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Free Google Places API alternative using OpenStreetMap (no API key)

Free Google Places API alternative using OpenStreetMap (no API key)

by johnleslie_pm·May 10, 2026·9 points·1 comment
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AI Analysis

●●●BangerSolve My ProblemDark Horse

No-key OSM wrapper with built-in MCP server beats Google Places on price.

Strengths
  • •Built-in MCP server allows AI agents to query local business data directly.
  • •Zero authentication friction removes the billing setup barrier entirely.
  • •Returns structured contact info and opening hours often missing from raw OSM.
Weaknesses
  • •Data quality inherits OpenStreetMap's inconsistencies in rural or non-Western regions.
  • •Lacks rich media like photos and user reviews that competitors provide.
Target Audience

Developers needing location data without Google Places billing

Similar To

Google Places API · Geoapify · Foursquare Places API

Similar Projects

Open Source●●Solid

Draw a polygon on Google Maps and bulk-export matching places to CSV

You draw a polygon, run repeated keyword searches, and the app merges everything into one CSV — simple but immediately useful for gathering local business data. The UI includes handy touches like saving the API key to localStorage and a shareable URL, and the stack (Bun + React 19 + Tailwind) promises snappy frontend dev. Not novel — Google Places already offers the data — but the multi-search accumulation + one-click export removes a lot of friction; watch Google quotas and key security.

Solve My ProblemNiche GemShip It
rbbydotdev
103mo ago