Things to do in Chennai

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A detailed stone carving of elephants and human figures.
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A white temple with statues and a cross on top, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Things to do

Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

￥19,342
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

￥20,626
per adult
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets
Chennai Walk of Divinity

Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

￥4,439
per adult
Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai

Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai

￥17,879
per adult
Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai
Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour

Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour

￥2,959
per adult
Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour
Total Chennai city tour in Private car with guide & lunch by Wonder tours

Total Chennai city tour in Private car with guide & lunch by Wonder tours

￥13,816
per adult
Total Chennai city tour in Private car with guide & lunch by Wonder tours
Chennai Walking Tour

Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour)

￥3,329
per adult
Chennai Walking Tour ( 2 hours guided tour)
Day Trip to Mahabalipuram

Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience)

￥20,478
per traveler
Day Trip to Mahabalipuram (Curated Private Sightseeing Experience)
Magical Chennai Markets Tour

Chennai: Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour

￥4,439
per adult
Chennai: Magical Markets Guided Walking Tour
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What to do in Chennai

Stay near popular Chennai attractions

A group of people in red robes on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background.
Photo by Tracey Heppner
Open Photo by Tracey Heppner

Marina Beach

8.0/10 (352 reviews)
Marina Beach stretches 13km along Chennai's Bay of Bengal coastline, one of the world's longest urban beaches. Stroll the vibrant promenade at sunset to experience local culture through food stalls and seaside monuments.
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Where to stay in Chennai

Find the best Chennai areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Chennai
Learn more about Chennai
A temple with intricate architecture and a signboard.

T Nagar

T Nagar is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Pondy Bazaar and Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam Temple while you're in town.

A historical building with a dome and columns, viewed through a circular frame.
Photo by Mike Belson
Open Photo by Mike Belson

Nungambakkam

You'll enjoy the cafes and monuments in Nungambakkam. You might want to make time for a stop at Valluvar Kottam or SDAT Tennis Stadium.

A historic building with a tall tower, classical columns, and a clock.

Egmore

You'll enjoy the monuments and spas in Egmore. You might want to make time for a stop at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium or Government Museum.

A temple with intricate carvings and statues.
Photo by Sonal Bhardwaj
Open Photo by Sonal Bhardwaj

Besant Nagar

If you're spending some time in Besant Nagar, Edward Elliot's Beach and Ashtalakshmi Kovil are top sights worth seeing.

A herd of deer with antlers in a grassy field.

Guindy

Unique features of Guindy include the shopping and spas. Make a stop by Phoenix Market City or Guindy Race Course while you're exploring the area.

Popular day trips from Chennai

A stone structure with steps leading up to it, surrounded by greenery.

Mahabalipuram

A temple with intricate carvings and statues.

Sriperumbudur

A white temple with a red roof, surrounded by a white fence, and a mountain in the background.

Chengalpattu

An aerial view of a city with dense residential buildings, a river, and distant high-rise buildings.

Siruseri

Frequently asked questions

Is Chennai worth visiting?
Chennai offers a unique mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local cuisine, there are many things to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Chennai?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Neelankarai Beach and VGP Universal Kingdom, spend the rest of your day experiencing the food and retail options in Chennai.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chennai?
Neelankarai Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Chennai and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Chennai?
You can easily visit leading sights like Guindy National Park, Chennai Snake Park and Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centres with a three-day escape to Chennai. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Sholinganallur.
Is Chennai a walkable city?
That comes down to what you plan to see and do in Chennai. Several top sights, such as Vadapalani Murugan Temple and St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Chennai's neighborhoods, Guindy is 5 kilometers away from downtown, while Pazavanthangal is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Chennai with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Chennai with kids.

What to do in Chennai for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Chennai for adults including Anna Salai and Mayajaal Entertainment.
Are there free things to do in Chennai?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Chennai is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without taking your wallet out. Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centres is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.