Cities with diverse cultures offer entirely new experiences that only occur when different ways of living collide. Visiting places with diverse populations allows travelers to explore a variety of cuisines, traditions and perspectives in a single trip, creating a dynamic, layered experience.

“Amazing things happen when different cultures interface,” said Michael Soud, cofounder, Travel Insighter. Think Jamaican jerk chicken in Japanese gyoza, he said. “That doesn’t happen in Jamaica. And it doesn’t happen in Japan. But it happens in London,” thanks to the city’s diverse population. Plus, cultural variety “fosters empathy, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world and creates an unconscious desire to explore further.”

Washington, D.C., for example, boasts more than 175 embassies, each adding to the international fabric of the city by contributing to its culture, food scene and global mindset. The U.S. capital also has the largest percentage of residents who identify as LGBTQIA+. In addition, nearly 20 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, and the largest Ethiopian population outside of Africa resides here, all resulting in a unique, vibrant and multifaceted culture.

Residents of Berlin, Germany, hail from more than 180 countries, representing nearly every nation in the world, with the dynamic mix reflected in its colorful neighborhoods, international cuisine, vibrant art scene and almost every aspect of everyday life. Stroll the city and you will likely find Turkish markets, Vietnamese restaurants and Arabic cultural centers. Visit Berlin during the annual Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) to experience many representatives of Berlin’s food, music and crafts in one place.

Those who call Toronto, Ontario, Canada, home represent approximately 250 ethnicities, with more than half of the city’s residents born outside of Canada. In the city you’ll hear some of the 190 languages spoken by residents, including Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, Cantonese and Spanish. About half of Toronto’s population identifies as part of an Asian, Black, Latin American or Arab community. The city’s culturally rich neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India and Koreatown, reflect this diversity. “Communities and cultures that would otherwise be separated in other cities might live on the same street and shop at the same grocery stores [in Toronto],” said Soud. Embracing its multicultural nature, Toronto enshrined it in its official motto: “Diversity Our Strength.”

Situated between Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai is a truly global city. More than 80 percent of its residents were born outside the United Arab Emirates, and people from all over the world contribute to the city’s rhythm of life. Dubai embraces its multicultural nature with attractions such as Global Village, where visitors experience cultural performances, food and crafts from more than 90 countries in one place. Throughout this ultramodern city, Arab hospitality blends seamlessly with traditions from around the world.

Since the 1800s, waves of immigrants settled in New York City. Today it is the most populous city in America and also one of the most diverse. More than one-third of the city’s population was born outside the United States. New York remains a multicultural hub where people from distinct cultural and ethnic backgrounds mix and mingle to create a truly international city. Visitors can find an endless variety of cuisines and cultural experiences around every corner.

London’s large immigrant populations live side-by-side, creating a city thriving on multiculturism. “Walking through Brick Lane, Brixton or Hampstead, you’re encountering vibrant South Asian, Caribbean and Jewish communities and beyond,” said Soud. The English capital’s cultural, linguistic, religious and culinary diversity creates a rich tapestry for visitors to enjoy.

More visitors to France go to Paris, but Marseille also proves worth a visit. “Marseille is one of the most culturally complex cities in Europe,” Soud said. “As a Mediterranean port city, it has long been a point of arrival for immigrants from North Africa, the Comoros, Armenia, Italy and beyond.” While Paris embodies French sophistication, Marseille’s French, Arab, African and Mediterranean influences are woven into daily life, from cuisine to music. “For travelers seeking a more raw, unvarnished experience of multicultural Europe,” said Soud, “Marseille is unforgettable.”