Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is also one of India’s five leading metropolises. Chennai is home to temples, food like dosa, and beaches, and it is also a place where history has been made in India.
According to the report on Statista, in fiscal year 2023, the hotel occupancy rate in the southern city of Chennai amounted to 69 percent. This was an increase compared to the previous year’s occupancy rate of about 52 percent.
Chennai is a happening city, so you can enjoy it more with your friends. From Marina Beach to Vandalur Zoo, there are plenty of places to visit in Chennai with friends. The difficulty is finding the best places.
No worries, we are here. This blog post will tell you about the 14 best places to visit in Chennai with friends that are fun to see. Just read this blog post until the end to learn what to do in Chennai with friends.
1. Chitlapakkam Lake
Chitlapakkam Lake is an excellent lake in Chennai. It spread over 46 acres in Chitlapakkam and was restored in 2003. It is famous for birdwatching walking paths. Chitlapakkam Lake is also the best place to hang out in Chennai.
The best time to visit Chitlapakkam Lake is between April and October, especially for birdwatching. It is also an excellent place to picnic with friends, buy snacks from nearby shops, walk on walking paths with your friends, and relive old memories.
- Best time to visit – April to October
- Pricing – No entry fee
- Things to do – Birdwatching and Walking paths
2. Chennai Rail Museum
Chennai Rail Museum is among the best places in Chennai for friends. It was opened in 2002 by Shri Nitish Kumar and spread over more than 6 acres of land. It has a collection of art galleries, heritage exhibits, vintage engines, and miniature train rides.
The surprising thing about the Chennai Rail Museum is that most of its collection is from the British Raj. The Museum has indoor galleries containing train models, vintage trains, photos, and rail items. It also has a theatre with 90 seats.
- Best time to visit – Anytime with friends
- Pricing – Rs50 for adults and Rs15 for kids
- Things to do – See a collection of paintings, rain models, vintage trains
3. Marina Beach, Among the best places in Chennai to visit with friends
Marina Beach is the second-longest natural urban beach in the world. It is famous for its shops, jogging, aquarium, kite flying, beach cricket, swimming, morning walks, statues, and lover’s spot. People also come to Marina Beach to beat the heat.
Because of its beautiful attractions, Marina Beach is among the best places in Chennai for friends. Many festivals occur in Marina Beach, like Independence Day, marathon, Republic Day, Vinayaka Chathurthi, etc. Marina Beach attracts more than 20,000 people per day.
- Best time to visit – Summer
- Pricing – No entry fee
- Things to do – Explore a lover’s spot, an aquarium, seaside walks, etc.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai is a multipurpose stadium with a seating capacity of 40000 people. It hosts sports like volleyball, football, basketball, and table tennis. Chess, Carrom, Boxing, Judo, Handball, Softball, and Weightlifting facilities also exist.
It would be best to visit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with friends when a match is held there because there are not many things to do there until the match or event takes place there.
- Best time to visit – When a match or an event is held
- Pricing – Depends on the match
- Things to do – Watch live cricket, football, basketball, and tennis
5. Semmozhi Poonga
Semmozhi Poonga is one of the best tours in Chennai. Maybe some of your friends do not agree to come to this place because it is an educational center, but let me be clear: It is one of the best places in Chennai to visit with friends.
It was established by the Horticulture and Agriculture Department of Tamil Nadu and is mainly known for botanical gardens, sightseeing, photography, and nature. Semmozhi Poonga is the most visited garden in Chennai. There is also a canteen, fountains, and a duck pond.
- Best time to visit – Morning
- Pricing – Rs15 for adults and Rs10 for children
- Things to do – See water fountains and plant species, and walk in the garden
6. Namma Chennai Selfie Point
Namma Chennai Selfie Point was mainly set up as a selfie spot for travelers. It was constructed under the project smart city mission in 2021. A red color Chennai is written in Tamil and English, also known as the ‘Namma Chennai’ selfie point.
The Namma Chennai Selfie Point structure is 10 feet in height, 2 feet in thickness, and 28 feet in width. The budget of Namma Chennai Selfie Point is around 24 lakh, funded by the innovative city mission community.
- Best time to visit – Evening
- Pricing – Nothing
- Things to do – Take selfies with Namma Chennai
7. Vandalur Zoo, The best place to hangout in Chennai
Vandalur Zoo is a Zoological Zoo located 15 km from Chennai airport. It was established in 1855. More than two thousand animals are in this zoo, and more than 3 million people visit it annually, making it one of the best places in Chennai for friends.
Some significant exhibits of Vandalur Zoo are Tigers, Leopards, Jackals, Snakes, Crocodiles, Water Birds, Hyenas, Nilgiri Langur, Blackbucks, Sambhar Spotted Dear, Lions, and Indian Rhinoceros. Vandalur Zoo’s main objective is to protect endangered species and prevent their extinction.
- Best time to visit – Early Morning
- Pricing – Rs90 for adults and Rs50 for children
- Things to do – See some endangered species, rare animals, and birds
8. TNGF Cosmo Golf Club
TNGF Cosmo Golf Club is the most famous golf course in Chennai because it is a United States Golf Association member. It is an 18-hole golf course that spreads over more than 6400 yards of land, which makes it the best place to hang out in Chennai.
TNGF Cosmo Golf Club has two significant water hazards surrounded by tamarind, palm, banyan, and floral varieties. You can also buy a membership (recommended only for locals).
- Best time to visit – Sunny Day
- Pricing – Check here
- Things to do – Play golf with friends
9. Besant Nagar Beach
Besant Nagar Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Chennai city. Some people are confused between Besant Nagar Beach and Edward Elliot’s Beach; let me clarify: the beaches are the same but known by two names. You can also book a tour guide to learn more about this beach.
People from various states, countries, and continents visit Besant Nagar Beach to enjoy it with family and friends. Accommodation and transport facilities are also available near Besant Nagar Beach.
- Best time to visit – April to June
- Pricing – Nothing
- Things to do – Visit Temples, Churches, and Sight-Seeing
10. Puzhal Lake View Point
Puzhal Lake View Point is also known as Red Hills Lake in Chennai. It is famous for evening walks, sunrise-sunset views, and relaxation. Only a few people know it is a prime water source in Chennai.
Puzhal Lake View Point is the best offbeat spot in Chennai. You can sit with your friends and enjoy the fantastic view at sunset and sunrise. The area is covered with green trees, plants, a beach, fresh air, and palm trees, making it even more wonderful.
- Best time to visit – Early Morning or in the Evening
- Pricing – Nothing
- Things to do – Enjoy sunrise and sunset views with your friends
11. Chennai Light House, One of the best places in Chennai for friends
Chennai Light House is one of the most famous sights in Chennai City. From the top, you can see Marina Beach and the city view. It is also known as the Marina Lighthouse and Madras Lighthouse. It is an excellent place for all ages.
People mainly come here to see the fantastic view of Marina Beach and watch the sunrise and sunset. There is also a tiny park for children. Chennai Light House is not the best place to hang out in Chennai, but it is good to visit a place with friends.
- Best time to visit – In the early morning $ in the Evening
- Pricing – Rs10 for adults and Rs5 for children
- Things to do – Watch the top view of Marina Beach and Chennai City.
12. Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake is ideal for trekkers and nature lovers. It is famous for its rocky cliffs, flora fringe, and sunrise and sunset views. Many people have yet to learn about Hidden Lake, but it is among the best places to visit with friends in Chennai.
The hidden lake, Kumizhi Lake, offers an excellent view of forests, birds, animals, and nature. It is the best place to escape the hustle and bustle of Chennai and spend quality time with friends.
- Best time to visit – August to November
- Pricing – Nothing
- Things to do – Go trekking, hiking, and camping
13. Pasha Nightclub, Among The Best Fun Places To Visit in Chennai With Friends
Pasha Nightclub is one of the best nightclubs in Chennai. It is a Persian-style nightspot in the Park Hotel Chennai, including high-voltage music, snacks, a dance floor, and a party house.
Come to Pasha Nightclub and dance with your friends to your favorite music. It opens at 4:00 A.M. Remember one thing: it is the best nightclub in Chennai, which is why it is also an expensive club in Chennai city.
- Best time to visit – After sunset
- Pricing – Rs3500 for two people
- Things to do – Dance to your favorite beat and enjoy at night
14. Snow Kingdom
The Snow Kingdom is one of the largest and the first Tamil Nadu indoor snow theme parks. You can enjoy snowfall here at any month of the year, including manmade shows, sledding, mountain climbing, and upbeat music.
The Snow Kingdom, also known as the VGP Universal Kingdom, is among the best entertainment centers in Chennai City. It would be great to go to the Snow Kingdom in the summer.
- Best time to visit – Summer
- Pricing – Rs550 for adults and Rs500 for kids
- Things to do – Do snowy adventures in Summer
Conclusion on the 14 best places to visit in Chennai with friends.
It’s all about the Chennai city. From nightclubs to snow parks, beaches to lakes, and viewpoints to zoos, Chennai has always something unique & crazy for every friend group to enjoy.
Still, there are many places to visit in Chennai with friends that we have not covered here because not all of them are worth visiting. But the places mentioned above are the best and worth visiting for a friend’s trip.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, call your friends, and start exploring the places mentioned above with them like never before. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments with other readers.
Frequently asked questions regarding Chennai city.
Below are the answers to the most asked queries on the internet by people regarding Chennai city.
Q1. What are the places to visit in Chennai with friends at night?
Pasha, 10 Downing Street – T Nagar, and Besant Nagar Beach are the best places to visit in Chennai with friends at night.
Q2. What are some of the best budget-friendly places to visit in Chennai with friends?
Covelong Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Breezy Beach are the best budget-friendly places to visit in Chennai with friends.
Q3. What are some of the free places to visit in Chennai with friends?
Marina Beach, Elliot Beach, and Guindy National Park are the best free places to visit in Chennai with friends.
