India

Chennai

Chennai blends colonial heritage, temple bells and long Marina sands.

Local time: UTC+5:30
Population: 11.5M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Very cheap

Food$$$$$About $9 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $36 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $1.3 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇮🇳 INR =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

MAAChennai International AirportMain gateway, about 15-19 km south-west of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Suburban trainChennai Park / Egmore / Central	₹5-70	25-40 min
Cheapest option; Tirusulam station is across the road from Terminal 2.
Metro Blue LineMGR Chennai Central	₹10-60	30-45 min
Fast and air-conditioned; baggage is screened.
Uber / OlaCity centre	₹300-500	30-50 min
Usually cheaper than prepaid taxis; book by app.
Prepaid taxiCentral business district	₹500-700	30-50 min
Fast Track has the best reputation; avoid old yellow-top cabs.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Chennai

Getting around

Metro for the airport and main stations; Ola or Uber for everything else.

Metro ★Blue and Green lines link the airport, Alandur and MGR Chennai Central. Fares ₹10–60. A one-day Tourist Travel Card costs ₹100, with ₹50 refunded on return.
BusMTC city buses are very cheap, roughly ₹4–30; deluxe and AC buses cost more. Daily and weekly passes cost about ₹50 and ₹300 on normal and deluxe routes.
Taxi / ride apps ★Ola and Uber work well and are usually cheaper than prepaid taxis. Autos use meters or you negotiate the fare first.
TrainSuburban trains are fast and cheap, from ₹5. Buy first class at peak times.
Rental carNot a common choice for visitors; traffic is heavy. Use apps and the metro instead.
WalkingGood in Mylapore lanes and around markets in the cooler months. Hot and humid most of the year; take shade and water.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, as Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome and the fort area fit into one day.

Best for

CultureKapaleeshwarar temple, San Thome and the Mylapore lanes.
FoodFilter coffee, dosas and Chettinad heat.

Weather by month

28°22°Jan🌧 6d

30°22°Feb🌧 1d

32°24°Mar🌧 2d

34°27°Apr🌧 3d

35°28°May🌧 6d

35°28°Jun🌧 12d

34°27°Jul🌧 17d

33°26°Aug🌧 19d

32°26°Sep🌧 20d

31°25°Oct🌧 20d

29°24°Nov🌧 21d

28°23°Dec🌧 12d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Tropical and hot all year, with a wet northeast-monsoon season from roughly October to December.

Best time: December to FebruaryHighs around 28–30°C and few rain days. Ideal for temples, markets and the beach.
Hot season April to JuneHighs of 34–35°C with high humidity. Sightsee early morning and evening; stay in shade at midday.
Monsoon October to DecemberUp to about 20 rain days a month. Rain can be heavy and cause local flooding; keep plans flexible.
Carry an umbrella May to DecemberRain days rise from about 6 in May to a peak near 21 in November. Short, sharp showers are common.
Humid near the coastSea breezes help at Marina and Elliot's Beach, but it stays muggy most of the year. Drink water often.
What to packLight cotton clothes, a hat and sunscreen; a light rain jacket or umbrella; modest clothing for temples (shoulders and knees covered).

Landmarks 12

Must-see · 6

1
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
A classic Dravidian temple with a towering gopuram and lively rituals, it is Chennai's most iconic sight. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds; dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and leave shoes at the entrance.
2
Marina Beach
One of the longest urban beaches in the world, it is the city's social heart and a must for sunset strolls. Go in the evening when locals gather; swimming is not advised due to strong currents.
3
Fort St. George
The first English fortress in India, now housing a museum and colonial-era buildings. It is closed on Fridays; allow an hour to explore the museum and ramparts.
4
San Thome Basilica
A striking white neo-Gothic basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, a key Christian pilgrimage site. Open daily; dress respectfully and visit the small museum.
5
Government Museum Chennai
One of India's oldest museums, with a renowned bronze gallery and archaeological finds. Closed on Fridays; the bronze collection is a highlight.
6
Valluvar Kottam
A memorial to the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, featuring a massive stone chariot and an auditorium. Best visited in the cooler evening; combine with a trip to nearby Mylapore.

Cultural

Modern History 1

Museum 1

Hindu 1

Christian 1

Statue 1

Natural

Beach 1

Activities

Amusement Park 6

Day trips from Chennai

Tirupati · 3 h 10 by train

★★★★★ · Full day · 136 km from Chennai

Best way: The direct train takes about 3h 10m, and a local bus or taxi covers the last leg up to Tirumala.

Take a direct train from Chennai Central or Egmore to Tirupati in about 3 hours, then a local bus or taxi up the hill to Tirumala for the main temple, which is about 25 km from the town.

Train ★3 h 10 · from $1-$13
Bus3 h 40
Car1 h 45 · taxi ≈ 2,490 INR

What to see

Sri Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala
Tirupati town temples
Kapila Theertham waterfall
Tirumala hilltop views

Good to know

The main temple at Tirumala draws huge crowds, so book darshan slots online in advance where possible.
Queues can take many hours at peak times, so allow a full day for the round trip.

Puducherry · 3 h 35 by bus

★★★★☆ · Full day · 150 km from Chennai

Best way: The bus takes about 3h 35m versus about 4h 5m by train, and frequent express buses leave from Koyambedu.

Direct trains run from Chennai Egmore to Puducherry in about 3 to 4 hours, and frequent express buses from Koyambedu take a similar time; the French Quarter is a short walk or auto ride from the bus stand.

Train4 h 05 · from $1-$15
Bus ★3 h 35 · from $4-$15
Car2 h 30 · taxi ≈ 2,740 INR

What to see

Promenade beach
French Quarter streets
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Paradise Beach by boat

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

The French Quarter is best explored on foot in the early morning or evening.
Plan a full day or more if you want to combine the French Quarter with the beaches and the Auroville area.

Kanchipuram · 1 h 40 by bus

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 77 km from Chennai

Best way: The bus takes about 1h 40m versus about 2h 39m by train, and it runs frequently from Koyambedu.

Take a train from Chennai Egmore or Chennai Beach toward Kanchipuram Road station, or a frequent bus from Koyambedu; temples are a short auto ride from the station or bus stand.

Train2 h 39 · from $1-$12
Bus ★1 h 40 · from $3-$29
Car1 h 00 · taxi ≈ 1,430 INR

What to see

Kailasanathar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple
Kamakshi Amman Temple
Silk weaving workshops

Good to know

Known for its temples and handwoven silk saris, with weaving workshops and shops in town.
Many temples close for a midday break, so plan visits for morning or late afternoon.

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Chennai rewards visitors with grand temples, colonial architecture, fiery South Indian food and a lively beachfront. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One packed day of temples, churches and Mylapore lanes, all close together.

Stay: Mylapore. Old-quarter lanes, the big temple and San Thome basilica on foot; good for culture and food walks.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 499

Day 1

Mylapore morning, Egmore afternoon

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 499

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:00–07:45 · Free to browse

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Flowers and vegetables at their busiest. Go early before the heat.

Open Early morning to around midday
2

08:00–09:00 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Dress modestly and remove shoes.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
Taxi · 167 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 50
3

09:15–10:45 · Free · self-guided

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

Wander the lanes around the temple at your own pace.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 1290 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 63
4

11:00–11:45 · Free entry

San Thome Basilica

Short auto ride away. Quiet and cool inside.

Open Usually around 06:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ INR 115
5

12:30–13:30 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Lunch. A thali or banana-leaf meal is the easy choice.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ INR 127
6

15:00–17:00 · Small entry fee · check on the day

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Taxi to Egmore. Usually closed Friday, so check on the day.

Open Usually closed Friday · check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ INR 144

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

Our pick for first-timers: Mylapore's temple, basilica and lanes in one compact day.

Stay: Mylapore. Old-quarter lanes, the big temple and San Thome basilica on foot; good for culture and food walks.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 758
Hotel: INR 2,500–9,000

Day 1

Arrive and walk Mylapore

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 324

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

16:00–17:00 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Evening puja is the liveliest time. Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
Taxi · 167 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 50
2

17:15–18:45 · Free · self-guided

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

Wander the lanes around the temple tank. Daylight only.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 1290 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 63
3

19:00–19:45 · Free entry

San Thome Basilica

Short ride south. Usually open until around 20:00, so check on the day.

Open Usually around 06:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ INR 115
4

20:15–21:15 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Dinner nearby. Filter coffee to finish.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 95

Day 2

Market, museum and Marina sunset

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 434

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:30–08:15 · Free to browse

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Flowers and vegetables at their best early. Go before the heat.

Open Early morning to around midday
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ INR 143
2

10:00–12:00 · Small entry fee · check on the day

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

About 20 minutes by taxi to Egmore. Usually closed Friday.

Open Usually closed Friday · check on the day
Taxi · 1120 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 60
3

12:15–13:15 · Free · self-guided

Egmore heritage walk

Colonial streets nearby. Skip in heavy rain.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ INR 125
4

17:30–18:15 · Free

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Head back to the coast for sunset. Swimming is not advised.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ INR 107

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

A short eating-focused stay: markets, a proper South Indian lunch and an evening stroll.

Stay: T. Nagar. Shopping heart: silk sarees, jewellery and street markets; busy and loud but handy.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 910
Hotel: INR 2,200–8,000

Day 1

Arrive, market and a big lunch

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 513

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ INR 138
1

08:00–08:45 · Free to browse

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Early morning is coolest and busiest. Bring small cash.

Open Early morning to around midday
Taxi · 237 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 50
2

09:00–10:30 · Free · self-guided

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

Build an appetite through the lanes. Look for coffee stalls.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 93
3

12:30–13:30 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Lunch is the main meal. Expect a thali or banana-leaf service.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 96
4

16:30–17:30 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Evening puja. Remove shoes before entering.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ INR 137

Day 2

T. Nagar shopping and sunset

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 397

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · Free to browse

T. Nagar shopping streets

Weekday is calmer. Shops usually open around 10:00.

Open Shops usually around 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ INR 158
2

12:30–13:30 · Free · self-guided

Anna Salai and Mount Road walk

Short ride north. Grab a snack on the way.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 1390 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ INR 65
3

17:30–18:15 · Free

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Sunset over the bay. Snacks from the stalls, but choose busy ones.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 7 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ INR 174

1 night · Beach ★ Recommended length

Sea air and sunsets: Marina on arrival, a slow coastal morning before you fly.

Stay: Mylapore. Old-quarter lanes, the big temple and San Thome basilica on foot; good for culture and food walks.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 620
Hotel: INR 2,500–9,000

Day 1

Arrive and Marina sunset

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 379

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 95
1

16:30–18:00 · Free

Marina Beach

Late afternoon is cooler. The current is strong, so stay on the sand.

Open Always open · swimming not advised
Taxi · 756 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ INR 54
2

18:00–18:45 · Free

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Walk the promenade as the sun goes down.

Open Always open
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ INR 136
3

19:15–20:15 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Dinner near Mylapore.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 95

Day 2

Mylapore morning, then coast

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 242

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:00–08:00 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Quiet early. Check the day's timings at the gate.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
Taxi · 1127 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 60
2

08:30–09:15 · Free entry

San Thome Basilica

A short ride away. Usually open from around 06:00.

Open Usually around 06:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ INR 87
3

10:00–11:00 · Free

Marina Beach

One last walk before you leave. Shade is limited, so bring a hat.

Open Always open · swimming not advised
Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 95

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want temples, colonial streets and the Mylapore lanes at an easy pace.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 806

Day 1

Mylapore: temple, market and basilica

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 358

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:00–08:00 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Go early for fewer crowds and cooler air. Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
2

08:15–09:00 · Free to browse

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Five minutes on foot. Flowers and vegetables are best before midday.

Open Early morning to around midday
Taxi · 237 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 50
3

09:15–10:45 · Free · self-guided

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

Wander the lanes around the temple tank. Carry water.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 93
4

13:00–14:00 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Lunch: a thali or dosas. Many places are busy around 13:00.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ INR 115
5

15:30–16:15 · Free entry

San Thome Basilica

About 10 minutes by auto. Quiet in the afternoon.

Open Usually around 06:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ INR 100
6

17:30–18:15 · Free

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Walk the promenade to the beach for sunset. Do not swim.

Open Always open

Day 2

Egmore museum, then T. Nagar

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 447

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · Small entry fee · check on the day

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Usually closed Friday. Check on the day. Allow more time for the bronze gallery.

Open Usually closed Friday · check on the day
Taxi · 1120 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 60
2

12:15–13:15 · Free · self-guided

Egmore heritage walk

Colonial buildings nearby. Daylight hours only.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ INR 147
3

13:30–14:30 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Lunch near Egmore, then a short auto ride to T. Nagar.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ INR 82
4

15:00–17:00 · Free to browse

T. Nagar shopping streets

Silks and jewellery. Weekday afternoons are calmer.

Open Shops usually around 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ INR 158
5

17:30–18:30 · Free · self-guided

Anna Salai and Mount Road walk

Evening stroll along Mount Road. Watch traffic.

Open Daylight hours

2 nights · Food

Eaters who want filter coffee, dosas and a market breakfast, with culture in between meals.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 717

Day 1

Market breakfast and Mylapore

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 350

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:30–08:15 · Free to browse

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Come early for the freshest produce and flower stalls.

Open Early morning to around midday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 96
2

08:30–09:30 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Breakfast: idli, vada and filter coffee nearby.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ INR 96
3

10:00–11:00 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Temple is usually open mornings. Check on the day.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
Taxi · 167 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ INR 50
4

11:15–12:45 · Free · self-guided

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

Walk off breakfast through the old lanes.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ INR 108
5

17:30–18:15 · Free

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Sunset, then snacks from the beach stalls. Choose busy stalls.

Open Always open

Day 2

Egmore and T. Nagar eating

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 367

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · Small entry fee · check on the day

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Usually closed Friday. Check on the day.

Open Usually closed Friday · check on the day
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 21 min · ≈ INR 127
2

13:00–14:00 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Lunch: try a Chettinad dish if you like heat.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ INR 82
3

15:00–17:00 · Free to browse

T. Nagar shopping streets

Shops usually open around 10:00–21:00. Good for spice and snack shopping.

Open Shops usually around 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ INR 158
4

17:30–18:30 · Free · self-guided

Anna Salai and Mount Road walk

Evening walk, then dinner on or near Mount Road.

Open Daylight hours

2 nights · Beach

A relaxed trip built around Marina sunsets, with temple and market time nearby.

Tickets & tours: ≈ INR 0
Taxis: ≈ INR 494

Day 1

Marina and Mylapore

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 189

1

16:00–17:30 · Free

Marina Beach

Late afternoon is cooler. Swimming is not advised.

Open Always open · swimming not advised
Taxi · 756 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ INR 54
2

17:45–18:30 · Free

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Stay on the promenade for sunset.

Open Always open
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ INR 136
3

19:00–20:00 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Dinner nearby in Mylapore.

Open Lunch and dinner hours

Day 2

Temple morning, beach evening

Tickets ≈ INR 0 pp · taxis ≈ INR 304

1

07:00–08:00 · Free entry

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Early morning is calmest. Check hours on the day.

Open Roughly 05:30–12:00 and 16:00–21:30 · check on the day
2

08:15–09:00 · Free to browse

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Short walk from the temple.

Open Early morning to around midday
Taxi · 1083 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ INR 59
3

10:00–10:45 · Free entry

San Thome Basilica

About 10 minutes by auto.

Open Usually around 06:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ INR 115
4

13:00–14:00 · Budget to mid-range · check on the day

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Lunch, then rest through the hottest hours.

Open Lunch and dinner hours
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ INR 129
5

16:30–18:00 · Free

Marina Beach

Second beach visit for the breeze and snacks.

Open Always open · swimming not advised

Swap in instead

Add a half-day south to Mahabalipuram for the shore temple and rock carvings; check bus or taxi times on the day.
Swap one city afternoon for the Theosophical Society gardens and Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar.
History fans can add Fort St George and the museum inside; check opening days before you go.

Getting around

Chennai Metro Blue and Green lines link the airport, Alandur and MGR Chennai Central; fares run ₹10-60.
A one-day Tourist Travel Card costs ₹100, with ₹50 refunded on return.
MTC city buses are very cheap, roughly ₹4-30; deluxe and AC buses cost more.
Daily and weekly bus passes cost about ₹50 and ₹300 on normal and deluxe routes.
Suburban trains are fast and cheap, from ₹5; buy first class at peak times.
Ola and Uber work well and are usually cheaper than prepaid taxis; autos use meters or negotiate.

Where to stay

Mylapore · ≈ INR 2,500–9,000 a night
Old-quarter lanes, the big temple and San Thome basilica on foot; good for culture and food walks.
Egmore · ≈ INR 2,000–7,000 a night
Central and well connected: Egmore station, the museum and easy buses to most sights.
T. Nagar · ≈ INR 2,200–8,000 a night
Shopping heart: silk sarees, jewellery and street markets; busy and loud but handy.
Anna Salai · ≈ INR 3,000–11,000 a night
Main artery with business hotels and metro stops; a short ride to Marina Beach and the fort area.

Food & drink

Start with a South Indian breakfast: idli, vada and dosa with sambar and coconut chutney. Cheap and everywhere.
Drink filter coffee in a small café or from a street stall. Order it 'strong' if you like it punchy.
Try Chettinad dishes (peppery chicken or mutton) for a hotter, deeper flavour than most Indian food you know.
Seafood is good near the coast; ask what is fresh that day and agree the price before ordering.
Vegetarian thali on a banana leaf at lunch is great value. Eat with your right hand; many places are pure veg.

Tips

Marina Beach is the second longest urban beach in the world, though swimming is generally prohibited due to strong undercurrents
The heat and humidity are oppressive year-round, peaking in May
South Indian filter coffee is exceptional and a local cultural staple
Dress conservatively, as the city is more traditional than Mumbai or Delhi
Try authentic local dishes like idli, dosa, and Chettinad curries

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 4 landmark quests

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Fort St. George

Marina Beach

San Thome Basilica

See the main sights of Chennai with a guide
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
79 reviews · 4.8 rating

Hotel pickupHalf-day

Best of Chennai: Guided Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Pickup

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (79)

$53View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marina Beach

Explore the city on foot with a local guide
Visit temples and the beach up close
35 reviews · 4.4 rating

Walking tourBudget-friendly

Explore Chennai City: Guided Walking Tour on Foot

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (35)

$12View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Marina Beach

Taste 7+ street food specialties
Learn about local food culture from a guide
21 reviews · 4.6 rating

Food tastingSmall group

Flavors of Chennai: Guided 7+ Street Food Tasting Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (21)

$21View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Wander through bustling local markets
Experience everyday Chennai life with a guide
20 reviews · 4.7 rating

Market visitWalking tour

Exploring Chennai Bustling Markets: Guided Tour by Foot

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (20)

$12View tour

Souvenirs

Kanchipuram silk stole

INR 1500–40001 stole · estimate

A silk weave from Tamil Nadu, known for rich colors and gold borders. A stole is easier to carry home than a full sari.

Where: Poompuhar, Anna Salai

Choose a stole over a sari if you want something light and easy to pack.

Filter coffee

INR 300–600500 g · estimate

South Indian coffee brewed with a metal filter, often mixed with chicory. It is a daily drink across Chennai.

Where: Kumbakonam Degree Coffee shop

Check the chicory blend on the label before you buy, since the ratio changes the taste.

Flights

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eSIM

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1 GB3 days$4 USDSelect plan →Unlimited3 days$20.5 USDSelect plan →Unlimited10 days$46 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 3 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in ChennaiDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 12

Must-see · 6

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Marina Beach

Fort St. George

San Thome Basilica

Government Museum Chennai

Valluvar Kottam

Cultural

Modern History 1

Museum 1

Hindu 1

Christian 1

Statue 1

Natural

Beach 1

Activities

Amusement Park 6

Day trips from Chennai

Tirupati · 3 h 10 by train

What to see

Good to know

Puducherry · 3 h 35 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Kanchipuram · 1 h 40 by bus

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

San Thome Basilica

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

T. Nagar shopping streets

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

San Thome Basilica

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Marina Beach

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

San Thome Basilica

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Egmore heritage walk

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

T. Nagar shopping streets

Anna Salai and Mount Road walk

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Marina Beach

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

San Thome Basilica

Marina Beach

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Landmark quest

Mylapore flower and vegetable market

Mylapore neighbourhood walk

South Indian meal at a local restaurant

San Thome Basilica

Marina promenade sunset viewpoint

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

Egmore heritage walk