Chennai is renowned for its urban Marina beach, vibrant temples, museums, and fantastic architectural gems. The state capital also offers a wealth of free activities for budget travellers. You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, taking in the refreshing ocean breeze and the lively sounds of the shoreline. The city's bustling markets and beautiful parks provide additional opportunities to soak in local culture without spending much.
Here’s a guide to free things to do in Chennai, ensuring an enriching experience without straining your wallet.
If you are a bookworm, visit this legendary institution for some peaceful reading. The Anna Centenary Library (ACL), which has been around for 15 years, boasts a collection of nearly 5,00,000 books and magazines. No membership is required for entry. You are welcome to browse through their extensive collection of books and articles. You can also bring your laptop, although visitors have reported that the WiFi connection can be spotty and unavailable in many areas.
The library includes special sections for Braille, children's books, and manuscripts. The building is designed to ensure that the reading area receives ample natural light. Interestingly, the library only launched its lending service in 2024; for nearly 14 years, visitors could only read materials on the premises.
Address: Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Surya Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085
Spend some time at Marina Beach, commonly known as the Marina, along the Bay of Bengal. This beach stretches approximately six kms, from Fort St. George in the north to Foreshore Estate in the south, making it the longest, and widest, urban beach in India. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore and enjoy a handful of crunchy thenga-manga-pattani sundal (boiled chickpeas flavoured with bits of raw mango and coconut.)
For a refreshing treat, enjoy an iced drink from a mobile handcart or grab something from a nearby ice cream van. Keep an eye out for the Ice House located across the road from the main section of Marina Beach. It serves as a reminder of a romantic enterprise from the late 19th century when ships from North America delivered large blocks of ice, sawed out of the frozen Great Lakes, to India. These ice blocks were shipped covered in burlap and sawdust.
To immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chennai, a visit to the Mylapore area should be at the top of your free things to do in Chennai itinerary. This charming locale is particularly known for its colourful shops, tempting local eateries, and a vibrant community which offers a unique perspective on Chennai’s rich heritage.
There are several interesting places of spirituality here. The Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, is located here. Luz Church is also nearby, tucked away behind the bustling streets of Mylapore.
As you stroll through the lively markets, you'll see colourful flower vendors and aroma-filled food stalls. Whether you’re looking to soak in the sights and sounds, indulge in authentic culinary experiences, or simply relax and watch people carry on with their daily life, the area provides a delightful exploration of Chennai’s heritage.
The Theosophical Society, located in the heart of the city, serves as a spacious refuge known for its iconic Adyar Banyan Tree, various religious shrines, and the expansive Adyar Library and Research Centre. The organisation aims to promote the principle of universal brotherhood and explore the common truths in all religions. The society’s tranquil, tree-lined grounds provide a green oasis for visitors.
Throughout the campus, you will find a church, mosque, Hindu temple, Buddhist shrine, and Zoroastrian fire altar, all alongside the Adyar Library, which houses a vast collection of scriptures and philosophical texts. The Theosophical Society is free to visit, making it an accessible sanctuary for everyone.
Address: Blavatsky Avenue, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, Tamil Nadu
Also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and the National Shrine of Saint Thomas, this Roman Catholic basilica is rich in history and architectural grandeur. Originally built by Portuguese explorers over the tomb of Saint Thomas in the 16th century, the British rebuilt the church as a cathedral in 1893.
The current Neo-Gothic structure is one of only three churches in the world built over an apostle’s tomb; the others being St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. The basilica’s white façade and towering spires command attention. Inside, naturally lit interiors, wooden pews, and coloured stained glass windows create a serene atmosphere. The nave, adorned with stunning chandeliers, is particularly impressive, and the stained glass windows behind the main altar depict Saint Thomas and other apostles.
The basilica houses two chapels: one above ground, and one below—where a statue of Saint Thomas rests in a glass case. This tomb is built over the mortal remains of one of Jesus' 12 apostles, who was martyred in 72 AD. Pilgrims visit daily, adorning the tomb with flowers and candles.
The on-site museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, including the spearhead that killed Saint Thomas. Other artifacts include his fingerprint, an Episcopal chair, postage stamps, stone inscriptions of his deeds, and wall paintings depicting his life and death.
Address: 38, Santhome High Rd, Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
