Top 15 Best Places To Visit In Varanasi At Night: A Guide To Experiencing The Eternal City

see the land of ghats in a different light with these places to visit in Varanasi at night

Places to visit in Varanasi at night offer a religious and spiritual experience, renowned as the oldest city in the country., Varanasi or Banaras is close to many people’s hearts. However, beyond exploring the temples and the bustling lanes in the morning, this city also stands out with its enigmatic nightlife. There are numerous places to visit in Varanasi at night, including ghats and the nearby local markets. On your next trip to Varanasi, step out of your hotel during the evening to truly soak in the beauty of this city at night.

Top 15 Places To Visit In Varanasi At Night

This is the list of places to visit in Varanasi at night for an unforgettable adventure with historicall landmarks, holy ganges and lively atmosphere.

1. Dashashwamedh Ghat

Scenic image of the Ganga arti from the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

Photo: Deepak Deshwal / Pexels

Without a doubt, the biggest attraction of Varanasi is witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is what the majority of the people visit the city for. This spellbound experience happens every evening without fail where the entire ghat is illuminated with lamps and flowers and the priests conduct the aarti, offering prayers to the Ganga River. During this aarti, Vedic hymns are chanted, which add to the mysticism of the experience. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi at night, which symbolises devotion and reverence for the Ganges River.

Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
Timings: 6.30 PM onwards

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Varanasi For A Scenic Getaway

2. Godowlia Market

 Scenic image of a beautiful marketplace in the city of Varanasi

Photo: Min An / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Your trip to Varanasi is incomplete if you don’t spend your time exploring some of the local markets. Among the many available in the city, Godowlia Market happens to be one of the most popular spots. This is the local market that you visit to explore traditional handicrafts, sarees, jewellery, and souvenirs. While the market is open throughout the day, the charm and vibrance of the place further accentuates at night. This market is particularly famous for Benarasi silk sarees, a staple souvenir to take back home with you.

Location: 72, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Lahori Tola, Varanasi
Timings: 9.30 AM – 10.30 PM

3. Assi Ghat

Scenic image of the beautiful Assi Ghat and Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Photo: Chiranjiviranjan / Wikimedia Commons

For some serenity and musical experience, you can head to Assi Ghat, which is one of the top Varanasi at-night tourist places. It offers a quieter and more secluded experience than the Dashashwamedh Ghat. At night, Assi Ghat hosts smaller, intimate aarti ceremonies, sometimes accompanied by live classical music and dance performances. The night view along the riverbank, coupled with soothing music, creates a meditative atmosphere. Furthermore, if you want to soak in the spiritual side of Varanasi with a much more relaxed setting, this is the place that you need to head to.

Location: Assi Ghat, Varanasi
Timings: 24*7

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Varanasi Within 100 Km For Everyone

4. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Scenic image of the shiva temple in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh

Photo: Ashvin Kaitabhya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kashi Vishwanath Temple offers the best nighttime experience in the Varanasi tourist places list. It is one of the staple places to visit in Varanasi at night, where you get to offer your prayers to Lord Shiva and immerse yourself further in the serenity of the place. As the Kashi Vishwanath Temple’s closing time comes closer, the crowd at the temple reduces significantly, making it easier for you to make your way to the inner sanctum, where you can seek blessings from the deity.

Location: Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Domari, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 3 AM – 11 PM

5. Ravidas Park

Image of the beautiful Ravidas park in the city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh

Photo: Vicente Zanatta / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Ravidas Park, named after the saint Ravidas, is yet another one of the places to visit in Varanasi at night. If you are looking for a spot to unwind after a long day of exploring the bustling city of Varanasi, this urban park is a great place. This park offers a well-maintained landscape with walking paths, benches, and scenic river views. During the night, the entire park is bathed in ambient lighting, which adds to the peaceful environment of the park. You’ll find locals and tourists strolling, meditating, or simply sitting by the riverside to soak in the peaceful vibes.

Location: Nagwa Rd, near Nagwa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 24*7

Suggested Read: Discover The Top Water Parks In Varanasi For An Exciting Day Out

6. Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Image of the Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe in the city of Varanasi

Photo: Igor Starkov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The local café culture in Varanasi is not as prominent, but Pizzeria Vaatika Café, which is located near Assi Ghat, is a public favourite. The delectable food paired with the stunning views of the ghats makes this a great spot for you to unwind during the evening. The cosy setup, especially with the outdoor seating, makes it a popular spot among locals and tourists. The café’s eclectic menu includes both Italian and Indian dishes, and their freshly baked apple pie is a local favourite that adds a sweet note to the evening.

Location: B-1/178, Assi Ghat Rd, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 7.30 AM – 10 PM

7. JHV Mall

Scenic image of the beautiful Mall in the city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh

Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

JHV Mall in Varanasi is one of the most popular malls to visit and explore when you are in the city. It is located in the Cantonment Area, making it quite accessible for tourists. There is a blend of modern retail and entertainment for visitors seeking a break from the traditional cityscape. Inside the mall, you also get to immerse yourself in the variety of national and international brand outlets, a food court with diverse dining options, and a multiplex cinema. The architecture of the mall is quite amazing and spacious, adding to the experience.

Location: The Mall Rd, adj. Hotel Ramada Plaza, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 10.30 AM – 11 PM

Suggested Read: Best Shopping Malls In Varanasi

8. Brown Bread Bakery

Scenic image of the sweet bakery shop in the city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh

Photo: Igor Ovsyannykov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Another one of the tourist places in Varanasi at night is the Brown Bread Bakery. It is a local rooftop café cum restaurant, which is a hit among the locals and tourists too. If you want to relish some good-quality and organic food, offer the best food in Varanasi. The bakery is located near Pandey Ghat, and its highlight is using organic ingredients and serving an extensive menu that includes freshly baked bread, pastries, and an array of vegetarian dishes. The café often hosts live music performances in the evenings, adding a delightful touch to the evening getaway.

Location: Ganga Mahal, D 25/42, Bengali Tola Rd, Pandey Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM

9. Lanka Market

Panoramic imaege of the beautiful maketplace in Varanasi

Photo: Guna. Pa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located near Banaras Hindu University, Lanka Market is yet another spot to add to your Varanasi at-night tourist places list. It is one of the most popular night markets in the city where the blend of lively atmosphere and a wide range of goods add to the experience. The market offers a range of trendy clothes, affordable electronics, quirky accessories, and an extensive range of street food. You’ll find everything from freshly fried samosas to spicy chaat and sweets, making it a popular spot for food lovers too. If you want to get good bargains and find unique items that are native to Varanasi, Lanka Market is a must.

Location: Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Rd, Saket Nagar Colony, Lanka, Varanasi
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM

Suggested Read: Shopping In Varanasi

10. Ganga Mahal Ghat

Beautiful snapshot of the iconic Ganga Mahal Ghat in Kashi

Photo: Marcin Białek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For a peaceful escape from the otherwise mainstream ghats in Varanasi, head to Ganga Mahal Ghat. It is one of the best places for Varanasi at night, where you can sit and have a relaxing nighttime experience. This ghat was reportedly built by the Narayan dynasty in 1830 CE and has an old-world charm to it. At night, the atmosphere is serene, with the gentle sounds of the river adding a calming effect. This ghat doesn’t host any major aartis, making it a perfect spot for visitors seeking solitude by the river. It is a great spot for photographers where you can capture amazing shots without having to worry about crowds all around you.

Location: Near Tulsi Ghat, Varanasi
Timings: 24*7

11. Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath is one of the most amazing places to visit in Varanasi at night

Photo: SM7 / Wikimedia Commons

The Sarnath Light and Sound Show, located at Dhamekh Stupa, is one of the top tourist attractions in Varanasi at night. The show greatly depicts the history of Varanasi in Amitabh Bachchan’s voice, which makes it an indulging experience. The program focuses on the life of Gautam Buddha, as Sarnath is known as the place where Gautam Buddha delivered his very first teachings. It offers a tranquil experience with the Stupa lighting up and creating a lively atmosphere. It is one of the best places to visit in Banaras at night.

Location: Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmapala Rd, Singhpur, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221007
Timings: 7.30 PM – 8 PM

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Varanasi With Friends For A Memorable Adventure

12. Durga Temple

The Durga Temple is one of the most amazing places to visit in Varanasi at night

Photo: Juan Antonio Segal / Wikimedia Commons

The Durga Temple is a revered temple in Varanasi, known for its majestic idol of Goddess Durga and its significance among locals. It is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi for its red structure and intricate architecture. The temple also has a kund adjacent to the temple, out of which water is drawn during important religious festivals. The idol is believed to be a self-manifested idol of Goddess Durga and not man-made. The temple is also referred to as Monkey Temple due to the abundance of monkeys surrounding it.

Location: Khojwan Rd, Durgakund, Khojwan, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM

13. Namo Ghat

Exploring the Namo Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi at night.

Photo: Martijn Vonk / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Namo Ghat is one of the best tourist places in Varanasi at night. It is a newly inaugurated ghat with all the latest facilities. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Varanasi for taking a serene nature walk on the banks of the Ganges. You can do yoga here, interact with locals or just sit in silence. It is one of the best places for a Varanasi trip for an immersive experience of Varanasi culture. The ghat has a big structure built atop depicting “Atithi Devo Bhava”, encouraging Indian values.

Location: Rajghat, Varanasi, Suzabad, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM

Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Varanasi With Family For A Memorable Trip

14. Sarai Mohana

An image of Sarai Mohana is one of the best places to visit in Varanasi at night

Photo: Suyash Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons

If you want to dive into the depths of Varanasi culture, visiting the Sarai Mohana Village is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. Interact with locals, understand the process of making silk sarees, which is one of the unique things to do in Varanasi at night, for a scenic heritage walk around the village. You can also purchase sarees from here. Go through the intricate designs and the craftsmanship that went into making these. It is one of the best places for places for Varanasi trip for a wholesome experience.

Location: Varanasi, 221302
Timings: 24*7

15. Adi Keshav Ghat

Exploring the Adi Keshav Ghat is one of the best things to do in Varanasi at night

Photo: Goutam1962 / Wikimedia Commons

Adi Keshav Ghat is known to be one of the oldest ghats in the city. It is one of the Varanasi tourist places for the various past anecdotes associated with it. Adi Keshav Ghat has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, as it is believed to be the place where Shiva stepped his foot on earth. You can also experience the nightlife in Varanasi at this ghat, with vendors selling snacks outside, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Location: Raaj Ghat, Near Adi Keshav Mandir, Khalispur, Varanasi, Saray Mohana, Uttar Pradesh 221001
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM

Suggested Read: Main Temples In Varanasi

If you want to make the most out of your time, you have to explore all the places to visit in Varanasi at night to soak in the timeless beauty, spirituality, and vibrancy uniquely. You can witness the traditional Ganga aarti or head to the bustling markets to pick up some souvenirs, the list is long. Make sure you finalise your trip to Varanasi with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience exploring the vibrant city.

Cover Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to explore Varanasi at night is by hiring an auto-rickshaw, which is readily available. For shorter distances, you can also walk around the ghats.
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Manikarnika Ghat are popular choices at night. Dashashwamedh hosts the Ganga Aarti and is the main attraction.
Yes, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must-see and is held every evening around 6:45–7:00 PM.
Yes, there are several great dining options near the ghats. Pizzeria Vaatika Café at Assi Ghat, Brown Bread Bakery at Pandey Ghat, etc.
Popular night markets include Godowlia Market and Lanka Market, offering a mix of modern goods, food stalls and fabrics.
Yes, there is a nominal fee (usually around ₹50 per person); however, it's best to check locally for updated pricing.
Yes, boat rides are available, especially during morning and evening hours, for scenic river views.
Yes, occasional aarti and local rituals are held, particularly on auspicious days; you may also witness locals performing daily prayers.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple opens daily at 3 AM with Mangala Aarti and remains open till 11 PM. Devotees can visit throughout the day during various aarti and darshan slots.

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