Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Chennai Food and City Experience Itinerary

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Marina

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nair's Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Nair's Restaurant, famous for its crispy dosas and steaming filter coffee.
Located in the city centre, take a quick auto-rickshaw ride to reach Nair's.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marina Beach

Take a pleasant walk along Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, and enjoy the vibrancy of local life.
Head south from Nair's; it's a 10-minute drive to Marina Beach.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Murugan Idli Shop

Indulge in soft idlis and coconut chutney at The Murugan Idli Shop, a beloved local establishment.
A quick 15-minute drive from Marina Beach.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Experience the magnificent architecture of Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a significant pilgrimage site and a cultural heritage.
Just a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Murugan Idli.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Coffee at Sathyam Cinemas Café

Recharge with a cup of coffee and some sweet treats at the café located in Sathyam Cinemas.
A short 10-minute drive from Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
INR 200, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore the Government Museum

Wander through the artifacts and exhibits of art and archaeology at the Government Museum, showcasing Chennai's history.
Only a 20-minute journey from Sathyam Cinemas Café.
INR 15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Anna Nagar's BBQ Nation

Savour grilled delicacies and a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at the popular BBQ Nation.
30 minutes north from the museum by car.
INR 800, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 2: Heritage and Culture

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Dig into a delicious plate of pongal and vadas, complemented by their signature chutneys at Ratna Cafe.
Head to this famed eatery that’s a 15-minute drive from your hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit St. Thomas Mount

Climb to St. Thomas Mount for a panoramic view of the city and explore the picturesque church atop the hill.
A 20-minute ride from Ratna Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore San Thome Basilica

Next, visit the magnificent San Thome Basilica, known for its stunning neo-gothic architecture.
Just a 10-minute drive from St. Thomas Mount.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ponnusamy Hotel

Relish a traditional Chettinad meal comprising spicy curry, rice, and delicious desserts at Ponnusamy Hotel.
15 minutes south from San Thome Basilica.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Ashtalakshmi Temple

Marvel at the stunning architecture of Ashtalakshmi Temple located by the beach, dedicated to the goddesses of wealth.
A short 20-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Elliot's Beach

Take a relaxing stroll or simply unwind at the serene Elliot's Beach, away from the hustle of the city.
Just 5 minutes from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bessies

Enjoy some delectable seafood dishes and a lively vibe at the beachfront restaurant Bessies.
A 10-minute drive from Elliot's Beach.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 3: Markets and Shopping

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Amethyst Café

Savour a hearty breakfast with a variety of bakery items and a serene garden setting at Amethyst Café.
This charming café is a 20-minute drive from your hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the T Nagar Market

Dive into the bustling atmosphere of T Nagar, known for its vibrant textiles and gold jewellery shops.
A 10-minute ride from Amethyst Café.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aasai Restaurant

Experience an authentic South Indian thali with rich flavours at Aasai Restaurant.
A quick 5-minute drive from the market.
INR 350, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Pondy Bazaar

Explore the lively stalls at Pondy Bazaar, perfect for finding clothes, accessories and local snacks.
Just across the street from Aasai Restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Coffee Break at Cafe Coffee Day

Take a break at Cafe Coffee Day for a refreshing beverage and snack before continuing your day.
A short walk within Pondy Bazaar.
INR 150, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Visit the Chennai City Centre Mall

Head over to Chennai City Centre Mall for brand shopping and entertainment options.
A 15-minute drive from Pondy Bazaar.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

End your day with a splendid meal at The Spice Route, offering amazing pan-Asian cuisine.
A 20-minute drive from the mall.
INR 1200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai

Day 4: Art and Performance

Chennai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Koshy's Restaurant

Start your day at Koshy's, famous for its mouthwatering breakfast options, including pancakes and omelettes.
A 15-minute ride from your hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kalakshetra Foundation

Explore the rich cultural heritage of South India with a visit to the Kalakshetra Foundation, known for its classical dance forms.
A 30-minute drive from Koshy's.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Southern Spice

Savour some of the finest South Indian fare at the luxury dining spot, Southern Spice.
A 20-minute drive from Kalakshetra.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the National Art Gallery

Discover an impressive collection of Indian paintings at the National Art Gallery.
Drive 25 minutes to reach the gallery.
INR 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Rukmini Devi Museum

Next, visit the Rukmini Devi Museum to gain insights into Indian classical dance and arts.
Just around the corner from the National Art Gallery.
INR 30, 1 hour

5:00PM

Coffee at the Leela Palace

Relax with a luxurious evening coffee at the Leela Palace, surrounded by elegance.
A 15-minute drive from the museum.
INR 600, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Dakshin

Conclude your culinary journey in Chennai with a decadent South Indian feast at Dakshin, known for its traditional recipes.
End your trip with a 20-minute drive from the Leela Palace.
INR 2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chennai
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Chennai

Best India Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Chennai (late February)
Packing List
Chennai → Goa Road Trip (by car) — Oct 1–5, 2025
Packing List
Chennai Weather Guide: Seasons, Humidity & Monsoon Cycles
Weather Guide
Essential Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Chennai
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Chennai Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go