Judging by these photos, urban hellscapes mean different things to different people.

For some, it means a run-down city that has seen better days.

For others, that term refers to a place that’s just too overcrowded and congested.

Hey, to each their own, I guess…but I think we can all agree that none of these places look extremely pleasant.

Let’s take a look at the evidence.

1. A little too close comfort, I think.

People are really packed in there.

People living next to a helicoidal street in Chongqing
byu/biwook inUrbanHell

2. Tucked in right under the highway.

The old meets the new in Italy.

Naples, Italy
byu/biwook inUrbanHell

3. Just take a long look at that.

Hard to believe it’s even real.

Hong Kong
byu/QAFY inUrbanHell

4. Going through some tough times in Beirut.

Remember that crazy explosion from a few years ago?

Beirut Port
byu/Gordn_Ramsay inUrbanHell

5. Still offering prayers in the dirty water.

These people sure are dedicated.

People offering prayers at River Yamuna, India, which is frothing from industrial waste
byu/excitedrod inUrbanHell

6. This is totally wild.

It’s amazing how fast development can ramp up.

It’s baffling how fast it changes.
by inUrbanHell

7. Welcome to the neighborhood.

I guess it doesn’t look that bad…just kind of confusing.

UAE Nad Al Sheba III neighborhood
byu/DrFetusRN inUrbanHell

8. All sandwiched in around San Francisco.

Not a whole lot of room left to build in that city.

These townhouses in South San Francisco, triple-sandwiched on all sides by freeways cost a million dollars.
byu/ne2cre8 inUrbanHell

9. Look at the inequality.

Life in India.

Inequality near Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai, India
byu/tanmaypendse63 inUrbanHell

10. A close shave.

Right next to the highway, I mean.

Naples, Italy-Life next to the highway
byu/CiboLibro inUrbanHell

11. Looks kind of depressing to me.

Or, as this person said, “bleak.”

I think I’ve found the most bleak downtown in all of the United States. Pine Bluff, Arkansas (taken from google earth aerial view)
by inUrbanHell

12. Another snapshot from India.

People have it pretty tough over there.

Somewhere in Mumbai, India
byu/Manisha2256 inUrbanHell

Have you ever been to a city or a country that really opened your eyes…and not in a good way?

If so, tell us about it in the comments.

We’d love to hear from you!