Chennai has emerged as one of the best locations for employment, and it is also one of the largest economic and educational hubs of South India. Hence, Chennai is becoming a popular destination among globetrotters, especially those who love to explore beaches in Tamilnadu, architecture, and museums.

So, if you are travelling to Chennai, take note of these top tourist places in Chennai.

Although there are multiple famous places in Tamilnadu (Chennai) for travelers to explore, here are the top spots –

1. Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a scenic urban beach along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai. This beach stretches about 13 kilometres, making it the longest urban natural beach in the nation.  Additionally, this place is fascinating in every sense with gorgeous palm trees and shimmering golden sand.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 24 hours
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Exploring the beach and shopping.
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

2. Breezy Beach

Breezy Beach is located in Chennai's tranquil and isolated Valmiki Nagar neighbourhood. It's the ideal destination for anyone seeking a quiet evening, as this place is smaller and is also comparatively less polluted. Most importantly, unlike other destinations, it is less frantic, and you will be surprised by its stunning sunsets.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 24 hours
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Explore the beach
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Zoological Park, one of Vandalur's most well-liked picnic areas, is a fantastic location to learn about the local flora and animals. This 1260-acre park, often referred to as Vandalur Zoo, houses approximately 138 variety of species.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Except Friday)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Exploring the museum
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

4. Marundeeswarar Temple

The beautiful Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur is the home to Lord Shiva, the temple's principal deity. This temple was constructed between the 7th and 8th centuries by the "Nayanars'' Appar and the Thirugnana Sambandar.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Exploring the temple
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

5. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is a famous monument that resembles a temple chariot and is created to honour poet Thiruvalluvar. Since its dedication in 1976, this monument has become one of the most popular nearby places in Chennai. Here, you can witness the 133 listed chapters of Thiruvalluvar’s well-known work.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year 
• Open Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Explore the architecture
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

6. Ashtalakshmi Temple

The Ashtalakshmi Temple is situated in proximity to the Besant beach on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This temple is the abode of the Hindu ``goddess of riches and knowledge". Regardless, the most intriguing feature of this place is the tranquillity of the temple complex, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Chennai.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Offer prayers and explore the architecture
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

7. Madras War Cemetery

Visit the Madras War Cemetery, which has a memorial stone honouring the 1000 soldiers who gave their lives in the Great War. Additionally, it also has the remains of nearly 855 Second World War martyrs.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM (Except Sunday)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Witness a piece of history
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

8. Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Santhome Cathedral is a historically significant place which was constructed by the Portuguese during the 14th and the 15th century A.D. Most importantly, People visit here for a glimpse of a map of South Asia from the 16th century. But, the Christians visit this location to participate in Mass.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Offer prayers and explore the architecture
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

9. Nettukuppam Beach

Nettukuppam is a tiny fishing village at the northernmost point of the city and is also one of the best offbeat must-visit places in Chennai. This place is especially for those who want to experience the surging sea up close and in peace and a tranquil time.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 24 hours
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3  hours
• Things to Do: Experience the placid sea
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

10. Royapuram Fishing Harbour

The Royapuram fishing harbour is one of Chennai's top tourist destinations for visitors who love taking breathtaking photos. This location, also referred to as the Kasimedu fishing harbour or the Chennai fishing harbour, is a popular tourist destination since it is a popular fishing area, and you can see different fish species here.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 24 hours
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Take photos and see fishes
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

11. Mylapore

If you want to experience Chennai's vibrant and rich culture, head towards Mylapore, which is considered Chennai's cultural centre. This place offers a wide variety of attractions, including stunning temples and wonderful South Indian cuisine.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 24 hours
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 4 to 5  hours
• Things to Do: Take photos, go shopping and taste foods
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

12. Government Museum, Chennai

The Government Museum, Chennai, is the second-oldest museum in the nation and was established in 1851. This place is one of the top tourist attractions in Chennai and was built in indo-gothic or colonial architecture, making it ideal for history lovers. This museum houses artwork by well-known European and Indian painters and also bronze idols.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Except Friday)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Exploring the museum
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

13. MGR Film City

The MGR Film city was founded in 1994 and is a relatively modern building run by the Tamil Nadu government in honour of MG Ramachandran. With its representations of religious locations, urban and rural settings, and beautiful gardens, this 70-acre attraction will take you to a dreamland.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3  hours
• Things to Do: Exploring the setting and meet some celebrities
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

14. Connemara Library

The Connemara Library, which was officially opened in 1896, is undoubtedly a noteworthy landmark in Chennai. It is also one of India's four National Depository Libraries, and it receives copies of every newspaper, book, and magazine published in India.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Sunday)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Read books, newspapers, magazines etc.
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

15. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

This is a place of scientific importance. In addition to being a reptile zoo, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust conducts herpetology research and works to preserve species. These species include the marsh crocodile, gharial, and the endangered saltwater crocodile.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Except Monday)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3  hours
• Things to Do: Learn about crocodiles, and see them in their natural habitat
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

16. Dakshinachitra Museum

Chennai's Dakshinachitra Museum is one of India's living history museums and one of the best tourist places in Chennai. This museum showcases examples of South Indian architecture, crafts, performing arts, and lifestyles. This place is also a great choice if you're looking for family-friendly attractions in Chennai because your kids will learn a lot here.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3  hours
• Things to Do: Explore the museum
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

17. Guindy National Park

Guindy National Park is a forest located on the grounds that were formerly a part of Raj Bhawan and IIT-Madras. It is home to about 300 different types of trees and plants, 150 different species of birds, and 15 different species of animals, reptiles, and amphibians. So, you can grab your binoculars and explore this national park if you enjoy birdwatching.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 to 3  hours
• Things to Do: See the flora and fauna
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

18. Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple, which is devoted to Lord Krishna, was constructed in the eighth century. This temple is home to Gajendra Varadaraja, Narasimha, Rama, Ranganatha, and Krishna, the five different manifestations of Lord Vishnu. Furthermore, if you wish to see the great ritual held in this temple, make sure to schedule your vacation during traditional festivals.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Offer prayers to the lord
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

19. Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium, situated in Kotturpuram, Chennai, hosts several cosmic performances and virtual solar system excursions. This place has 8 galleries, including ones for international dolls, energy, physical science, and life science.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 10 AM to 5:45 PM
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Learn about the solar system
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab

20. Swami Vivekananda’s House

The Vivekananda House, also known as The Ice House, is a museum and a place of pilgrimage for Swami Vivekananda's followers. After returning from the west, Swami Vivekananda spent a few of his last days here.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Open Hours: 10 AM to 12:30 PM; 3 PM to 7:15 PM (Except Monday)
• Ideal Vacation Duration: 1 to 2  hours
• Things to Do: Explore the museum
• How to Reach: Via bus, rail and cab