Google Maps: Explore the surroundings - how it works

With "Google Maps" you can explore the surroundings of your current position or another location. We'll show you how to use Google Maps to do this.

Google Maps: Environment search with "... near"

If you enter a keyword like "restaurant" followed by the phrase "nearby" in "Google Maps", you will find the top rated locations in your current area.

• This way you can easily find restaurants, gas stations or parking lots in new locations.
• Also try other keywords such as "Asian", "Toys" or "Shopping center". Google Maps will give you the best search results based on the saved data.
• The more shops and restaurants in a city are listed on Google Maps, the more locations you can find. This is why the search works very well in cities like Berlin or New York, while it tends to get fewer hits in smaller towns.

Explore surroundings function on the smartphone

On the smartphone you can also use the integrated function "Explore surroundings" Google Maps.

• To do this, click on the circle with the arrow in the lower right corner of the map.
• The function gives you access to various categories such as "favorites from travelers", "tips from local experts" or "going out". Here you will find the right location for every occasion.
• In the top menu you can change the time of day for your search. For example, for searches with the selection "Noon" you will find restaurants that are also open for lunch, under "Late Evening" you will find nightclubs and cinemas.