20 of the Greatest Cities For Culture in the World

the city of hvar in croatia
Canva

How a group of people behave when they come together creates a culture. Culture is made up of elements like language, customs, and beliefs. It can be defined and celebrated through ceremonies, holidays, art, sport, and cuisine. Today, we look at some of the richest cities to explore and experience unique cultures.

Athens, Greece

aerial view of athens
Tripadvisor

Athens, Greece is quite literally the stuff that cultural legends are made from. It is a creative city known for millennia for its arts. The historical sites in Athens are iconic. Modern Athens is known for its creative culture, too, and it hosts lively summertime festivals.

Seoul, South Korea

festival in souel
Tripadvisor

Souel is known for ski holidays in the winter and festivals like the Waterbomb Festival, which highlight the summer months. Visitors will learn all about Korean culture by embracing the cuisine at Gaon, which has three Michelin Stars. Tourists can also visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tongin Market, and eco-waterway Cheonggyecheon.

Tokyo, Japan

cherry blossom trees lining a river
Tripadvisor

Tokyo’s culture is a blend of old and new, featuring high-tech digital art, historical shrines, sumo shows, sakura festivals, cutting-edge fashion, and traditional performing arts. Locals identify diverse cultural venues, from mini theatres to the Mori Art Museum. Tokyo’s vibrant scene includes avant-garde exhibitions and popular museums like teamLab Borderless.

São Paulo, Brazil

water light show
Tripadvisor

Brazil’s São Paulo is a cultural hub with venues like the Livraria Cultura bookstore and the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP). Locals also praise the city’s theatres, independent cinemas, and parks. Cultural hotspots abound around Praça da República, with highlights like Sesc 24 de Maio and the Cortina Cineclube movie theatre.