While Chennai is known for its beautiful temples, stunning beaches, and of course, filter coffee, it is also an amazing place to shop! Whether visiting high-end brands, wanting to enjoy a movie and dinner date, or just walking around in air-conditioned bliss, Chennai’s malls will deliver. There are malls ranging from high to low price points when it comes to shopping, and the variety is just as rich as the culture in Chennai.
So if shopping therapy is your adventure, this is your list of best malls in Chennai.
8 Top malls in Chennai
Walking through a mall with rows of clothing, shiny accessories, and stylish shoes can feel magical. Even more so, when they are all asking to leave with you—all in one mall under one roof with food, movie, and entertainment, this is more than shopping, this is winning at life.
Here are the top malls in Chennai where you can shop, feast, and make memories:
1. Express Avenue
One of Chennai’s biggest malls, Express Avenue, is a dream come true for shopaholics. With over 220+ international and local brands, this place is a retail heaven. Whether you’re into H&M, Levi’s, or Lifestyle, you’ll find it all here.
But shopping isn’t the only thrill—this mall has a 5D theatre, a kid’s zone, and even a hotel (E-Hotel)! Need some pampering? Head to O2 Spa. Hungry? Dig into global cuisines at Entrée, indulge in pure veg delights at Kapila Dasa, or unwind at Elixir Lounge Bar.
Location: Mount Road, Royapettah
Timings: Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Weekends: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
2. Chennai Citi Centre
Opened in 2006, commemorating Chennai’s first mall, this is a family favourite nostalgic place joining shopping, entertainment and play area for children. Its great location near Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple and Santhome Basilica provides a good stop after sight-seeing.
You can shop with some of your favourite brands like Max, FBB and Wills Lifestyle while Inox cinemas cater to movie enthusiasts. The food court is exclusively vegetarian, but who can deny samosas and coffee!
Address: Dr. Radha Krishnan Salai, Mylapore
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3. Spencer Plaza
Did you know? Spencer Plaza was originally built during the British Raj and later revamped into the 11th largest mall in India! Spread over 530,000 sq. ft., it’s a treasure trove of brands like Westside, Nike, Adidas, and Van Heusen.
While it may not be as polished as newer malls, it’s perfect for budget shopping and window-gazing. The food options are decent, and the vintage charm? Priceless.
Address: 769, Mount Road, Anna Salai
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. Phoenix Marketcity
If variety is what you seek, Phoenix Marketcity in Velachery will blow your mind. From Zara to Big Bazaar, FabIndia to Ethnicity, this mall has everything. Shoes, jewelry, home decor—you name it!
But wait, there’s more:
– Interactive fun with Chhota Bheem (yes, really!)
– Game zones, Scary House, and Fun City
– Luxe Cinemas for movie lovers
And the food? Oh, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Address: 142, Velachery Road
Timings: Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Weekends: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
5. Grand Square
Small but mighty, Grand Square in Velachery is perfect for a relaxed shopping spree. With Shoppers Stop, Croma, and a 5-screen PVR, it’s got the essentials covered.
The food court is modest, but the bowling alley and play area make up for it. Plus, with less crowd and affordable parking (₹20/hr), it’s a stress-free escape.
Address: 137, Velachery-Tambaram Main Road
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
6. Spectrum Mall:
Let’s take a look back to the first ever Mall in Chennai – Spectrum Mall (later known as Grand Venus Mall). Located at Perambur decidedly was a one-stop shop of shopping, food, entertainment and a bit of adventure.If you love a good bargain, Spectrum Mall won’t disappoint. From Big Bazaar for groceries to Gini and Johny for trendy accessories, Archies for cute gifting options, and Health & Glow for beauty essentials—you’ll find everything without burning a hole in your pocket.
But wait, there’s more! Head up to the 4th floor if you dare—the Scary House promises some spine-chilling thrills. For family fun, Play Games and Play Palace (on the 1st and 3rd floors) are perfect for some gaming action. Got dance fever? John Bitto’s Dance Company offers hip-hop and jazz classes to get those feet moving. And of course, no mall visit is complete without a movie—S2 Cinemas delivers a solid big-screen experience.
Now, let’s talk about food—because hunger strikes fast! Carnival Food Paradise is a foodie’s delight, with options like Dosakall for South Indian bites, BBQ Destination Sigree for grilled goodness, Dumm Biryani for flavorful rice, and Scoop & Straws for dessert cravings.
Location: 114A & 114B, Paper Mills Road, Perambur
Timings: Weekdays & food court: 10 AM–10 PM
Weekends: 10 AM–11 PM
7. Ampa Mall
If you’re looking for a mall that truly has it all, Ampa Mall lives up to its tagline—”Mall for All.” Whether you’re splurging on luxury brands (M&S, Benetton, Rado) or sticking to wallet-friendly picks (Bata, Westside, Samsung), this place caters to every shopper. Need a quick style upgrade? YLG Salon and Thai Sabai Spa have you covered.
Now, let’s talk about the real hero—food! The F3 Food Court (3rd floor) has 19 different eateries—yes, you read that right! Craving pizza? Pizza Hut is there. In the mood for some Chinese? China Town has your back.
Ampa Mall: 1, Nelson Manickam Rd, Aminjikarai
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM
8. Forum Vijaya Mall
Over at Forum Vijaya mall in Vadapalani, space was never compromised. With a whopping space of 6.36 lakh sq. ft, it like any other houses more than 100 brands from Marks and Spencer to Adidas to Arrow. Movie enthusiasts – Palazzo Theatre is premium cinema experience along with the food court serving some food offering local treats. Despise what there is to see – check Vadapalani temple.
Location: Arcot Rd, Vadapalani
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM
Wrapping Up:
Chennai’s malls truly have something for everybody from expensive luxury to cheap deals! If you are a thrill-seeking shopper, adventure-seeking foodie, or looking for a fun day with friends and family, then the best malls in Chennai can offer you much more than just retail therapy—they are true entertainment venues.
Express Avenue blows your mind with its sheer size and variety of products, Phoenix Marketcity spoils you with too many options, and Spencer Plaza still holds that old-world charm! Spectrum Mall is an exhilarating mall with so much that is budget friendly, and Ampa Mall genuinely lives up to “Mall for All”. If you love a spacious mall where you can avoid crowds, then Forum Vijaya Mall is your place!
The next time you are in Chennai, take a break from the regular tourist traps for a day, and explore the city’s amazing mall culture. Shop until you drop, eat like it’s your last supper, and enjoy yourself—this is an adventure, even if it is shopping!
Which mall are you visiting first? Share your favorites below!
