Washermanpet is famous for its jewelry shops and matchbox industries, many of which are centered on two main arterial roads.

Broadway, Parrys, Royapuram, Korukkupet, Tondiarpet,Kasimedu and Tiruvottiyur are located adjacent to this locality.

Washermenpet is one of the several Dhobikhanas in Chennai since colonial times with others being Adayar, Chetpet, Saidapet and Mylapore.

These public areas were often used by the Dravidan Federation during its nascent stages and witnessed several speeches given by orators such as C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.

The famous Mint Street, also known as "Thanga Salai" (Tamil: தங்க சாலை) has several landmarks, such as R Square, and Maharani Theatre.