Chennai is a full-blown experience with a soundtrack of temple bells, waves crashing at Marina Beach, and auto drivers negotiating. If you are looking for places to visit in Chennai, get ready for a delightful chaos of culture, food, and history that doesn’t just sit in museums, it spills onto the streets. In fact, if you are midway through your India tour and looking for a destination with soul, not just sights, Chennai might just be your unexpected favorite.
Whether you are chasing culture, food, architecture or just good vibes, the famous places to visit in Chennai offer a little bit of everything. So, pack your sunscreen, your curiosity, and a solid appetite because the tourist places to visit in Chennai are calling, and trust us, they have got stories to tell.
19 Top Attractions in Chennai
You don’t come here for turquoise waters or Instagram aesthetics, you come for the calmness. Stretching over 13 Kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, Marine Beach is the longest urban beach in India, and one of the tourist places to visit in Chennai itinerary. While swimming is restricted due to strong currents, walking along the wide sandy stretch, visiting nearby monuments like the Gandhi statue and more.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Timings: Throughout the day
Time required: 2-3 hours
Entry fee: NIL
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Tucked away in the historic Egmore district, the Government Museum is one of Chennai’s most underrated treasures and a paradise for culture lovers. Established in 1851, it’s the second-oldest museum in India and feels like one of the places to visit in Chennai in evening. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or just someone trying to escape the Chennai heat for a few hours, this is one spot that you can visit which is considered one of the amazing things to do in Chennai.
Location: Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: INR 250
For film buffs and curious wanderers alike, MGR Film City offers a peek behind the silver screen of Tamil cinema. Built in 1994 and named after the legendary actor-politician M.G. Ramchandran, this 70-acre complex was once a buzzing hub of movie sets, sound stages, and creative energy.
Location: Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113
Timings: 8 AM - 8 PM
Time required: 2-3 hours
Entry fee: INR 25
Tucked away from the city’s noise, Breezy Beach feels like one of Chennai’s best-kept secrets. It’s calm, clean, and just the right kind of quiet, perfect for a slow walk, a heart-to-heart or letting your kids run! Among the famous places to visit in Chennai, this one’s for the moments that don’t need filters. If you are looking for places to visit in Chennai with family, this peaceful stretch by the sea is a gentle reminder that sometimes, less is more.
Location: Valmiki Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Timings: Throughout the day
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: NIL
The Murandeeswarar Temple isn’t just another landmark in the city, it’s where stories, faith, and calm all meet. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple in Thiruvanmiyar is loved not only for its stunning gopurams but also for the belief that prayers here bring healing. It’s one of those attractions in Chennai that feels welcoming to everyone! Simple, peaceful and full of history, it’s no surprise that it’s always counted among the top places to visit in Chennai.
Location: 8, W Tank St, Ambedkar Nagar, Lalitha Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Timings: 9 AM - 8 PM
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: NIL
6. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
If you are traveling with kids or simply love the outdoors, this Zoological Park is a must on your list. Spread over 1,500 acres, it’s one of the largest zoos in South Asia and home to tigers, elephants, lions, reptiles, and hundreds of bird species. This is easily one of the unique places to visit in Chennai with family, where a day out means spotting wildlife. Among all the tourist places to visit in Chennai, this one brings out the child in everyone.
Location: Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Vandalur, Tamil Nadu 600048
Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM
Time required: 3-4 hours
Entry fee: INR 50 (For Adults)
Sitting by the breezy shores of Besant Nagar, the Ashtalakshmi Temple feels calm the moment you step in. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight forms, it’s built in a unique tiered style that takes you through different shrines as you climb up. It’s one of those attractions in Chennai that feels both spiritual and refreshing, even if you are not deeply religious.
Location: Beach Rd, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090
Timings: 6:30 AM - 9 PM
Time required: 1 hour
Entry fee: NIL
9. Connemara Public Library
More than a library, this is a part of history. With grand wooden shelves and rare collections dating back centuries! Among all the unique places to visit in Chennai, it stands out because it comes with learning and heritage. This library is part of Chennai’s cultural identity, and you will often find students, researchers and curious travelers soaking up the atmosphere.
Location: 37C4+5PC, ., Pantheon Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008
Timings: 9 AM - 7:30 PM
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: NIL
If you and your gang are craving an adventure beyond the city, Kolli Hills is the perfect getaway. Just a few hours from Chennai, this hill station is all about winding ghat roads, misty viewpoints, and the kind of landscapes that let you have the best views. It’s one of the best places to visit in Chennai with friends when you want to swap malls and coffee shops for fresh air and road trip vibes.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Best time: March-June, August-December
Time required: 2 days
Entry fee: NIL
Calmer than Marina and loved by locals, Elliot’s Beach is where Chennai slows down. It’s perfect for evening strolls, watching the waves, or grabbing street snacks after sunset. The vibe here is friendly and relaxed, more about conversations and long walks than crowds and chaos.
That’s why it’s counted among the famous places to visit in Chennai, not just for seaside charm but for the easygoing energy that makes you feel amazing.
Location: Tamil Nadu
Timings: Any time of the day
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: NIL
Looking for sun, sand and a little splash of fun? VGP Golden Beach is the spot. Part of the popular VGP Universal Kingdom Amusement Park, this beach comes with natural beauty and adventure. No wonder it’s one of the favourite places to visit in Chennai with friends, perfect for weekend escapes, group selfies and a day full of laughter by the sea.
Location: W774+QGX, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115
Timings: Throughout the day
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: NIL
Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the iconic Vivekananda House is more than just a pretty pink landmark, it’s a place that carries stories. Swami Vivekananda stayed here in 1897 after his historic speech in Chicago and today the house serves as a museum showcasing his life, teachings and India’s spiritual side. Among the many top attractions in Chennai, this one stands out for its mix of history, architecture and inspiration.
Location: 26WX+96M, Marina Beach Road, Teynampet, Marina Beach, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
Timings: 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Time required: 1 hour
Entry fee: INR 20
If you are after a beach that’s calm, clean and a little off the tourist radar, Akkarai Beach is the one. Tucked away along East Coast Road, it’s known for the golden sands, gentle waves, and peaceful vibe. That’s why it’s often listed among the best places to visit in Chennai if you are craving some space away from the crowd. And with its dreamy sunsets and cool breeze, it’s easily one of the loveliest places to visit in Chennai in evening.
Location: Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119
Timings: Throughout the day
Time required: 1-2 hours
Entry fee: NIL
15. Dakshinachitra Museum
The Dakshinachitra Museum is like a window into South India’s culture - with traditional homes, crafts and folk art all in one place. Perfect for those short on time, it’s one of the best places to visit in Chennai in one day, where you can experience the charm of Tamil, Kerala and Andhra traditions without leaving the city. More than just exhibits, it feels alive with performances, artisands and stories, making it one of the most memorable tourist places to visit in Chennai.
Location: State Highway 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603112
Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM
Time required: 2-3 hours
Entry fee: INR 100-120
Suggested read: Things to do in Tamil Nadu
16. Santhome Cathedral Basilica
Built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica is not just a church but a piece of living history. Its white neo-gothic spires, stained glass and peaceful interiors make it both grand and grounding at the same time. It is among the many landmarks in the city, this stands out as one of the truly unique places to visit in Chennai, with faith, history and beauty in a way few sites can.
Location: 38, Santhome High Rd, Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM
Time required: 1 hour
Entry fee: NIL
17. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
If you thought Chennai was only about temples and beaches, the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust will surprise you. Home to hundreds of crocodiles, alligators, and even turtles, this conservation center feels more like a wild adventure than a zoo. Counted among the top attractions in Chennai, the Crocodile Bank is not just about watching reptiles, but also about learning how they are protected and cared for.
Location: no 4, Post bag, Post Bag No 4, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Time required: 2-3 hours
Entry fee: INR 60 (Adults)
When it comes to fun and thrill, MGM Dizee World is where Chennai shows off its playful side. One of the largest amusement parks in the city, it’s packed with roller coasters, water rides and entertainment for all ages. That’s why it’s always counted among the most popular tourist places to visit in Chennai, and if you are looking for exciting places to visit in Chennai with friends, nothing beats an amusement park filled with laughter, adventure and just the right amount of madness.
Location: 1/74, East Coast Rd, Muthukadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603112
Timings: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Time required: 4-5 hours
Entry fee: INR 699 For adults
For those who love quiet corners by the sea, Nettukuppam is a hidden gem on the northern edge of Chennai. Known for its long, broken pier that stretches into the Bay of Bengal, it’s the kind of place where you can sit for hours, watching waves crash and fishermen go about their day. It’s one of those lesser-known tourist places to visit in Chennai that feels raw, unpolished and real - perfect if you are chasing moments away from the usual crowd.
Location: 68MH+8X, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600057
Timings: Throughout the day
Time required: 3-4 hours
Entry fee: NIL
