Varanasi, India

Best places to shop in Varanasi

4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Varanasi — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Last updated 2026-08-11

1. Vishwanath Gali

The temple lane leading to the Kashi Vishwanath temple — brass, devotional items, rudraksha, sweets and silk shops packed into a narrow alley.

Where: Bazaar
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 06:00–22:00
Cost: Budget

Watch outTouts in these lanes offer to take you to a 'government silk emporium' or a family workshop and take a large commission. There is no government silk emporium in the lanes.

2. Banarasi silk weavers, Madanpura and Lallapura

The Muslim weaving quarters where Banarasi brocade is woven on handlooms — workshops where you can watch and buy direct.

Where: Street Shopping
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–18:00
Cost: Mid–Luxury
Tip: Go with a recommendation from your hotel rather than a street guide. Genuine handloom Banarasi carries a Silk Mark and a Geographical Indication tag.

Watch outPowerloom and viscose pieces are sold as handloom silk at handloom prices — the difference is many multiples. On real zari brocade the reverse shows floating threads; printed imitation does not.

3. Godowlia Market

The main crossroads market — bangles, brass, sindoor, textiles and street food, in the crush between the ghats and the old city.

Where: Bazaar
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 09:00–22:00
Cost: Budget

4. Thatheri Bazaar

The brass and copper workers' lane — hand-beaten vessels, lamps and puja ware, made in the workshops behind the shops.

Where: Street Shopping
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Monday to Saturday 10:00–19:00
Cost: Budget–Mid

Best places to shop in Varanasi

1. Vishwanath Gali

2. Banarasi silk weavers, Madanpura and Lallapura

3. Godowlia Market

4. Thatheri Bazaar

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