Wikipedia is known mainly for being an internet rabbit hole to get lost in for hours, but a lesser-known use for the online encyclopedia is as a travel companion -- to discover interesting locations and nearby landmarks that you should visit.

Download -- Wikipedia on Android | iOS (Free)

Enable Location Services

If you've just installed the Wikipedia app, make sure that you turn on location services, as this feature won't work as well otherwise. You can search by city or address if you'd like, but when you're out an about, it's more convenient to have the app do the work for you.

  • Android users won't be prompted to turn on the feature, until you tap the Nearby tab and tap the compass icon on the map. If you already have the app on your phone and location services disabled, go to Settings > Apps > Wikipedia > Permissions and toggle Location on.
  • iOS users will be prompted to turn on the feature when you open the app for the first time. If you already have the iOS app installed but location services aren't turned on, you can switch them on. iOS users go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. Scroll down to Wikipedia and select to allow location access While Using the App.

Find Nearby Attractions

Once you have location services enabled, go to the map tab in the app. For Android users, it's the last icon (a compass) in the dock and isn't labeled until you tap it and then it says Nearby. For iOS users it's the second icon from the left and is clearly labeled Places.

You should see a map with interesting nearby locations in either app. iOS users have the added advantage of being able to view the results on the map or as a list.

This is a great way to discover places to visit not only in your home towns or cities, but is also a useful way to explore a new city you've just moved to or are visiting. With the search function, you can also do a little research ahead of time and use Wikipedia to figure out what places you want to visit before you head there.

Can you think of any other creative uses for the Wikipedia mobile app? Let us know in the comments.