The 10 best city exploring apps on Android, iPhone

If you're looking for the best city exploring apps on Android or iPhone, look no further. From Google Earth to Citymapper and City Build Craft, there's an app for everyone. Here are our top 10 picks.

App Logo Available On Reviews Downloads Features
1. Google Earth Google Earth Icon Android, iOS 4.1/5 529M+ Satellitenbilder in hoher Auflösung, 3D-Gelände und Gebäude
2. Citymapper Citymapper Icon Android, iOS 4.8/5 17M+ Real-time trip comparison, Turn-by-turn navigation
3. City Build Craft City Build Craft Icon Android, iOS 3.8/5 9M+ Build anything, Explore the city, Play minigames
4. CityMaps2Go Offline maps CityMaps2Go Offline maps Icon Android, iOS 4.4/5 5M+ Optimized for outdoor, In-depth content, Worldwide coverage
5. Viator Tours & Attractions Viator Tours & Attractions Icon Android, iOS 4.9/5 4M+ 300,000+ experiences, Last-minute availability, Traveler-minded flexibility
6. Visit A City Visit A City Icon Android, iOS 4.8/5 2M+ Customized itinerary, Comprehensive guide, Wide range of tours
7. Go City Go City Icon Android, iOS 4.7/5 652K+ Access digital pass for easy entry, Explore attractions using Map View
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1. Google Earth

Google Earth Icon

Satellite imagery, 3D terrain, Street View


Cost: Google Earth (Free)

Explore the world like never before with Google Earth, a groundbreaking city exploring app that brings the planet to your fingertips. Marvel at stunningly detailed imagery and embark on breathtaking journeys from the comfort of your mobile device. Experience the beauty of iconic landmarks, discover hidden gems, and uncover the captivating stories behind each city.

Despite some technical hiccups, Google Earth remains an invaluable tool for adventurers and explorers alike. With lightning-fast loading times and seamless 3D navigation, you can navigate cities with ease, delving into their rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture. Whether you're planning your next trip or simply seeking a virtual escape, Google Earth empowers you to explore the world in an immersive and unforgettable way.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 billion downloads
Features Explore a 3D model of Earth, view satellite imagery, discover landmarks, and virtually travel to destinations worldwide.
Pros Educational, entertaining, informative, and easy to use.
Cons Can be resource intensive, requires a stable internet connection for some features, and user privacy concerns.
Google Earth - Satellitenbilder in hoher Auflösung, 3D-Gelände und Gebäude
  • Tags:
  • 3D Terrain
  • Immersive Maps
  • Satellite Imagery

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2. Citymapper

Citymapper Icon

Real-time route planning, Turn-by-turn navigation, Compares all transport modes


Cost: Citymapper (Free)

Citymapper is a must-have app for any urban explorer. It provides real-time transit information for buses, subways, and trains, as well as walking and biking directions. One of the best features of Citymapper is the ability to share your location and estimated time of arrival with friends and family, giving them peace of mind while you're out and about.

Whether you're a local or a tourist, Citymapper will help you navigate your city like a pro. It's the perfect app for planning your commute, finding the best way to get to your destination, and exploring your city's hidden gems.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 million downloads
Features Provides real-time public transit navigation, including route planning, departure and arrival times, disruption alerts, and multimodal journey options.
Pros User-friendly interface, accurate real-time information, comprehensive transit coverage.
Cons Limited availability in smaller cities, relies heavily on data connection, battery intensive.
Citymapper - Real-time trip comparison, Turn-by-turn navigation
  • Tags:
  • Real-time transit info
  • Multimodal trip planning
  • Step-by-step navigation

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3. City Build Craft

City Build Craft Icon

3D environment exploration, Cube & voxel based crafting, Variety of vehicles to choose from


Cost: City Build Craft (Free)

Embark on a captivating city-building adventure with City Build Craft! This enthralling mobile app transports you to a vibrant metropolis where you can unleash your creativity and architectural prowess. Construct towering skyscrapers, design charming homes, and craft intricate structures, all at your fingertips.

Despite some minor drawbacks, City Build Craft remains an immersive and engaging experience. While the absence of city inhabitants may be a slight disappointment, the stunning graphics and intuitive controls more than make up for it. With regular updates introducing new blocks and eliminating pesky ads, you'll find yourself lost in hours of boundless construction and exploration.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 5 Million Downloads
Features Sandbox building game where players gather resources, craft items, construct buildings, and explore a vast, procedurally generated world.
Pros Addictive gameplay, creative freedom, regular updates.
Cons Can be repetitive, graphics are basic, occasional performance issues on older devices.
City Build Craft - Build anything, Explore the city, Play minigames

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4. CityMaps2Go Offline maps

CityMaps2Go Offline maps Icon

Offline maps, Worldwide coverage, In-depth content


Cost: CityMaps2Go Pro (All in-app purchases) ($9.99), Basic Version (Free)

Embark on seamless city explorations with CityMaps2Go Offline maps, your trusted companion for navigating urban landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a local enthusiast, this app empowers you with comprehensive offline maps that guide your journeys, even when data connectivity falters.

Discover hidden gems, plan itineraries, and navigate confidently with CityMaps2Go. Its intuitive interface and detailed maps help you explore neighborhoods, locate points of interest, and find your way around with ease. The app's offline capabilities ensure uninterrupted guidance, allowing you to focus on experiencing the city's unique charm without the worry of unreliable internet access.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 5 million downloads
Features Detailed offline maps for navigation without internet, points of interest search, bookmarking favorite locations, trip planning tools, and recording GPS tracks for outdoor activities.
Pros Offline functionality, detailed maps, user-friendly interface.
Cons Some features require a paid subscription, occasional inaccuracies in maps, and battery consumption can be high with prolonged use.
CityMaps2Go Offline maps - Optimized for outdoor, In-depth content, Worldwide coverage
  • Tags:
  • Offline Maps
  • Worldwide coverage
  • Detailed Content

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5. Viator Tours & Attractions

Viator Tours & Attractions Icon

300,000+ experiences, Last-minute availability, Traveler-minded flexibility


Cost: Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Ticket (From $24.00), Paris Catacombs Skip-The-Line Ticket & Self-Guided Tour (From $34.59)

Viator Tours & Attractions is an indispensable city exploring app that unlocks a world of unforgettable experiences. With over 300,000 tours and activities in every corner of the globe, Viator empowers travelers to discover the hidden gems and local flavors of their destination. Its user-friendly interface makes it effortless to browse and book tours that perfectly align with your interests.

Despite its wealth of offerings, the Viator app has faced criticism for its search functionality. The inability to navigate among results has been a source of frustration for some users. Additionally, the lack of access to tour details after booking has been cited as an inconvenience. However, for those who value the app's extensive selection and convenient booking process, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Viator remains a valuable companion for any traveler seeking an immersive and memorable city experience.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 million downloads
Features Book tours and activities worldwide, read reviews, get instant confirmation, access mobile tickets, and manage bookings.
Pros Vast selection, competitive prices, easy booking, reliable service.
Cons Occasional technical issues, limited customer support options, reliance on third-party operators for tour quality.
Viator Tours & Attractions - 300,000+ experiences, Last-minute availability, Traveler-minded flexibility
  • Tags:
  • 300K+ experiences
  • Last-minute availability
  • Traveler-minded flexibility

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6. Visit A City

Visit A City Icon

Personalized itinerary creation, Extensive city guide, Tour and activity booking


Cost: Visit A City Free (Free), Visit A City Premium ($4.99)

Journey through unfamiliar cities with ease using Visit A City, the ultimate travel companion. Plan your perfect itinerary with this comprehensive app, seamlessly guiding you through every step of your adventure. Dive into the heart of each destination, discovering hidden gems and tailoring your exploration to your unique interests.

Visit A City empowers you to craft a personalized travel experience. Effortlessly add stops to your itinerary, rearrange them with ease, and gain insightful estimates on travel times. As you navigate the bustling streets, the handy map view ensures you're always on track. Share your meticulously planned itinerary with fellow travelers and relish the freedom to explore at your own pace, cherishing every moment in your newfound urban playground.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 million downloads
Features Provides city guides, customizable itineraries, offline maps, points of interest search, and booking options for flights, hotels, and tours.
Pros User-friendly, comprehensive information, convenient booking features.
Cons Can be overwhelming with information, some features require internet access, occasional inaccuracies in data.
Visit A City - Customized itinerary, Comprehensive guide, Wide range of tours
  • Tags:
  • Personalized Itinerary
  • Comprehensive City Guide
  • Variety of Tours and Activities

7. Go City

Go City Icon

Digital pass for easy entry, Map view to find nearby attractions


Cost: Go City All-Inclusive Pass (Paid), Go City Explorer Pass (Paid)

Go City is a revolutionary city exploration app that unlocks a world of unforgettable experiences. With its all-in-one digital solution, Go City empowers travelers to access a curated selection of premium attractions, activities, and tours, all while saving them time and money.

The app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to explore different cities and plan the perfect itinerary. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious newcomer, Go City provides a seamless and convenient way to discover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and local favorites. Rest assured that the passes purchased through the app will grant you access to the attractions, and you can easily download or screenshot them for faster and easier use.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 million downloads
Features Offers digital sightseeing passes for various cities, allowing access to multiple attractions, tours, and experiences at a discounted price.
Pros Cost-effective, convenient, and provides a curated selection of attractions.
Cons Limited time flexibility with all-inclusive passes, potential for long queues at some attractions, and may not be suitable for spontaneous travelers.
Go City - Access digital pass for easy entry, Explore attractions using Map View
  • Tags:
  • One-pass solution
  • Explore top attractions
  • Hassle-free mobile pass

8. GPSmyCity

GPSmyCity Icon

Thousands of city walks, Offline city maps, Self-guided GPS tours


Cost: GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities (Free), GPSmyCity Premium ($4.99 per month)

GPSmyCity is a highly acclaimed city exploring app that offers a comprehensive collection of self-guided walking tours in numerous locations worldwide. With GPSmyCity, you can embark on a personalized exploration of cities, discovering hidden gems and local insights at your own pace. The app's user-friendly interface and detailed maps make it easy to navigate and plan your itinerary.

Despite occasional technical glitches, GPSmyCity's exceptional customer service and vast library of tours make it a valuable tool for travelers. The premium subscription grants access to enhanced features, such as offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and ad-free exploration, ensuring a seamless and immersive city exploration experience.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 million downloads
Features Offers thousands of self-guided walking tours, offline maps, detailed route directions, points of interest information with photos, travel articles, and trip planning tools.
Pros Affordable, informative, convenient, and great for independent travelers.
Cons Limited free content, some tours can be outdated, occasional inaccuracies in maps or directions, and requires internet access for initial download and updates.
GPSmyCity - Offline city maps, Self-guided walking tours, In-app travel articles
  • Tags:
  • Offline city maps
  • Self-guided walking tours
  • No data roaming charges

9. Questo

Questo Icon

Self-guided city tours, Interactive puzzles and clues, Unique and unforgettable experiences


Cost: Free City Exploration Games (Free), All Access (All city exploration games) ($9.99/month)

Immerse yourself in your city like never before with Questo, a captivating city exploring app that transforms your surroundings into an interactive adventure. Explore your hometown or venture into new destinations, embarking on thrilling quests that uncover hidden gems, unveil intriguing history, and forge lasting memories.

With Questo, you'll experience the joy of exploration with friends, family, or even solo. Its user-friendly interface and engaging gameplay make it a perfect activity for any occasion. While minor technical hiccups may arise, the app's overall charm and the ability to adjust team sizes ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Questo and rediscover the wonders of your city, one thrilling quest at a time.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 100,000 downloads
Features Questo offers interactive city exploration games where you follow clues and solve puzzles to discover new places and their hidden stories.
Pros Fun, engaging, and educational way to explore cities at your own pace.
Cons Limited availability in certain cities, some technical issues reported, can be expensive for larger groups.
Questo - Self-guided city exploration, Interactive puzzles and clues
  • Tags:
  • Self-guided tours
  • Immersive Storytelling
  • Gamified Exploration

10. City Experiences

City Experiences Icon

Seamless ticket purchase, Live chat support, Personalized recommendations


Cost: Go City | All-Inclusive Pass | New York (Free), Go City | Explorer Pass | New York (Paid)

City Experiences is the ultimate mobile companion for your urban adventures. Say goodbye to the hassle of researching and booking tours and attractions. With City Experiences, you can seamlessly explore your favorite cities, uncovering hidden gems and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a local looking to rediscover your hometown, this app will empower you to make the most of every urban escapade.

Users rave about City Experiences' ease of use, particularly when purchasing ferry tickets. One satisfied user exclaimed, "It has made the purchasing experience sooooooo much better!" The app's intuitive interface and secure payment gateway ensure a stress-free and enjoyable booking experience. While the user has yet to explore other features, City Experiences offers a comprehensive suite of options to enhance your city explorations, from guided tours to exclusive dining experiences.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads 100,000+
Features Browse and book tours and cruises, view tickets and passes, access exclusive discounts, manage reservations, receive important updates.
Pros Easy to use, convenient booking, great discounts, helpful information.
Cons Limited city coverage, occasional technical issues, customer service could be improved, some find push notifications excessive.
City Experiences - Easy event search, Ticket purchase, Live chat support
  • Tags:
  • Seamless ticket purchase
  • Live chat support
  • Personalized experience