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If you moved to another city for college or work, it can be an interesting experience to return to your hometown. After all, human creations are rarely static and more often than not planners and builders regularly change things. This is true for cities across the world, with the changes getting more and more prominent as time goes by.
This Facebook page is dedicated to interesting before and after photos of cities and we’ve gathered the best ones. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own thoughts in the comments below.
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#1
Castle Street, 1900s And 2019
RELATED:
#2
Is There A Moment In History You Wish You Could Experience?
The world is full of beautiful old historical buildings that connect us to the past, but too many are lost to decay or thoughtless development. Restoration can give us glimpses into what they might have looked like decades or centuries ago
#3
Liberation Of Coutances/Normandy 1944!
#5
It Was Damaged During The Civil War, You Can Still See The Hole Made By A Cannonball On One Of The Large Oak Beams...?
General Anaesthesia 1 year ago
The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, England. "One of the roof beams has a hole in it, a result of cannon fire in the Civil War, when Dunster Castle was a besieged Royalist stronghold for five months under the command of Colonel Wyndham. Following the damage, it was restored in 1647 to its present condition by Francis Luttrell" - Wikipedia Yarn_Market,_Dunster
#6
Then And Now: Tyre, One Of The Oldest Continually Inhabited Cities In The World.........???
#7
Rephotography Is The Act Of Repeat Photography At The Same Site, With A Time Gap Between The Two Images; The So-Called "Then And Now" View Of A Particular Area
Pandemonium 1 year ago
Must be right after the March 11 tsunami, then after cleanup and landscaping
#8
Before After
#9
Deadwood — Then And Now
#10
Before & After
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 1 year ago
Pretty sure this is Bath, England. The curved building at the bottom right is Bath Spa railway station, and the circular building bottom left is the bus depot. The "cathedral" in the centre is Bath Abbey.
#11
Warsaw, Before And After
#12
Kingsgate, Dating From The 14th Century, Is One Of Two Surviving Medieval Gates In Winchester. The Buildings Next To The Arch Were Demolished In The 1930s...?
#13
Who Better Time
#14
The War Is Over! Berlin/Reichstag 1945
#15
Who Better 1945 vs. 2011
#16
Mike Seaborne’s Isle Of Dogs, Then & Now
#17
Kaliningrad, Before And After Ww2
#18
Right Near The Top Of Our Bucket Lists Is Visiting Japan Someday (Hopefully Soon)
It’s a fascinating country that sometimes seems more at home in a fairytale book than on Planet Earth. There’s a sense of excitement, modernity, and love for its people present there that’s almost unparalleled anywhere else in the world. It’s far from just about anime, manga, samurai, and Sony—concentrating just on those would do the culture a disservice.
Stannous Flouride 1 year ago
Yes, the brown building at the center bottom of the latter picture is the Peace Dome. I visited it last year and found it very unsettling. Not because of the bomb but because of the number of twatwaffles posing in front of it grinning with their fists in the air as if it was some sort of accomplishment. (As bad as the A-bomb was, it was nothing compared to firebombing of Tokyo. The raids that were conducted by the U.S. military on the night of 9–10 March 1945, codenamed Operation Meetinghouse, are the single most destructive bombing raid in human history. 16 square miles (41 km2; 10,000 acres) of central Tokyo was destroyed, leaving an estimated 100,000 civilians dead and over one million homeless. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, by comparison, resulted in the immediate death of an estimated 70,000 to 150,000 people.)
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Pairote Leetavorn 1 year ago
Atomic Bombs shouldn't be used against Mankind ... So Sorry & Sad!
#19
We've All Seen Pictures Of Paris
The "City of Love" is one of the most recognizable places on earth due to its iconic architecture. The famous Eiffel Tower standing high above the city, the wonderful bridges built above the river Seine, and the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame.
#20
Then & Now, Kiev, Kreschatik Street, Ukraine, Ussr
Steve Robert 1 year ago
Unfortunately, I couldn't tell which one was then and now. And that's sad (support Ukraine!)
#21
Timelapse Evolution Before And After Of Famous Cities
#22
Clifton Rocks Railway Top Station By The Gorge Hotel 1990 2021
#23
Leblone Ipanema, Rio Janeiro Then vs. Now
#24
1936 vs. 2017
#25
Hattusa, Turkey Then vs. Now
#26
Guess City
#27
Rush Into Germany! Aachen In Germany
sofacushionfort 1 year ago
IIRC, the mayor offered to surrender the city, the US refused (thinking they were going elsewhere) then the Nazis reinforced and the US had to fight their way in.
#28
I❤️poland
Steve Robert 1 year ago
The Homosapiens will eventually destroy their species. Three strikes, and you're out!
#29
Guess City
#30
Public Celebrations
Looking down from the top of Park St from a viewpoint near the Wills Memorial Tower of Bristol University
Chewie Baron 1 year ago
Trying to think what was being celebrated in 1899. I think this could actually be from 1897 which was Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
#32
Then And Now! Brevands In The Utah Beach Sector
#33
Royal Hotel, Five Ways, Paddington - C1920 & 2014
#34
A German Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Troops) On The Walls Of The Venetian Fortezza Castle, Rethymnon, Crete, Greece 1941 - 2024
#36
Paris, Before vs. After
#37
Before And After
#39
Then And Now
#40
Secrets Of The Ancients
Janissary35680 1 year ago
This and three others' (Tyre, Hattusa, London) "Then/Before" pix are actually artists' renditions of what researchers think the places looked like *based on evidence* in the "Now" pix. In accounting, that's called "Cooking the Books".
#42
Bombing Of Dresden - Dresden, Germany, Wwii And Now
The bombing during WWII was horrific. Tens of thousands of people died during the attacks and all of them were civilians
Kelly Scott 1 year ago
You could read a newspaper from the light of the fires 20 miles away. The fires were so hot they melted the pavement and people trying to get away would sink into the hot cement.
#43
Germany In 1945
World War II's Final Year
Germany in 1945 was a nation in ruins.
Key Events:
April 30: Adolf Hitler's death in Berlin bunker
May 7: Germany's unconditional surrender (V-E Day)
Allied occupation zones established (US, Britain, France, USSR)
Potsdam Conference (July-August): Post-war reorganization
Devastation:
3.2 million German soldiers killed
3.5 million civilians dead or missing
5 million displaced persons
40% of infrastructure destroyed
Economy shattered
Occupation and Rebuilding:
Denazification: Removing Nazi influence
Demilitarization: Disbanding German military
Democratization: Establishing democratic institutions
Economic reforms: Introduction of Deutsche Mark (1948)
Division and Reunification:
1949: East Germany (GDR) and West Germany (FRG) established
1961: Berlin Wall erected
1989: Fall of Berlin Wall
1990: German reunification
Germany's 1945 marked the end of Nazi rule and the beginning of a long reconstruction process.
#46
Süreyya Beach In 1940s And Nowadays, Istanbul
#47
Bristol Cathedral And College Green
#49
Il Castello Di Beuville Liberato Dalla Ksli Distrutto Da Un Incendio Appiccato Dai Tedeschi
#50
Leaning Tower Of Pisa Then vs. Now
#52
1915 Victoria Street
Looking towards Bristol Bridge with Temple Meads approach behind camera(R) Like the old railway bridge, the ‘old’ George & Railway Hotel and Grosvenor Hotel were built during the Age of Steam. Both buildings became cut off on an island as adjacent road improvements evolved from the 1960s. Changes continue to this day, even this 2019 ’Now’ is out of date!
#53
Inside Of St Peters Church Castle Park . Unknown Date
#54
Brooklyn Bridge, New York: Then vs. Now Then (1883-1940s)
Engineering marvel : First steel-wire suspension bridge
Iconic landmark : Connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan
Industrial and commercial hub : Streetcars, railroads, and shipping
Population growth : Brooklyn's population doubled (1880-1920)
Now (1950s-Present)
Renovations and restorations (1950s-1980s)
Historic designation (1966): National Historic Landmark
Tourist attraction : 120+ million visitors annually
Cultural icon : Featured in art, literature, and film
Modern transportation : Pedestrian and bike paths
Transformation
From industrial artery to recreational destination
Shift from functional to iconic landmark
Preservation of history, embracing modern usage
Today
1.6-mile promenade : Stunning city views
Nighttime lighting : Spectacular display
Community events : Fireworks, festivals, and parades
Brooklyn Bridge's enduring legacy:
Engineering innovation
Cultural significance
Timeless symbol of New York City
The Brooklyn Bridge connects past and present, uniting two boroughs and generations.....??
#55
Long Past Its Peak
Steve Robert 1 year ago
Sad and shameful to tear down a beautiful building to make room for this monstrosity.
#56
Is There A Moment In History You Wish You Could Experience?
The world is full of beautiful old historical buildings that connect us to the past, but too many are lost to decay or thoughtless development. Restoration can give us glimpses into what they might have looked like decades or centuries ago
#57
Then & Now Stalingrad, Central Square (German Pows)
#60
Omaha Beach!
Community Days December 2020! Send us your most beautiful Then/Now picture in WW2! Go out and find history next to your door! We select the most beautiful pictures and show them every day here on D-Day History during the Community days in december! Not only Normandy it doesn’t matter, world wide! Become part of D-Day History and show the community your most beautiful photo! Let's go
#62
Timelapse Evolution Before And After Of Famous Cities
Scrappychick 1 year ago
I lived in Singapore in the early 90s and the development speed was scary quick, it's now breakneck
#63
The Lincoln Memorial: Timeless Icon
The Lincoln Memorial, a symbol of American democracy, has stood the test of time.
Then (1914-1960s):
Dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln
Designed by Henry Bacon, inspired by ancient Greek temples
Sculptor Daniel Chester French's iconic statue of Lincoln
Civil Rights Movement hub: Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech
Now:
National Park Service maintenance ensures preservation
Ongoing restoration projects (e.g., 2019-2020 refurbishment)
Enhanced security measures post-9/11
Accessibility improvements for visitors
Continued symbol of freedom, equality, and American values
Milestones:
1939: Marian Anderson's historic concert
1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
2020: 57th anniversary of King's speech
The Lincoln Memorial remains an enduring beacon of American history, freedom, and human rights.
Visitors:
Over 7 million annually.
Steve Robert 1 year ago
If you want to keep it a Democracy, for your grandchildren's sake, vote BLUE 💙
#64
Looking South Down Queen Street Towards The Intersection With Collins Street. Then vs. Now
#66
Lombard Street
Kelly Scott 1 year ago
Coming up from over the hill so we could go down Lombard on the other side, is another very steep hill. My friend was driving a stick shift and when we had to stop once almost at the top, she couldn't get her car in gear again. We were slowly backing down the hill every time she tried and the car behind us kept backing up further and further. Eventually she managed the gears and then we went up and over to go down Lombard. Fun times in San Francisco.
#67
Then vs. Now
#68
Altes Museum, Berlin, Then vs. Now
#69
Royal Street, New Orleans, USA, 2010 And 2019
#71
Stettin/Szczecin Nabrzeże Wieleckie, Then vs. Now
#72
Guess City
#74
Mcneill Street, Glasgow. Then vs. Now
#75
Guess The City
#76
Vers 1930-2012
#78
Then vs..now
#80
Hawthorne Road From Waterworks Street, Bootle, 1900s And 2019
#81
Derby Square And South Castle Street, 1915 And 2021
Widdershins66 1 year ago
Queen Victoria monument, built 1906, Liverpool City centre, UK. It is built on the former site of Liverpool Castle. The large red building behind is the Liverpool Civil Courts.
#82
9 Amazing Cities Before And After
#84
Vasagatan In Stockholm: Transformation Over Time
Vasagatan, a major street in Stockholm's city center, has undergone significant changes.
Then (19th-20th centuries):
Bustling commercial hub with shops, restaurants, and hotels
Grand architecture, including the iconic Central Post Office Building
Horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles shared the street
Vibrant nightlife with theaters and dance halls
Now:
Modern, pedestrian-friendly design with widened sidewalks
Tram lines and bike lanes prioritize sustainable transport
Contemporary architecture blends with historic buildings
Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Nearby: Stockholm Central Station, City Terminal, and Arlanda Express
Revitalization Efforts:
1960s-70s: Urban renewal projects
2010s: Vasagatan renovation, improving infrastructure and public spaces
Today, Vasagatan is a thriving, cosmopolitan hub, balancing heritage and innovation.
Interesting Fact:
Vasagatan is named after King Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), a key figure in Swedish history.
#85
Queens Road At The Top Of Park Street, Near The Triangle.queens Road At The Top Of Park Street, Near The Triangle
#86
Percy/Normandy
US troops resting after the liberation! Community Days Then/Now in 2021! Send us your most beautiful Then/Now picture! Go out and find history next to your door! We select the most beautiful pictures and show them every day here on D-Day History during the Community Days! Not only Normandy it doesn’t matter! Become part of D-Day History and show the Community your most beautiful photo! Let's go! Thx to Philip Cole (via Facebook) for the support and pictures!
#87
Before & After
#88
Dresden, Then vs. Now
#91
Then vs. Now
#92
Sydney, Australia - 1932 And Now
Believe it or not, but the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world counts its existence for 11,000 years as of today. The town, Damascus, is the Syrian capital city, and astonishingly enough, not much has changed behind this ancient city's walls. However, not many towns keep the same faces for such a long time, often changing and evolving. Sometimes the city development makes it even more beautiful, but as it is in a more often case, the alluring greenery and historical houses have to make way for skyscrapers in the ever-changing city skyline
Kenneth Barns 1 year ago
Nicely played: title describes Sydney; photos show London (if I am recognising the Shard and the Walkie-Talkie correctly); blurb talks about Damascus!
#96
New Orleans: Then vs. Now
Then (Pre-2005)
Vibrant cultural hub, rich in history and music (jazz, blues)
Thriving tourism industry (French Quarter, Bourbon Street)
Economic challenges: poverty, crime, and decay
Hurricane Katrina (2005): devastating flooding, displacement
Now (Post-2005)
Resilient rebirth and revitalization
Rebuilding and renewal: $14 billion invested
Economic growth: tourism, entrepreneurship, and innovation
Diverse cultural landscape: arts, music, and cuisine
Population growth (393,000+)
Transformation
From vulnerable to resilient city
Shift from decline to economic growth
Preservation of heritage, embracing modernity
Challenges Remain
Affordable housing and gentrification
Infrastructure and flood protection
Economic inequality and crime
Progress
Revitalized neighborhoods (Bywater, Treme)
Thriving food and music scenes
Enhanced tourism infrastructure
New Orleans' spirit:
Resilience and adaptability
Cultural preservation and innovation
Community-driven rebirth
Today, New Orleans blends tradition with progress.
#98
Detroit, Before vs. After
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What do you think ?
CanadianDimes 1 year ago
It would be great if all of these said which city they are, not just some of them.
Chan Sue Lynn 1 year ago
I feel like a ghost, just floating above the air, watching the world change over time. One day, either your favorite place may be still be there, well preserved or just one day disappeared, replaced or just forgotten.
marianne eliza 1 year ago
No idea where most of these are since very few bothered to provide locations.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
Proving once again how much money and space is wasted on cars. The most beautiful places are the ones build for people.
Kathy Sinclair 1 year ago
I agree with CanadianDimes. I ALWAYS want to know where these places are!
Seadog 1 year ago
Do that where I live and it'll be the other way around. Downtown was a successful business district for 100 years. Then they redesigned parking so there was less of it. My dad have a store on Main St and told the city they were making a mistake, that all they were actually doing was chasing away customers, that people would not park in their big lot they created 2-5 blocks away from the stores. Then they started Octoberfest and required businesses to be open so the shoplifters could rob them blind. Then came the new mall. While it did bring in some new businesses to there was only one from downtown that could afford the rent (Belk) and only 2 from the old mall (Radio Shack and Fashion Bug). The mall failed, Belk and Joanne's Fabrics being the only survivors. The only business to survive downtown is Sherwin Williams. Downtown is pretty much a ghost town. What businesses there are, occupy buildings that aren't far from being condemned and the owners pretty much refuse maintenance.
Seadog 1 year ago
As for dads store, he saw the writing on the wall and sold it. New owners went out of business less than 4 years later. Other than fast food and pizza, the only non-local restaurant is Applebee's which is absolutely awful. Everything else closed up. As for the locally owned places, there's only one that isn't Mexican, pizza or a burger joint. The state even cancelled the plans to bring the new interstate through our county thus sealing our fate.
Load More Replies... Pairote Leetavorn 1 year ago
I love ' Boredpanda ' for its innovation with new approach every week. Thank you. (from my home ' The City of Angels, Bangkok ')
CanadianDimes 1 year ago
It would be great if all of these said which city they are, not just some of them.
Chan Sue Lynn 1 year ago
I feel like a ghost, just floating above the air, watching the world change over time. One day, either your favorite place may be still be there, well preserved or just one day disappeared, replaced or just forgotten.
marianne eliza 1 year ago
No idea where most of these are since very few bothered to provide locations.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
Proving once again how much money and space is wasted on cars. The most beautiful places are the ones build for people.
Kathy Sinclair 1 year ago
I agree with CanadianDimes. I ALWAYS want to know where these places are!
Seadog 1 year ago
Do that where I live and it'll be the other way around. Downtown was a successful business district for 100 years. Then they redesigned parking so there was less of it. My dad have a store on Main St and told the city they were making a mistake, that all they were actually doing was chasing away customers, that people would not park in their big lot they created 2-5 blocks away from the stores. Then they started Octoberfest and required businesses to be open so the shoplifters could rob them blind. Then came the new mall. While it did bring in some new businesses to there was only one from downtown that could afford the rent (Belk) and only 2 from the old mall (Radio Shack and Fashion Bug). The mall failed, Belk and Joanne's Fabrics being the only survivors. The only business to survive downtown is Sherwin Williams. Downtown is pretty much a ghost town. What businesses there are, occupy buildings that aren't far from being condemned and the owners pretty much refuse maintenance.
Seadog 1 year ago
As for dads store, he saw the writing on the wall and sold it. New owners went out of business less than 4 years later. Other than fast food and pizza, the only non-local restaurant is Applebee's which is absolutely awful. Everything else closed up. As for the locally owned places, there's only one that isn't Mexican, pizza or a burger joint. The state even cancelled the plans to bring the new interstate through our county thus sealing our fate.
Load More Replies... Pairote Leetavorn 1 year ago
I love ' Boredpanda ' for its innovation with new approach every week. Thank you. (from my home ' The City of Angels, Bangkok ')
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