Google Maps. Photo: Shutterstock Two decades after its launch, Google Maps summarizes the places that left a mark.
Google Maps marks two decades of activity, becoming a central tool for users around the world for navigation, route planning, exploring new destinations, and sharing experiences. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, Google publishes a list of the most rated and viewed places over the last twenty years, providing a glimpse into the most beloved sites, restaurants, and attractions in Israel and the world.
The 10 most rated restaurants in Israel. Source: Google MapsIsraelis are known for their love of food, and the ratings collected over the years reflect this well. "Highway 90" restaurant in the Upper Galilee leads the list and attracts diners seeking a unique burger experience at the foot of the Ma'ayanot Stream. Following is "Soho" restaurant from Rishon LeZion, considered one of the most popular Asian restaurants in Israel. In third place is the Italian restaurant "NONO" from Hod Hasharon, offering a meticulous Italian menu and a draw for pasta and quality pizza enthusiasts.
Cafes in Israel have also received many ratings, with "Bar Bhar" at Nachal Katlav chosen as the most beloved cafe. It is followed by "Cafe Gan Sipur" in Herzliya, a cafe especially suited for parents and children. Third place is taken by "Cafe Rimon" in Jerusalem, a well-known culinary institution combining a European atmosphere with a loyal local audience. Also appearing on the list are other well-known cafes like "Nechama VeChetsi" in Tel Aviv and "Cafe Stamper" in Netanya, attesting to the high demand for quality coffee throughout the country.
The 10 most rated cafes in Israel. Source: Google MapsIsrael offers a combination of history, nature, and culture, and the most rated sites on Google Maps reflect this. At the top of the list of Israel's favorite tourist sites stands Masada, the impressive archaeological site with great historical significance. They are followed by the caves at Roshanikra, offering breathtaking cliffs and blue lagoon views. Also, the Clock Tower in Jaffa and the Station Complex in Tel Aviv feature prominently, along with the Garden of Gethsemane and Zion Gate in Jerusalem, which are central points of interest for visitors from the country and the world.
In the museum field, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem leads the list, alongside Yad Vashem, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and the Madatech in Haifa. Parks and public gardens are also highly popular, with Caesarea National Park crowned the highest-rated park in Israel, followed by the Safari in Ramat Gan and Yarkon Park, serving as a green lung for the Dan Bloc.
The 10 most rated tourist sites in Israel. Source: Google MapsAlongside Israel's beloved places, Google Maps reveals the most viewed sites worldwide via the innovative Immersive View. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, one of the most recognizable sites in France, leads the list, followed by the Empire State Building in New York and the Colosseum in Rome. Also, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, and Tokyo Tower in Japan feature, highlighting global preferences of millions of users worldwide.
The 10 most rated museums in Israel. Source: Google MapsBeyond iconic sites, Google Street View cameras have captured amusing and surprising moments worldwide over the years. One of the funniest cases was spotted in Rome, where a cat was seen calmly overlooking passersby. In Argentina, a giraffe herd appeared surprisingly in the camera lens, while in Qatar, camels were documented crossing a main road. Another unforgettable moment was captured in Brazil, where an exceptionally energetic dog was caught running quickly on the beach.
The 10 most rated parks in Israel. Source: Google MapsGoogle Maps has dramatically changed how we travel, plan routes, and discover new places. Over the past twenty years, millions of users worldwide have rated, documented, and shared their experiences, making the platform an essential tool in planning travel experiences, whether visiting a local restaurant, touring a historical site, or searching for the perfect morning coffee spot.
Google Maps celebrates 20 years. Source: Google Maps