# The Pao App — Get up and go

> App for finding and sharing local hidden gems and real-world experiences. (iPhone/iPad app by Pao App Inc.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-pao-app/id1398395194 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Pao App Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1398395193)
- Category: Lifestyle, Travel
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 240 App Store ratings · 84 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 60 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-07-29
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-pao-app/id1398395194/reviews.md

## What is The Pao App?

Pao (say “pow”) is an app that helps you find and share the world’s hidden gems. 

From rooftop bars, to beaches, art galleries, cafes, hikes, and concert venues, Pao shows you the coolest gems uploaded by other Pao users, and then helps you go experience them yourself. Share your own favorite gems, discover new favorite fems, and connect with other doers - not nameless reviewers! 

Here at Pao we think its getting way too easy to stay inside and experience life through a screen…and its only going to get easier. Pao is a technological tool that flips the switch. Instead of sucking you in, it empowers you to go outside and connect with the real world. The most amazing things happen when you get off the couch.

Pao means “go” in Greek and thats exactly what it helps you do! You ready? Let’s go!

## Key features

- Find hidden gems
- Share favorite spots
- Discover new places
- Connect with users
- Explore real-world experiences
- Rooftop bars, beaches, cafes, hikes, concerts

## What do users think of The Pao App?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🌍 Discovers hidden gems and unique local spots
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 📸 Visual content-focused (photos and videos)
- ✨ Positive community with no negativity
- 🎯 Curated by real users, not algorithms
- 💾 Organized saving by location/city
- 🚀 Inspires exploration and travel
- 🤝 Community-driven recommendations
- 🎨 Sleek and aesthetically pleasing design
- 📱 Easy to upload and share spots

**Cons**

- 🐛 App crashes and freezes frequently
- ⚠️ Signup/registration doesn't work
- 🔍 Cannot search within specific cities
- ⏱️ App is slow and laggy
- 🎨 Confusing interface design
- ❌ No Apple/Google sign-in options
- 🚪 Closes unexpectedly during use
- ⚠️ Limited functionality for new users
- 📱 Performance issues on certain devices

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Sign-up button doesn't work/create accounts
- App crashes unexpectedly
- Slow performance and lag
- Video upload size limitations causing errors
- Unable to remove uploaded content
- Profile creation address validation issues
- App closes when exploring certain features for extended periods

**Most requested features**

- City-specific search functionality
- Apple and Google social login options
- More category options beyond food and beverage
- Dark mode
- Advanced filtering options
- Better profile customization

## Recent user reviews (10 of 84)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-pao-app/id1398395194/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Unusable

*2026-01-10, version 6.0.0*

I downloaded The Pao App hoping to create an account and start using it, but the experience was frustrating and unusable. The app only offers signup via email (no Apple, Google, or other social login options), which would be fine — except after filling in all the required information and tapping Sign Up, nothing happens. The button doesn’t work and doesn’t create an account, so you can’t actually get past the registration screen. This means the app is completely unusable unless you can create an account — which currently doesn’t work, making the whole process a waste of time.

Overall, until the signup issue is fixed and alternative login methods are added, this app isn’t functional for new users.
👍 Pros: Concept seems interesting.
👎 Cons: Signup doesn’t work; no Apple/Google sign-in options.

### 1/5 — Worst app

*2024-02-24, version 5.2.9*

The app is crashing and it’s not working!

### 3/5 — Potential But Glitchy

*2024-02-08, version 5.2.9*

This app has a lot of potential but it can be slow and glitchy. Closing out if you’re exploring certain things too long. Would also like to see more options for to dos outside of food and bev

### 5/5 — Best app (nothing like it)!

*2022-09-18, version 4.9.9.2*

I go to Pao for everything now

### 4/5 — Great but missing something

*2022-02-18, version 4.9.5*

It’s a great app, lots of things and resources on it, however it’s impossible to search within a city which makes it super unfriendly if you’re trying to find a coffee shop/ specific type of spot in a specific location. If we could search within a city I would definitely use this app a ton more.

### 5/5 — FUN APP

*2021-11-29, version 4.9.1*

This app is perfect for people who are VISUALIZERS. As for myself, I need to see the pictures and videos of a place before I decide to go there! This app is genius, I even thought about making an app like this when I was younger because it is so hard to find those “hidden gems” nowadays! No more gate-keeping, this app is a lifesaver! Thank you to the creators!

### 1/5 — Needs a designer

*2021-10-16, version 4.6*

Very confusing design. It’s hard to understand what to do/the purpose etc

### 1/5 — Not [user] Friendly. Shady.

*2021-10-14, version 4.6*

The app interface is not user friendly and constantly has glitches. In all reality, you have a better chance of actually finding good, non-biased, honest reviews of locations on Yelp, Google, Instagram, and TikTok! Don’t waste your time. 

These app reviews are mostly “interns” and content creators that they do not pay to create content for TikTok to drive traffic to their flopping app! Don’t believe most of the reviews and hot spots on this app, it’s largely from companies that have provided free food and experiences for promoting their location on TikToks.

### 5/5 — Couldn’t have dreamt up a better app

*2021-10-10, version 4.6*

All exploring is just one app away now that there’s Pao!! This is so great for anyone who travels and likes to do more than just go to the local chili’s. Business trips and vacations just got a whole lot better! I love that I can just search a city and see all the cool spots that people have come together to include on this app and a lot are hidden gems so you can easily just grab cool points by knowing a local spot even before a local may even know it! Such a fun and exciting app - all the spots on it are fantastic I’ve already tried a few and I was not disappointed. So if you’re not traveling and just trying to find a way to enjoy your city more this app can definitely help you do that! Just search your city and scroll through it’s so easy!

### 1/5 — A whole new world

*2021-08-27, version 4.2*

Love this app, very easy to use and you can find the coolest hidden gems in your city !

## Frequently asked questions about The Pao App

### What does The Pao App do?

The Pao App helps you find and share hidden gems around the world, from rooftop bars and beaches to art galleries and cafes. It encourages users to get out and experience life in the real world, connecting with others who share similar interests.

### What kind of places can I find on The Pao App?

You can discover a wide variety of places on The Pao App, including rooftop bars, beaches, art galleries, cafes, hiking trails, and concert venues. These are often referred to as 'hidden gems' and are shared by other users of the app.

### Is The Pao App free to use?

Yes, The Pao App is free to download and use. The app does have in-app purchases available, which may offer additional features or content.

### Who is The Pao App for?

This app is designed for people who want to discover new and interesting places in their local area or while traveling. It's for those who prefer real-world experiences over virtual ones and want to connect with like-minded individuals.

### How does The Pao App encourage users to go outside?

The app's core philosophy is to combat the tendency to stay indoors and experience life through screens. It acts as a tool to empower users to explore, discover, and connect with the physical world and the people in it.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 6.0.0 — 2025-03-27

Pao is now Pao Media!

### 5.3.3 — 2024-10-10

What’s New in Version 5.3.3:

Support for iOS 18+
Make sure to upgrade to this version for seamless compatibility with iOS 18 and beyond.

Introducing “All-Time Favorites”
We launched a feature we think you’ll love! Discover hidden gems in:

	•	Austin
	•	Barcelona
	•	Boston
	•	Boulder
	•	Brooklyn
	•	Chicago
	•	Denver
	•	London
	•	Los Angeles
	•	Miami
	•	Minneapolis
	•	New York City
	•	Orlando
	•	Paris
	•	Saint Paul
	•	San Diego
	•	San Francisco
	•	Seattle
	•	Washington D.C.

We’ve fixed some bugs and made optimizations to enhance your experience

### 5.3.2 — 2024-10-03

We launched a feature we think you'll love: "All Time Favorites"!

Discover hidden gems in:

- Austin
- Barcelona
- Boston 
- Boulder
- Brooklyn
- Chicago 
- Denver 
- London
- Los Angeles 
- Miami
- Minneapolis
- New York City 
- Orlando 
- Paris 
- Saint Paul 
- San Diego 
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington D.C. 

v5.3.2 also has some bug fixes and other optimizations ;)

### 5.3.1 — 2024-09-19

We just launched a new feature we think you'll love: "All Time Favorites"!

Discover hidden gems in:

- Austin
- Barcelona
- Boston 
- Boulder
- Brooklyn
- Chicago 
- Denver 
- London
- Los Angeles 
- Miami
- Minneapolis
- New York City 
- Orlando 
- Paris 
- Saint Paul 
- San Diego 
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington D.C.

### 5.3.0 — 2024-02-29

We just launched a new feature we think you'll love: "All Time Favorites"!

Discover hidden gems in:

- Austin
- Barcelona
- Boston 
- Boulder
- Brooklyn
- Chicago 
- Denver 
- Los Angeles 
- Miami
- Minneapolis
- New York City 
- Orlando 
- Paris 
- Saint Paul 
- San Diego 
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Washington D.C.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*
