When Google launched Street View back in 2007, few could have predicted the impact it would have on society. 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 captures some moments that are bizarre, hilarious or just plain confusing.
Sadly, Google has blurred out some of the old, classic Google Street View hoaxes and staged photos, but there are plenty more still available to view. Without further ado, here are 25 of the funniest things found when roaming the streets.
1. Naughty Google
That looks very much like a 30mph zone, Google! Wonder if the Street View car ever got fined.
2. The Batcave
From the movie Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, here’s the set used for the Batcave. Now you can plan your strategy against the Joker while Alfred pours the tea, all from the comfort of your tablet or smartphone
3. Stunning painting
This brilliant artist was captured finishing off his latest piece in London’s Hyde Park.
4. Happy couple
This couple were captured riding in a very pink horse and carriage on their wedding day.
5. Rainbow
A full rainbow was captured on Google Street View near Dartmoor National Park here in the UK.
6. Yoga lady
Another image that gave us a chuckle is of this lady doing some yoga on the beautiful Whistable coast. Not something you see every day on Google Street View.
7. Highland accident
It looks like it’s going to be tricky to get this car out from this ditch up in Scotland.
8. Penguin riding a 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.
9. Scarecrow field
This one gave us a bit of a fright, as it looks like a field filled with lots of creepy people. It’s actually lots of creepy scarecrows instead. Strange!
10. Orange men
We’re not sure what these two are up to but it’s definitely strange!
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. Horrifying Pigeons
These pigeons will give you a fright as you virtually stroll along the streets in Japan. Wander past them and turn around… they’re still looking. So creepy.
13. Stockholm Syndrome
These Swedes are throwing some excellent shade on the Google Street View camera car.
14. Iceland Tea
It can get a bit chilly in Iceland, so if you’re going to have a spot of tea and cake then you’d best dress up warm.
15. Incoming!
The Galapagos Islands are known for their wildlife, but this huge bird is getting a little too close for comfort.
16. Skiing on grass
This skiier 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!
17. Dentistry on the move
If you dread going to the dentist, how about a checkup 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. Bet those flippers are hard to walk in!
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. Norwegian reindeer
On this picturesque coastal road in Norway, a wild reindeer has appeared. Is it one of Santa’s? We’re not far from Lapland, after all!
22. Horse eating a banana
People wearing a horse’s head pop up all the time, but this outing is one of the more civilised. Why not eat a banana while sitting at the side of the road?
23. 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, he’s called The Stig.
24. Sea creature
A wetsuit covered in seaweed isn’t a costume you see every day. Was this person in San Diego trying to blend in on the beach? If so, they’re not doing a great job!
25. Privacy-conscious cow
We love cows, and we respect their, erm, bovine rights. But we’d be pretty surprised if they had beef about being caught on Google’s Street View camera. Google clearly thinks differently, blurring this animal’s face so it couldn’t be recognised.
For more where those came from, 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.
