Top Things to Do in Chennai: Food Walks, Surfing & Temple Hopping
Things to do in Chennai go far beyond ticking off tourist landmarks. This coastal city rewards curiosity, whether it’s through early-morning temple rituals, vibrant food walks, adrenaline-filled surf sessions, or slow evenings by the sea. From heritage lanes to buzzing beaches, Chennai blends tradition and modern energy in a way few Indian cities do.
This detailed Chennai travel guide covers the best things to do in Chennai, helping you experience the city like a local while still hitting its most iconic highlights.
In this Blog
Why Chennai Is a Must-Experience City
Chennai isn’t about rushing from one attraction to another. It’s about rhythm. The city unfolds through classical music drifting from sabhas, filter coffee conversations, bustling beaches, and centuries-old temples standing beside contemporary cafés.
Whether you’re planning a short weekend in Chennai or a longer cultural break, the variety of things to do in Chennai India makes it suitable for families, couples, solo travellers, and adventure seekers alike.
Best Things to Do in Chennai for First-Time Visitors
Start Your Day at Marina Beach
No list of things to see in Chennai begins anywhere else. Marina Beach is best experienced early morning, when walkers, yoga groups, and fishermen define the scene. This is also the ideal time for photography, making it one of the most popular Chennai photography spots.
This Marina Beach guide tip matters, mornings are calm, evenings are lively, and both offer completely different experiences.
Explore Ancient Temples in Chennai
Temple hopping is among the most culturally rich activities to do in Chennai. These temples are not just places of worship but living heritage sites.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore
- Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane
- Marundeeswarar Temple, Thiruvanmiyur
Visiting these sites offers insight into Chennai cultural sites and everyday local life.
Heritage Walks & Museums
Join a Heritage Walk in Chennai
A guided heritage walk Chennai experience through neighbourhoods like Mylapore or George Town reveals colonial architecture, old markets, and cultural stories that often go unnoticed.
This is one of the most immersive things to do in Chennai if you enjoy history without the formality of museums.
Visit Museums in Chennai
For those interested in art and history, museums are essential Chennai sightseeing stops. The Government Museum at Egmore and the National Art Gallery showcase archaeology, bronze sculptures, and regional art.
These museums are also ideal Chennai family activities, offering educational value without feeling overwhelming.
Food Walks & Culinary Experiences
Go on a Food Trail in Chennai
Food is at the heart of the city’s identity. A curated Food Trail Chennai experience introduces you to iconic South Indian flavours, from crisp dosas to seafood delicacies.
Must-try food experiences include:
- Traditional breakfast tiffins
- Filter coffee tastings
- Street snacks in Sowcarpet
Food walks easily rank among the best experiences Chennai has to offer.
Best Cafés in Chennai
Modern Chennai is also home to a thriving café culture. Converted heritage homes and contemporary cafés serve everything from artisanal coffee to fusion cuisine.
Exploring cafés is one of the more relaxed activities in Chennai, perfect for slow afternoons.
Adventure Activities in Chennai
Surfing & Water Sports
Few travellers realise that adventure activities in Chennai include surfing. Covelong Beach is the city’s surf hub, offering beginner-friendly lessons and calm winter waves.
Other beach activities in Chennai include:
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Beach yoga sessions
These experiences add excitement to traditional sightseeing plans.
Cycling & Nature Walks
Early morning cycling along East Coast Road or nature walks at Guindy National Park are refreshing activity places in Chennai for fitness enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Chennai for Families
Guindy National Park & Children’s Park
Located within the city, this green space offers a rare wildlife experience and is one of the most popular Chennai family activities.
Birla Planetarium
Educational yet entertaining, the planetarium is a favourite among families and school groups looking for interactive learning experiences.
Shopping & Local Markets
Shopping in Chennai
Shopping is among the most enjoyable things to do in Chennai, especially if you enjoy textiles and handicrafts. T. Nagar is famous for silk sarees, while street markets offer souvenirs and handmade items.
Shopping areas also double up as vibrant Chennai sightseeing zones.
Chennai Nightlife & Evening Experiences
Cultural Evenings
Chennai nightlife isn’t loud, it’s cultural. Classical music concerts, theatre performances, and dance shows dominate evening entertainment.
Beachside Cafés & Walks
Evenings at Besant Nagar or Thiruvanmiyur beaches offer relaxed vibes, making them some of the best things in Chennai for couples and friends.
Attractions Around Chennai for Short Trips
For those extending their stay, there are several attractions around Chennai worth exploring. Mahabalipuram, DakshinaChitra, and Covelong make excellent half-day or full-day excursions.
These trips add depth to your Chennai travel guide experience.
Where to Stay in Chennai
Choosing the right base enhances your experience. Central areas like Mylapore, Alwarpet, and Besant Nagar offer easy access to major attractions.
For travellers seeking space, privacy, and comfort, StayVista villas in Chennai provide premium stays ideal for families, couples, or longer visits, especially if you prefer quieter neighbourhoods.
Pérola Do Mar – Mahabalipuram, Chennai
Starry Deck, Chennai
Sample 2-Day Chennai Itinerary
Day 1:
Marina Beach, Fort St. George, museum visit, evening at Besant Nagar
Day 2:
Temple hopping in Mylapore, food walk, café hopping, shopping
This itinerary covers the best sightseeing in Chennai without feeling rushed.
FAQs: Things to Do in Chennai
The best things to do in Chennai include visiting Marina Beach, exploring temples, joining food walks, surfing at Covelong, and experiencing heritage walks.
Museums, Guindy National Park, Birla Planetarium, and beaches are ideal Chennai family activities.
Yes, Chennai offers surfing, kayaking, cycling, and nature walks, making it suitable for light adventure seekers.
Two to three days are sufficient to cover the major Chennai sightseeing spots and experiences comfortably.
Explore Things to Do in Chennai in a Unique Way
From food trails and temple hopping to surfing and heritage walks, things to do in Chennai are diverse, meaningful, and deeply rooted in culture. The city invites you to slow down, observe, and engage rather than rush.
Whether you’re planning a cultural escape, a family holiday, or a relaxed coastal break, Chennai delivers experiences that linger long after you leave.
Banner image credits: Arian Zwegers via Wikimedia Commons
