Chennai, India

11 Best Things to Do in Chennai

Start with these 11 and you have seen the Chennai that travelers rate highest.

Order reflects review volume from real travelers, out of 11 tracked Chennai places. Refreshed monthly.

Marina Beach
Outdoor & fun
Marina Beach is a 13-kilometer-long urban beach along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, making it one of the longest in the world.
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Express Avenue
Market
Express Avenue is a contemporary mall in Chennai's Royapettah area, known for its spacious layout and extensive retail options.
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Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai
Religious site
The Parthasarathy Temple, dating back to the 8th century CE, is a revered Vaishnavite shrine in the Triplicane neighborhood.
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Vivekanandar Illam
Museum
Vivekanandar Illam is a historic mansion in Chennai where Swami Vivekananda resided after his return from the West in 1897.
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People's Park, Chennai
Park & nature
People's Park, established in the 19th century, is one of Chennai's oldest parks. It features sprawling lawns, shaded walkways, and a variety of trees, providing a peaceful retreat for locals and tourists.
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St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai
Religious site
St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica stands as a revered pilgrimage site in Chennai, built directly over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
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Chepauk Palace
Historic site
Chepauk Palace is a historic building located in the Chepauk area of Chennai, originally constructed in 1768 as the residence of the Nawab of Arcot.
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Government Museum, Chennai
Museum
The Government Museum in Chennai, also known as the Madras Museum, is one of India's oldest museums, established in 1851.
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Fort St. George
Historic site
Fort St. George, built in 1644 by the British East India Company, stands as the first English fortress in India.
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Valluvar Kottam
Landmark
Valluvar Kottam is a striking modern monument in Chennai, built in 1976 to celebrate the classical Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural.
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National Art Gallery, Chennai
Museum
The National Art Gallery in Chennai is a premier museum showcasing a rich assortment of Indian paintings and sculptures.
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