the banks of the river.
- Taj Nadesar Palace – The luxury princely escape
- Taj Ganges – Lush gardens and 5-star luxury
- Radisson Varanasi- Good rooms and business facilities
Mid-Range Hotels (₹4,000–₹12,000)
The budget category attracts the maximum number of tourists, and it’s no wonder. Most travellers find this segment to be a great choice considering where to stay in Varanasi.
- Hotel Alka – Riverside rooms
- Ganges Grand – Cultural décor
- The Amayaa – Stylish & modern
Budget Stays (₹800–₹3,000)
Hikers often want to know about staying in Varanasi at a low cost. Here are practical options:
- Stops Hostel
- Zostel Varanasi
- HosteLaVie
Also Read:- Luxury and Comfort at Radisson Hotels in the US || Hotels Near AT&T Stadium
Best Hotel Categories
| Category | Recommended Areas | Price Range (₹) | Suitable For |
| Budget Hotels | Lanka, Bengali Tola, Assi | ₹600–₹1,500 | Solo travellers, backpackers |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Bhelupur, Assi, Shivala | ₹1,500–₹4,000 | Families, pilgrims |
| Luxury Hotels | Nadesar | ₹7,000–₹25,000 | Couples, VIPs, business travellers |
| Ganga-View Hotels | Assi, Dashashwamedh, Shivala | ₹4,000–₹10,000 | Spiritual visitors, couples |
| Heritage Stays | Shivala Ghat, Bengali Tola | ₹3,000–₹12,000 | Culture lovers, premium travellers |
Choosing Where to Stay in Varanasi Based on Travel Style
For Spiritual Travellers
If you’re all about temples, rituals and special spiritual experiences, this is where to stay in Varanasi:
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Kashi Vishwanath corridor area
For Solo Travellers
Assi Ghat is the easiest answer to where to stay in Varanasi if you are solo, it’s safe, peaceful, social and cafe-friendly.
For Families
Wider roads and quieter zones are often the predilections of families. So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Varanasi, the answer is:
- Cantonment
- Nadesar
For Backpackers
The best places to stay in Varanasi for young backpackers are:
- Assi Ghat hostels
- Affordable guesthouses close to the ghats
For Luxury & Wellness Travellers
Nadesar and Cantonment are great for those seeking luxury.
Also Read:- Luxury Port Canaveral Hotels || Luxury Hotels Near Sofi Stadium
Accessibility Table
| Area | Distance to Railway Station | Distance to Airport | Parking Availability |
| Assi Ghat | 6 km | 29 km | Limited |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | 4 km | 27 km | Very limited |
| Nadesar | 2 km | 24 km | Excellent |
| Bhelupur | 5 km | 28 km | Good |
| Lanka | 7 km | 30 km | Good |
| Shivala Ghat | 5 km | 28 km | Limited |
| Sigra | 3 km | 25 km | Excellent |
| Bengali Tola | 4 km | 27 km | Very limited |
Best Time to Visit & How It Affects Where to Stay
When considering where to stay in Varanasi, the crowd and room prices can change with the seasons.
Peak Season (Oct–March)
- Best weather
- Booking needed
- Higher prices
Off-season (April–September)
- Hotter climate
- Best for budget travellers
How to Pick the Right Stay: Quick Checklist
But before choosing a place to stay in Varanasi, consider:
- Do I want to be close to the river?
- Do I like quiet or noise?
- Is it necessary to be able to drive into the hotel with a car?
- Can I walk through narrow lanes safely?
- What is my budget?
- Do I desire a view of the sunrise from my room?
This easy checklist helps you decide where to stay in Varanasi in less than 5 minutes.
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Travel Tips for Staying in Varanasi
- Book rooms early during festivals
- Always ask about access (some hotels are a 5 to 10 minute walk down lanes)
- Riverside hotels have great views, but may cost more
- Opt for the balance: Stay off Assi Ghat if you want.
- Keep cash for small expenses
- Respect local customs
Conclusion: So there you have it – the best places to stay and where to stay in Varanasi
The right place to stay can make all the difference in your trip, so where to stay in Varanasi depends on a mix of comfort, location, budget and what you want. If spirituality, tranquillity, markets, luxury or culture is your cup of tea Varanasi offers it all.
Aassi Ghat is peaceful and alluring, Dashashwamedh Ghat is noisy and boastful, the Cantonment area has a modern splash of elegance while Nadesar exudes regal beauty. With this guide, you now have exactly where to stay in Varanasi for every type of trip and organise a memorable journey and meaningful experience in India’s spiritual capital!
FAQs About Where to Stay in Varanasi
Where is the best location to stay in Varanasi for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, Assi Ghat is best as it’s peaceful, picturesque and well-connected. There are cafés, yoga centres, hotels and easy boat rides to all major attractions. It’s a quieter alternative to Dashashwamedh Ghat without being far from the action.
Where is the best place to stay in Varanasi near the Ganga Varanasi?
If you want your stay to be along the river, consider accommodation near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat or Manikarnika Ghat. Several boutique hotels have balconies, rooftop Ganga views and direct ghat access.
Is it safe for foreigners to live near the ghats in Varanasi?
Yes, it is safe at the main ghats like Assi and Dashashwamedh. They are noisy and well-lighted, and busy all day. – If you are with family or you are a solo traveller, then Assi Ghat is the best choice.
How much does it cost to live in Varanasi?
Varanasi has accommodation for all budgets:
Budget hotels: ₹800–₹1,800/night
Mid-range hotels: ₹2,000–₹4,000/night
Ganga-view hotels: ₹4,000–₹8,000/night
Luxury stays: ₹8,000–₹20,000+/night
Where to stay in Varanasi with family?
Bhelupur and Assi Ghat serve as favourites for families with peaceful ambience, lots of hotel options, fine eateries and convenient transport options.
Where are the best backpackers in Varanasi?
The young at heart go for Assi Ghat and Lanka, where they will find hostels, budget guesthouses and busy cafés that make it a great spot for backpackers.
What is the best luxury area to stay in Varanasi?
Nadesar is the top area for luxury travellers. This is Indirapuram. It has Resorts, deluxe hotels, villas, greenery, high security and 5-star services.
Where are the best couples hotels to stay in Varanasi?
Couples opt for Assi Ghat and Ravidas Ghat for their romantic riverside views, boutique hotels and quieter evenings.
Is it convenient to stay close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?
Yes, if your trip is largely religious, the temple area will definitely be an easy place to stay. However, it’s crowded and busy. If you prefer quick access, then select here.
What area is the safest to stay in Varanasi with the most tranquil hotels?
In case you are looking for silence and peace, then Shivala Ghat, Bengali Tola (the quieter parts) and Nadesar can offer quiet and more expansive stay too.
Are there any riverside hotels in Varanasi with a balcony?
Yes, plenty of boutique hotels facing the Ganga close to Assi and Dashashwamedh Ghats will have balcony rooms with river views that are ideal for enjoying a sunrise.
Is it easy to park a hotel in Varanasi?
There’s a paucity of parking space near the ghats as avenues are narrow. If parking is a concern, opt for hotels in Nadesar, Bhelupur or Sigra.
Where is the best place for foodies?
Other places loved by foodies are Assi Ghat and Lanka where one can easily find cafes, vegetarian diners, rooftop restaurants and even global favourites.
Where do foreigners generally put up in Varanasi?
It’s Ashi Ghat (ophone of my personal favorite Assi Ghat) that most foreign tourists favour for the laid back energy, cultural programs and musical evenings, plethora of yoga retreats and vibrant international café scene.
What is the nearest to the railway station?
Nadesar and Cantt are the closest to Varanasi Junction , while those who prefer easy train connectivity should opt for either of these two.
