Exciting things you must do in Chennai

Chennai or Namma Chennai as we speak is the cultural capital of South India. With a city packed with fascinating history, delicious food, entertainment & much more! Makes it the best place to spend a day with exciting things to do in Chennai. Once you start exploring, you will find Chennai is more than just its temples and beaches.

Things2do has curated a list of places you must see, fun activities you must try and what you must eat in Chennai –

1Visit the Kapaleeshwarar Temple 

If you are an art lover you must visit this place. Religious or not, the Kapaleeshwarar temple in Mylapore, a 300-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most impressive sacred places in Chennai with the most intricate Dravidian architecture. The colourful Gopurams and mandapam enhance the absolute beauty of the temple, making it quite instagrammable, The temple signifies the rich culture and heritage of the city, so be sure to visit here when around! 

Location Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore

Timings 05:00 am – 11:00 am; 04:00 pm – 09:30 pm

2Catch the Beauty of Valluvar Kottam 

A scenic beauty that can’t be missed in Nungambakkam is our Valluvar Kottam, one of the important sites of Chennai was built to honour the Tamil poet and saint Thiruvalluvar who wrote Thirukkural. A unique feature of the Valluvar Kottam is that it stands baseless, without the support of any pillar. The 1330 verses of Thirukkural are engraved on the granite columns in the facade hall corridors. The best time to visit the site is evenings, with the perfect golden hour, you’d have a perfect evening stroll in the city! 

Location Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam

Timings 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

3Spend a Day at the Government Museum of Chennai 

It is said that “The more art you see, the more you’ll learn to define your own taste”, and we believe it to be quite true, The Government Museum of Chennai also known as Madras Museum was established in 1851, factually being second oldest museum of India (after Kolkata’s Indian Museum). As a rich repository of the finest masterpieces of art, archaeology, anthropology, numismatics and much more, the Madras Museum is a treasure in itself. It is a famous tourist attraction as well. 

Location Pantheon Road, Egmore 

Timings 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

4Enjoy your evenings at Marina Beach 

If you’re in Chennai you must visit Marina beach, it is India’s longest beach and the second-longest in the world. Marina Beach is also known as the ride of Chennai. Here you can Enjoy the scenic view from the lighthouse across the beach. Experience the best sunrises at Marina, dip your feet in the sea, and chase the waves as you live your ‘Dear Zindagi’ moments! Don’t forget to try the typical local street food Sundal, you’d find yourself in a very peaceful space at the beach.

Location Marina Beach 

Timings 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm 

5Street Shopping at T. Nagar 

If you’re in Chennai you must shop for silk sarees. Head to T. Nagar for shopping the most authentic and traditional silks. But don’t forget to use your bargaining skills and buy the best silk sarees and accessories. The market is a heaven for shopaholics and hence is quite popular among tourists. T Nagar is also known for its street shopping, as you’ll find hawkers on every pavement selling almost everything you would want to buy. 

Location: T. Nagar 

Timing: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

6Experience the best Filter Coffee in Chennai 

Filter Coffee is an emotion, and there is no arguing about it! The rich flavours and uniqueness of a simple filter coffee is the best part of the city! So when in Chennai, you MUST try the filter coffee! Every coffee lover will agree that filter coffee is the best out of all the different types of coffee. Vivekanand coffee house in Mylapore serves one of the best filter coffees in Chennai.

Location Vivekanand Coffee House, Sivaji st, T.Nagar

Timing 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

7Best of Authentic South Indian Food 

Authentic, soulful, and full of flavours south Indian cuisine for you to try! Chennai is known for its food. You must try the very famous ghee roast, Idli vada at Sarvana Bhavan in Egmore. Indulge in thalis, traditional dosas and meals at legendary eateries like Nair’s mess, Ratna cafe or Thambi Vilas. Also, don’t forget to try Biryanis, wholesome thalis, south Indian breakfast and much more in Chennai.  

There are many things that make Chennai popular. But, the things mentioned above are the top reasons why this beautiful city never fails to amaze anyone. Whether you have always lived in the city, or new to it, there is something everyone can relate to the city, its culture and tradition and emotions. To know more about Chennai follow us on Instagram @things2doinchennai and Youtube for regular updates!

by Komal Bhui

Content Writer at Things2do