Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 day ago
Google Maps’ Trending tab helps users discover nearby places
Google Maps and Waze both offer navigation, but they serve different needs for one user.
Waze is used mainly to find faster routes and avoid traffic.
Google Maps also has a Trending section in its Explore tab, which recommends places near the user.
It draws on recent popularity spikes and curated lists from partners such as food and travel blogs, OpenTable and content creators.
The recommendations can include restaurants, cafés and activities, and may change with the time of day.
The user finds the feature especially helpful in unfamiliar areas or while travelling, and says Waze does not offer a similar way to discover places.
The account gives no further information about changes or plans for either app.
A Google Maps user says its Trending section keeps him from fully switching to Waze.
The feature recommends trending places near a user’s location, including restaurants and activities.
The writer says he uses it when visiting unfamiliar areas or while on vacation.
He says curated lists and recommendations suited to the time of day help him discover places he would not find with Waze.
- Who
- Akshay Bhalla, the article’s writer, describes his use of Google Maps and Waze.
- What
- Google Maps’ Trending section recommends nearby places and is a reason he has not fully switched to Waze.
- When
- The feature launched in 2025. Bhalla says he uses it when he is in an unfamiliar area or on vacation.
- Where
- In the Explore tab of Google Maps, for places near the user’s current location.
- Why
- Bhalla says it helps him discover current recommendations, including eateries and activities, when he has little time to research.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I use the Trending section often.
On Waze, though, there is no such option, and discovering anything beyond a faster route is nearly impossible.
Google Maps launched the Trending section.
Bhalla began using the section when he was in a different part of the city or on vacation.
- Feature
- Google Maps’ Trending section
- Launch
- 2025
- Location in app
- Explore tab
- Recommendations
- Nearby trending places, including eateries and activities
- Writer
- Akshay Bhalla
Sources
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