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Chennai

India

Pace: balanced Historic Bustling Cultural Spiritual
Ideal trip length
3 - 7 days
Busiest
Oct-Feb
Chennai
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Chennai

Book direct on our own Chennai hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Tropical
Languages
Tamil and English
Local currency
INR (INR)
Local time
(GMT+5)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Mylapore
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not mandatory, but appreciated for good service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Dosa Idli Filter Coffee Chettinad Chicken

When to visit Chennai

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, December Busiest: Oct-Feb
  1. Jan
    85

    Pleasant, dry

  2. Feb
    80

    Warm, dry

  3. Mar
    70

    Hot, dry

  4. Apr
    60

    Very hot, humid

  5. May
    55

    Hottest, humid

  6. Jun
    60

    Hot, pre-monsoon

  7. Jul
    65

    Warm, humid

  8. Aug
    70

    Warm, humid

  9. Sept
    75

    Warm, post-monsoon

  10. Oct
    80

    Pleasant, occasional rain

  11. Nov
    75

    Monsoon, wet

  12. Dec
    85

    Cool, pleasant

Things to do in Chennai

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Mylapore 1.5 hrs

Marvel at intricate Dravidian architecture and vibrant rituals.

Outdoors Good for children

Mylapore Heritage Walk

Mylapore 2.5 hrs

Wander through ancient streets, temples, and local markets.

Outdoors Good for children

San Thome Basilica

San Thome 1 hr

Visit a beautiful neo-Gothic church built over St. Thomas's tomb.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Government Museum

Egmore 3 hrs

Explore a vast collection of art, archaeology, and numismatics.

Indoors Good for children

DakshinaChitra

ECR 3.5 hrs

Discover South Indian heritage through traditional crafts and performances.

Outdoors Good for children

Phoenix Marketcity

Velachery 4 hrs

Shop for international brands and enjoy entertainment at a modern mall.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Marina Beach

Triplicane 2 hrs

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

Outdoors Good for children

Chennai itineraries

View All itineraries
First-timer highlights

3 Days in Chennai — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the vibrant soul of South India, from ancient temples to colonial legacies and bustling beaches.

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential highlights of Chennai. Explore its rich cultural heritage, iconic historical sites, and lively local scenes, offering a perfect blend of spirituality, art, and coastal charm. Get ready to dive into the heart of Tamil Nadu's capital.

3 Days 12 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Chennai

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Dosa 95 · Outstanding
Idli 87 · Outstanding
Filter Coffee 78 · Very good
Chettinad Chicken 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Kapaleeshwarar Temple 95 · Outstanding
Marina Beach 91 · Outstanding
Government Museum 87 · Outstanding
DakshinaChitra 83 · Very good
Mylapore Heritage Walk 78 · Very good
San Thome Basilica 74 · Good
Phoenix Marketcity 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Culture 89 · Outstanding
Budget 83 · Very good
Food 76 · Very good
Friends 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. 95 · Outstanding
Use ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber for convenient transport. 83 · Very good
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially during warmer months. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Chennai

Straight-line distance from the centre of Chennai.

Getaways from Chennai

Places people from Chennai travel to, from our own travel research.

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