Chennai, the cultural capital of South India, is a city brimming with history, architecture, natural beauty, and modern-day vibrancy. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or with friends, Chennai offers a wide range of attractions for all types of travelers.

From beautiful beaches to ancient temples, and lush parks, here's a list of the top 20 must-visit places in Chennai that you can explore in 2025.

20 Must Visit Places in Chennai

1. Marina Beach – The Iconic Landmark

🌊 Why Visit?
One of the longest beaches in the world, perfect for a morning walk, sunset views, and street food.

📌 Details:

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Nearest Metro: Government Estate Metro Station

• Address: Marina Beach, Chennai

• Route: BMTC buses, cabs, or metro from anywhere in Chennai

• Restrictions: Swimming not allowed, avoid late-night visits

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple – A Spiritual Marvel

🛕 Why Visit?
A stunning Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricate carvings and a serene ambiance.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: Teynampet Metro Station

• Address: Mylapore, Chennai

• Route: Metro or local autos from any part of Chennai

• Restrictions: No photography inside sanctum

3. Santhome Cathedral Basilica – A Historical Gem

⛪ Why Visit?
A neo-Gothic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, offering historical and spiritual significance.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: Light House Metro Station

• Address: Santhome, Chennai

• Route: Cabs, autos, or metro from Marina Beach

• Restrictions: Maintain silence inside

4. Fort St. George – The First British Fortress in India

🏰 Why Visit?
A 17th-century British fort, now housing a museum showcasing colonial history and artifacts.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)

• Nearest Metro: High Court Metro Station

• Address: Rajaji Salai, Chennai

• Route: Metro or bus from any part of the city

• Restrictions: Photography restricted inside the museum

5. Elliot’s Beach – Peaceful Escape from the City

🏖 Why Visit?
A calm and less crowded beach, best for evening walks, cafes, and relaxation.

📌 Details:

• Timings: Open 24 hours

• Nearest Metro: Thiruvanmiyur Metro Station

• Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai

• Route: Cabs or BMTC buses from central Chennai

• Restrictions: No water sports available

6. Guindy National Park – A Green Retreat in the City

🌳 Why Visit?
One of the smallest national parks in India, home to spotted deer, blackbucks, and birds.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Nearest Metro: Guindy Metro Station

• Address: Sardar Patel Road, Chennai

• Route: Metro, bus, or cab from central Chennai

• Restrictions: No plastic allowed

7. Valluvar Kottam – Tribute to Tamil Literature

📝 Why Visit?
A monument honoring the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, featuring intricate stone inscriptions of his verses.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Nearest Metro: Nungambakkam Metro Station

• Address: Nungambakkam, Chennai

• Route: Metro, auto, or cab from T. Nagar

• Restrictions: No guided tours available

8. DakshinaChitra – A Cultural Living Museum

🎭 Why Visit?
Showcases South Indian heritage, crafts, and traditional houses from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Nearest Metro: None (Self-drive or cab recommended)

• Address: ECR Road, Chennai

• Route: Best accessed via cab from the city

• Restrictions: Entry fee applies

9. Theosophical Society – A Peaceful Nature Retreat

🌿 Why Visit?
A quiet spiritual center with rare trees, historic shrines, and meditation halls.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

• Nearest Metro: Adyar Metro Station

• Address: Adyar, Chennai

• Route: Metro, bus, or auto from anywhere in Chennai

• Restrictions: No loud noises or commercial photography allowed

10. Express Avenue Mall – A Shopper’s Paradise

🛍 Why Visit?
One of the largest malls in Chennai, offering international brands, food courts, and a multiplex.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: LIC Metro Station

• Address: Whites Road, Chennai

• Route: Metro, cab, or bus from any part of the city

• Restrictions: Paid parking available

11. Birla Planetarium – A Cosmic Experience

🔭 Why Visit?
Experience stunning space shows, astronomy exhibits, and interactive science displays.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM

• Nearest Metro: Little Mount Metro Station

• Address: Kotturpuram, Chennai

• Route: Metro, cab, or bus from Guindy or Adyar

• Restrictions: No photography inside planetarium

12. MGR Film City – A Tribute to Tamil Cinema

🎥 Why Visit?
Explore movie sets, film history exhibits, and a tribute to Tamil cinema legend MGR.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Nearest Metro: Guindy Metro Station

• Address: Taramani, Chennai

• Route: Cabs or metro from central Chennai

• Restrictions: Some areas may be closed for film shoots

13. Semmozhi Poonga – A Botanical Paradise

🌺 Why Visit?
A beautiful botanical garden with rare plants, fountains, and a relaxing atmosphere.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: AG-DMS Metro Station

• Address: Cathedral Road, Chennai

• Route: Metro, bus, or cab from T. Nagar

• Restrictions: No plucking of flowers

14. Ashtalakshmi Temple – The Unique Seaside Shrine

🛕 Why Visit?
A magnificent temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi’s eight forms, with panoramic sea views.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: Thiruvanmiyur Metro Station

• Address: Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai

• Route: Cabs or auto from Adyar

• Restrictions: No photography inside sanctum

15. Anna Centenary Library – A Haven for Book Lovers

📚 Why Visit?
One of Asia’s largest libraries, with millions of books, digital resources, and quiet reading areas.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: Little Mount Metro Station

• Address: Kotturpuram, Chennai

• Route: Metro, auto, or bus from Guindy

• Restrictions: Silence must be maintained inside

16. Madras War Cemetery – A Tribute to Heroes

⚔️ Why Visit?
A peaceful memorial site honoring soldiers from World War II, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Nearest Metro: Nanganallur Metro Station

• Address: Mount Poonamallee Road, Chennai

• Route: Cabs or bus from Guindy

• Restrictions: Respectful behavior is mandatory

17. Ripon Building – Colonial Architecture Marvel

🏛 Why Visit?
A stunning colonial-era building, now housing Chennai Corporation’s headquarters.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Limited access for visitors)

• Nearest Metro: Central Metro Station

• Address: Near Chennai Central Railway Station

• Route: Metro, bus, or auto from central Chennai

• Restrictions: Entry only with permission

18. Arignar Anna Zoological Park – The Largest Zoo in South India

🐘 Why Visit?
Home to over 170 species, including tigers, elephants, and exotic birds, spread across 1,500 acres.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Nearest Metro: None (Self-drive or cab recommended)

• Address: Vandalur, Chennai

• Route: Best reached via cab or local train to Vandalur station

• Restrictions: No outside food allowed

19. Thousand Lights Mosque – A Spiritual Landmark

🕌 Why Visit?
One of India’s largest mosques, famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: Thousand Lights Metro Station

• Address: Anna Salai, Chennai

• Route: Metro, cab, or bus from T. Nagar

• Restrictions: Modest dressing required

20. Royapuram Fishing Harbour – Authentic Local Experience

🎣 Why Visit?
A bustling fish market and harbor, offering a glimpse into Chennai’s coastal life and fresh seafood.

📌 Details:

• Timings: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Nearest Metro: High Court Metro Station

• Address: Royapuram, Chennai

• Route: Cabs, auto, or bus from central Chennai

• Restrictions: Strong fish smell, early morning visits recommended

Also Read:- 20 Must Visit Places in Hyderabad

FAQs – Must-Visit Places in Chennai

Q1: What are the best places to visit in Chennai for families?

Top family-friendly places include Marina Beach, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, DakshinaChitra Museum, and Valluvar Kottam.

Q2: What are some offbeat places to visit in Chennai?

Offbeat places include Kumaran Kundram, St. Thomas Mount, and the Theosophical Society.

Q3: What are the top cultural spots in Chennai?

Cultural hotspots include the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mahabalipuram, DakshinaChitra, and the Government Museum.

Q4: What are the best beaches in Chennai?

The best beaches include Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach, and Besant Nagar Beach.

Q5: What are budget-friendly places to visit in Chennai?

Budget-friendly attractions include the Government Museum, Valluvar Kottam, and Marina Beach.