What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Chennai’? Pristine beaches, beautiful temples and fun activities, right? Well, Chennai is all about it and with so many great things to do in Chennai, you can have a marvellous experience. Chennai, formerly known as Madras is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Quite famous for its religious sites, beaches, and being an IT hub, Chennai is welcoming and a destination that you must visit at least once in your life. It does not matter if you are here for a weekend or a week, just don’t forget to check out some of the amazing things to do in Chennai city and try them out. Chennai is a very developed city and being a coastal city, you will have a lot of fun while you are here.
23 Best Things To Do In Chennai In 2024
If you were wondering about what are the fun things to do in Chennai then you we will tell you all about it. From shopping to lazing around on the beaches, there is no dearth of things to do in Chennai. So, check them out and see what all activities will you be indulging in on your vacation.
- Elliot’s Beach: Witness A Beautiful Sunrise
- Mahabalipuram: Marvel At The Sculptures
- Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple: Take A Look
- Muttukadu: Try Water Activities
- Trekking: Hike Around Chennai For Adventure
- Queens Land: For The Fun Rides
- IIT-Madras: Take A Nature Walk
- Pondy Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree
- Birla Planetarium: Visit The Modern Planetarium Of India
- National Art Gallery: Be Awestruck By The Art
- Ubbalamadugu Falls: For Some Nature Photography
- Pulicat Lake: Admire The View Of Birds Flying In Sync
- Barracuda Bay: Opt For Fishing With Friends
- Chennai Cuisine: Treat Your Taste Buds
- Scuba Diving: Gear Up For Some Thrilling Adventure
- Lion Safari: Head To Arignar Anna Zoological Park
- Cultural Tour: Explore The Dakshinachitra Museum
- Parasailing: Get The Panoramic View Of Chennai
- Fun Day: Go To MGM Dizzee World
- Beach Hopping: For All Beach Bums
- Camping: Get Down To Earth
- Rock Climbing: Try Out This Activity
- Paintball: Have Fun With Your Gang
1. Elliot’s Beach: Witness A Beautiful Sunrise
Experience a bliss while catching the sunrise at Elliot’s Beach, one of the best things to do in Chennai with friends, family, or solo. Having a stroll in the morning over here is the best way to pass time. It is located in one of the most famous places in Chennai, Beasant Nagar. This beach has a great walking path with a lot of local food joints and it is also close to the shores. There are temples, churches, and monuments in this beach road which makes it the best place for any kind of person to hangout. There is one certain Karl Schmidt memorial that you have to visit. This has also seen in a lot of movies and it is situated on Elliot’s Beach. So, if wondering ‘what to do in Chennai?’, just escape to this haven.
Ideal for: Early sunrise stroll. You can come along with your family or friends or just alone to enjoy the tranquility.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: free
Timings: open all-day
Location: Beasant Nagar, Chennai
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2. Mahabalipuram: Marvel At The Sculptures
One of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters, you can rent two-wheelers and start early morning to Mahabalipuram. You have to drive on the East Coast Road and the experience of the drive itself makes it so thrilling that you will have the best time in the day. You can get crazy with your group of friends and you will still love it! You can explore the architectural wonders of the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas, or Krishna’s Butterball. You will enjoy the whole town because of its built. This place is a declared UNESCO site for the stone-carved wonders. You can enjoy the amazing Seashell Museum too!
Ideal for: Friends who like to seek outdoor activities as fun. You can visit with your family too.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: free
Entry timing and closing timings: 6 AM- 6 PM
Location: Mahabalipuram
3. Mylapore Musings Kapaleeshwar Temple: Take A Look
Visiting Kapaleeshwar temple is one of the top things to do in Chennai. The Kapaleeshwar Temple was built way back in the 7th century and if you are a history buff, then you have to visit this temple. This famous temple in Chennai depicts the proper Dravidian architecture and it boasts of the different gopurams and the series. The whole temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva who is in the form of a peacock or Mayil. Thus, the town got its name from this temple- Mayilapura or the Town of Peacocks. You will find maamis in the temple who are dressed in their bright sarees, maamas chanting shlokas. The whole atmosphere is very vibrant and you will fall in love with it. This town Mylapore is considered equal to Kailasa.
Ideal for: Historic sites.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free unless you want a special darshan
Timings:5 AM- 12:30 PM & 4 PM-8PM
Location: Kapaleesvarar, Kesava Perumal Sannathi St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
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4. Muttukadu: Try Water Activities
Muttukadu Boat House is a water sports facility located on the East Coast Road. Enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience as there are plenty of thrilling activities to do in Chennai. This is the backwater area of the mighty Bay of Bengal and is around 35 km away from the city center. There are around 15 row boats, 27-speed boats and pedal boats too. This boating spot is quite famous and more than 4000 people come here every weekend. So, if looking for top things to do in Chennai with friends, come and visit Muttukadu Boat House.
Ideal for: Friends and family relatives. You will love it here if you plan a Saturday or Sunday with your cousins.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Varies, you can find the information online. But, they take INR 130 for 30 minutes of row boating.
Timings: 9 AM-6 PM
Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Tamil Nadu 603103
5. Trekking: Hike Around Chennai For Adventure
Looking for some adventurous things to do in Chennai with friends ? Try out the treks in Chennai! Chennai is a coastal city that has a lot to offer like scenic drives, sightseeing, adventure sports, etc. It also has quite a few trekking options too. There are different grades of treks that you can do in and around Chennai. The complete trek is based on the length of the trip and the place of choice. No mountain is not conquerable so get your boots on and go for that trekking expedition near Chennai.
Ideal for: Adventure seekers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Variable
Timings: It usually begins early in the morning around 6 AM.
Location: East Coast Road, Chennai.
Stay options: Camping at the site of trek
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6. Queensland: For The Fun Rides
If you are into amusement parks, consider taking some fun rides in Queensland, one of the best things to do in Chennai for all ages. Spread over 70 acres, this theme park is huge. It offers a total of 51 rides which include both the water rides as well as the land rides. You can do some crazy and thrilling stuff here and enjoy all the rides you can get. Freefall down a height of 150 feet, crash into cars and splash through water on twisters and slides are some of the major attractions. It’s a splendid place for group outings. So, if looking for exciting fun weekend activities in Chennai, visit Queensland.
Ideal for: Fun, you can plan a day with families or friends, etc
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 550 for adults, INR 450 for kids and no charge for children below 2 ft.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM. It is closed on Mondays
Location: Chennai-Bengaluru Highway, Palanjur, Sembarambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600123
7. IIT-Madras: Take A Nature Walk
Do you like to take nature walks back to your place? Do you find it relaxing when you hear the birds chirping early in the morning? It’s therapeutic, right? One of the best things to do in Chennai city is to take the early morning nature walk at IIT Madras. The campus is actually a part of the Guindy National Park, and the vegetation here is tropical dry evergreen. There is a special deer park too where several spotted deer have been introduced into the campus in the park. There are more than hundreds of varieties of birds and other aerial insects. If you are a bird watcher, then this place is heaven for you.
Ideal for: Calm activity, or a hangout date.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: free
Timings:Open 24/7
Location: IIT Madras, Chennai
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8. Pondy Bazaar: Go On A Shopping Spree
Image Credit: Ravi Chandar for Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for some exciting things to do in Chennai, go on a shopping spree in Pondy Bazaar. You can purchase anything from here be it jimikki, kammal or the comfortable slippers. Pondy Bazaar, a tourist shopping spot for all ages, offers a wholesome shopping experience. Here, don’t forget to taste that strongly brewed cup of coffee at Geetha Café. It is an absolute delight to be there! You can also shop at night and it is often viewed as one of the fun things to do in Chennai at night. So, if you are unable to decide what things to do around Chennai, this is your ideal place.
Ideal for: A fun day out.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: No activity cost.
Timings: 10 AM- 8 PM (though the market starts at 8 AM, things don’t really start to kick off until 10 AM)
Location: Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017
9. Birla Planetarium: Visit The Modern Planetarium Of India
One of the best things to do in Chennai for youngsters is visiting Birla Planetarium which is the most modern planetarium in India. The planetarium is home to a fully computerized projector that portrays astronomical objects on a hemispherical dome. The Planetarium presents audiovisual programs on various themes in astronomy. Adjoining the planetarium is the Periyar Science and Technology Museum, which is of interest to students and other science enthusiasts.
Ideal for: A place to go with friends and family
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 45 for adults and INR 25 for children. You can view the Science Center, Planetarium, 3D Science Movie and Science Park.
Timings: 10 AM- 5:45 PM
Location: Gandhi Mandapam Road, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025
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10. National Art Gallery: Be Awestruck By The Art
The National Art Gallery was built of sandstone in the year 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty, earlier it was called as Victoria Memorial Hall as it was built during the Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in a particular Indo Saracenic style. Portraits of many British officers like Lord William Bentinck are also there in the Gallery and visiting the place is often accounted as one of the best things to do in Chennai.
Ideal for: People who love art. Visit with friends or family.
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 15 for adults and INR 10 for children.
Timings: 9 AM- 5 PM , Closed on national holidays and Fridays only
Location: Inside Government Museum Complex
11. Ubbalamadugu Falls: For Some Nature Photography
One of the offbeat things to do in Chennai is opting for nature photography at the famous Ubbalamadugu Falls. If you are a water baby then this the best place to let the inner kid out. The water from the falls channelizes its path through huge canyons which is a sight to see. If you are traveling with your kids then you must head to this place to admire the natural beauty as it is one of the best things to do in Chennai with kids.
Ideal for: Family, friends, kids, nature lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA
Timings: 8 AM- 4 PM
Location: Andhra Pradesh 517541
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12. Pulicat Lake: Admire The View Of Birds Flying In Sync
Image Credit: McKay Savage for Wikimedia Commons
Listed among the top things to do in Chennai is bird watching at the Pulicat Lake. The place is mostly crammed with birds, especially during the migratory season. If you are a nature lover, then there cannot be a better place to witness some of the most beautiful natural vistas in Chennai than Pulicat Lake. You will also find several photographers strolling around here early in the morning or in the evening to get that perfect shot and capture the natural beauty.
Ideal for: Nature lovers, animal lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
Location: Coromandel Coast, Andrha Pradesh
13. Barracuda Bay: Opt For Fishing With Friends
Now if you are traveling with your friends and want to indulge in one of the cool things to do in Chennai then you must head to the popular Barracuda Bay which gives a chance to interact with nature again. This place is famous among the adventure junkies due to a variety of activities to do here like fishing. You can visit the Barracuda Bay Sport Fishing Club where you can learn three types of fishing including popping, jigging, and trolling.
Ideal for: Adventure enthusiasts
Activity cost/Ticket fee: Free
Timings: Anytime
Location: Chennai, India
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14. Chennai Cuisine: Treat Your Taste Buds
Image Credit: Pratheepps for Wikimedia Commons
A trip to any place remains incomplete without trying its local dishes. So, if you are planning for a Chennai tour any time soon then make sure that you try out the main dishes from their cuisine. Some of the not-to-be-missed dishes are Dosa, Idli Sambhar, Vada, Chili Parotha, Paniyaram, Uttapam, Idiyappam, Biryani, and many more. If you are looking for some sweet options then head out to taste different types of kulfi. They are available in different flavors like saffron, pista, rose, cardamom, mango, and more.
Ideal for: Foodies
Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA
Timings: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in Chennai
15. Scuba Diving: Gear Up For Some Thrilling Adventure
Rising temperatures definitely calls out for a dip into the cold waters of Chennai. If you are looking for some thrilling water activities then head to the Covelong Beach which is an ideal location for scuba diving in Chennai. With shipwrecks to explore underwater and beautiful sceneries, it serves as the best place for this activity. Later, you can rest on the beach and admire the clear waters against a beautiful sunset to end your day on a good note. There is doubt in the fact that it is one of the most amazing things to do in Chennai for couples.
Ideal for: Adventure souls
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 6,000 per person (approx.)
Timings: NA
Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai
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16. Lion Safari: Head To Arignar Anna Zoological Park
Image Credit: Thiyagarajan Dayalan for Wikimedia Commons
If your heart lies in the wilderness and if you love to explore the flora and fauna of a place then the perfect place for you is the Arignar Anna Zoological Park. It is one of the most famous picnic spots in Vandalur and is perfect for families with children. Covering an area of 1,260 acres in total, this is one-of-its-kind zoo which houses 138 species of exotic and endemic animals. A safari in this zoo will let you get a glimpse of lions, elephants, Indian civet cat, and tigers. Apart from safari, you can also enjoy elephant rides and let your kids explore the children’s park.
Ideal for: Friends, family, nature lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 50 (Adults), INR 20 (Children below 12 years)
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
17. Cultural Tour: Explore The Dakshinachitra Museum
Image Credit: Rrjanbiah for Wikimedia Commons
One of the cultural places to visit in Chennai is Dakshinachitra Museum which lets you delve into the history and culture of this place. It displays a great deal of works that represent the lifestyle of South India. It houses more than 4,000 artefacts and 10,00,000 pictures that depict the local culture. The museum is developed in the form of a village with 18 authentic houses that exhibit how people used to live. So, if you are a culture vulture then you must head to Dakshinachitra Museum.
Ideal for: History Buffs
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 110 (Adults), INR 50 (Students from 13-18 hours)
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm (Mon-Fri), 10 am – 7 pm (Sat-Sun), Closed on Tuesday
Location: SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603118
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18. Parasailing: Get The Panoramic View Of Chennai
Image Credit: Ben Kerckx for Pixabay
Chennai is not just a place of temples and beaches. If you dig deeper then you can find some amazing activities to indulge in like parasailing. During this activity, you are tied with a parachute which is connected with a motor speed boat. As the boat moves forward with speed, the parachute blows into the sky taking you with it. You soar high in the sky and get to witness the turquoise blue ocean. It is a perfect activity to do in Chennai with your friends.
Ideal for: Adventure souls
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 2,000 per person (approx.)
Timings: NA
Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai
19. Fun Day: Go To MGM Dizzee World
Image Credit: Sankar Pandian for Wikimedia Commons
Looking for a place where you can have fun with your gang or family? Well, Chennai has got just the right place for you and it is none other than MGM Dizzee World. It is one of the oldest and the largest amusement parks in India which is why it is teeming with people all the time. There are several thrill rides that cater to the adventurous souls of people. Earlier, it also had a hot air balloon ride which was the major attraction in the early days. With several thrill rides to explore, this is one of the best places to explore in Chennai with kids.
Ideal for: Friends, Family, Couples
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 549 (Children), INR 699 (Adults)
Timings: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (Mon-Fri), 10:30 am – 7:30 (Sat-Sun)
Location: 1/74, SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 600112
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20. Beach Hopping: For All Beach Bums
Image Credit: Nikhil B for Wikimedia Commons
Chennai is dotted with several beaches which is why beach hopping is one of the top things to do in Chennai for couples. One can opt for water activities on Covelong Beach, then head to Eliot’s Beach and Marina Beach for a beautiful view. If anyone is looking for a less-crowded beach then there are Pebble Beach, Kasimedu Beach, Neelankarai Beach, and Santhome Beach. The list does not end here as there are more beaches to explore like Breezy Beach, Akkarai Beach, Nettukuppam Beach, VGP Golden Beach, and Thiruvanmiyur Beach. One can relax, explore, indulge in activities, laze around, and enjoy sunsets at these beaches.
Ideal for: Beach bums, couples, family, friends
Activity cost/Ticket fee: NA
Timings: NA
Location: All over Chennai
21. Camping: Get Down To Earth
Image Credit: Chulmin for Wikimedia Commons
There are several spots in and around Chennai that are best suited for camping and exploring the nature places. So, if you are in search of places where you, along with your gang, can pitch a tent amidst natural surroundings then you will not be disappointed with these places. There are places like Tada Falls, Pulicat Lake, Chembarambakkam Lake, Mamandur, Nagalapuram, Peermade Waterfalls, and more. With foliage and waterfalls nearby, these places are best for pitching your tent.
Ideal for: Friends, nature lovers
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 2,000 per person (approx.)
Timings: Anytime
Location: Several places in and around Chennai
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22. Rock Climbing: Try Out This Activity
One of the most adventurous things to do in Chennai in one day is rock climbing. Climbing is said to be an ideal alternative for regular gyms as it really tests your strength and perfects the core. The best part about this activity is that you don’t have to do it under the scorching sun. Instead, you can do it at Fit Rock Arena where you will be provided with the same facilities but indoors. So, if you are looking for some strength-related activities then the best option is to opt for indoor rock climbing.
Ideal for: Adventurous people
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 700 for 2-hour session (approx.)
Timings: NA
Location: 73, Venkatakrishna Rd, Perumal Koil Thottam, Ramakrishna Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
23. Paintball: Have Fun With Your Gang
Image Credit: John Miller for Wikimedia Commons
One of the coolest things to do in Chennai is to opt for a paintball session with your friends. If you and your gang love to play combat games in reality then this is the best option. Get ready with your combat suit and your weapon to paint the opposite gang. So, if you are planning to explore Chennai with your friends then you can include this activity in your itinerary.
Ideal for: Friends
Activity cost/Ticket fee: INR 400 per person (approx.)
Timings: 10 am – 8:30 pm (Mon-Thurs), 10 am – 9 pm (Fri), 9 am – 9 pm (Sat-Sun)
Location: 168/3D, Pattipulam, East Coast Road, 2kms from Dolphin city, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603104
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Thus, if you have even 2 days in Chennai, then don’t miss these things to do in Chennai. It is always better to learn a little local language but it is manageable as most people do understand and speak English. The food here is awesome and any random tiffin center in the morning should serve you delicious breakfast, so don’t forget to try that out as well and plan your trip to Chennai.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Chennai
What are the top attractions to visit in Chennai (Madras)?
The top attractions to visit in Chennai are Marina Beach, Government Museum Chennai, San Thome Cathedral Basilica, Fort St. George Museum and Guindy National Park.
Where can I spend a day in Chennai?
There are ten popular places you can explore in a day on your trip to Chennai. These are:
1. Sri Parthasarathi Temple
2. Valluvar Kottam
3. Government Museum
4. San Thome Cathedral Basilica
5. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
6. Semmozhi Poonga
7. Marina Beach
8. T. Nagar
9. Vivekananda House
10. MGR Film City
What are the most popular things to do in Chennai with kids?
The top sights in Chennai that can be enjoyed along with kids include B.M. Birla Planetarium, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai Snake Park Trust, VGP Universal Kingdom, Dakshina Chitra Museum, Marina Beach etc.
What are the popular things to do in Chennai?
You can go around Elliot’s Beach or take a walk at Marina Beach in the morning. You can even go to Anna Centenary Library or Sabha hopping during the music season.
What is Chennai known for?
Chennai is famous for a lot of things but it is especially famous for its temples including Kapaleeshwarar, Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Asthalakshmi Temple, Thiruneermala Vishnu Temple, etc.
How can one spend 2 days in Chennai?
Travellers can visit the Government Museum, Marina Beach, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Elliot Beach, MGR Memorial, San Thome Basilica, Birla Planetarium to spend 2 days in Chennai.
Which is the richest area in Chennai?
Boat Club, Poes Garden, East- Coast Road, Nungambakkam, Velachery, Adyar, Gopalapuram and OMR are among the posh areas of Chennai.
What is Chennai famous food?
Pongal is the most famous food in Chennai. There are other must-try items, such as Dosa, Chicken 65, Samosas, etc.
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