Things to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

A busy urban street with a prominent church steeple, various commercial buildings, and a clear blue sky.
A detailed stone carving of elephants and human figures.
A large white building with a central archway, surrounded by a fence and palm trees.
A lush green foreground with a blurred temple in the background.
A white temple with statues and a cross on top, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Things to do

Matir Mandir

Chennai to Pondicherry 2-Day Vehicle Hire for Local Sightseeing

S$193
per traveller
Chennai to Pondicherry 2-Day Vehicle Hire for Local Sightseeing
Private 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra with Both Side Commercial Flights

Private 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra with Both Side Commercial Flights

S$1,023
per adult
Private 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra with Both Side Commercial Flights
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

S$164
per adult
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets
Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

S$153
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ
Private 3-Day Tour to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur with one-way Commercial Flight

Private 3-Day Tour to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur with one-way Commercial Flight

S$1,088
per adult
Private 3-Day Tour to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur with one-way Commercial Flight
Golden Triangle Tour 4 Days From Chennai with Return Flights

Golden Triangle Tour 4 Days From Chennai with Return Flights

S$1,611
per adult
Golden Triangle Tour 4 Days From Chennai with Return Flights
Arjuna Penance at Mahabalipuram - chuttibaaz.com

Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Pick Up

S$250
per adult
Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Pick Up
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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 for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Chennai
Learn more about Chennai
A temple with intricate architecture and a signboard.

T Nagar

Travellers come to T Nagar for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like 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 SDAT Tennis Stadium or Valluvar Kottam.

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 St. Andrew's Kirk or Raja Muthiah Hall.

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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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

Mahabalipuram

A stone temple with a spire, surrounded by large rock formations.

Cheyyur

St. Joseph's Cathedral with its distinctive architecture and nameplate.

Madurantakam

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Guindy is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Pazavanthangal is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Chennai with kids?
Whether you're holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, 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.

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