20 Cities That Are Unrecognizable From How They Were 10 Years Ago
These Cities Have Changed The Most
Each city has its own distinct vibe, history, and culture. However, globalization and modernization are breeding a certain sameness across even the most geographically far-apart cities. Modern buildings, luxury condos, and trendy boutiques replace decades-old institutions while gentrification pushes out local populations. Here are some cities that have changed the most from how they looked ten years ago.
1. Dubai, UAE
A feat of engineering, Dubai seemed to become a fully modern urban center overnight, with much of that development happening in the last ten years. The city has added new districts and islands, expanded transportation routes, and added skyscrapers to the skyline.
2. Tulum, Mexico
Ten years ago, Tulum was nothing but virgin beaches, extensive jungle, and a few boutique hotels. Now, after blowing up on social media as a celebrity and influencer destination, hotels, trendy beach bars, restaurants, and clubs have been popping up all over the city to the point where it's now a relatively built-up urban center.
3. Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen was one of the places that was most impacted by the tech boom. It underwent major population growth, changing it from a small fishing village to a modern megacity with extensive infrastructure and green spaces.
4. Las Vegas, USA
Before mafia investment in the 1940s, Las Vegas was nothing more than a desert. Since then, it has steadily grown into the massive tourist attraction it is today. In the past decade, multiple venues, resorts, and restaurants have been added and restoration projects have been undergone.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul has always been a historic marvel, featuring many impressive ancient monuments. However, in the past decade, it's become a modern marvel as well, with the addition of new bridges, tunnels, and the impressive Istanbul Airport.
6. Beijing, China
Beijing has long been a megacity. However, in the past decade, as the city prepared itself for the 2022 Winter Olympics, it modernized dramatically and introduced many major green initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep athletes and spectators safe from smog.
7. Tokyo, Japan
Much like Beijing, Tokyo underwent many changes in preparation for the Olympic games in 2020. The city's focus was on transit lines and urban renewal projects, beautifying the city and making it more accessible.
8. Doha, Qatar
Doha underwent a major facelift and rapid modernization in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They built seven new stadiums, a modern metro system, new roads, and hotels, and expanded the airport.
9. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam's largest city has undergone massive urban development, changing it from a historical center to the country's largest economic hub. The city became a tech and startup hub, leading to major population growth and the creation of luxury condos and skyscrapers.
10. Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya's capital is the cultural, economic, and technological center of East Africa. The city has seen rapid population growth leading to infrastructure development, a real estate boom, and urban green spaces. They even have a smart city in the works to attract global tech companies and investors.
11. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh has seen significant changes in recent years, driven by the country's ambitious modernization plan, Saudi Vision 2030. The city's skyline has seen the addition of many iconic skyscrapers including Al Faisaliah Tower. They've also added an advanced metro system, expanded roads, and added urban green spaces.
12. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina's major urban center has seen major development in the last decade. One of the most significant changes is the transformation of the once-derelict dock area into a modern district and one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city.
13. Mumbai, India
Mumbai is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. As such, it has seen major expansions over the past decade including additions to public transport, real estate, green spaces, affordable housing, and green initiatives.
14. Jakarta, Indonesia
Indonesia's capital has seen significant economic and population growth over the last decade. Skyscrapers, a new central business district, a light rail, shopping centers, and green spaces have cropped up throughout the city.
15. Cape Town, South Africa
With a greater emphasis on tourism, Cape Town underwent many beautification projects, completely transforming the city in recent years. Trendy boutiques, new office spaces, retail spaces, and world-class restaurants dot the city, attracting young professionals, especially those in creative industries.
16. Bangkok, Thailand
The popularization of Thailand among young Westerners has changed Bangkok to the point where it's practically unrecognizable. Skyscrapers and commercial centers have popped up throughout the city and luxury housing and tourist-focused attractions have altered the character of the city.
17. Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali has transformed into one of Africa's most green, clean, and modern cities. Modern commercial buildings, luxury apartments, venues, and green spaces have altered the city center.
Jean Claude Akarikumutima on Unsplash
18. Austin, USA
The tech boom has changed Austin from a small, artistic, off-the-wall city to a booming, modern, and trendy metropolis. It's now the fastest-growing city in the USA with major companies like Tesla, Apple, and Google moving their headquarters there.
19. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world. It's seen rapid economic growth and urbanization in the past decade. Gentrification has replaced older developments with trendy restaurants and luxury apartments, displacing the local population, and skyscrapers have altered the city's skyline.
20. Manila, Philippines
The Philippines' capital city has seen dramatic changes to its skyline in the past decade with the addition of new high-rise buildings. A growing middle class has changed the demographic of the city and brought more luxury, modern developments, and gentrification.
