The City of Madurai was originally built around the Meenakshi temple. Rectangular streets named after the Tamil months of Aadi, Chithirai and Maasi surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of the cosmos.Though there are numerous other temples in Madurai, which is why it is known as the "Temple City", the Meenakshi temple's architectural splendor outdoes all of them. The Temple Complex in itself is breathtaking, given the fort-like walls pierced with lofty Gopurams (Towers), over an area of 640,000 square feet (60,000 m²). The gopurams are adorned with figures of Hindu Gods, animals and mythological creatures. Upon entering the temple, one gets to view the spectacular "Potraamaraikkulam", meaning the Golden Lotus Pond, surrounded by corridors depicting murals from the "Thiruvilaiyaadal Puraanam". The "Ayirangaal Mandapam" (Thousand Pillared Hall) is another exhibit of impressive craftsmanship whose pillars feature sculptural work beyond comparison.

Madurai has many other famous temples. Some of them are: Thirupparankundram, Pazhamuthircholai, two of the six temple shrines of Lord Murugan (son of Lord Shiva according to Tamil beliefs); Azhagarkovil, a prominent Vaishnavaite shrine, Aappudaiyaar temple and Koodalazhagar temple.

Present-day Madurai extends on both sides of the River Vaigai. The parts of the city adjoining the temple in the southern banks of Vaigai are bustling commercial hubs where one can find everything from basic necessities to electronic gadgets. As a result, they are congested and offer little scope for further expansion. However, across the river, is where one would find the chic, modern and young face of Madurai with its relatively spacious roads and structures with plenty of room for expansion and development.

In Madurai there is a mosque called KAZIMAR PERIYA PALLIVASAL (Kazimar Big Mosque) located within a kilometer from the temple. The holiness Hazrat KAZI SEYAD TAJUDDIN (Rah..) who came from Oman, got this land from the then king Ku pandiyan and constructed the mosque which is the first ever muslim place of worship in madurai. All his descendants of Kazi Tajuddin (Rah..) (Huqdars of that mosque called as Syeds) are living in the same locality since 700 years. Syed Tajuddin (Rah..)was appointed as Kazi of the sultans, and till now his descendants who live at Kazimar street, madurai are appointed as Kazis to the Govt. of Tamilnadu. They follows Tariqa Shadhilya , Qadiriya and Chistiya sufi orders. Most of the descendants of Kazi syed tajuddin are shadhili (shazuli) and are following the Sufi order.

The Madurai Collectorate, Madurai District Court, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai Corporation Building, Madurai Race Course, Government Offices, and many schools, colleges and companies are located in the northern part of the city.