Google Maps is evolving into much more than the sum of its parts. We have probably all used the app to help us get from A to B, but Google Maps has some awesome features many of us ignore. And now Google is rolling out even more ways to make use of Maps.

While many of us like to explore our local area, it's sometimes hard to know where to begin. Is that new restaurant worth trying? Is there a local book club to attend? Where's the best place to go to listen to live music? Google Maps now has all the answers.

Google Maps Explores Places For You

At I/O 2018 in May, Google announced a load of new features coming to Maps. And some of those features are rolling out now to Google Maps on Android and on iOS. There's a redesigned Explore tab, a new For You tab, and the Your Match feature.

The redesigned Explore tab now aims to inform you about everything happening in a particular area. So you can discover popular restaurants, activities, and events happening close to where you are. And that applies whether you're there to stay or just visiting.

You can also choose categories---such as coffee shops or music venues---to narrow your search. The Explore tab also features curated lists of places to eat, whether that's good cafes to go for lunch with kids or the best restaurants for a romantic meal.

The new For You tab personalizes everything, surfacing restaurants, events, and activities Google thinks will appeal to you. There's also the option to follow a neighborhood in order to stay informed about what's happening in that area.

Last but not least is the Your Match feature. This acknowledges that aggregate ratings are flawed. So you tell Google Maps what kinds of cuisines and restaurants you like, and the app will apply a numeric rating to bars and restaurants based on your tastes.

Is It Time to Broaden Your Horizons?

When you have seen everything there is to see in your local area, it might be time to broaden your horizons. Thankfully, Google Maps can help you travel smarter. And if you really want to travel more, here are the skills to learn and the movies to watch.