Unmissable 3-Day Chennai Itinerary: Explore Culture, Cuisine, and Heritage

Day 1: Beach and History

Chennai, India on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Saravana Bhavan

Enjoy a classic South Indian breakfast of idlis, dosas, and filter coffee at this famous vegetarian restaurant open from 6am to 10pm.
INR250, 1h

9:00am

Marina Beach

Start your day with a walk along the world's second longest urban beach. The morning is perfect for a peaceful stroll and catching local scenes of fishermen and vendors.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Fort St. George

Explore the historic fort established by the British in 1644, now housing a museum that showcases Chennai’s colonial history. Open from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
INR15, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Marina

Dine on authentic Tamil seafood specialties right by Marina Beach. The restaurant is open from 12pm to 11pm and offers a great ocean view.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Napier Museum and Promenade Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade and visit nearby cultural landmarks, soaking in local art and architecture.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant

Savour the famous Chettinad cuisine with its bold spices and flavours in this popular Chennai eatery open till 11pm.
INR500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Temples and Art

Chennai, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ratna Cafe

Try their renowned idli and sambar to start your day authentically. Open from 6am to 11am daily.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Visit this ancient 7th-century Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prime example of Tamil architecture and spirituality. Open from 6am to 12pm and 4pm to 8:30pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Government Museum, Chennai

Explore South India’s oldest museum featuring archeological finds, art, and bronzes. Open from 9:30am to 5pm.
INR15, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Buhari Hotel

Enjoy a mix of North and South Indian dishes including their famous biryani. Open from 11am to 10:30pm.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Arulmigu Parthasarathy Temple

Visit this historic temple in Triplicane dedicated to Lord Krishna, rich in mythological history and stunning carvings.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel

Indulge in refined traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine in an elegant setting open till 11pm.
INR1500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Heritage and Culture

Chennai, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Grab a quick coffee and South Indian snack combo here, open from 7am to 10pm.
INR150, 30m

8:30am

San Thome Basilica

Visit this beautiful Gothic-style cathedral built over the tomb of Saint Thomas the Apostle, an important Christian pilgrimage site. Open from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

10:30am

Dakshinachitra Heritage Museum

Explore this living-history museum showcasing South Indian arts, crafts, and traditional architecture. Open from 10am to 6pm.
INR200, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Dakshinachitra Café

Enjoy authentic South Indian home-style meals served on banana leaves inside the museum premises. Open with museum hours.
INR400, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at T Nagar

Experience the vibrant shopping district famed for silk sarees, gold jewellery, and handicrafts before ending the trip.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ponnusamy Hotel

Cap off your trip with classic Tamil non-vegetarian fare, especially their spicy mutton dishes. Open till 11pm.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability