GPS does exist, sure, but I still often see tourists in my city look at a paper map. While standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk. People still ask for directions too, especially the older ones who are less likely to have or use a smartphone and/or mobile data.
GPS directions tend to be much more difficult for pedestrians than for drivers because the direction you're pointed is either undefined or hard to ascertain. That's when asking someone "which way is X" is necessary.
