Yes, Bing Maps includes a street-level imagery feature called Streetside that offers 360-degree views in supported cities.
Quick Fact
Bing Maps provides a street-level imagery feature called Streetside that delivers 360-degree panoramic views in supported cities and towns.
You’ll find it on both the Bing Maps website and the Windows Maps app. Streetside isn’t as widespread as Google Street View, but it still gives solid coverage for plenty of urban and suburban spots—especially across North America and Europe. The images get updated now and then, though the timing varies by area.
Geographic Context
Streetside is available in key regions including North America and Europe, with selected cities and highways covered worldwide.
People love using street-level views to scope out destinations, check out neighborhoods, or find building entrances before heading out. Unlike regular maps, Streetside lets you virtually stand on a street and look around like you’re actually there. What’s available depends on Microsoft’s imaging schedule and data partnerships, which focus on busy cities and major roads.
Key Details
Streetside is Bing Maps’ street-view feature, integrated into the platform and Windows Maps app, and it complements other map services with 360-degree imagery.
Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:
| Service/App | Street View Feature Name | Coverage Notes |
|---|
| Google Maps | Street View | Covers over 100 countries and millions of miles of road. Imagery updated frequently through vehicle and user contributions. |
| Bing Maps | Streetside | Strong in North America and Europe; integrates tightly with Windows devices and Microsoft 365 services. |
| Apple Maps | Look Around | High-resolution imagery in major U.S. cities and select international locations; requires iOS 13+ or macOS Catalina+. |
| MapQuest | Street View | Limited to North America; uses Google’s imagery under license. Traffic has declined since 2020. |
| Third-party GPS/Nav Apps | Integrated Street View | Apps like Waze and Scout often embed Google Street View for location previews, even on non-Google platforms. |
Interesting Background
Bing Streetside imagery is primarily captured by Microsoft-owned camera vehicles, with data refreshes coordinated through Microsoft’s mapping division.
Back in 2020, Microsoft ditched its mix of in-house and third-party basemap data in favor of a platform powered by TomTom, a top Dutch mapping and navigation company Wikipedia. That switch boosted accuracy and cut reliance on outdated datasets. Meanwhile, Streetside’s panoramic images still come from specially equipped vehicles with multiple high-res cameras. Microsoft doesn’t share exact update schedules, but big cities usually get fresh imagery every 12–24 months. For users concerned about their location history, it's good to know how mapping services handle data.
Practical Information
To access Streetside on Bing Maps, open the website or Windows Maps app, search for a location, and click the “Streetside” icon—a rhomboid or person silhouette.
On desktop, the Streetside icon pops up in the lower-left corner when it’s available. On mobile, check the location card or swipe-up menu. Navigation’s simple: drag to turn your view, use the compass to change direction, and pinch to zoom. Just remember—these aren’t live images, and the timestamps show capture dates from months to years ago. For real-time traffic information, stick with Bing’s traffic layer or an app like Waze. Best part? Streetside is free to use on the web with no login required, though some advanced Windows Maps features might need a Microsoft account.
