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Varanasi is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world, and here in this city, you can find spirituality, history, and culture intertwined. But, apart from the magnificent temples and ghats, shopping in Varanasi city for handicrafts and traditional art is genuinely something special. Unfortunately, the city has a rich tradition of fabric like Banarasi saris, brassware, religious items, and much more in its great number of markets. This guide will help the visitor know where to find the best places to shop for garments, crafts, and spices among others in Varanasi.
10 Best Places For Shopping In Varanasi
Discover the vibrant shopping scene in Varanasi with our guide to the 10 best places. From traditional crafts to modern boutiques, there’s something for everyone.
1. Vishwanath Gali
Photo: Kunal Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons
Vishwanath Gali is a paradise for those people who would like to plunge into the atmosphere of the old Varanasi shopping experience. The dark alleys have many shops selling Banarasi sari, brass statues, puja articles, and other items of local crafts. The vibrant atmosphere of the market that resides next to expressive Vishwanath Gali where the tradition of generations met the precision of modern technologies enhancing the beauty of handicrafts is all stimulating to pay a visit.
Major Attractions: Banarasi silk, brass idols, religious items
Location: Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Best Time To Visit: Morning or evening
2. Thatheri Bazar
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons
If interested in purchasing brass or copper items, Thatheri Bazaar is your ultimate destination. It is a market of artisans who have been practicing their profession for many generations offering anything from ornamental brassware to copper cooking utensils. You can see how the actual work is being done in the open, artists who prove the great tradition of metalworking in Varanasi. This market is most suitable for people with an interest in pretty crafted brass products that depict the cultural diversity of Varanasi..
Major Attractions: Brassware, copper items, handcrafted metalware
Location: Lahurabir, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
3. Godowlia Market
Photo: atarin michaeli / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Extremely populated and one of the most lively markets in Varanasi, Godowlia Market is popular with a wide variety of goods. Here you can get Rs; like Banarasi Silk sarees, traditional ornaments, and religious articles as well. There is also a good market for food to boot with some food vendors rejoicing in the tradition of serving traditional dishes on the streets. Ideally, Godowlia Market can be recommended to people who like an active and progressive shopping environment. In most Asian countries bargaining is the order of the day and hence don’t be shy to haggle for the best price possible!
Major Attractions: Banarasi silk, traditional jewelry, street food
Location: Near Dashashwamedh Ghat
Best Time To Visit: Evening
4. Banaras Art Gallery
Photo: Bijay Pakhrin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Therefore, Banaras Art Gallery, for art enthusiasts, contains a rich facility of delightful handicrafts that reflect the essence of Varanasi. Featuring paintings and sculptures up to detailed carvings, this gallery provides the best opportunity for ardent artistic fans who are looking forward to acquiring artworks that best represent the creative touch of the city. These can be made by local craftsmen giving attention to details; thus, make good impulse buys or gifts.
Major Attractions: Handcrafted art, sculptures, paintings
Location: Lanka, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon
5. Dal Mandi Market
Photo: Lara Jameson / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dal Mandi Market is most preferred by the brides because they find this market as the potential market to buy beautiful Banarasi silk sarees and other bridal wear. There are also some shops specializing in jewelry that have exquisite designs of jewelry that may be suitable for weddings or other occasions. This kind of saris is very fine and the golden embossed work on the saree gives it a special look, many families come here for the purchase of saree to be worn by the bride in the marriage.
Major Attractions: Banarasi silk saris, bridal wear, jewelry
Location: Near Lahurabir, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Morning
6. Chowk Market
Photo: Max Brown / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Chowk Market is in the center of Varanasi to buy a traditional textile from Banaras like the Banarasi silk saree. Besides textiles, there are also accessories shops, perfumes, jewelry, and other handmade toy shops. It has necessary products for every part of the community, from souvenirs to traditional wear Barker. Chowk Market is one of Kosovan’s most beautiful and diverse shopping areas that combines the traditional techniques of handcrafted products and new fashion wear.
Major Attractions: Banarasi silk saris, perfumes, jewelry, handmade toys
Location: Chowk, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
7. Lahurabir Market
Photo: Porapak Apichodilok / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A number of big and small stores dot the market selling everything from electronics to daily use items, clothing and accessories, and good jewelry, but it might not be the best place to look for it as there are far better markets in Bishkek for clothes, jewelry and more traditional souvenirs although the buildings housing these and other stores do give the place a very modern look. It is a good place where one can buy local products and interesting presents while the shopping area does not get as crowded as some of the other markets in the city
Major Attractions: Electronics, clothing, local crafts, jewelry
Location: Lahurabir, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon
8. Vishalakshi Handloom
Photo: Kaboompics.com / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The other popular store of Banarasi Silk is Vishalakshi Handloom which deals with traditional Banarasi silk sarees, dupattas, and other silk fabric. The shop focuses on hand-woven products which are very artistic, and provides the best of the,kāpṛa tradition from Varanasi. Every sari is well-made and this makes it a right choice for people on the lookout for a special item to bring home.
Major Attractions: Banarasi silk saris, dupattas, handwoven fabric
Location: Near Assi Ghat, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during store hours
9. Rajan Silk Store
Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another store that tourists would love to get more of Banarasi silk saris is the Rajan Silk Store. Specifically, it sells a variety of silk products with top quality and customers can choose plain silk products to grand silk products with full embroidery. Whether you need formal wear or formal wear for wedding occasions or even if you just want to purchase a souvenir, Rajan Silk Store boasts of a good collection to select from. The variety and neat workmanship of the products qualify it as the right shopping destination for silk in Varanasi.
Major Attractions: Banarasi silk saris, embroidered textiles, silk garments
Location: Godowlia, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Late afternoon
10. Peeli Kothi Market
Photo: Zeya Irish / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If someone is planning to purchase silk in bulk, the only place to go is Peeli Kothi Market. Being able to source products at a wholesalers rate this market is particularly suited to traders or people who want to buy bulk quantities of Banarasi silk. Apart from sarees, there is also a variety of shawls and stoles available in the market section. Silkow is a great opportunity for those willing to purchase popular and inexpensive silk products.
Major Attractions: Wholesale silk saris, shawls, stoles
Location: Near Cantt Station, Varanasi
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Great Networks are the shopping, which is more than a commercial activity, it is an opportunity to get acquainted with the art of Varanasi. Even when it comes to purchasing Banarasi silk sarees, crafted brassware or even day-to-day usage items, one will be taken through all the markets that define. For those shopping for long gowns and suits for weddings, religious clothing, or even gifts, these markets are not a letdown. Book your trip to Varanasi with TripXL and embark on a shopping spree.
Cover Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
