Where to stay in Varanasi: steps from the Ganges (2026)
Varanasi is the sacred city of Hinduism and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Everything revolves around the Ganges and its ghats, the stairways where people bathe, pray and bid farewell to their dead. It is intense and moving, and sleeping near the river completely changes the visit.
How to Get to Varanasi
Varanasi is in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. This is how to get there:
✈️Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) airport, ~27 km from the ghats, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
🚕From the airport to the ghats by taxi: 1 h to 1 h 30, depending on traffic.
🚆Varanasi Junction station (also called Varanasi Cantt): trains from Delhi, Agra and Kolkata.
🚶The old city by the river is a maze of alleys where cars cannot enter: the last few meters are on foot.
🛺Between the ghats and the new city, everything moves by tuk-tuk or cycle rickshaw.
🚣Along the river, the best way to get around is by boat, especially at sunrise.
The 3 Areas to Stay in Varanasi
1. Assi Ghat The quietest
The ghat at the southern end, more open and relaxed than the center, with cafés, bookshops and a ceremony at sunrise. It is many travelers' favorite area for a stay of several days: the main ghats can be reached on foot or by boat, and the streets around are residential and quieter.
2. Dashashwamedh and the old city In the middle of everything
The heart of Varanasi: Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the great Ganga Aarti ceremony is held every night, and the alleys that climb toward the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is noisy and overwhelming, but being here lets you see the city at any hour, on foot.
3. New city For a rest
Away from the river, the new city between the station and the ghats has modern, larger and quieter hotels with car access. It is 15-25 minutes by tuk-tuk from the ghats. A good option if you arrive late by train or prefer a break from the chaos of the old city.
7 recommended hotels in Varanasi
A selection spread across areas and budgets, with a good reputation among travellers and real photos of each property. Indicative prices per night for a double room, in US dollars.
Temple Town Homes
≈ US$ 16
A few minutes' walk from Assi Ghat
RoomRoom with two bedsRoom
A family home in a quiet alley near Assi Ghat, with large, very clean rooms and a host family who helps with everything. With a rating of 9.4, it is one of the best-rated accommodations in the south of the city.
Exceptional family hospitality (9.4)
Spacious, spotless rooms
Hard to find the first time
Motorbike noise in the evening
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
162616·········
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is November (around US$ 26 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 16: 38% less). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
It is run by a very kind family. The room was spotless, comfortable and spacious. It is only a few minutes' walk from the ghats, but in an alley that takes you away from the noise.
Moraga · Mar 2026
10Great stay in Varanasi
The accommodation is perfect, well located and clean, and the family who own it are super friendly. A spacious room with air conditioning. There can be motorbike noise in the evening and at night.
Beatriz · Aug 2026
10Unbeatable!
The location is great and the rooms are just like in the photos. One of the cleanest places of our trip. We tried their food and it was impressive.
Francisco · Jun 2026
8Perfect for visiting the city
They welcomed us wonderfully. The room was big and very clean, with a private bathroom, very close to the ghats. The location on the map is confusing: they had to come and find us.
Mireia · Sep 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 156.
Ashirvad Homestay
≈ US$ 69
Residential neighborhood near Assi Ghat
FaçadeRoomBathroom
A modern guesthouse in a gated, safe residential neighborhood near Assi Ghat. Hotel-style rooms, new bathrooms, a garden and very attentive hosts. A haven of silence in Varanasi.
Quiet and very safe
Modern rooms and bathrooms
Somewhat far from the central ghats
Breakfast with little variety
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
697373696969······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The price stays steady in the months with a rate: between US$ 69 and US$ 73 a night. Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
Absolutely everything: heating, cleanliness, service. It is the best accommodation I stayed in in India. It is in a very safe residential complex and you can't hear any noise in the rooms.
Soledad · Jan 2026
10Incredible
The best place we stayed in India. The room and bathroom were spotless and very comfortable. It is a little far from the central spots.
Claudia · Feb 2026
10Exceptional
The service, the help, the space and the calm you feel after the chaos of the city. A true oasis.
Pablo · Sep 2026
9Fantastic
An oasis in Benares. Very well located and very quiet. The people who run it are very kind and always ready to help.
Araceli · Mar 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 272.
Sandhya Guest House
≈ US$ 17
Shivala, 3 min on foot from the ghats
RoomTerraceCommon room
A guesthouse with a rooftop terrace, in the quietest part of the old city, between Assi and the central ghats. The owner and his team are known for making every guest feel like family, and the prices are very low.
Very low price
Very attentive host
Simple rooms
Little furniture for clothes
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
192417171717171717171717
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is November (around US$ 24 a night), and the cheapest December (around US$ 17: 29% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
From the moment you arrive, the owner, very friendly and with perfect English, makes you feel like part of the family. He worries at all times that you are doing well.
José · Jan 2024
10Exceptional
The location, 3 minutes from the ghats, and the attention of the staff, especially the owner. The breakfast was great.
Francisco · Jan 2025
9A gem of a guesthouse
A warm and welcoming atmosphere in a quieter part of the old city. As a woman traveling alone, they made sure I felt safe.
Michaela · Jul 2026
8Excellent
Our room had a private bathroom and a balcony. Cars can reach the accommodation. A clothes rack in the room would be needed.
Carla · Nov 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 170.
Safarnama Varanasi ⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 45
Godowlia, on foot from Dashashwamedh Ghat
RoomFaçadeRoom with balcony
A boutique bed & breakfast in the alleys of the old city, a few minutes' walk from Dashashwamedh and the Ganga Aarti. Comfortable, cheerful rooms and a team that helps with luggage, transfers and advice.
Within walking distance of the Ganga Aarti
Very helpful staff
Among the alleys
Poor soundproofing
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
5010050404040······
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is November (around US$ 100 a night), and the cheapest January (around US$ 40: 60% less). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
The staff were lovely. The afternoon receptionist gave me lots of advice. They knew I was traveling alone and made sure every ride was safe.
Manuela · Sep 2026
9Recommended location
You can walk everywhere. The staff helped me with my bags from outside the old city to the room. The breakfast was very tasty.
Sofía · Mar 2026
9A home of friends
The people there were exceptional. The room was spacious and comfortable. It is among alleys, but the alleys are part of the charm of Varanasi.
Aitor · Apr 2026
10Exceptional
I think it's very good, I recommend it. The room was pleasant, comfortable, clean and well equipped. You can hear noise at night because the soundproofing isn't very good.
Nuria · Aug 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 428.
BrijRama Palace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 419
On its own ghat, next to Dashashwamedh
TerraceLoungeFaçade
An 18th-century palace on its own ghat, facing the Ganges and a few steps from Dashashwamedh: one of the oldest buildings in Varanasi. Arrival and departure by boat (except in the monsoon), yoga at sunrise, a terrace over the river and cultural activities included.
Historic palace on the Ganges
Activities and yoga included
The most expensive in this guide
Some noise between rooms
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
503503503503503503335283283283283335
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
The priciest is October (around US$ 503 a night), and the cheapest May (around US$ 283: 44% less).
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
It is in a perfect spot. Inside the hotel there are lovely shows and activities for guests. The staff always attentive. I would come back many times.
Mauricio · Jan 2026
10Exceptional
The atmosphere, the attention to detail, the welcome, the yoga at sunrise and the ceremonies.
Leonardo · Sep 2025
10The wonders of Varanasi
The exceptional location and the exquisite treatment from the staff. It was the rainy season and the walkway along the ghats was flooded.
Sergi · Aug 2025
9Fantastic
The views of the Ganges and the staff's attention. An old, lovely hotel. The beds could be better and you can hear some noise between rooms.
Jean · Mar 2024
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 412.
KS Paying Guest House
≈ US$ 26
Kedar Ghat, a few meters from the Ganges
RoomRoom with two bedsRoom
A simple, modern guesthouse a few meters from the Ganges, with a terrace-restaurant from where you can see the sunrise over the river. Air-conditioned rooms, some with a balcony, at a very good price.
A few meters from the river, terrace with a view
Very low price
Noisy street-facing rooms
Uneven cleanliness
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
212121262626262626···
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is January (around US$ 26 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 21: 19% less). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
It is very well located, a few meters from the Ganges and close to the ghats to see the Aarti. It has a rooftop where you can see the sunrise and the food is very tasty.
Daniel · Apr 2025
10Highly recommended
The staff were very nice and made all the activities we asked for easy. The location is ideal, right next to the ghat. The views from the restaurant are very pretty.
Iris · Feb 2025
9Fantastic
A spacious, comfortable room with a balcony. Very good wifi and very friendly staff. They should improve the cleaning of the room and the bed linen.
Beatriz · Feb 2025
10Kashi, a place full of magic
The location, the rooms and the service were unmatched. The rooms facing the street are very noisy.
Juan · Feb 2025
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 545.
Coco Cabana ⭐⭐⭐
≈ US$ 78
Mahmoorganj, new city
FaçadeRoomLobby
A new, modern hotel in a residential area with security, far from the noise of the old city. Very spacious rooms and suites, its own restaurant with non-spicy dishes and car access. About 20 minutes from the ghats.
New, quiet and very clean
Very spacious rooms
Far from the Ganges and the ghats
Simple breakfast
What it costs per night, month by month (US$)
Indicative price per night, in a double room for 2 people
5686868686705959····
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep
· no published rate
The priciest is November (around US$ 86 a night), and the cheapest October (around US$ 56: 35% less). Months marked with “·” do not have a published rate yet.
Public price per night, taxes included, for 2 people. 2 consecutive nights are tested; if none are available, the 1-night price is shown (in red, low availability). The price is per room, not per person. Rates change: confirm the one for your dates before you book.
A hotel of European standards: super clean and new. The suite very complete. It is in a residential area with security, without the noise of the city. The breakfast, poor for Europeans.
Ángel · Sep 2026
9100% recommended
The staff's treatment was unbeatable. We really liked the restaurant. It is far from the Ganges, but in a very quiet area, something that is appreciated in India.
Luis · Aug 2026
10Excellent
The staff's friendliness from the moment they welcome you. The restaurant is quite good, with dishes that aren't spicy. Comfortable rooms, away from the noise of the city.
Lenin · Aug 2026
10Exceptional
The size of the room, the very quiet area and the staff's treatment.
Almudena · Sep 2026
Real reviews from verified guests, shortened and translated from Spanish for this guide. A selection of 4 out of 810.
Locate
Map of places to stay in Varanasi
See where the places to stay in Varanasi are and compare real prices and availability right on the map.
Get the rest of your trip ready
Varanasi combines well with the Golden Triangle: there are direct flights from Delhi and overnight trains from Delhi and Agra. It is wise to book the transfer to the hotel before arriving, because many old-city accommodations are in alleys where the taxi can't enter.
The essentials in Varanasi: the boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, the Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk, a walk along the ghats and the alleys of the old city, and the excursion to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon. These are the most booked activities:
Top-rated excursions in Varanasi
Based on traveler reviews, with the rating converted to a 10-point scale. Tap one to see prices and book.
Sunrise boat ride — the city wakes up on the Ganges.
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh — the fire ceremony, every night at dusk.
Walk along the ghats — from Assi to Manikarnika, following the river.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple — the most sacred temple in the city, in the old city.
Sarnath — where the Buddha first preached, ~10 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area is best to stay in Varanasi?
Near Assi Ghat if you want peace and quiet and plan to stay several days; in Dashashwamedh to be in the middle of everything, close to the Ganga Aarti; in the new city if you prefer a modern hotel with car access.
How do I get to the hotel if it is in the alleys?
Cars don't enter the old city. The most practical thing is to ask the accommodation to meet you at the nearest point the taxi can reach: almost all of them offer this.
How many days do you need in Varanasi?
Two nights at the very least: a sunrise boat ride, a Ganga Aarti and a day to walk the ghats. With one more day you can add Sarnath.
When is the best time to go?
From mid-November to February, with mild days. In late December and early January there can be fog in the morning. From April to June the heat exceeds 38 °C.
Transparency: this is an independent guide; we are not the official site of any hotel. If you book through our links we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and updated frequently.
