Exploring a new city is my Roman empire. I enjoy getting lost in a new neighborhood and exploring a coffee shop that isn’t filled with tourists. Traveling to a new city is like diving into an adventure novel—every corner holds the promise of a new story. But without a good map (or app), it can feel like you’re flipping through the pages without a plot. Luckily, technology is here to be your trusty sidekick with the best apps for exploring city streets and hidden gems. These five free apps will help you avoid getting hopelessly lost, discover hidden gems, and even find a restroom when nature calls.
For the Directionally Challenged
Navigating public transportation in a new city can be daunting—especially with a language barrier! But with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking for the best apps for exploring city streets or public transit systems, Google Maps and Citymapper are two standouts, each with their unique strengths.
Google Maps is excellent for exploring a new city. It offers real-time directions, nearby landmarks, and offline maps, making it reliable without Wi-Fi. On the other hand, Citymapper is a dream for public transportation enthusiasts. It provides incredibly detailed information, from which train cars are least crowded to how many stops are left until your exit. Bonus: if you lose cell service, your phone will vibrate to let you know it’s time to get off the train.
As a fun touch, Citymapper even calculates how much of a cupcake or ramen burger you’ve burned off while walking—a little extra motivation for all your foodie adventures! Best of all, both apps work in several U.S. cities and internationally, ensuring you’re covered wherever you roam.
Tickets, Tastings, and Treasures
Under pressure, it is nearly impossible to pick my favorite activity when visiting a new city, but catching a theatre show is near the top. When planning my first trip to NYC, a friend told me the best way to score cheap Broadway tickets was to spend time in line at TKTS in Times Square. Ummm, that line was an instant no for me; spending any of my limited time in line felt wasteful. The TodayTix app makes purchasing seats at many Broadway shows very easy. You can also grab rush tickets, which are same-day discounted tickets on the app for a handful of shows. However, most shows offer rush tickets at the box office.
Yes, you definitely need to see the view from the tallest building whenever visiting a new city. You might be amongst many tourists, but those views are like no other. But how do you find the cool, fun, nontouristy experiences? My go-to apps for exploring unique city experiences are Fever and Airbnb Experiences. Fever delivers unique experiences. For instance, did you know that NYC has catacombs? Me, neither! Other interesting options include scavenger hunts, wine tastings, and concerts by candlelight.
Airbnb Experiences is most popular for walking food tours with a local foodie, hiring a photographer to take your picture, and artisan experiences like knitting with a local or forging your own silver ring. I used Airbnb Experiences to book a hatmaking experience in Paris in 2019 with Marie Marquet. Best. Experience. Ever! Both apps can be used both nationally and internationally.
When You Have to Go – NOW
I can spend hours wandering city streets, staring into storefront windows, and marveling at the real estate I’ll never be able to afford. I don’t know about you, but I typically need to use a toilet, and it’s always when I’m the furthest from my hotel.
Common advice I had previously used was to pop into the closest Starbucks (because they’re on every corner) or McDonalds. But I see your side-eye skepticism, and for good reason. Yes, Starbucks is everywhere, and samesies for McDonald’s, but they aren’t as reliable as they once were.
SitorSquat is the app you never thought you’d need but will thank me for later. Free and easy to use, SitOrSquat will help you find a public restroom worldwide. Pro Tip: Save restroom locations for offline use while traveling. Crowd-sourced ratings, marking restrooms as “Sit” (clean) or “Squat” (not ideal) and with photos and details such as availability of baby-changing stations.
Here are two additional internationally functional apps for finding public restrooms that you can include alongside SitorSquat:
Toilet Finder
A widely used app with a global database, Toilet Finder helps you locate restrooms in cities worldwide. Features include:
- Over 150,000 restrooms listed globally.
- User ratings and reviews for cleanliness and accessibility.
- Directions to nearby facilities integrated with your phone’s GPS.
Pro Tip: Filter results for restrooms that are free or wheelchair accessible.
Flush
Sometimes, the best app is the one you didn’t know you needed. Flush is a simple yet essential tool for travelers, helping you locate public restrooms near you. Features include:
- A database of over 200,000 restrooms worldwide.
- Offline functionality for when you don’t have Wi-Fi or data.
- User ratings and notes on cleanliness and accessibility.
Pro Tip: Use the “Add a Toilet” feature to contribute to the database and help fellow travelers.
Ready to explore? Download these apps for exploring city adventures and start your journey today! Do you have a favorite app for exploring a city? Or maybe a hidden gem you’ve discovered using one of these tools? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
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