We all know Google Maps as a tool for finding directions, estimating travel time, or avoiding traffic. But recently, I stumbled upon a remarkable feature that completely changed the way I look at this app. While searching for a city on Google Maps — in this case, Ahmedabad — I discovered a side of the platform that goes beyond navigation. It actually helps you explore the essence of a city: its food, its culture, its hidden gems, and its best local experiences.
I was genuinely surprised and impressed when I typed “Ahmedabad” into Google Maps and, instead of just a map or road view, I was presented with a curated list of experiences and highlights. These weren’t just random suggestions; they were well-organized, thematic collections designed to help both tourists and locals get a deeper insight into the city.
As soon as I hit search, I was shown several eye-catching categories, each offering a different lens through which to explore the city. Here are some of the suggestions I saw:
- Gujarati Snacks in Ahmedabad
- The Magnificent Guide of Ahmedabad
- The Taste of Ahmedabad
- One-Day Picnic Spots Around Ahmedabad
Each of these felt like a doorway into a unique side of the city. The phrase “Gujarati Snacks in Ahmedabad” immediately caught my attention. As someone who loves trying local food, I clicked on it without hesitation. What I found blew my mind — Google Maps displayed a visually appealing, scrollable list of popular snack joints, complete with restaurant names, photos, ratings, reviews, and even tags like ‘popular with locals’ or ‘great for evening snacks’.
I realized that this wasn’t just about finding a place to eat — it was about experiencing the culture through food. I could see options ranging from famous farsan shops to hidden street vendors selling mouthwatering khandvi, fafda, jalebi, and dhokla.
@NareshDarji
Then I checked out the “One-Day Picnic Spots” section. Again, I was met with a beautifully arranged guide featuring parks, lakes, heritage sites, and recreational areas perfect for a quick getaway. Places like Thol Lake, Zanzari Waterfall, and Indroda Nature Park popped up, each with photos, descriptions, timings, and traveler reviews.
What makes this feature so powerful is that it’s not just a list — it’s intelligent and location-aware. It shows you how far each spot is, the best times to visit, and even suggests alternate destinations if one seems crowded or too far.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous trip with friends or a peaceful solo retreat, this section gives you ideas you might not even think to Google on your own. It turns a regular day into a mini-adventure.
A Personal Guide That Lives in Your Phone
I began to see Google Maps in a completely new light. It’s not just an app for travel — it’s a personal local guide. It doesn’t wait for you to search for “best food in Ahmedabad” or “weekend getaway near me.” Instead, it offers these insights proactively, just when you need them.
Each suggestion is carefully curated, not based on paid ads, but real-world data, reviews, and patterns of local behavior. It highlights places loved by locals and rated highly by travelers, making it a trustworthy and personalized experience.
And the best part? Everything is linked to the map. So you’re never wondering, “Where is this place exactly?” You can see it, get directions, check the distance, look at nearby options, and even start navigation — all within seconds.
A New Way to Travel and Explore
This seemingly small feature left a big impression on me. It made me think about how technology, when designed thoughtfully, can enrich our daily lives in unexpected ways. Google Maps has taken a step beyond maps and directions and entered the world of intelligent travel discovery.
I encourage everyone to try it out. Just search for a city — whether it’s your own or one you’re planning to visit — and take a moment to explore the suggestions that pop up. You’ll find new places to eat, new spots to visit, and maybe even a new appreciation for the familiar.
Whether you’re a traveler, a food lover, or just someone looking for something to do this weekend, this feature on Google Maps is definitely worth checking out.
Because sometimes, the best discoveries are right under your nose — or just a tap away.