There are different faces of Chennai and it can be seen by people having different interests. Although the city is very popular for its majestic temples and famous architecture, there are many other things that keep people visiting here- interested. A long list of places to visit and things to do in Chennai makes it a top-notch tourist destination. If you too are planning to take a trip to Chennai; there are multiple things to do here. Some of them are listed below and trust us; each of them has a lot for the visitors.
Depending on your interest, time in hand, and budget- you can choose amongst these amazing things to do. So, without any further delays; let’s get going:
Here is a list of the 15 best things to do in Chennai
1. Spicy street food
| Name of some food items | Best places to try |
| Atho Man | Old Washermanpet |
| Sundal | Anna Nagar |
| Podi Dosa | Kilpauk |
| Murukku | Pondy Bazaar |
| Kothu Parotta | Mylapore |
Every city and state has a different kind of taste for the similar food items available. Getting your hands on a spicy snack from a roadside stall is easy and quick. Chennai being the capital city has a lot of flavors to be tasted. So, if you are a food lover or someone who loves tasting different cuisines, make sure you visit Thiruvanmiyur, Marina Beach, T-Nagar, Monteith Road in Egmore, and Kilpauk to say the least. These are some of the places where you can get variety and delicious food at affordable prices.
2. Mahabalipuram day trip
| Distance between Mahabalipuram and Chennai | 57 km |
| Time Taken | 2 hours |
| Attractions in Mahabalipuram |
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| Activities to enjoy in Mahabalipuram |
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Are you interested in visiting temples that are age-long and can still mesmerize you with their beauty? If you are willing to explore such a place with beaches along- then Mahabalipuram is one of the best places to visit. It is not only famous for the beaches but multiple sea shore temples too. While you are planning on a trip to Chennai, visiting Mahabalipuram is inevitable. Though there are many popular temples, one amongst them is the Panch Ratha.
Distance between Mahabalipuram and Chennai: 57 km
Time Taken: 2 hours (approximately)
3. Tamil cinema
Oh don’t worry, you will not have to see the movie in Tamil. There are many places where you get subtitles and even Hindi dubbed. You can look for a place that offers any of these services. If you know Tamil then take out some time to watch an action-packed Tamil movie. If you decide on this, one thing is for sure- you will be amused throughout.
4. Turtle nesting walk
Location: Vadapalani, Kannappar Thidal, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Best time to visit: January to April (Friday and Saturday nights)
Turtle nesting walk is one of the most seasonal amusing activities that a lot of people enjoy. There are some nearby residents who visit Chennai beach to do this activity. This activity happens in the hatching season which is March and April. People gather at either Neelangarai Beach or Besant Nagar beach and take a walk with the baby turtles. Both these beaches are 7 km apart and both these have turtles hatching during these months. If you visit Chennai during any of these two months; you can visit any of these venues. Usually, people love to see nesting turtles on a night walk.
5. Morning park stroll
Chennai is a well-made city and has many parks that are well maintained. Take a morning walk in lush city parks like Huddleston Gardens of Theosophical Society, Anna Nagar Tower Park, Sivan Park, Natesan Park, and many more. If you are a fitness lover and wish to enjoy the fresh morning air of the city, you can head to any of these parks that are nearby. The parks are well-maintained and equipped with a lot of beautiful flowers. Enjoy the beauty and the relaxing environment while jogging or taking a morning walk.
6. Designer boutiques
For those who have visited Chennai on a relaxing trip, there is one place where you will enjoy the most. Designer boutiques are there across the capital city and one can enjoy their time browsing through cool boutiques in Besant Nagar. There are shops that will keep you engaged for a long time because they have many designer clothes and accessories to showcase.
7. Portuguese churches
Be it Goa or any other part of South India, there are a lot of buildings that represent and show the Portuguese culture and establishment. While visiting the capital city of Tamil Nadu, you can take some time out and visit these beautifully architectured and established churches. Some of these to put on your list include Santhome Church, Luz Church, Rita Church, and many more. You can visit these amazing creations of ancient times and offer your prayers to the lord. Explore the grand Portuguese-built churches throughout the city.
8. T Nagar jewelry shops – Window-shop at T Nagar’s jewellery stores
Who doesn’t like to shop while they are on a trip to some other city? Be it a daily use item, house piece, clothes, souvenirs, or jewelry. Everything can be bought here. You can have a look at the shops that are here at T Nagar and either shop whatever you want or enjoy window shopping at the store here. Don’t forget that Tamil Nadu is popular for its jewelry- especially gold. TB Jeweler, VBC Jeweler, GL Jeweler, Chanchal Diamonds, G.R.T Thanga Maaligai, and Narayana Pearls.
9. Buy Handwoven silk sarees
If nothing else, make sure you shop for some embroidered Kanjivaram silk sarees. Tamil Nadu is also popular for handwoven silk sarees. It is advised that while you visit Chennai, you shouldn’t miss out on these. RmKV, Sundari Silks, Nellis, Sarangi, House of Angadi, and Kala Niketan are some amazing places where you can get the best collection of silk sarees in town. You can head to these shops and get your choice to flaunt it in front of your family members.
10. Eat Seafood from Stalls on Sandy Beaches
There are many multi-cuisines and fine dining restaurants, but one thing that you should not miss is tasting the seafood stalls at the beach. Marina Beach is the best in town but you can go to any in that matter of fact, but do visit the beaches and taste the seafood there. It will surely blow your mind off with its luscious taste.
11. Savor a hot & spicy Chettinad meal
Chennai is known for some of the best culinary in the entire country and you will surely enjoy some of them here. And if you are unaware of the Chettinad cuisines, they are popular for the aromatic and bold spices it is made in. There are many places where you can savor the authentic Chettinad meal in Chennai. And all of them are going to be showstoppers for you.
12. Stop for a snack at a Tiffin center
If you are looking for some unique things to do in Chennai, we would surely suggest you pick a spot at any tiffin center here. And enjoy the meal! It is delicious, flavorful, and enjoyable. The concept started from the Tiffin Service of Mumbai and is now thriving in many parts of the city. Being metropolitan people are always in a hurry and these centers are a place where you can sit and have a calming and filling meal.
13. See garland-weaving at flower markets
This might also intrigue you a bit but garland weaving is celebrated by foreigners because that’s not a usual sight for them. It is one of the unique things to do in Chennai that can’t be enjoyed in all the places in India. Chennai is also known as the land of temples and most of these garlands are for the pilgrims to offer them to the lord. So, you can also do the same and pray to god at multiple destinations.
14. Beach Hopping
Tourists seeking things to do in Chennai with family can surely have a good time indulging in beach hopping. If you didn’t know, Marina Beach is known to be the second-largest urban beach in the entire country. There are multiple other beaches that you can visit and enjoy. While spending some time at the beaches you can also savor the delicacies offered here. Here are the coastal wonders of Chennai.
| Marina Beach | Golden Beach |
| Elliot’s Beach | VGP Beach |
| Covelong Beach | Thiruvottiyur Beach |
| Thiruvanmiyur Beach | Palavakkam Beach |
15. Chennai Cuisine
Nevertheless, Chennai is a wonderland or heaven for food lovers. Be it things to do in Chennai with friends, family, or couples; savoring the Chennai cuisines is a go-to thing. There is a huge variety of options, tastes, and types of cuisines that can be enjoyed in the entire city of Chennai.
| Rice-based dishes | Vegetarian dishes |
| Idli and dosa | Filter coffee |
| Chettinad cuisine | Street food |
| Seafood | Mysore Pak, payasam |
Conclusion
Chennai is one of those places in India where you can enjoy a list of things. From amazing places to visit, monuments, temples, parks, and even churches are show stealers. This list is quite extensive but once you are here, make sure not to miss out on at least these. Depending upon your time, budget, and interest; you can also filter places from these. While you tick the boxes from your travel list, we will keep updating this list for you with some more interesting things to do.
See Also: Things to do in Ooty
