Best Things to Do in Chennai: A Guide to Temples, Beaches, Cafés, and Culture

Former capital of the British Madras Presidency and the proud soul of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is a city where centuries-old Dravidian heritage coexists effortlessly with a thriving contemporary lifestyle. Far from just a transit hub, Chennai invites curious travelers and locals alike to slow down, listen to the crashing waves of the Bay of Bengal, and immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of history, coffee culture, and art.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or rediscovering your hometown, here are the best things to do in Chennai across its most vibrant neighbourhoods.

1. Wander Through the Sacred Streets of Mylapore

No trip to Chennai is complete without stepping into Mylapore, one of the city's oldest residential and cultural quarters. At its heart stands the magnificent Kapaleeshwarar Temple, an 8th-century Dravidian masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its towering 120-foot gopuram (gateway tower) is adorned with hundreds of hand-painted, vividly colorful deities and mythological figures.

After admiring the temple architecture, wander through the surrounding flower-lined lanes where vendors sell fresh jasmine strands.

• Where to eat: Mylapore is a paradise for traditional food lovers. Stop by Rayar's Mess or Mami Tiffin Stall for soft idlis and piping-hot vadai, grab crispy evening bajjis straight from the window sill at Jannal Kadai ("window shop"), and finish with a cold glass of scented rose milk at the legendary Kalathi Rose Milk Shop.

2. Soak in Coastal Breezes & Café Culture at Besant Nagar

While Marina Beach is Chennai's iconic 13-kilometer stretch of sand, head to Besant Nagar Beach (affectionately known as Bessie or Elliot's Beach) for a more relaxed coastal atmosphere. It is the perfect place for an early morning stroll along the promenade or an evening spent watching the waves near the Karl Schmidt Memorial.

Besant Nagar is also the epicenter of Chennai’s modern café scene. The tree-lined streets behind the beach are filled with charming eateries and trendy hangouts.

• Where to café hop: Treat yourself to rich desserts at Sandy's Chocolate Laboratory, grab an artisanal brew at Mud Koffee, or sample local street bites at Karol Bagh Chaatwala near the promenade.

3. Trace History at San Thome Basilica and Fort St. George

Chennai’s architectural landscape tells compelling stories of global trade routes and colonial histories. In Santhome, you will find the stunning Santhome Cathedral Basilica, a soaring white Neo-Gothic sanctuary built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle. It is one of only three churches worldwide constructed directly over the burial site of an Apostle of Jesus.

Further north along the coast lies Fort St. George, constructed by the British East India Company in 1640. Inside, the Fort Museum displays colonial-era weapons, coins, and portraits, offering a fascinating deep dive into the founding of modern Madras.

4. Experience Living Art at DakshinaChitra and Government Museum

For arts and culture enthusiasts, Chennai boasts world-class cultural spaces:

• Government Museum (Egmore): Established in 1851, this expansive museum complex houses an extraordinary collection of ancient Chola bronze sculptures, archaeological finds, and natural history exhibits.
• DakshinaChitra: Located along the scenic East Coast Road (ECR), DakshinaChitra is an open-air living history museum. It features 18 authentic heritage houses transplanted from across South India, offering live craft demonstrations, folk dance performances, and artisan workshops.

5. Immerse Yourself in the Margazhi Music Season

If you visit between December and January, you will experience Chennai's grandest cultural event: the Madras Music Season (Margazhi Utsavam). Recognized by UNESCO, this multi-week festival transforms the city into a global capital for Indian classical arts.

Over 500 sabhas (cultural halls)—such as The Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, and Krishna Gana Sabha—host thousands of Carnatic vocal concerts, instrumental performances, and Bharatanatyam recitals. Don't miss the famous sabha canteens, where concert-goers gather to debate music theory over gourmet traditional South Indian meals. Recent years have also seen vibrant inclusive music events like Margazhiyil Makkalisai, bringing folk music, Parai drumming, and indie rap to the festival spotlight.

Practical Tips for Visiting Chennai

• Getting Around: Chennai’s efficient Metro rail system connects major hubs like Chennai Central, Egmore, and Airport to key neighbourhoods. Auto-rickshaws and ride-hailing apps are ideal for shorter hops.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February brings cooler temperatures and pleasant coastal breezes, making outdoor sightseeing far more enjoyable.