100 tips for your first trip to Chennai

Local Food & Must-Try Dishes

11. Saravana Bhavan -- Idli & Sambar
Go early morning (6--9 AM) to their T. Nagar or Mylapore outlets for melt-in-mouth idlis, spicy sambar, and classic filter coffee.12. Murugan Idli Shop -- Tamil Thali
Try their unlimited thali served on banana leaf, ghee pongal, and sweet panagam.13. Ratna Cafe -- Filter Coffee & Sambar Idli
Old-school cafe near Triplicane High Road; their sambar is poured generously and keeps coming!14. Anjappar -- Chettinad Chicken
Known for bold and spicy dishes; order Chicken Chukka and Nethili Fry (anchovy).15. Kothu Parotta at Buhari Hotel
Head to Anna Salai for the original, noisy, delicious kothu parotta.16. Sangeetha Veg -- Pongal & Tiffin
Try their Ven Pongal and Vada combo at breakfast; clean and consistent.17. The Marina -- Meen Kozhambu also known as Fish Curry
Upscale seafood restaurant with a great version of tangy Tamil fish curry.18. Mess-style Banana Leaf Meals -- Meals Ready, Mylapore
No-frills place but excellent sambar, rasam, poriyal, and curd rice.19. Grand Sweets & Snacks -- Sundal & Murukku
Famous Chennai sweet shop chain for traditional snacks, laddus, and thattam.20. Bombay Lassi - Badam Milk
Don't miss this tiny Egmore legend; their badam milk and kulfi are city-famous.21. Cream Stone -- Ice Cream Heaven
Visit the Nungambakkam outlet for custom ice cream combinations, Ferrero Rocher being a favourite.22. Adyar Bakery -- Puffs & Butter Biscuits
Classic bakery known for chicken puffs, honey cakes, and buttery cookies.23. Sri Krishna Sweets -- Mysurpa & Mixture
Their Mysurpa (a soft ghee-laden sweet) is melt-in-your-mouth. Good for gifting too.24. Kakada Ramprasad -- North Indian Chaat
Great veg restaurant in Sowcarpet, try the Raj Kachori and Dhokla.25. Mint Street Food Walk, Sowcarpet
Plan an evening food walk in this vibrant area -- try jalebis, chole bhature, and badam halwa.

Top Restaurants to Try

26. Ponnusamy
Legendary Chettinad joint; order mutton biryani and pepper chicken.27. Benjarong, Elegant Thai restaurant
On TTK Road, excellent service and ambience.28. The Marina
Best for seafood lovers; try prawn thokku and nethili fry.29. Toscano
Great for pizza, pasta, and a quiet date night at VR Chennai.30. Kaidi Kitchen - a Prison-themed restaurant
Where waiters dress like jailers. Vegetarian only.

Where to Stay in Chennai

31. ITC Grand Chola
Palatial interiors, multiple restaurants, and close to Guindy.32. Taj Club House
Central location near Express Avenue mall.33. The Park Chennai
Trendy, boutique hotel with rooftop bar.34. Park Hyatt Chennai
Elegant luxury; next to Guindy forest.35. The Leela Palace
Beachfront, opulent rooms and views of the Bay of Bengal.36. Radisson Blu, Egmore
Well-connected and family-friendly.37. FabHotels & OYO
Plenty of budget options, especially around T Nagar.38. Zostel Chennai
Backpacker hostel near airport; social vibe and clean dorms.39. Green Meadows Resort
Ethnic-style cottages near ECR, ideal for couples or families.40. Taj Fisherman's Cove
Located 40 mins away, a great beachside resort.

Shopping & Souvenirs in Chennai

41. T. Nagar -- Shopping Paradise
Chennai's busiest shopping district! Head to Pondy Bazaar and Ranganathan Street for everything from sarees and jewellery to street snacks. Visit during weekday mornings to avoid crowds.42. Pondy Bazaar -- Budget-Friendly Fashion & Footwear Great for trendy clothes, bags, footwear, and cosmetics. Explore both street stalls and AC shops like Naidu Hall and Big Bazaar.43. Express Avenue Mall
Modern shopping mall in Royapettah with brands like H&M, Levi's, MAC, and a huge food court. Also has an 8-screen cinema (Escape by SPI Cinemas).44. Phoenix MarketCity, Velachery
Chennai's largest premium mall with luxury brands (Zara, Sephora, Adidas Originals), gourmet food options, and live music events on weekends. Ideal for upscale shopping and nightlife.45. Shopping at Nalli Silks and RMKV Silks
Nalli and RMKV Silks both are iconic stores in T. Nagar known for authentic handwoven Kanjeevaram sarees in a range of styles and budgets. Staff are friendly and used to tourists.46. Poompuhar -- Handicrafts & Bronze Idols
A Tamil Nadu government-run shop on Mount Road (Anna Salai) selling bronze sculptures, Tanjore paintings, wood carvings, and traditional decor. Fixed price and great for souvenirs.47. Spencer Plaza -- Vintage Mall
One of India's oldest malls, filled with tiny shops selling leather bags, antiques, perfumes, and export-surplus clothing. Great for a quirky shopping experience.48. Jewelry shopping at GRT Jewellers or Prince Jewellery
Both offer exquisite South Indian temple jewellery -- think gold, rubies, and traditional motifs. Ideal for weddings or heirloom gifts.49. Buy South Indian Filter Coffee Powder (Leo Coffee)
At Leo Coffee in Mylapore or Narasu's at any department store. Look for blends like Peaberry or Plantation A. Ask for "degree coffee" roast.50. Shopping Tanjore Paintings & Thanjavur Dolls at Kalpadruma Handicrafts
Visit the Poompuhar shop or explore handmade art at DakshinaChitra's craft shops or Kalpadruma Handicrafts in Mylapore.

Transport & Local Commute

51. Use Uber/Ola for reliable cab services.52. Try Chennai Metro
Chennai metro trains pffer fast, air-conditioned and clean service.53. Auto-rickshaws are common, but always negotiate fare first.54. Download the Namma Auto app
For prepaid autos.55. Local buses
They are cheap but can be crowded.56. Rent a two-wheelerFor local exploration (if experienced).57. Use share autos for short distances at low costs.58. Avoid driving unless familiar with local traffic rules.59. Railway stations are busy -- plan well ahead of time.60. Carry exact change for local travel.

Cultural & Practical Tips

61. Dress modestly, especially while visiting temples.62. Remove your shoes at temples and some homes.63. Chennai can be hot -- carry sunscreen and a water bottle.64. Learn a few basic Tamil words, Like 'Vanakkam' meaning Hello, 'Nandri' meaning Thank you -- locals appreciate the effort.65. Chennai is safer than many metros, but always stay alert.66. The city is conservative yet warm -- be respectful.67. Carry an umbrella -- sun or sudden rain.68. Hydrate often, especially in the afternoon heat.69. Public smoking is not allowed -- look for designated areas.70. Use mineral water or boiled water to stay safe.

Cultural Experiences in Chennai

71. The Music Academy
Watch a Carnatic music concert especially during the December Music Season held every December--January, it's the heart of Chennai's classical music scene. Book early for big names in Carnatic music.72. Kalakshetra Foundation Set
Attend a Bharatanatyam performance at Kalakshetra Foundation Set in a serene coastal campus in Thiruvanmiyur, Kalakshetra offers dance and music performances, workshops, and open rehearsals. Check their website for schedules.73. Visit during Pongal Festival (Mid-Jan)
A harvest festival that brings kolams, bullock races, sugarcane, and traditional cooking to life. Local temples and homes will be festooned with decorations.74. Explore Kolam
Rangoli/Kolam art is drawn outside homes early in the morning. Wake up early and take a walk in residential areas like Mylapore or Triplicane to see intricate rice flour designs created by local women -- an age-old tradition.75. Mylapore Panguni Festival at Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Don't miss the Mylapore Panguni Festival (Usually March--April) Held at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, this is a vibrant 10-day chariot and float festival with processions, music, and street stalls.76. Observe a South Indian wedding If you get invited -- vibrant, musical, and steeped in tradition. Look for temples or marriage halls like Kalyana Mandapams in Mylapore or Kodambakkam for a glimpse if you're curious. Morning ceremonies, jasmine garlands, and nadaswaram music are a treat.77. Try banana leaf eating without cutlery
At places like Murugan Idli Shop or Hotel Saravana Bhavan You'll be served a variety of items---eat with your right hand, fold the leaf toward you when done (a sign of satisfaction).78. Learn the art of drinking filter coffee
Drinking filter coffeeFrom a tumbler-dabara watch locals expertly pour and sip at iconic joints like Ratna Cafe , Triplicane or Sangeetha
Try swirling and cooling it the traditional way!79. Take part in a Kolu (doll display)
During Navratri (Sept--Oct) Families and temples display tiered steps with dolls representing gods, saints, and social scenes. Visit neighborhoods like West Mambalam or Mylapore, where locals may happily invite you in.80. Visit a local fish market early morning
Kasimedu Fishing Harbour Great cultural exposure! Fishermen unload fresh catch as early as 5 AM. Watch the auction, bargaining, and fast-paced action. Be prepared for strong smells and a bit of chaos.

Wellness & Nature in Chennai

81. Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM)
Practice yoga at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) A globally respected yoga institution in Mandaveli offering classes, workshops, and teacher training. Best for therapeutic and traditional yoga in a peaceful setting. Book sessions in advance.82. Visit Guindy National Park
A rare forest reserve within city limits Located near the Raj Bhavan and IIT Madras, this is a biodiverse escape with blackbucks, spotted deer, and over 130 bird species. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.83. Walk along the Broken Bridge at sunrise
A peaceful spot at the Adyar estuary Although the bridge itself is not functional, it offers dramatic views of sunrise over the Bay of Bengal. Best accessed via Besant Nagar early in the morning for solitude and sea breeze.84. Chill at Besant Nagar Beach (Bessie)
In the evening its great for a casual stroll, beach snacks, or watching kids fly kites. Visit Eliots Beach nearby and dine at iconic eateries like Murugan Idli Shop.
Murugan Idli Shop85. Take a nature stroll in Semmozhi Poonga Botanical Garden
Located on Cathedral Road, it's a beautifully maintained garden with shaded paths, rare plants, and a peaceful lake. Open daily 10 AM to 7:30 PM (except Tuesdays).86. Visit Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur
One of the largest zoos in South Asia Located about 30 km from the city, it features safari rides and over 170 species of animals. Open 9 AM to 5 PM, closed on Tuesdays. Perfect for families.87. Spend quiet time at Huddleston Gardens, Theosophical Society
Adyar A serene 260-acre wooded space with banyan trees, meditation areas, and a library. Entry is free but note that it's closed on Sundays and public holidays.88. Try Ayurvedic massages
At local wellness spas like Ayush, Santhigiri, or Sowkhya Rejuvenate with Kerala-style therapies. Book a 60- or 90-minute session at wellness centres in T Nagar, Besant Nagar, or Nungambakkam.89. Visit Covelong Beach aka Kovalam
Just 40 km from Chennai for water sports Go surfing, kayaking, or windsurfing90. Explore Pulicat Lake
A paradise for birdwatchers Located about 60 km north of Chennai, this brackish lagoon is home to flamingos and over 100 bird species. Visit between October and February for peak birdwatching.

Smart Travel Tips

91. Chennai is hot & humid -- best to visit from Nov to Feb.92. Monsoon (Oct--Dec) can bring heavy rains -- pack accordingly.93. Bargain at local markets -- it's expected.94. Tip waiters and service staff 10% if not included.95. Most places accept UPI/credit cards, but carry some cash.96. Chennai is a cash-light city, but ATMs are everywhere.97. Respect local customs and avoid public displays of affection.98. Avoid street food with exposed ingredients to prevent stomach upset.99. Save location pins on Google Maps offline.100. Always ask locals -- they are friendly and happy to help.

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