What to do in Chennai

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Chennai

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Chennai, Tamil Nadu while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Chennai attractions from NZ$12, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Chennai tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 80 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Chennai. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Chennai

Tours & day trips

See all 75 activities
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 NZ$1,143 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
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 NZ$267 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
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 NZ$86 per adult*
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 4 activities
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 NZ$1,369 per adult*
Private 2-Day Tour to The Taj Mahal and Agra with Both Side Commercial Flig...Opens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Heritage Tour Chennai

Heritage Tour Chennai

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$509 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Chennai

Number of things to do
80
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Hatha Yoga Class in Mahabalipuram: NZ$12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Chennai

Discover the most popular places to visit in Chennai

Marina Beach showing 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 which includes 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

Explore areas of Chennai

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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 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
Chennai which includes 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
Armenian Church showing street scenes and a city

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 religious aspects

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

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

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Chennai

Chennai

Mahabalipuram

Tiger Cave which includes heritage elements

Chengalpattu

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.