Google Places API removed its free tier in February 2025. The new pricing starts at ~$275/month for 100K calls.

If you need basic business/POI data and don't need Google's reviews or photos, here's a free alternative.

BizData API

A REST API wrapping OpenStreetMap's Overpass API. Free, no API key, no signup.

curl "https://bizdata-web.vercel.app/api/businesses?location=Paris&category=cafe&limit=3"

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Returns structured JSON with name, address, phone, website, email, coordinates, and opening hours.

Google Places vs BizData

Feature Google Places BizData

Price $275+/mo Free

API key Required Not needed

Categories 100+ 37

Reviews/photos Yes No

Coverage (EU) Excellent Excellent

Coverage (US) Excellent Good

Rate limits Strict Fair use

When to use this

Lead generation (bulk business listings)

Market research (how many cafes in a neighborhood?)

Location-based apps needing basic POI data

Prototyping before committing to Google's pricing

MCP tool calls from AI…