How to Make Interactive Maps in Python with Folium (No JavaScript Needed)

Create interactive maps in Python using Folium with zero JavaScript. Learn how to visualize geographic data fast with simple, beginner-friendly code examples.

Folium really surprised me the first time I tried it. I always thought making interactive maps meant dealing with a bunch of JavaScript or using complicated mapping software. But Folium makes it simple. It fits right into your regular Python code and takes care of all the hard parts behind the scenes.

If you're someone who works with data and wants to map out trends, or even if you're just trying to place a few points on a map and make it look good—Folium makes it super easy and actually kind of fun.

Why use Folium? Well it’s built on Leaflet.js, which is one of the best open-source mapping tools out there for the web. But the best part is, with Folium, you thankfully don’t have to write any JavaScript.

Welcome to Folium. Check out other 3 Random Articles here.

Imagine you're subscribed to a newsletter called 3 Randoms. Each week, it introduces you to three lesser-known Python tools that can make your coding better. It's like expanding your toolbox and discovering new tricks.

You can build interactive maps, add markers, heatmaps, popups, and more—right from Python, inside something like a Jupyter Notebook or a regular Python script.

I’ve tried some other mapping tools, but Folium is by far the easiest one to pick up and start using. There’s basically no learning curve. You’ll be adding points to a map and showing off your data before your coffee even cools down.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to use Folium from scratch—how to make your first map, add different types of markers, and show your data on a map in a clear, interactive way.

Everything runs in your browser and saves as an HTML file, so you can share it or embed it anywhere you want. It makes your project look way more polished without a ton of extra work.

Alright, let’s get started. First, open your terminal and run:

pip3 install folium

👉 Thank you for allowing me to continue to do work that I find meaningful. This is my full time job so I hope you will support my work.

My premium readers get access to so much more, like monthly Python projects, in-depth weekly articles, this here '3 Randoms' series, and my complete archive!

👉 If you get value from my work, please leave it a ❤️ and share it. This helps more people discover this newsletter, which helps me out immensely!

Once that’s done, we’ll jump into building your first interactive map.

This Week’s Folium Tips