Dev.to
5/9/2026

Free Google Places API Alternative: 37 Business Categories, No API Key
Short summary
After Google discontinued Places API's free tier in Feb 2025 (now ~$275/month), BizData offers a free, no-key alternative backed by OpenStreetMap with 37 business categories. Works as both REST API and MCP server (compatible with Claude, Cursor, and other clients). Trade-off: fewer categories (37 vs Google's 100+) and no reviews/photos, but fully free with fair-use limits—ideal for lead generation, market research, and location prototyping.
- •Free alternative to Google Places API after its free tier was discontinued Feb 2025
- •No API key required; integrates as REST API or MCP server for Claude/Cursor
- •37 business categories with fair-use limits; lacks reviews/photos but suits prototyping and lead generation
Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.
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