The world has changed a lot over the years. Buildings have been renovated, cities have become busier, and nature has changed a lot. These changes might be due to a rise in population, an advancement in technology, or a combination of the two. There are new buildings, bigger streets, and so much more being done to cities worldwide. This means that cities, buildings, and other commonplaces have changed in appearance pretty drastically throughout the decades.
Some cities are honestly unrecognizable when seen in the past. Some now-abandoned places were once popular hangout spots, some relics were once major advancements, now just normal structures. Back then, there was less hustle and bustle, and life was quieter.
There are tons of photos online of cities, historical buildings, and other famous sights back in the past compared to now. Here is a collection of 25 side-by-side photos from life in the past showcasing these interesting differences in places then and now.
Ocean Lodge, Ocean City, Maryland, 1940s and 2019
(Source: Redd)
Harper's Ferry train bridge, 1968 and 2025
(Source: Redd)
Lincoln Cathedral, UK, 1940 painting and 2025
(Source: Redd)
National Palace of Arts, Ukraine
(Source: Redd)
Grand Stairway, Chicago Public Library, 1908 and 2025
(Source: Redd)
The Clifton Hotel, then and now
(Source: Redd)
4th of July celebration on St. Helena Island, 1939 and now
(Source: Redd)
Sandusky County YMCA, Fremont, Ohio, 1960s and 2025
(Source: Redd)
Minneapolis, 1937 and now
(Source: Redd)
Kharkiv, Ukraine, 1990s and 2025
(Source: Redd)
City centre of Gdynia, Poland, 1931 and 2025
(Source: Redd)
Stowe House, Natick, Massachusetts, built in 1816
(Source: Redd)
G.A.R. Memorial Hall, Chicago, 1908 postcard and 2025
(Source: Redd)
The oldest roller coaster in Canada, 1958 and now
(Source: Redd)
Shop Ahoy, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 1950s and 2024
(Source: Redd)
ATSF RR through Colorado Springs, abandoned 1971
(Source: Redd)
A repair shop in Needham, Massachusetts, 1970 and 2023
(Source: Redd)
Bar Gate, Southampton, England
(Source: Redd)
Subway station in Buenos Aires, 1940 and 2024
(Source: Redd)
Trinity Bridge, Lincolnshire
(Source: Redd)
Old Corner Bookstore at the corner of Washington and School Streets in Boston, 1860 and 2024
(Source: Redd)
2020s and 1960s, freeway removed in the '90s after an earthquake
(Source: Redd)
Mexico City, 1913 and 2020
(Source: Redd)
Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone, 1904 and 2024
(Source: Redd)
Stonehenge, 1930 and now
(Source: Redd)