Chennai is the gateway to South India and is home to some of the most amazing tourist attractions in India. The city, renowned for its traditional Tamil culture, is home to stunning temples, lush green parks and a variety of beaches which make it a popular destination for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience, some time away from the hustle and bustle of urban life or an adventurous vacation filled with activities, Chennai has something to offer everyone.
In this guide, we have curated a complete list of the best things to do in Chennai. So, without further ado let’s dive into this complete guide about the best things to do in Chennai.
Tourist Attractions
Chennai is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, complete with many cultural and traditional sites and tourist attractions. Whether it’s the beautiful beaches, lush green parks, ancient temples, or vibrant museums, this city has it all! In this guide, we’ll look at the five best things to do in Chennai and explore the unique experiences this city has to offer.
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world, located in Chennai, India. Spanning 13 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, this is the longest natural urban beach on the Indian subcontinent. With stunningly clear waters and golden sands, it is not surprising that Marina Beach draws in a large number of tourists every day.
This iconic beach offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained and relaxed, including horseback rides, parasailing, kite-flying, camel rides and sand artworks. It is also a great destination for shopping and food lovers — with a variety of street vendors selling everything from local handicrafts to delicious seafood dishes and Bangalore’s famous caffeinated sweet drink filter coffee (kaapi). Don’t miss out on taking a stroll along its famous Promenade or experiencing some Hindu temple rituals at its many stalls; Marina Beach won’t disappoint.
Fort St. George
Fort St. George is the first English fortress in India, established in 1644 by the East India Company. Built to protect British merchants from pirates, it eventually became the seat of power for the British Raj over much of South India. Today the fort remains an important landmark in Chennai and a must-see attraction for those visiting the city.
The oldest surviving English church in India, St Mary’s Church, is located within the fort walls and offers visitors excellent views of Chennai. Inside Fort St. George you will also find several memorials dedicated to figures important to Indian history as well as some remnants from its fortification days, such as muskets and cannons. There are also displays focusing on coins used by Indians during those early days of colonization.
By far one of the main attractions of Fort St. George is its museum which includes items associated with early British rule and Raj period history such as uniforms and weaponry items dating back to 1758—1800 A.D., documents relating to treaties signed by then ruling Indian rulers with East India Company and portraits depicting some key personalities like Robert Clive, Haider Ali or Warren Hastings who have significantly influenced this period of Indian history. It is a great place for anyone interested in historically significant infrastructure dating back almost 400 years ago.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most important and popular religious places in Chennai, India. Located in Mylapore, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has been a hot tourist spot for centuries. It is believed to have been built back in 7th century A.D. by Pallavas Kings and the present structure dates back to 16th century A.D.
The temple’s gopuram(tower) stands out from the crowd with an impressive height of 37 meters and brilliance of its intricate stonework which adds its grandeur even more. The four types of deities within the temple represent four different aspects of Lord Shiva: Vishweshwarar (the world’s lord), Ekambreswarar (the universal lord), Ardhameshwarar (lord of reconstruction) and Kapaleshwarar (lord of rainbows).
In ancient times Tamil literature referred to this temple as ‘Mypose Tivaram’, which literally translates to ‘The Great Lord”. Each day countless devotees come here seeking blessings., The Music Season at Kapaleeshara Temple during April-May offers a great relief to hot summers as it provides calm repose to visitors through melodious Carnatic music concerts being performed inside it every evening at 6pm sharp throughout the month. The seven-day Brahmotsavam Festival celebrated here also attracts thousands of devotees every year in February months.
Government Museum
The Government Museum, Chennai or the Madras Museum, is one of the oldest museums in India and has an impressive array of displays. Located in Egmore near the Chennai Central Railway Station, it houses the Central National Art Gallery, Bronze Gallery and Numismatic Gallery. It was established in 1851 and is known for its series of 46 galleries that showcase Indian history from prehistoric times through to modern day.
Visitors can explore various antiquity collections from South India such as Roman antiques, coins from different dynasties and centuries, Chinese artefacts as well as sculptures made of green schist, stucco and terra cotta. The Folklore section offers plenty of experiences to learn more about local culture with textiles, woodcuts and wood carvings on display. A special exhibit is dedicated to Chola art where one can simply marvel at bronze works from the 10th–13th centuries like ancient Lord Shiva lingams. This museum is a must visit if you’re visiting or residing in Chennai.
San Thome Church
San Thome Church is a popular destination in Chennai and stands testimony to the city’s long-standing history of Christianity. It is believed that St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, had visited this place and was later buried here. The San Thome Basilica stands today as a memorial to the apostle’s visit to India and his contribution to the religion. The church has now been declared as an international pilgrim center by Pope John Paul II.
It is believed that this church was originally built in 16th Century by Portuguese navigators and was replaced by another church later in 1893 which was consecrated by Pope Leo XIII. It is one of the few churches in India to have been elevated to the status of Minor Basilica. The basilica houses some ancient artefacts like ‘The Quasi Relic’, believed to be part of Jesus’ cross, along with several other religious relics from various parts of the world.
Visiting San Thome Church can be an enlightening experience for those interested in exploring its rich history and magnificent architecture. Inside, you’ll find intricately carved pillars, stained glass windows with portraits depicting biblical scenes as well as old maps and paintings tracing back its origins centuries ago. Masses are conducted on daily basis inside this impressive building while visitors can explore its premises at leisure before making a spiritual journey down memory lane through its many displays.
Shopping
Chennai is a great destination for shopping lovers. The city has numerous malls, bazaars and markets filled with a wide selection of items. Whether you’re looking for apparel, accessories, handmade jewelry, ethnic clothes or traditional souvenirs, you’ll find an abundance of choices in Chennai. Let’s explore some of the best places to go shopping in Chennai.
T Nagar
T Nagar, located in the heart of Chennai, is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city with something for everyone. Home to more than 1,000 retail stores, T Nagar has a mix of multi-brand stores and mainly family-run speciality shops that offer clothing and accessories, electronics, gems and jewellery, books and stationery.
The main area of T Nagar is Panagal Park which has high-end boutique stores like Anokhi as well as mid-range stores such as RmKV Silks. Other popular shopping streets such as Usman Road and Anna Salai are flocked by locals for their everyday needs with numerous vendors selling staples such as fruits and vegetables.
If you want to shop for gold and silver jewellery head over to Krishna Gems & Jewellers or Joyalukkas jewels on Usman Road. You can also find plenty of ethnic wear for women at Ambi’s at Pondy Bazaar or RMKV’s silks at Panagal Park.
T Nagar is also well known for its sweets & bakery treats; try out Ceebros’ famous soft idlis with sambhar & chutney or Sugarr Shop’s cupcakes & donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth! Also don’t forget to check out Kumaran Stores which stocks an impressive collection of imported chocolates including Hershey’s Kisses & Lindt truffles.
In addition to all the eateries there is also a vast array of cafes located around T Nagar – Coffee Beans by Danoz Cafehas some delicious continental options whereas Madras Coffee House specialises in South Indian dishes like Masala Dosa & Pongal for an exiciting shopping experience, nothing beats T Nagar.
Ritchie Street
Located in Chennai, India, Ritchie Street is one of the most popular shopping destinations for locals and tourists alike. With hundreds of shops on display, shoppers looking for electronics, accessories, clothes and home talents will find what they are looking for at some point in the series of complex streets and alleys.
The vendors here offer a great selection of products that may not be available elsewhere. From mobiles to laptops; cameras to trainers; headphones to speakers; home appliances to car accessories — the list is endless! However, negotiation and bargaining are an integral part of Indian culture and by getting the right price you can get excellent bargains even on branded items.
Apart from this, Ritchie Street is also known as an ideal place for unique gifts with some stores specializing in personalized corporate gifts. For souvenirs that are quintessentially Tamilian in nature – from murals to terracotta figurines – you can pick up some beautiful pieces here without stretching your budget too much. All in all, Ritchie Street provides a fantastic opportunity for shopping throughout the year with a diverse range of options guaranteed to keep everyone happy!
Spencer Plaza
Spencer Plaza is a shopping mall located in the heart of Chennai and stands as a landmark of sorts surrounded by offices, banks and many other amenities. This 8-story building houses over 200 stores across 120,000 sq. ft. area making it one of the largest malls in South India. Located on Anna Salai, Spencer Plaza offers all kinds of clothes, books, electronics and entertainment. Spencer Plaza also has a wide range of restaurants and food outlets offering everything from quick snacks to full dinners and even banquet hall facilities for special occasions. With its combination of national and international shops, Spencer Plaza is perfect for the modern lifestyle’s needs!
Phoenix Market City
Phoenix Market City is a popular shopping destination in the city of Chennai, India. Located in Velachery, the shopping mall offers vast choice of luxury brands and unique small stores that cater to all kinds of shoppers. The Phoenix Market City mall is spread over an area of 3.1 million square feet and has more than 320 shops including designer wear, traditional clothing, electronics and home furnishings.
It also houses a number of fine dining restaurants and cafes such as California Pizza Kitchen, Kolache Factory, Yo! China, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Flavors of Turkey and many more. For entertainment options there are gaming zones like Space Junkies, Curious Village and Arena along with a multiplex theatre featuring latest movies in multiple languages.
The shopping centre also provides extra convenience with facilities like valet parking services and prepaid taxi & auto card system for smart commuting. Phoenix Marketcity offers an excellent selection of modern lifestyle with many international branded stores including Steve Madden Shoes | Cosmos Apple Store | Kiko Milano | H&M | Sisley | Reebok Lifestyle | Nautica by VF Outlet | Nine West Shoes etc making it popular among urban shoppers looking for luxury items along with folk seeking value-for-money bargain products from various small vendors from all over India who supply unique merchandise to meet customers’ everyday needs.
Pondy Bazaar
Pondy Bazaar is one of the largest and most popular shopping destinations in the city of Chennai, India. This area is home to numerous street-side shops and boutiques, as well as wholesale and retail stores. Whether you’re looking for unique one-of-a-kind items or rummaging through bargain bins, you can find just about anything your heart desires at Pondy Bazaar. The vast selection of items available both on and off the streets makes this a great place for shopping sprees and leisurely strolls.
From textiles to home décor, Pondy Bazaar has something for everyone! You can find traditional Indian sarees, salwar kameez, ethnic jewelry, jute bags and handcrafted grass mats all under one roof. Footwear ranging from sandals to flip flops can also be found in abundance here.
If you are looking for the perfect gift or souvenir to take back home with you, then look no further than Pondy Bazaar’s many options including souvenir mugs boasting various local scenes and logos. You will also be able to find traditional religious items such as rudrakshas and brass figurines depicting Hindu gods and goddesses as well as decorative watercolors with folk tales depicting life on these historic streets.
A visit to Pondy Bazaar could be the perfect addition to any vacation plans in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu! With its countless options for those seeking a unique shopping experience in a bustling cosmopolitan city like Chennai – this location is sure not to disappoint.
Food
Chennai is known for its abundance of delicious and eclectic food. Whether you’re looking for traditional South Indian cuisine or something modern and fusion, Chennai has it all. From spicy biryanis to crispy dosas to some really unique ice cream flavors, there’s something for everyone in Chennai. To help you explore the city’s varied meals, here’s our list of the five best places to eat in Chennai.
Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is one of the most popular restaurants in Chennai, as well as among the highest rated South Indian restaurants in India. Locals and tourists alike flock to Saravana Bhavan for a delicious and consistent South Indian meal experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to sample traditional Tamil cuisine. Its menu offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with a robust selection of thalis; South Indian delicacies like dosa and Idli; various types of bread, curries & side dishes; along with sweets like halwa & kheer.
The restaurant also serves tandoori items, including parathas & naans. Prices at Saravana Bhavan are affordable and portions are generous, making it great value for money. With its reputation for excellent quality & service as well as great value for money, it is no surprise that Saravana Bhavan is listed among the top 5 things to do in Chennai by many travelers.
Amma Unavagam
Amma Unavagam is a chain of budget-friendly food joints owned and operated by the Tamil Nadu state government. The Unavagams are aimed at providing subsidised meals to public, with menus fixed predominantly to South Indian dishes. Menus also feature North Indian and Chinese items as well as simple snacks that include dosas, idlis, uttapams, vada, bonda, upma, pongal and chapati. In addition to meals or snacks, freshly prepared fruit juices are available in the counter. Amma Unavagam outlets mainly serve vegetarian food with vegan curries on offer.
The staff are known for their efficiency in serving hot food quickly and in huge portions with reasonable prices that attract even college students and poorer sections of the society. A meal here generally costs less than Rs 40 per plate while other items come in at an equally attractive price tag.
Buhari
Buhari is a famous restaurant located on GST Road in Tamil’s largest city, Chennai. It serves delicious Mughlai and North Indian delicacies for customers. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes including biryani, tandoori chicken, kabab, snacks, main course dishes and desserts. Buhari’s special biryanis are cooked to perfection in traditional earthen pots or handis. To add flavor to the food they also use aromatic spices which are available only in the old city quarters of Chennai.
Apart from these popular dishes they also provide Chinese food and street food snacks like mushroom chilli fry, paneer 65 and other delectable items. Buhari offers diners an authentic South Indian experience that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. If you’re looking for something savory,then Buhari is definitely the place to visit when you’re in Chennai. then Buhari is definitely the place to visit when you’re in Chennai.
Murugan Idli Shop
Murugan Idli Shop, founded in 1983 and located in T Nagar, is a popular food joint that offers delicious South Indian cuisine. It also serves North Indian dishes like Raj Kachori, Butter Naan, and Paneer Pakoda. This family-run eatery is synonymous with Chennai’s breakfasts and tiffins, offering an extensive range of items like uthappam, pongal dosais (lentil pancakes), idlies (steamed rice cakes) with chutney and sambar (a lentil stew). Murugan Idli Shop’s specialties include its Combination Meals which come with different types of curries like rasam (soup), vadai sambar, poriyal (vegetable stir fry), Podi Idlies (spicy lentil-rice cakes). It offers excellent value for money and has deservedly gained a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan
Adyar Ananda Bhavan is a renowned vegetarian restaurant located in Chennai, India. The restaurant has been around for over 70 years and is a popular stop for both the locals and the tourists. Here you can find an array of dishes from South Indian favorites such as dosas, vadas and idlis to North Indian meals like paneer tikka masala, butter chicken, chana masala etc. The restaurant also offers chaat items like bhelpuri, ragda patties and gondhoraj lebu (lime) ice cream as per season. Salads are included along with lunch buffet on all days except Sundays.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan has maintained a great taste in food throughout its history and is an ideal spot to enjoy authentic Tamil cuisine at reasonable prices.
Nightlife
Chennai is home to some exciting and vibrant nightlife spots that can cater to a range of tastes. From bustling markets to bustling clubs, Chennai has something for everyone to enjoy. This guide will discuss the best nightlife options in Chennai, so you can make the most of your visit.
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, located in London’s West End, is a popular dance club and nightspot offering an exciting atmosphere, great music and a variety of drinks. Guests can take advantage of 10 Downing Street’s late-night happy hour specials and inexpensive cocktails on offer. With its underground vibe that feels hidden away from the world outside, 10 Downing Street creates an inviting and relaxed atmosphere for partygoers to let loose. The varied music selection has something for everyone – from classic party hits to contemporary chart-topping tracks.
Weekly resident DJ’s and special features combine to make an unforgettable clubbing experience that will keep people coming back time and time again. Meanwhile, modern lighting effects set the mood while inventive visuals serve as eye candy to mesmerize the crowd as they dance on the special light up dance floor. Whether guests want to catch up with friends over drinks or throw shapes late into the night, 10 Downing Street has it all, making it one of London’s most exciting and fun-filled nightlife destinations.
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe, located in the commercial heart of Chennai, is one of the hottest spots for nightlife in the city. The first Hard Rock Cafe in India, it opened in 2015 and has become a celebrated landmark and tourist destination since. Known as ‘the place to be’ for global entertainment.
Hard Rock Cafe Chennai serves up delicious American-style meals that complement its fantastic bar serving great drinks. With live music events held almost every evening, Hard Rock Cafe is the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Enjoy delicious cocktails and energizing house music while you enjoy watching multiple giant screens that have the latest songs. Grab some snacks or food from their menu while you’re at it – their famous Jumbo Combo Platter or burgers are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Reflecting its international stature, Hard Rock Cafe Chennai has been graced by numerous celebrities who have made it their haunt while they were in town. Come on down and feel like you are part of the action.
The Leather Bar
Situated in IMAGE Mall, the Leather Bar is Chennai’s dedicated club for connoisseurs of the night life. This stylish and upscale club offers a wide variety of beverages to choose from. Paired up with an exclusive tapas menu, the Leather Bar promises to be one-stop destination for all your nightlife needs. They also boast a wide array of spirits and craft beers, served with top-notch service. Dance your feet off to some of the best DJs in town or just simply unwind on one of their lounge sofas, whatever you choose – they have it all.
Whether you’re with friends or family, The Leather Bar is definitely an experience that can’t be replicated at home. With a selection of signature cocktails and mocktails on offer, The Leather Bar pampers its patrons with superlative hospitality. Come for their Wednesday ladies’ nights for some great discounts and unforgettable memories.
The Moon and Sixpence
The Moon and Sixpence is a popular nightclub destination located in the heart of the city. It boasts a lively atmosphere and excellent service, featuring 3 venues: The Venetian Room, Coriander Club and Zodiac Bar; each offering a unique and unforgettable clubbing experience.
The Venetian Room offers an electric ambiance together with an array of musical variety from up-and-coming top DJs for those seeking lots of energy and dancing. Coriander Club welcomes guests with its themes of soulful rhythms alternating between Afro beats, Latin vibes, RnB and UK Garage music. Last but not least, The Zodiac Bar features flashy drinks and light snacks while taking you back to time you will never forget on its signature live music showcase.
With four bars spread across 2 floors each featuring modern décor with grand balconies overlooking the city skyline, The Moon and Sixpence has established itself as one of the most exclusive places to party in town – attracting both locals as well as many international celebrities and influencers alike! Whether it’s Thursday or Friday night life or any special occasion this place guarantees an unforgettable evening full of surprises.
The Bay
From its early days as a natural harbor, San Francisco Bay has always been a lively hub of activity due to its position at the mouth of a major river and its proximity to numerous thriving port cities. Throughout the years, it has become an important center for transportation, trade and recreation. From cozy restaurants to bustling clubs, this iconic bay has something for everyone.
The cosmopolitan city of San Francisco is home to some of the most popular nightlife spots on the West Coast. With its active harbor and picturesque views, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the premier destinations for nightlife in California. A wide range of venues can be found lining the waterfront including chic bars, rooftop patios with amazing views, creative craft cocktail lounges and nightclubs with live music acts such as DJ sets and hip-hop.
Venture slightly outside San Francisco and you’ll find many smaller bayside towns near Oakland and Berkeley offering up their own unique flavor of nightlife as well. Here you’re likely to find less typical venues such as intimate speakeasies tucked away in charming neighborhoods or refurbished warehouses housing underground music showcases featuring up-and-coming local acts.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing during your evening out on the bay then perhaps, you’d prefer sampling local wines at one of Napa Valley’s renowned wineries or enjoying a romantic dinner cruise aboard a sleek yacht while admiring illuminated bridges against an awe-inspiring backdrop of rolling hills.
No matter what your idea of a perfect evening is, this unforgettable celestial body offers plenty of options with spectacular scenes from around nearly every corner. Whether you’re looking for an alluring dance club atmosphere or ultimate relaxation, The Bay is sure to provide just what you need for an unforgettable night out.
Conclusion
Chennai is a vibrant city brimming with historical and cultural attractions, museums, temples and many other incredible sites. From spiritual places such as the Kapaleeshwarar Temple to the lively Marina beach, there is something here to suit all types of travelers. Shopping in T Nagar and eating out at some of the local eateries are also popular activities among visitors. A visit to Chennai will give you a unique insight into India’s diverse culture and history.
Exploring Chennai should be high on your list of things to do in India – it’s an interesting city that has lots of things going on within its many neighborhoods. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual enlightenment or just a great vacation – we hope our exhaustive guide has given you plenty of inspiration for planning your stay in this bustling city.
