Photonic quantum simulators are controllable quantum systems that can mimic other quantum systems, enabling the simulation of problems intractable for classical computers. This review discusses recent progress in photonic quantum simulation, highlighting its potential for quantum chemistry, biology, and solid-state physics. Photonic systems offer advantages such as mobility in free space and waveguides, enabling the study of quantum transport phenomena. The article explores quantum simulation strategies, including digital and analog methods, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in photonic quantum technology. It covers applications in quantum chemistry, where photonic simulators can model molecular systems, and in condensed matter physics, where they can simulate valence bond states and topological quantum states. The review also addresses the simulation of quantum walks and tight-binding Hamiltonians, as well as the study of particle statistics and elementary interactions. Photonic quantum simulators have the potential to outperform classical computers in certain tasks, particularly in simulating quantum systems. The article concludes with perspectives on the future of photonic quantum simulators and their role in advancing quantum computing and simulation technologies.Photonic quantum simulators are controllable quantum systems that can mimic other quantum systems, enabling the simulation of problems intractable for classical computers. This review discusses recent progress in photonic quantum simulation, highlighting its potential for quantum chemistry, biology, and solid-state physics. Photonic systems offer advantages such as mobility in free space and waveguides, enabling the study of quantum transport phenomena. The article explores quantum simulation strategies, including digital and analog methods, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in photonic quantum technology. It covers applications in quantum chemistry, where photonic simulators can model molecular systems, and in condensed matter physics, where they can simulate valence bond states and topological quantum states. The review also addresses the simulation of quantum walks and tight-binding Hamiltonians, as well as the study of particle statistics and elementary interactions. Photonic quantum simulators have the potential to outperform classical computers in certain tasks, particularly in simulating quantum systems. The article concludes with perspectives on the future of photonic quantum simulators and their role in advancing quantum computing and simulation technologies.