Have you ever wanted to stand in the middle of a street intersection—without actually going there? Google Street Maps makes that possible! You can tour the world, check out cross streets, or even spy on your favorite pizza joint without leaving your chair. Let’s explore how to use Google’s cool intersection view and have a little fun doing it.

First Things First: Open Google Maps

This part is super easy. Just follow these steps:

  • Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari—whatever you love).
  • Type https://maps.google.com into the address bar.
  • Press Enter. Boom! You’re in Google Maps.

Now the real fun begins.

Find the Street You Want

Type a location into the Search bar. Let’s try an example. Say you’re curious about Times Square in New York.

  • Type “Times Square, NYC”
  • Hit Enter
  • You’ll see a map centered on the location

Zoom in using your mouse scroll or the ‘+’ button on the side.

You should now be able to see nearby streets. The magic is just one step away.

Use Pegman to Enter Street View

Look in the bottom-right corner. See that little yellow human-shaped icon? That’s Pegman. He’s your friend.

To use Pegman:

  • Click and hold Pegman
  • Drag him over to the map
  • As you hover over streets, they’ll turn blue

Those blue lines are paths you can explore through Street View. Awesome, right?

Drop Pegman on the Intersection

You want a sweet intersection view? Drop Pegman right where two streets meet. This is where the magic happens.

As soon as you let go:

  • You’re instantly on the street!
  • You’ll stand (virtually) right at the crossing point
  • You can turn 360 degrees

Say hello to full circle vision of that intersection. Spin around with your mouse for the full view.

Navigating Around the Intersection

Now you’re in Street View. Let’s walk around, virtually of course.

To move around:

  • Click the arrows on the road
  • Click further spots on the street to jump forward
  • Turn your view by clicking and dragging the image

Want to go down one of the crossing streets? Just click in that direction. You’ll move smoothly into that path.

Tips for Smooth Exploration

  • Use your mouse scroll to zoom in and out
  • Click on street names to check where you are
  • Hover in different directions until you find the perfect angle

If you get lost—don’t worry! Just click the back arrow or re-drop Pegman again. Explore all directions from the intersection.

Use Compass for North-South Directions

Let’s get a little technical—but still easy!

In the bottom-right, there’s a tiny compass. It shows direction.

  • Red means North
  • You can click and drag it to change direction
  • Double-click on your view to center it anytime

This is especially helpful when you want to compare how intersections look from different angles.

Use Labels and Business Info

Hover around the area. Google will show pop-ups for businesses, parks, stores, or restaurants.

Click on them:

  • See photos
  • Business hours
  • User reviews and phone numbers

This is great if you’re planning a trip, doing research, or just being curious.

Street View Shortcuts

Here are some fun and handy tips for faster viewing:

  • Double-click: Move instantly to that point
  • Arrow keys (← → ↑ ↓): Navigate with your keyboard
  • Click and drag: Turn your view left, right, up, or down

Try them out and you’ll feel like your mouse is a time-travel machine.

Look at Intersections Around the World

Not sure which intersections to explore? Try famous spots:

  • Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
  • Abbey Road in London
  • Champs-Élysées intersections in Paris

Just search one of these, drag Pegman out, and dive in. You’ll be amazed.

Use It for Real-World Planning

Not just for geeking out! You can use intersection view for:

  • Planning routes: See which street is easier to drive or walk through
  • Meeting points: Choose a recognizable spot before you meet friends
  • Real estate hunts: Explore what’s around a property BEFORE you visit

This tool is smarter than a regular map. You get to see things before going.

Mobile? No Problem!

If you’re on your phone, use the Google Maps app. Here’s how:

  • Search for your location
  • Tap on a street
  • Look for an image thumbnail at the bottom – that’s Street View
  • Tap it and BOOM—you’re there!

Pinch to zoom and swipe around. Same fun experience, pocket-sized!

Last Words

Getting an intersection view on Google Street Maps is both fun and useful. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Paris or planning your commute, this feature rocks.

Just remember:

  • Use Pegman
  • Drop him at a crossroad
  • Have fun exploring in 360 degrees!

So, grab your virtual walking shoes and take a stroll at any intersection on the planet. No passport needed!