Things to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

A busy urban street with a prominent church steeple, various commercial buildings, and a clear blue sky.
A detailed stone carving of elephants and human figures.
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Things to do

Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ

HK$933
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Aruba Sail and Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck Includes BBQ
Chennai to Taj Mahal, Agra day trip with return flights

Chennai to Taj Mahal, Agra day trip with return flights

HK$635
per adult
Chennai to Taj Mahal, Agra day trip with return flights
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets

HK$995
per adult
Chennai: Private Day Tour with Transportation and Tickets
Taj Mahal and Agra Overnight Tour Package from Chennai with Flight

Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Overnight Tour from Chennai withflight

HK$506
per adult
Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Overnight Tour from Chennai withflight
Guided tours with Art historians

Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour

HK$1,100
per adult
Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour
Arjuna Penance at Mahabalipuram - chuttibaaz.com

Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Pick Up

HK$1,539
per adult
Private Tour to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram with Pick Up
Total Chennai city tour in Private car with guide & lunch by Wonder tours

Private Chennai City Tour by Car: Guided Trip with Lunch

HK$588
per adult
Private Chennai City Tour by Car: Guided Trip with Lunch
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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 79 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was HK$934 and current price is HK$840 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 31 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 HK$143 per adult*
Chennai: 2 Hour Street Food Walking TourOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 20 activities
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 HK$141 per adult*
Spiritual Stories of Chennai: Guided Tour through Holy SitesOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 10 activities
Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour

Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,094 per adult
Mahabalipuram Slow Travel Cultural TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Traditional South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Gayathri

Traditional South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Gayathri

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$376 per adult
Traditional South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with GayathriOpens in new tab

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 for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Chennai
Learn more about Chennai
A temple with intricate architecture and a signboard.

T Nagar

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

A church interior with wooden pews, a marble floor, and stained glass windows.

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.

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 Government Museum.

A beach with colorful swings and a 'Lucky Game' sign.

Besant Nagar

If you're spending some time in Besant Nagar, Edward Elliot's Beach and Ashtalakshmi Kovil are top sights worth seeing.

A kudu antelope in a forested area with leaf-covered ground and trees.

Guindy

Noted for its shopping and spas, there's plenty to explore in Guindy. Top attractions like Phoenix Market City and Raj Bhavan are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Little Mount Station or Ekkattuthangal Station to see more of the city.

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 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.