When Google launched Street View back in 2007, few could have predicted the impact it would have. Vast swathes of the world have since been photographed, with Google returning to the most popular spots every few years.
Many people are familiar with the classic Google Street View car, complete with a large 360° camera. But Street View isn’t limited to roads – images have been captured using a tricycle, camel, boat, snowmobile, underwater equipment and, of course, on foot. For areas that aren’t so extensively covered, Google invites users to upload their own photos or panoramas.
Street View is very useful for navigation or reference purposes, but it can also be a source of entertainment. Over the years, it’s inadvertently captured moments that are bizarre, hilarious or just plain confusing. Plus, it has given local comedians a chance to get themselves on the map – quite literally.
Over time, Google has blurred out some of the classic Google Street View hoaxes and staged photos, but we’ve managed to capture some of the best. Without further ado, here are 25 of the funniest things found when roaming the streets.
1. Speed demon
Most people don’t record their own traffic infractions, but this is no ordinary vehicle. The Street Car’s speed is captured while driving into what looks suspiciously like a 30mph zone. Tsk tsk, Google.
2. Japes and ladders
Google Maps
Google Maps
Google Maps
There’s no possible explanation for this one – only questions. Why the water? Why the mummy costume? How embarrassed is that little kid at the back at the family’s antics? The ladders are gone now, but you can see the same street view below.
3. Life imitates art
While the artist is capturing the scene before him, the Street Car’s camera captures him at work. Meanwhile, some passers-by are spotted getting legless in the park.
4. Fairy tale in Uxbridge
In what looks like a scene straight from Disney, a carriage ride is adding a bit of magic to the day – except for those stuck behind in traffic, that is. You can see the street below, but the carriage has vanished, presumably by the wave of a wand.
5. Somewhere over the Street View Camera
A full rainbow was captured on Google Street View near Dartmoor National Park here in the UK, as was the shadow of the Street View Camera. I guess it’s off to look for a pot of gold.
6. Nice day for a walk
Google Street View
Google Street View
Google Street View
We don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but it’s clear this pair of pedestrians are completely ‘armless.
7. Highland flung
Want to know if they got the car out of the ditch? We’ll have to wait for the Google car’s next trip. As far as Street View is concerned, it’s still there.
8. Penguin and penny farthing
Among our favourites and definitely one of the strangest Google Street Views we’ve seen is this Penguin riding on the back of a Penny Farthing bike. The passenger penguin has long moved on, but you can see the site of its escapades below.
9. Scarecrow field
It’s not a zombie horde, it’s just a field filled with scarecrows. Much less disturbing then.
10. Squid game
Nothing to see here: just a couple of Squid Game players having a relaxing round of golf. I’m sure they’ll be fine.
11. The Tardis
Take a look inside Dr Who’s Tardis by visiting the famous police box near Earls Court in London on Google Street View.
12. Bird’s eye view
These pigeons will give you a fright as you virtually stroll along the streets in Japan. Wander past them and turn around…and they’re still looking. They’re probably hoping someone will drop a bit of sandwich.
13. Stockholm syndrome
These Swedes are throwing shade at the Google Street View camera car. But this en-light-ening image is the last you’ll see of them.
14. Al fresco lunch
This is an authentic look at lunchtime in Iceland. Any minute now and a waiter will appear.
15. Incoming!
The Galapagos Islands are known for their wildlife, but this huge bird is getting a little too close for comfort. Time to Galapa-go.
16. Skiing on grass
This skier is near the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc, but appears to be using this grassy verge as a practice slope. Probably not the smoothest descent. We hope he made it back down to base camp.
17. Dentistry on the move
If you dread going to the dentist, how about a check-up while you’re on the move? This dentist chair is being transported through the streets by bike in Dhaka.
18. Humans out of water
Despite being kitted out for underwater exploration, these two snorkelers are navigating the streets instead. You’ll be glad to know that they aren’t still trying to get home, as the Street View image below will show.
19. Bow and arrow
You’ve probably seen this trick on a talent show before, but it usually comes with a ‘don’t try this at home’ warning! Hopefully the man with the apple on his head came out of it unscathed.
20. Six times a man
This man in India clearly knew what he was doing. Pan around the scene to see him no less than six times!
21. Reindeer caught in the act
On this picturesque coastal road in Norway, the Street View car has caught a wild reindeer in a not-so-picturesque act. Hey, they can’t all be postcard-worthy moments.
22. The Stig
Top Gear’s iconic test driver was spotted by the side of the A82 in Scotland back in 2009. Was this for an episode of the BBC show? All we know is that The Stig seems to have lost his wheels. Maybe he’s waiting for the bus.
23. Sea creature
This seaweed is certainly up in arms about something. Or perhaps he’s just wave-ing?
24. Bunch of dummies
Google Street View
Google Street View
Google Street View
Okay, it’s not exactly the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but I still wouldn’t want to stop here and eat my lunch. Someone has set up a group of homemade mannequins sunbathing, enjoying a hot tub and proudly displaying a freshly-caught fish. However, all it’s saying to me is: keep on driving.
25. This last image is a-maze-ing
Google Street View
Google Street View
Google Street View
The final shot we’ve picked gives you a chance to interact with Street View. If it doesn’t sound too corny, click the link below to have a go at navigating this maze yourself.
For more like this, artist Jon Rafman has a fun selection of Street View images on his website 9-eyes.com. If you like exploring the world in this way, you may also be interested in playing GeoGuessr.
Author: Ashleigh Macro, Head of Affiliate
Ashleigh is Tech Advisor's Head of Affiliate. Providing expert buying advice you can trust is her forte, helping you to find the most reputable consumer tech products and services, and ensuring you don't spend a penny more than you should.