Things to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

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A detailed stone carving of elephants and human figures.
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Things to do

Matir Mandir

Chennai to Pondicherry 2-Day Vehicle Hire for Local Sightseeing

P9,230
per traveler
Chennai to Pondicherry 2-Day Vehicle Hire for Local Sightseeing
Guided tours with Art historians

Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour

P8,618
per adult
Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour
Arjuna Penance at Mahabalipuram - chuttibaaz.com

Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Pick Up

P10,684
per adult
Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Pick Up
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

P7,809
per adult
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets
Chennai Walk of Divinity

Chennai Walk of Divinity (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

P1,686
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

P6,769
per adult
Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai
Taj Mahal Tour Packages from chennai with price

Chennai to Taj Mahal and Agra Same Day Tour with Return Flights

P3,077
per adult
Chennai to Taj Mahal and Agra Same Day Tour with Return Flights
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Most popular experiences in Chennai

Tours & day trips

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Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 73 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 7,254 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 26 activities
Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour

Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,127 per adult*
Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking TourOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

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Spiritual Stories of Chennai: Guided Tour through Holy Sites

Spiritual Stories of Chennai: Guided Tour through Holy Sites

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,101 per adult*
Spiritual Stories of Chennai: Guided Tour through Holy SitesOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities
Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour

Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,547 per adult
Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya

Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,292 per adult*
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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 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 Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium or St. Andrew's Kirk.

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.

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

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 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.