Varanasi (also called Banaras or Kashi) is one of India’s oldest living cities — a riot of colour, ritual and craft where artisans still work hand looms, metal hammers and lacquer brushes the same way their families have for generations. For shoppers the city is irresistible: silk so rich it glows, brocade borders woven with gold and silver zari, brass and copperware, miniature paintings, and devotional goods that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. This guide covers the best things to buy in Varanasi, the markets and shops to look for, and practical tips on where is Varanasi, how to reach Varanasi, and what to do while you’re there (including a quick nod to the famous Varanasi ghats).
Quick Orientation — Where Is Varanasi And How To Reach Varanasi
Varanasi sits on the banks of the Ganges in eastern Uttar Pradesh, northern India. It’s well-connected by air, rail and road:
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) at Babatpur serves domestic flights (and some international connections). From the airport you can take taxis, app cabs, buses or pre-arranged transfers into the city.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction (Varanasi Cantt) and several nearby stations receive long-distance trains from across India — a comfortable way to arrive for many travellers.
- By Road: State and private buses, plus long-distance coaches, ply to Varanasi from nearby states; many travellers combine rail/road legs with flights into larger hubs.
Note: The city’s transport infrastructure is evolving (ropeway and pedestrian/cultural corridor projects are underway to improve movement around Godowlia and the Cantt area), which should make getting between markets and ghats easier in coming months.
What To Buy In Varanasi — The Essentials
1. Banarasi (Banaras) silk sarees — the iconic buy
The Banarasi saree is Varanasi’s signature product: hand-woven Katan silk or Tanchoi with elaborate zari (gold/silver thread) work, floral and Mughal motifs, and dense brocades. These sarees range from lighter daily-wear silk to heavily zari-laden wedding pieces that can take months to weave. When buying, ask about handloom vs. power-loom, the type of silk (Katan, organza, tissue, kora) and whether the zari is real (pure metal) or a synthetic substitute. Authenticity and workmanship matter — prices can vary dramatically.
2. Brocade textiles and dress materials
If a full saree is too large or expensive, buy brocade dress material, dupattas or stoles. Brocade panels, blouse pieces and ready-made dupattas offer Banarasi motifs at lower price points and are easier to travel with. The same weaving techniques that give Banarasi sarees their depth are used across many textile items.
3. Zari Work, Tassels And Trimmings
If you’re a craftsperson or fashion DIYer, stock up on zari borders, gota, embellishments and tassels sold in bulk at market lanes near the old city. They’re inexpensive and instantly add a Banarasi touch to apparel and home projects.
4. Brass, Copper And Metal Handicrafts
Varanasi and nearby districts produce excellent brass bells, puja (worship) items, diyas (lamps), utensils and decorative pieces. Brassware ranges from small bell souvenirs to larger temple utensils and decorative plates — handmade finishing and patina add character. Look for solid items rather than thin, plated pieces if you want longevity.
5. Miniature Paintings, Prints & Religious Art
Tiny, detailed paintings in Mughal or Pahari styles, plus Rajasthani miniatures and locally made religious prints of gods and saints, are sold near temple corridors and the ghats. These are lightweight, easy to pack and great as thoughtful gifts.
6. Wooden Lacquerware, Toys And Meenakari (Pink Enamel) Work
Varanasi and the wider One-District-One-Product (ODOP) push have highlighted local lacquerware toys, wooden items and the distinctive Gulabi (pink) meenakari enamel work. These make colourful home decor that’s unique to the region. Keep an eye out for fair-trade or artisan-labelled stalls that ensure crafts are genuinely local.
7. Silk Scarves, Stoles And Shawls (Lighter Alternatives)
If you want Banarasi silk without buying a saree, choose woven stoles or shawls: they showcase zari borders and motifs but are easier to pack and wear daily. They’re popular as gifts and come in many price tiers.
8. Incense, Puja Items And Sweet Boxes
Puja paraphernalia — sandalwood paste, incense, arti plates, brass lamps and printed mantra books — are widely available around Vishwanath Gali and the ghats. Also try local sweet shops for packed mithai (sweets) to take home, but be mindful of packing and shelf life.
Best Places And Markets — Where To Shop In Varanasi
- Thatheri Bazaar (Thatheri Bazar): A weaving-heavy area where you can find direct-to-weaver purchases and often better prices for Banarasi sarees and brocades. Good for bargaining and seeing looms in action.
- Vishwanath Gali / Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor: Narrow lanes brimming with saree shops, puja items and tourist trinkets. Excellent for convenience and variety (but expect tourist prices in some shops).
- Godowlia & Dashashwamedh Road: Busy market zone with established retailers, showrooms and access to the main ghats; good for one-stop shopping.
- Chet Singh/Bengali Tola/Madanpura lanes: Smaller alleys with specialist weavers and family-run karkhanas (workshops). If authenticity and craft stories matter, try to visit a karkhana.
Tips For Smart Shopping In Varanasi
- Ask about origin and weaving method: Handloom (pure hand-woven) is more valuable than power-loom; ask which silk (Katan, organza, tissue) and whether zari is real.
- Bargain politely: In local bazaars bargaining is normal outside fixed-price showrooms. Start lower than your target price and be friendly.
- Check for GI tags and certificates: Some Banarasi products or shops display indications of authenticity or GI (geographical indication) where relevant; ask and request a bill for high-value purchases.
- Inspect the weave: Look at the pallu and border — in good hand-woven pieces the pattern is sharp on both sides and the zari has a fine finish.
- Pack carefully: Heavy sarees need careful packing; many shops offer folding and packing services for travel.
- Support artisans where possible: Buy from known karkhanas or shops that can point to the weaver if you want to support artisans directly.
While You’re There: Varanasi Things To Do (Shopping-Friendly)
- Boat ride at the ghats at sunrise: A serene way to see the city’s life and to pick up art/photography inspiration. The ghats are the city’s social spine and often where sellers of prints and puja items cluster.
- Walk the old lanes: Many of the best craft discoveries — tiny lacquer workshops, loom yards, brass hammering corners — are tucked in alleys; slow walking yields the best finds.
- Visit a weaving workshop (karkhana): Some places offer short demonstrations—excellent for understanding why Banarasi pieces cost what they do.
Responsible Buying & Cultural Notes
Varanasi is a living cultural landscape — respect temple timings, ask permission before photographing artisans at work, and be cautious about buying items with religious significance if you plan to resell them. Seek item provenance when buying high-value textiles or metalware to avoid supporting imitative mass-production rather than artisan livelihoods.
Summing Up
From the shimmering Banarasi silk sarees and brocade dress materials to brass puja items, lacquer toys and meenakari enamel, things to buy in Varanasi reflect centuries of craft knowledge. For authentic shopping head to Thatheri Bazaar for weavers, Vishwanath Gali for convenience near the temple, and Godowlia for showrooms — and be sure to learn a little about the weave before you buy. Getting there is straightforward by plane, train or road; expect lively, sometimes crowded markets and an experience as rich as the textiles themselves. If you’re a serious buyer, carve out time to visit a karkhana and talk to weavers — that’s where the real stories (and the best bargains) often live.
