Chennai, the vibrant coastal capital of Tamil Nadu, is more than just temples and traditional charm — it’s a city buzzing with scenic beaches, historic architecture, stunning street art, hidden green nooks and urban backdrops just waiting to be captured. Whether you’re a content creator, influencer, or just someone who loves a great photo, here’s your go-to list of must-visit, Instagram-worthy places in the city.
🏖️ 1. Marina Beach — Classic Coastal Vibes
Nothing screams Chennai like the golden sands and expansive horizon of Marina Beach. Whether it’s sunrise waves, candid beach strolls or Reel transitions with the Bay of Bengal as your backdrop, this iconic shore will amp up your feed.
👉 Tip: Capture the golden hour or use slow-mo for dramatic wave effects.
🌊 2. Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar) — Chill, Spacious & Picturesque
Often quieter and cleaner than Marina, Elliot’s Beach is perfect for lifestyle shots and relaxed Reel moments with ocean breezes and palm trees. Add the nearby church and temple as cultural backdrops too.
🎨 3. Mylapore Street Art & Colonial Architecture
Take your camera through the vibrant lanes of Mylapore — rich with colourful murals, historic walls and character-filled alleyways. Artistic splashes like this give your photos a playful, story-rich feel.
🏛️ 4. Kapaleeshwarar Temple & Santhome Basilica
These cultural landmarks aren’t just spiritual centres — their ornate design and unique architecture make stunning portrait and travel shots. Visit around sunrise or sunset for that extra glow.
🌿 5. Parks & Green Spaces — Serene Nature Shots
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Anna Nagar Tower Park: Classic park vibes with lush greenery and iconic tower structures.
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Semmozhi Poonga: A botanical garden full of tropical blooms and peaceful corners.
These make brilliant Reels for fashion, nature, or calm lifestyle clips.
🛤️ 6. Hidden & Vintage Backdrops
From old railway tracks to lesser-known gardens like Secret Garden and scenic lakes, Chennai holds plenty of off-beat spots perfect for moody or themed photoshoots.
🌅 7. Broken Bridge — Quirky & Dramatic
This abandoned bridge at Adyar estuary gives a striking cinematic vibe — ideal for dramatic Reels or artsy photos with contrasts and perspectives.
🍹 End Your Day at:
Mango Hill Central Chennai
Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of T. Nagar, Mango Hill Central Chennai blends boutique style with urban chic — and is quickly becoming one of the city’s go-to Instagrammable lifestyle spots.
✨ Why it’s perfect:
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Stylish interiors and curated spaces that pop on camera
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Bright colours and cozy corners ideal for lifestyle photos or food and fashion shots
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The vibe strikes a balance between modern comfort and expressive design
And right inside… 🍸
THE NEIGHBORHOOD BAR – 600017
A beautifully designed bar attached to Mango Hill, this is the ultimate spot to unwind and shoot your night-life content.
What makes it Reel-ready:
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Trendy interiors with warm lighting and aesthetic decor
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Signature cocktails and plating perfect for flat-lays
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Fun ambience for Reel transitions, night shots, and behind-the-scene snapshots
Whether you’re wrapping up a day of scenic shoots or looking to capture that city night vibe, this duo delivers content gold.
📌 Final Tips for Capturing Chennai
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Golden hour (early morning & late evening) = best natural light
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Mix heritage with urban modern for varied feeds
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Keep a portable reflector or phone light for indoor shots