Things to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

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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 €565 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Chennai: Guided Day Tour of the Highlights of Chennai

Chennai: Guided Day Tour of the Highlights of Chennai

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €151 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

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South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker

South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €46 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 €680 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

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2-Night Private Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from Cruise Port

2-Night Private Taj Mahal and Agra Tour from Cruise Port

Activity duration is 3 days
Free cancellation available
Price is €1,054 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 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

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 featuring a beach as well as an individual female

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 with a stop at Anna Salai. Wander the marina in this culturally rich area.

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

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

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

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.

Chennai Trade Centre

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.

ECR Beach

Areas of Chennai

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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
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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
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 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 showing religious aspects

Guindy

4/5(24 area reviews)

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

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
Chennai which includes animals

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

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.