Start with a light continental choice at Brown Bread Bakery (popular, slightly pricier) or try a local kachori/poori-jalebi near the ghats to taste genuine Varanasi breakfast flavors. Bakeries usually open by 8:00–9:00; street vendors open earlier.
Settle into a centrally located budget hotel or guesthouse in the Old City (near Dashashwamedh or Assi) to keep walking distances short; good budget options run around INR 800–1,200/night. Drop bags, freshen up and ask reception for local maps and Aarti timing.
Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple and wander the adjoining Vishwanath Gali and old bazaars to soak up religious and market life; temple generally has morning and evening darshan windows (commonly ~5:00–12:00 & 16:00–22:00) — check local timings and dress modestly.
Browse narrow lanes for Banarasi textiles, brassware and street snacks — good chance to compare prices before buying; haggling expected, and stalls generally open into the evening.
Attend the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (typically around sunset, commonly ~6:00pm but times vary with season). Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a good vantage point; the ceremony is free though donations are welcome.
Enjoy a simple vegetarian thali or dine at a rooftop restaurant with a Ganges view near Dashashwamedh; rooftop dinners give a memorable view of the lit ghats after Aarti. Most ghatside eateries are open until 9:30–10:30pm.
Take a private sunrise boat from Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat to witness morning rituals, pilgrims bathing, and the ghats waking up; boats usually operate from ~5:00am and a private 1-hour ride is ideal for photos and calm views.
Grab a hearty breakfast after the boat: try the famous lassi at a ghatside lassi stall or head to a nearby bakery/cafe for eggs, toast and coffee. Most cafes open 7:00–8:00am and ghatside stalls serve early.
Walk the expansive BHU campus and visit Bharat Kala Bhavan museum for art, textiles and archaeological finds — the museum typically opens ~10:00am and closes mid/late afternoon (check current hours). The campus is peaceful and showcases student life and old Indo-Gothic architecture.
Eat a budget-friendly vegetarian North Indian thali at a local restaurant near BHU; quick, filling and economical for travelers on a budget. Most small eateries around BHU are open 11:00–16:00.
Cross the Ganges by ferry/taxi to visit Ramnagar Fort and its small museum (collections include vintage cars, weaponry and royal items); the fort complex and museum usually open ~10:00–17:00 — plan to arrive before closing.
Return to Assi Ghat to relax at a riverside cafe or, if available, enjoy a short classical music performance (many small concerts or hotel programs happen in the evening; timings vary). Cafes are generally open until 9:30–10:00pm.
Try popular local chaat or a warm thali in the old city — a great way to sample more Varanasi flavors without overspending. Most street stalls and small restaurants operate late into the evening.
Have an early hotel breakfast or a quick ghat-side bite, then take a short taxi/auto to Sarnath (around 25–40 minutes depending on traffic). Carry water and sun protection; many sites open around 9:00–9:30am.
Explore Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa and the peaceful deer park where Buddha first taught; the Sarnath Archaeological Museum (Buddhist artifacts and Ashokan pillar fragments) usually opens ~9:30am — visiting early avoids crowds and afternoon heat.
Eat at a simple dhaba or cafe near the Sarnath complex for an economical vegetarian meal before returning to Varanasi. Small eateries in Sarnath serve lunch until mid-afternoon.
Head back to the Old City to visit weaving lanes and shops (Godaulia, Chowk area) to see Banarasi sarees and brocades; watching a small weaving demonstration is free/cheap — buy only from trusted shops and allow time to compare prices.
Take a short late-afternoon boat or relax at a ghat to enjoy the final river views and capture sunset photos; afternoon boat services are available but quieter than sunrise trips.
Finish with a comforting vegetarian thali or your favorite street snack from earlier in the trip; keep it light if you have evening travel. Most eateries remain open until 9:30–10:30pm.