Yelp for iOS

Yelp offers powerful local search capabilities to help you discover new shops, restaurants, and similar venues while on the go. Using a somewhat outdated, yet intuitive interface, the app boasts a wide list of establishments in the U.S. and even some in Western Europe, with data becoming scarcer as you move to smaller countries.

After a quick installation, Yelp for iOS takes around 38MB of space. Once launched, the app will ask for your location and you will be prompted to create a Yelp account, which will enable you to write reviews and bookmark locations. International users should skip this step since our tests reveal that currently registrations are limited to the U.S. In terms of graphical interface, this app still retains its iOS 6 look and may feel dated when compared to other apps, but it's very easy to navigate. Information on each shop includes fields such as contact information, opening times, photos, and reviews, although the database gets much lighter as you move internationally. We did appreciate the ability to pan the map and search the area that's on the screen. Another nice touch is the "Monocle" feature, which uses the back camera and overlays the labels of local businesses. Note that prior to using this feature, you may need to spend 20-30 seconds calibrating your device's compass.

If you're in the U.S., Yelp is definitely a great way to discover new shops and stores. International coverage isn't as in-depth yet, but the app is worth a download if you're in North America.