Things to do in Chennai

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Chennai Travel Guide

Edward Elliot\'s Beach featuring a city and a sunset

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What to do in Chennai

Discover the most popular places to visit in Chennai

Marina Beach

Relaxed walks, pretty sunrises, elaborate entertainment, traditional Indian street food and historical landmarks make this one of Chennai’s liveliest beaches.

Aerial Photography Drone photography of Chennai and the suburbs in Tamil Nadu India; River bed landscape images of villages; Beach aerial view

ECR Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at ECR Beach during your travels in Chennai? Make time to visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Neelankarai Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Neelankarai Beach during your trip to Chennai?

Mamallapuram Beach

Enjoy the atmosphere of Mahabalipuram's central beach, which is alive with historic temples, stone carving stalls and a thriving backpacker scene.

Pondy Bazaar

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Pondy Bazaar during your stay in Chennai. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.

Kapaleeswarar Temple

Marvel at the Dravidian architecture of this centuries-old temple, spot intricately carved figurines, watch devotees pray and experience a lively Hindu festival.

street art patchwork after sticking over and over. time rules #OnTheRoad

Anna Salai

Learn about the local history of Chennai when you spend time at Anna Salai. Wander the marina in this culturally rich area.

Elliot\'s Beach featuring a sandy beach as well as a couple

Edward Elliot's Beach

Enjoy relaxed walks on a golden-sand beach, watch a picturesque sunrise, sample traditional Chennai beach food and visit architecturally impressive landmarks.

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus, during your trip to Potheri. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Chennai

Chennai, South India - October 27, 2018: Interior of Ashtalakshmi Temple against dramatic sunset. Indian devotee worship or doing prayer inside a hindu temple

T Nagar

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

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.

Chennai which includes religious aspects

Guindy

An important commercial hub, Guindy boasts landmarks like Guindy National Park and Snake Park. Well-connected by road, train, and metro, it's just 10 km from the airport.

Armenian Church featuring a city and street scenes

Central Chennai

The churches and monuments are just a few things visitors like about Central Chennai. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Madras High Court are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Washermanpet Metro Station or Mannadi Metro Station to get around the larger area.

Built in the 7th century during reign of Pallava dynasty, Shore Temple is a majestic sight that will leave you in complete awe

Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mamallapuram Beach and Pancha Pandava Rathas.

Anna Nagar

Enjoy morning strolls at Anna Nagar Tower Park, explore sights like Anna Arch and Chinthamani, and indulge in diverse dining options on 2nd Avenue. With multiple metro stations, getting around is a breeze.

Popular day trips from Chennai

Mahabalipuram

Sriperumbudur

Chengalpattu

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.