City in Uttar Pradesh, India
Varanasi
One of the world's oldest living cities, intense and unforgettable for dawn boat rides on the Ganges and the ghats. Crowds, touts, dirt and cremation sights can overwhelm; best for two or three days.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$394–674Comfortable, one person · ₹38,000–65,000Details
- Value for money92/100Better value than 91% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–MarWarmest: May, 43°CDetails
- Air quality60 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or RO-filtered water only.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$3.1–8.3Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashUPI works in newer shops and cafés, but boats, rickshaws, ghats, temples and small eateries are cash-based.Details
Where to stay in Varanasi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Assi Ghat and Bhadaini | Travelers: cafés, yoga, guesthouses, calmer than the center |
| Dashashwamedh and Godowlia | Heart of the old city; close to ghats, noisy and crowded |
| Varanasi Cantonment | Hotels near the station; quieter, easy taxis |
| Sarnath | Buddhist site 10 km out; calm base for a day or two |
Apps that work in Varanasi
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- IRCTC Rail Connect: Booking Indian Railways train tickets
- CheqUPI: UPI payments without an Indian bank
- Where is my Train: Live train running status
- Taxis: Drivers quote high prices to foreigners. Use apps or the prepaid auto booth at the station, and agree fares before boarding.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mostly cash UPI works in newer shops and cafés, but boats, rickshaws, ghats, temples and small eateries are cash-based. Carry small notes.
- Currency: Rupee (INR). US$1 ≈ ₹96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Per-withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000–20,000 and some banks add a fee. Decline the ATM's own currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge, ₹50–100 for porters and hotel staff, and tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: UPI One World wallets (e.g. CheqUPI) let visitors pay UPI QR codes with passport, visa and an Indian number.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-Visa from indianvisaonline.gov.in; apply at least four days before arrival and avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Since April 2026 foreigners must file the free e-Arrival Card online or in the Su-Swagatam app within 72 hours before landing.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Ladakh need Protected or Restricted Area Permits, arranged locally or through registered agencies.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel kiosks in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru arrivals halls; passport, visa and photo needed. About ₹350–450 for 28 days with 1.5–2 GB a day. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in India
Going to Varanasi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Varanasi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.