Varanasi is a city on the Ganges in northern India, built around its ghats — the steps leading down the steep river bank to the water, where pilgrims perform rituals. The old city sits on the north shore of the river, bounded by the Varuna and Assi streams, and the ghats are the main attraction for visitors and the focus of the religious life of the place.
For a visitor, the practical question is whether to base yourself in the old city near the ghats, near the main railway station, or out at quieter Sarnath. This guide covers those areas, what each is like to stay in, and roughly what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Varanasi
1. The ghats area (old city)
The most interesting area to stay is around the ghats, which are the main attractions for foreigners and are close to the religious sights. This is the old city, with the Dashashwamedh, Panchganga, Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats among the notable ones.
It suits first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of the river and the temples. Be aware that this area is extremely noisy and that many accommodation choices here are subpar, so do some research before you book. Budget places cluster around Assi Ghat in the south.
2. Around Varanasi Junction railway station
An alternative to staying in the old city is to stay near the main railway station, Varanasi Junction. This area has some very nice places and is about 10 minutes away from the ghats by tuk-tuk.
It suits travellers arriving or leaving by train, and those who want easier access to transport rather than river views. Cheaper hotels and hostels can be found around the station area as well as around Assi Ghat.
3. Sarnath
Another alternative is the much quieter Sarnath, about 10 km from Varanasi. It is the calmest of the three options.
It suits travellers who prioritise quiet over proximity. The trade-off is distance: it takes more than 75 minutes each way to reach Varanasi by tuk-tuk, at a cost of around ₹200.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheaper hotels and hostels are found around Assi Ghat and the train station areas. Dormitory beds, tents on rooftops and simple guesthouse rooms are the typical options; check hot water and wifi for yourself.
- Mid-range: Guesthouses, often family-run and sometimes with rooftop restaurants and river views, are the mainstay of this bracket. Rooms with air-conditioning and attached bathrooms are common at this level.
- Splurge: The sources describe cottage-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms and private rooms in well-run properties, but the area itself matters more than the category — the ghats area is noisy, while the station area and Sarnath are quieter.
Best area for a first visit
The ghats area is the best base for a first visit, because it puts you close to the main attractions and the religious sights. Accept that it is extremely noisy and that accommodation quality varies, and research your booking carefully before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ghats area noisy?
Yes. The area around the ghats is extremely noisy, and many accommodation choices there are subpar, so do some research before you book.
How far is Sarnath from Varanasi?
Sarnath is about 10 km from Varanasi, but it takes more than 75 minutes each way to reach the city by tuk-tuk, at a cost of around ₹200.
How far is the railway station area from the ghats?
It is about 10 minutes away by tuk-tuk.
Do I need to worry about power outages?
Varanasi, particularly during summer, is prone to many hours of power outages a day. Double check that your fan or air-con runs from a backup generator, or you may not have it for much of the day.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.