Varanasi is famous above all for its silk. Banarasi saris — woven with gold and silver brocade — are among India's most prized textiles, and the city is full of shops selling them.
Ganga Silk — Fixed prices and knowledgeable staff make this a good starting point if you do not know your way around silk. They carry brocade material and finished saris.
Pashmina Shawls — Baba Black Sheep and Tailang Silk Emporium both sell silk and pashmina shawls at reasonable prices.
Bookshops — Assi Ghat has Harmony Book Store and Indica Books. Pilgrims Book House near the Monkey Temple and Modern Book House in Nadesar are also worth a browse.
Thatheri Bazaar and the Old City — For musical instruments, bangles, masks, Buddhist statues, and handmade carpets, wander the bazaars around Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath Gali, Lahurabir, and Godoulia.
Open Hand Shop — Natural, handmade products: recycled paper, organic fabrics, and wooden crafts.