Things to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

Chennai which includes a city
Ganesha Ratha which includes art
Chennai
Chennai
Elliot\'s Beach featuring a playground and a beach

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Most popular experiences in Chennai

Tours & day trips

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4-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

4-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

Activity duration is 4 days
Free cancellation available
Price is P 38,101 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Mahabalipuram: Private Guided tour from Chennai with lunch

Mahabalipuram: Private Guided tour from Chennai with lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,909 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

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Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai

Private In-Home Vegetarian Cooking Class and Meal in Chennai

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,873 per adult*
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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

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

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is P 45,630 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

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Heritage Tour Chennai

Heritage Tour Chennai

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 16,953 per adult
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What to do in Chennai

Popular places to visit

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

Marina Beach

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

Marina Beach
Pondy Bazaar

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.

Pondy Bazaar
Kapaleeswarar Temple

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.

Kapaleeswarar Temple
Mamallapuram Beach which includes a sandy beach as well as an individual femail

Mamallapuram Beach

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

Mamallapuram Beach
Anna Salai

Anna Salai

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

Anna Salai
Shore Temple which includes heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Shore Temple

Witness fine Pallavan architecture and ornate shrines to Hindu gods at this gorgeous seaside temple, which is at its most beautiful at sunset.

Shore Temple

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.

SRM University - Kattankulathur Campus

Chennai Trade Centre

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

Chennai Trade Centre

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.

ECR Beach

Areas of Chennai

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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.

T Nagar
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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.

Nungambakkam
Armenian Church showing 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 Raja Muthiah Hall 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
Chennai featuring animals

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.

Mahabalipuram Beach
Chennai featuring religious elements

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.

Guindy
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Anna Nagar

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Anna Nagar and surrounding area, you can visit Ampa Skywalk Mall and Vadapalani Murugan Temple.

Anna Nagar
Chennai

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.