What to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

Chennai showing a city
Chennai showing a city
Ganesha Ratha which includes art
Edward Elliot\'s Beach featuring a city and a sunset
Shore Temple
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What to do in Chennai

Popular places to visit

Marina Beach featuring general coastal views as well as a large group of people

Marina Beach

4/5(44 reviews)

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

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

ECR Beach

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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.

ECR Beach
Beach Shore waves

Neelankarai Beach

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

Neelankarai Beach
flower market in pondicherry

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.

Pondy Bazaar
Kapaleeswarar Temple which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a temple or place of worship

Kapaleeswarar Temple

4.5/5(31 reviews)

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

Kapaleeswarar Temple
Mamallapuram Beach featuring a beach as well as an individual female

Mamallapuram Beach

4/5(8 reviews)

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

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

Anna Salai

4/5(16 reviews)

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

Anna Salai
Elliot\'s Beach which includes a sandy beach as well as a couple

Edward Elliot's Beach

4/5(16 reviews)

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

Edward Elliot's Beach

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

4/5(4 reviews)

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.

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

Explore areas of 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

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.

T Nagar
St Theresa Cathedral

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.

Nungambakkam
Chennai featuring religious aspects

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.

Guindy
Armenian Church showing a city and street scenes

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.

Central Chennai
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

4/5(10 area reviews)

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

Mahabalipuram Beach
Anna Nagar Tower Park, officially known as Dr Visvesvaraya Tower Park, is an urban park in the suburb of Anna Nagar, Chennai. It hosts a 133 ft

Anna Nagar

While Anna Nagar may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ampa Skywalk Mall and Vadapalani Murugan Temple.

Anna Nagar

Day trip destinations from Chennai

The Shore Temple in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India, stands majestically along the Bay of Bengal, showcasing the elegance of Pallava architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cheyyur

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.