What gives a city a unique “melting pot” status? The presence of diverse races, religions, cultures and ethnicities. The people create diverse cultural environments full of incredible restaurants, festivals and art scenes. Here are numerous cities that are highly regarded to be the cultural hubs of their respective regions.
Taipei – Taiwan
Taiwan has a rich and varied culture composed of elements taken from many different ethnic groups, including the indigenous people, the Dutch, the Spanish, the Japanese, the Han Chinese, as well as more recently – the Americans. Start from Taipei, the cultural center of Taiwan where you’ll find plenty of mixed cultures, which shifts towards traditionalism as you head further south of the island.
Auckland – New Zealand
Auckland has more than 220 recorded ethnic groups residing there. Set between two harbours and coastal expanses, this city offers a blend of urban sophistication and traditional cultural experiences. The Auckland Museum is key to discovering the indigenous Māori, who inhabited the country more than 1000 years ago. Rated among the world’s 10 most liveable cities, it also boasts plenty of entertainment, nightlife and dining options.
Kolkata – India
Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is the capital of India’s eastern state of West Bengal. Its roots date back to the 18th century, when the city was British East India Company’s most important trading post. Here, you can experience the fusion of cultures between Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs and various tribal populations in India. The city is the birthplace of modern Indian arts, which sparked a cultural renaissance throughout India.
Saint Petersburg – Russia
Saint Petersburg, formerly known as Leningrad, is Russia’s “window on Europe,” with the unofficial status of Russia’s cultural capital and “most European” city. Cultures of the West, the East and the Slavs are closely intertwined here, forming a peculiar Petersburg style. There is plenty to discover here: Russia’s history, architecture, citizens and a mixture of nature and art of building the Northern Capital.
Istanbul – Turkey
For more than 1,500 years, Istanbul was the capital of two empires, the Byzantine and the Ottoman, and it was part of the Roman empire as well. It was beautified accordingly with magnificent monuments and became a metropolis where diverse cultures, nations and religions from Europe and Asia meet. Ancient ruins, palaces, mosques, bars and shops as well as the historical Grand Bazaar are worth the visit.
Amsterdam – Netherland
The “Venice of the North” is filled with art galleries, canals that run through the city and houses famous throughout the world, like Anne Frank House and the crooked canal houses. With 180 nationalities, you can find the city’s openness in the variety of food, entertainment and museums. For some people, Amsterdam is a veritable city of freedom – embracing a variety of different lifestyles, religions and beliefs.
Johannesburg – South Africa
The city is filled with people from every ethnic and linguistic group in southern Africa, as well as other parts of the world. All major religions are represented, alongside a diverse spread of cuisine, music, performances and the fine art scene. Art galleries and cultural attractions stay open into the evening every first Thursday of the month, allowing one plenty of time to visit all of them. Don’t miss The Cradle of Humankind and the nature safaris too.
Miami, Florida – United States of America
Popularized by Hollywood, Miami is home to sandy beaches, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife, to many museums and cultural arts centers. This city stands out from the rest of the U.S as it has a very strong cultural influence from Cuba, parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. On the wild side, the Miami Everglades is home to a lot of wildlife, including the alligators, snakes, and other reptiles.
Toronto – Canada
With “Diversity Our Strength” as its motto, Toronto is home to 250 different nationalities. Multiculturalism is woven into the entire city: in food, art, festivals and even businesses. Each Toronto neighbourhood embodies a distinct culture, yet the city lacks a dominant cultural identity. It is also one of the largest cultural centers in North America, with plenty of arts, music, dance, and film festivals to choose from.
São Paulo – Brazil
Brazil’s cultural and intellectual centre has strong international influence in commerce, finance, arts and entertainment. The largest city in Brazil is also home to monuments, parks and museums. While the focus is on the Brazilian culture that defines the city, it is still incredibly diverse and has huge Portuguese, Italian, Bolivian and Japanese communities. Lastly, it’s the city on this list with the strongest soccer culture, to boot!
