10 Cities Stuck In The Past & 10 That Have Already Made It To The Future
Back to the Future
Whether you prefer your cities historical or sci-fi, it's clear to see that different parts of the world are pursuing different goals. With that in mind, here are some of the most cultural and innovative cities out there.
1. Hashima Island
Starting with a very literal “stuck in the past” city, Hashima Island was featured in the 2012 Skyfall film. Known for its dilapidated buildings and racked roads, this abandoned island once used to be a booming mining town until a sudden stop in 1974.
2. Craco
Located in Southern Italy, Craco has everything from churches, towers, to a whole medieval castle. While many people had to leave the town due to landslides, the architecture and artifacts are still there to admire as long as you stick to safe zones.
3. Istanbul
Just one look at the stunning architecture is enough to see why Istanbul is considered a historical treasure. With 15 million people still inhabiting it today, this city has seen all sorts of transformations and was even once known as Byzantium and later Constantinople.
4. Quebec City
Located in Canada, Quebec City houses over half a million people and was founded in 1608. Its original colonial architecture is still well-preserved, and you can certainly feel that as you walk the cobblestone streets.
5. Athens
Everyone thinks of Athens when they think of old Greek ruins and the cradle of civilization. And Athens certainly has that history ingrained in its very streets. You can find all sorts of landmarks as you explore the birthplace of democracy, making it feel quite suspended in time.
6. Cusco
Located in Peru, a little under half a million people live in Cusco and it's not hard to see why. Not only is it home to Inca ruins and colonial architecture, but it's also been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Alexandria
While most people think of Cairo and the pyramids, Egypt has a lot more to offer. Alexandria was once a cultural and intellectual hub, and today the modern city is still full of ancient remnants from catacombs to pillars.
8. Varanasi
Located near the banks of the Ganges River, this city hosts over 1.2 million people and is one of the oldest in the world. It’s also a major Hindu pilgrimage site, so be sure to be respectful. Either way, Varanasi retains a sense of timelessness that’s hard to explain.
Pratish Srivastava on Unsplash
9. Prague
Located on the Vltava River in the Czech Republic, Prague is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. From castles to bridges to old town squares, this is a great visit for anyone who enjoys gothic or baroque architecture.
10. Carthage
Located in Tunisia, Carthage has a relatively small population at only 100,000 people. However, it was once the capital of the Carthaginian Empire and is home to countless artifacts of Roman antiquity.
Now let’s talk about countries that already look like they’re decades ahead!
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and when it comes to sustainable and integrated cities, it’s hard to beat. They have ingrained energy-efficient lighting, public transport, and beautiful architecture to go along with it.
2. Singapore
When people think of futuristic cities, Singapore often comes to mind. Both a country and a city-state, this region’s most attractive features include its futuristic Gardens by the Bay and the stunning Marina Bay Sands that looks like something out of a sci-fi film.
3. Dubai
Dubai is considered one of the pearls of the Orient, and it’s not hard to see why. With innovative urban planning, high-end energy systems, and stunning architecture, it’s clear to see the impact wealth has on making a gleaming desert city.
4. Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that has even won awards for its use of smart architecture and technologies. For instance, they use LED sensors for traffic monitoring, actively manage air quality, and even have smart garbage cans with vacuum cleaners attached.
5. London
It doesn’t get more modern than London, which has been a hub for innovation and industry since the steam-engine era. Now, the city is enacting 5G access throughout to connect all its people. Despite a congested population, they’ve continued to invest in a flourishing academic and commercial sector.
6. Tokyo
Located in Japan, Tokyo is home to 14 million people and is known as a hub for innovation and architecture. Their cities are neon-lit, the skyscrapers are tall, and the unique stores and entertainment along the district are a sight to behold. Plus, let’s not forget the lightspeed trains.
7. Paris
Paris is a good example of a futuristic city that still retains its historical architecture. While plenty of these relics of the past are ingrained in the city, it hasn’t stopped it from pursuing smart public transport, electric bike-sharing, and green-technology urban planning.
8. New York
New York is home to 8.5 million people and is considered a concrete jungle. With a towering skyline, innovative infrastructure, smart city technologies, and an elevated transit system, it’s no surprise that if you make it here, you can make it everywhere.
9. San Francisco
Also located in the U.S., San Francisco is known for its tech boom, and is home to Silicon Valley. It’s here where all the latest innovations in AI, robotics, and biotech are happening, and this is further fortified by their use of autonomous vehicles and smart city initiatives.
10. Toronto
Located in Ontario, Canada, Toronto is a bustling city that is home to many startups. Plus, it looks out of a sci-fi movie with its modern glass skyscrapers, waterfront areas, and integration of green spaces.
