Google Maps turns 20: SA’s top rated spots

Google Maps has been around for 20 years but launched in South Africa in October 2009.

Google South Africa has shared some of the most reviewed eateries and attractions on Maps locally, which goes beyond just a map service with driving and walking directions.

It offers business and restaurant listings with vital information and reviews, has incorporated EV chargers into it, but most importantly offers real-time traffic info.

Google Maps also offers Street View navigation and images and wonders of the world, which also helps when going into unknown destinations.

The company also shared general stats, like as of 2024, it provided 1 trillion kilometres of directions; there are over 250 million businesses and places listed on Maps; over 500 million people provide reviews, photos and ratings; and over 100 million updates made to Maps daily.

So in celebration of its 20 years in existence, Google SA has shared interesting data on how South Africans have “mapped their world”, from a foodie and sight-seeing perspective.

Google Maps: the best of in South Africa

Most Reviewed Restaurants

• RoccoMamas Mall of Africa, JHB
• Wimpy King Shaka International, KZN
• Irene Farm, PTA
• Wimpy Oribi Plaza, KZN
• Quay Four Restaurant, CPT

Most Reviewed Cafes

• Truth Coffee Roasting, CPT
• EL&N London – Mall of Africa, JHB
• Cubana Foreshore, CPT
• Starbucks Florida Road, KZN
• Baobab Cafe and Grill, PTA

Most Reviewed Visitor Attractions

• Gandhi Square Precinct, JHB
• Graskop Gorge Lift Co, KZN
• God’s Window, MP
• Redberry Farm, WC
• Voortrekker Monument, PTA

Most Reviewed Museums

• Maropeng  Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, JHB
• Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, JHB
• Apartheid Museum, JHB
• Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, CPT
• Mandela’s House, JHB

Most Reviewed Parks

• Table Mountain National Park, CPT
• Kruger National Park, MP
• Green Point Park, CPT
• Cape Point Nature Reserve, CPT
• Zoo Lake, JHB

Google has also shared its new updates to Maps via a blog post.