Screenshot of Google Street View

Notre Dame, Street Viewed / Photo: Author

Virtual tourism of the world’s most famous landmarks just got a whole lot easier.

I’M IN THE MARKET for a house. Problem is, ever since I made the decision I’ve been thousands of miles from my target market. Enter Google Street View. All I have to do is plug in the address from a realtor listing and it’s like I’m standing in front of the property. What a sweet tool.

I’ve applied Street View to traveling as well. Scoping city streets, hostel addresses, and attractions before a trip helps me get an idea of where I want to go and where I don’t, and imparts a sense of familiarity to my surroundings once I actually make it there.

Now, news is out that Google has partnered with UNESCO, the arm of the UN responsible for designating and protecting World Heritage Sites, to produce Street View experiences of some of the most famous sites around the world.

Nineteen ground-level, 360-degree World Heritage views have already been released, featuring primarily European landmarks, and more are in the works. This video explains:

Expect an uptick in “virtual tourism” as a result of the partnership, but I bet UNESCO sees an increase in in-the-flesh visitors to these sites as well.

Community Connection

How long do you think it’ll take Google to make it to these Overlooked World Heritage Sites?

 
 

About The Author

Hal Amen

Freelance writer Hal Amen edits Matador Trips. His personal travel blog is at WayWorded.

  • http://travelerahoy.wordpress.com Alouise

    Very cool. I love using Google Street View. I’m going to Toronto tomorrow, and right after booking my hotel I went to google street view and plugged in the address. Sounds lame I know, but it also gets me excited for whatever trip I’m taking.

  • mason in mississippi

    i’m right there with you, alouise. before my recent trips to new orleans and san francisco, i Google-Street-Viewed (yep, i just made that into a verb) my hotel and some of the areas i wanted to explore. it really is an awesome tool. it especially blows my mind when i GSV from an iphone.

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