5 of the Best Mapping Apps for Getting Around
Once you've arrived in a new city or country, smartphone apps can be a great way to help you navigate streets, subways and buses. Apps can also ensure you won't miss a monument, key tourist attraction or great meal in a local restaurant. Below is the TPG-approved list of the best mapping apps for getting around in a strange new city.
Google Maps
I may be stating the obvious, but Google Maps is one of the best apps out there for showing maps, giving directions and laying out routes. The app has been updated to include areas of interest, which aims to make it easier for people to find nearby restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. You can also use the app offline, but make sure to pre-load or cache key locations before you lose your Wi-Fi access to ensure the best possible service. Save attractions you want to visit after you find them on search, and add them to your favorites list. I use Google Maps just as much in my own city as I do while traveling, so it's a great app to have no matter what. The app is free.
Citymapper
If you're planning to visit a city with an extensive public transportation system such as New York City or London, Citymapper is the app of choice, thanks to its clear and easy-to-use interface. Just choose your city, plug in where you'd like to go and Citymapper will find you the best route. The app offers access to all types of rail and bus maps, as well as updated information on delays and line closures; there's even information on ferries and bike- and car-sharing options. Citymapper is quick and easy to to use when you're traveling in European cities, especially if you aren't accustomed to using public transportation or don't speak the local language. The app is free.
Detour
Gone are the days you'll have to stroll around a tourist attraction with an embarrassing, brick-sized audio guide. Detour offers cool walking tours around the city you're in, navigating for you while explaining all sorts of interesting tidbits at the same time. You can even sync these tours with friends so you can hear everything simultaneously — and only one person has to pay. Each tour costs approximately $5.50 and Detour is slowly rolling out more city guides. Each tour is narrated by a local and includes theatrical music and sound effects for extra drama and intrigue. I recommend the Illegal Paris tour, guiding you through Montmartre's funky history, or Chicago's Riverwalk tour. The base app itself is free to download.
HERE WeGo
If you're in need of a city map, HERE's offline navigation might even beat Google Maps in some cases. When in Havana, I had a lot of trouble getting Google Maps to load offline and there just wasn't enough map detail provided. HERE WeGo's offline Havana map helped me many times, especially once when I got lost late at night in a not-so-great part of town. Thanks to HERE WeGo, I found my restaurant quickly and safely. Just make sure to download your offline maps ahead of time and star any places of interest you may want to visit before you lose your internet connection. The app is free.
Localscope
If you're looking for local restaurants and interesting activities, Localscope is a map guide that will help you find fun things to do wherever you are. You can look up geotagged points around you and save them to your map, read reviews, see photos and get access to logistical information like opening hours. The app integrates seamlessly with social media, too, allowing you to easily share things with friends or followers and see how many likes or comments specific places get. The app costs $2.99.
Download for iOS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=rQ65SLGgWww
What travel apps do you swear by when you're finding your way around a new city? Let us know in the comments, below.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.