Things to do in Chennai

Find and book 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.
A large white building with a central archway, surrounded by a fence and palm trees.
A lush green foreground with a blurred temple in the background.
A white temple with statues and a cross on top, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Chennai Attractions

A world of beauty and allure can be found in Chennai, India. Formerly known as Madras, this city is also full of exciting places and tourist attractions. A detailed map of the city will point you to all of the best places while you are embarking upon your Chennai excursions.

The versatility of this city is one of its most interesting aspects. The old and modern buildings standing next to one another will give you a full sense of this city’s unique qualities. The picturesque water front gives you optimal views of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is also known as a main industrial center in the country and is even sometimes referred to as the “Detroit of India” due to its involvement in the automobile industry.

While taking Chennai tours, you can stop by one of the top local museums. The National Art Gallery contains exquisite paintings dating back hundreds of years. Magnificent artifacts recovered from archaeological expeditions can be seen inside the Government Museum.

Chennai is also known for its beautiful temples. The elaborate Kapaleshwar Hindu Temple is definitely a must see attraction. Other temples and sacred spots worth checking out include Kalikambal, Vadapalani Murugan, and Shirdi Sai Baba.

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is another one of the best tourist attractions in Chennai. Monkeys, lions, and tigers are just a few of the animals you can view at this attraction. The park is also home to a variety of exotic birds and reptiles.

All of the exciting things to do in Chennai will surely keep you entertained throughout your visit. You can enjoy all of the wonderful Chennai activities and still have some money to spare when you book your flight, hotel stay, and car rental through Expedia.com.

Things to do


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Chennai

Tours & day trips

See all 132 activities

Spa & wellness

See all 18 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 6 activities

What to do in Chennai

Free Things to Do in Chennai

Traveling on a budget in Chennai? Spend time, not your paycheck, on awesome experiences.

Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centres - Chock-full of exhibits and artifacts, this gallery is a paradise for hungry minds.

Madras War Cemetery - If you'd love to explore the region's history through its landmarks, put this one on your to-do list.

MIOT International Hospital - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place is worth adding to your travel itinerary.

Ananthaa Padmanabha Swaamy Temple - No matter your religious leanings, this place will inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Children's Park - Grab your rug, pack some nibbles and find a shady area to be with nature.

Things to Do in Chennai with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you wander in Chennai. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are certain to make your trip a blast:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Chennai? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Stay near popular Chennai attractions

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

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.

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.

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.

Besant Nagar

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

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.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Chennai

Frequently asked questions

Is Chennai worth visiting?
Chennai offers an interesting mix of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Chennai?
When you've checked off major attractions like VGP Universal Kingdom and Neelankarai Beach, spend some time enjoying Chennai's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chennai?
VGP Universal Kingdom is one of the top tourist attractions in Chennai and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Chennai?
You can easily enjoy popular attractions like Guindy National Park, Chennai Snake Park and Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centres with a three-day break in Chennai. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Sholinganallur.
Is Chennai a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Chennai is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Vadapalani Murugan Temple and St. Thomas Mount National Shrine. Then take a stroll through Guindy, located 3 miles from downtown, and Pazavanthangal, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Chennai with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Chennai with kids.

What to do in Chennai for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Chennai, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Anna Salai or Mayajaal Entertainment.
Are there free things to do in Chennai?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Chennai. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Tamilnadu Science and Technology Centres is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia