Wait… That’s the Same Place? Then vs. Now Around the World

Cities change. That's kind of their thing. But looking at these side-by-side images of the world's most iconic cities before they were, well, iconic feels like time travel with a twist. This list gives you 23 snapshots from the past and present of places like Rio, Seoul, Dubai, Manhattan, and Hong Kong — showing just how far we've come, and in some cases, how far we've strayed.

Some skylines have gone from sleepy to sci-fi in just a few decades. Others are barely recognizable under all the steel, glass, and... whatever that architectural trend was in the 80s. It's beautiful, it's jarring, it's nostalgic, and it's weirdly comforting to know that no city is ever really finished.

Whether you're into urban history, old maps, or just like judging city planners, this one's for you.

Author image for John Summers John Summers
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