🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Varanasi

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: INR 1500/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Dec

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Quick Answer

Stay in Bhelupur / Assi

Offers more affordable accommodation and a relaxed vibe with good access to food and cafes, while still being walkable to the main attractions.

See full Varanasi neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Varanasi

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Vibrant street scene featuring modern graffiti on historic buildings in an urban neighborhood.

Onur / Pexels

Bhelupur / Assi

A more relaxed, bohemian area popular with students and travelers seeking a quieter base near the action.

Our top picks in Bhelupur / Assi

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Hotel Aloke$

A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and friendly staff near Assi Ghat.

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Palace on Ganges$$

Offers a tranquil escape with beautiful rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.

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Shanti Guest House$

Simple, clean rooms popular with backpackers and long-term visitors.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but exercise s...Budgetsolo travelerscouples

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Vibrant street scene in Varanasi, featuring a cow among local vendors and shoppers.

Mahmut Yılmaz / Pexels

Rathyatra / Godowlia

A vibrant, local commercial hub buzzing with everyday life, shopping, and authentic street food experiences.

Our top picks in Rathyatra / Godowlia

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Hotel Ganges View$$

Offers decent rooms and proximity to the main markets and ghats.

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Hotel Ashish$

A no-frills option providing basic comfort in a central location.

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🛡️ Busy during the day, but can b...Budgetfoodiesbudget

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A peaceful urban street with construction work and a cat warning sign, framed by trees.

Kaan Keskin / Pexels

Ghats Area (Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Assi)

The spiritual and chaotic heart of Varanasi, alive with ancient rituals, bustling markets, and the sacred Ganges River.

Our top picks in Ghats Area (Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Assi)

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BrijRama Palace, Varanasi$$$

A stunningly restored 17th-century palace offering luxurious stays directly on the Ganges.

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Ganpati Guest House$$

Offers clean rooms with excellent Ganges views and a rooftop restaurant.

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Hotel Alka$$

Conveniently located near Dashashwamedh Ghat with comfortable rooms and good service.

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🛡️ Be aware of your surroundings,...Mid-rangefirst-timersculture

View Hotels in Ghats Area (Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Assi)

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

Neighbourhood	Budget	Vibe	Best For
#1Bhelupur / Assi	Budget	A more relaxed, bohemian area popular with students and travelers seeking a quieter base near the action.	solo travelerscouples
Rathyatra / Godowlia	Budget	A vibrant, local commercial hub buzzing with everyday life, shopping, and authentic street food experiences.	foodiesbudget
Ghats Area (Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Assi)	Mid-range	The spiritual and chaotic heart of Varanasi, alive with ancient rituals, bustling markets, and the sacred Ganges River.	first-timersculture

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Find budget-friendly hostels in Varanasi

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Varanasi

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Varanasi. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Varanasi

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Browse on GetYourGuide

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Varanasi

Bhelupur / Assi

Budget

A more relaxed, bohemian area popular with students and travelers seeking a quieter base near the action.

solo travelerscouplesdigital nomadsbudget

+More peaceful than the central ghats
+Good selection of cafes and restaurants
+Closer to BHU and its cultural sites

-Slightly further walk to the main ghats
-Can feel less 'ancient' than areas closer to Dashashwamedh

🏨 Hotel Aloke 🏨 Palace on Ganges 🏨 Shanti Guest House

Rathyatra / Godowlia

Budget

A vibrant, local commercial hub buzzing with everyday life, shopping, and authentic street food experiences.

foodiesbudgetculture

+Authentic local atmosphere
+Excellent street food options
+Great for experiencing local commerce

-Can be very crowded and noisy
-Fewer tourist-centric amenities

🏨 Hotel Ganges View 🏨 Hotel Ashish

Ghats Area (Dasaswamedh, Manikarnika, Assi)

Mid-range

The spiritual and chaotic heart of Varanasi, alive with ancient rituals, bustling markets, and the sacred Ganges River.

first-timersculturefoodiessolo travelers

+Immersive cultural experience
+Stunning Ganges views and sunrise/sunset
+Abundant street food and local eateries

-Can be overwhelming and intense
-Sanitation can be a concern in some areas

🏨 BrijRama Palace, Varanasi 🏨 Ganpati Guest House 🏨 Hotel Alka

Daily Budget (Budget)

INR 1500/day

Dorm bed at Stops Hostel VaranasiINR 500

Lassi from Blue Lassi Shop and street food like Samosa Chaat near Dashashwamedh GhatINR 300

Auto rickshaw rides and walkingINR 200

Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat and explore the ghatsINR 500

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Hidden Gems in Varanasi

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Kashi Textiles Emporium

FREE

Explore this place to find exquisite handwoven Banarasi silk sarees and fabrics. It's a great spot to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir directly from artisans.

marketChowk

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Baati Chokha Restaurant

Experience authentic rural Indian cuisine, particularly the famous 'Baati Chokha', in a rustic village-like setting. It's a flavorful and immersive dining experience that feels far removed from the typical tourist trail.

foodAssi

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Varanasi

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Varanasi Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Varanasi on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Varanasi Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Varanasi with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Best of Varanasi: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Varanasi's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Varanasi: Scenic Excursion

Escape Varanasi for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Varanasi Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Varanasi's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Varanasi

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1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Varanasi

Backpackers in Varanasi: FAQ

What is the best area in Varanasi for backpackers?

Bhelupur / Assi is our top pick for backpackers in Varanasi. A more relaxed, bohemian area popular with students and travelers seeking a quieter base near the action. It is a budget-friendly area known for solo travelers, couples, digital nomads.

Is Varanasi safe for backpackers?

Varanasi is rated "Moderate" overall. Exercise caution. While main ghats and busy markets are active, side streets can become deserted and poorly lit. Stick to main routes and consider using rideshares or pre-arranged transport if unsure. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.

How much does it cost per day in Varanasi for backpackers?

Expect to spend around INR 1500 per day in Varanasi as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.

When is the best time for backpackers to visit Varanasi?

The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.

Where are the cheapest hostels in Varanasi?

The most affordable hostels in Varanasi are typically found in Bhelupur / Assi, Rathyatra / Godowlia. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More Varanasi Guides

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