Things to do in Chennai

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Chennai travel guide

Elliot\'s Beach showing a playground and a sandy beach

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What to do in Chennai

Popular places to visit

Marina Beach

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

Pondy Bazaar

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Pondy Bazaar during your trip to Chennai. Visit 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.

Mamallapuram Beach

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

Anna Salai

Learn about the local history of Chennai with a stop at Anna Salai. Wander the marina in this culturally rich area.

Chennai Trade Centre

Learn about the events happening in Chennai Trade Centre during your trip to Chennai. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Consulate General of the United States, Chennai

Consulate General of the United States, Chennai is just one of the places to see in Chennai, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beaches and marina in this culturally rich area.

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

Explore the campus of SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus during your trip to Potheri. Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

ECR Beach

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

Areas of Chennai

Nungambakkam

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

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.

T Nagar

4/5(17 area reviews)

Travellers come to T Nagar for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Pondy Bazaar and Thirumalai Thirupathi Devasthanam while you're in town.

Kapaleeswarar Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Mylapore

4/5(31 area reviews)

Mylapore is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Chennai Citi Center Mall and Inox Theatre while you're in town.

Armenian Church showing street scenes and a city

Central Chennai

4/5(57 area reviews)

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.

Anna Salai (Mounts Road)

Take time in Anna Salai (Mounts Road) to visit attractions like Express Avenue and Spencer's Plaza Shopping Mall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at LIC Metro Station to see more of the city.

Guindy

4/5(24 area reviews)

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

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Mahabalipuram

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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Things to do in Tamil Nadu