We’re big advocates of international travel. So this is not an exhortation to stay in the United States, cling to your local favorites, and avoid traveling far and wide. If you’re able to explore Seoul or Kyoto or Addis Ababa, then by all means, explore Seoul or Kyoto or Addis Ababa.
Can’t make it to Seoul right now? No problem. (Photo Credit: Bundo Kim)
But! We’re also realists. Constraints are a real thing. Budgets and schedules can be stubborn. So if world-travel isn’t quite on the menu, why not consider an “international getaway” right here in the U.S.?
Authentic cultural neighborhoods — more than just tourist traps — are sprinkled throughout the nation, letting you get away (and giving you a new perspective) with an easy weekend trip, no passport required.
Little Italy, San Diego
As if by some magic portal, when you enter San Diego’s Little Italy you leave California and step into a quaint Italian village brimming with colorful murals, Italian flags, farmers’ markets, pasta specials, and gelato shops.
For genuine Italian cuisine, head to Little Italy in San Diego. (Photo Credit: Clark Douglas)
The food and the art will transport you to Italy. (Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder)
We guarantee that if you come hungry, you will leave satisfied. Just like in Italy.
Where to stay: Kimpton Alma San Diego
Japantown, San Francisco
Get lost wandering the many sushi bars, ramen joints, and Japanese bakeries that line the streets of Japantown in San Francisco. Or get found (and centered) in the tranquility of the Japanese Tea Garden.
In Japantown, bakeries serve truly authentic Japanese treats. (Photo Credit: Vicky Ng)
Want some true authenticity? If possible, try and catch the annual Cherry Blossom Festival that spans two weekends in mid-April.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Enso or Kimpton Alton
International District, Seattle
The name says it all. Something of a cultural mosaic of Asian cuisines, the neighborhood offers everything from dim sum to pho to sushi.
Looking for the best dim sum? Head to the International District in Seattle. (Photo Credit: Priyanka Aggarwal)
Don’t skip the Wing Luke Museum for its mix of traditional Asian elements and modern designs. And if visiting in early February, celebrate the Lunar New Year at the museum’s annual Lunar New Year Fair, dragon and all.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle or Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle
Little Havana, Miami
Little Havana is not just about food, but is a hub of Cuban culture in Miami. In Máximo Gómez Park, for example, locals gather to talk politics and play dominoes (it’s even nicknamed “Domino Park”), and galleries like Futurama 1637 Art Building display works by Cuban artists.
Little Havana is all about the food. (Photo Credit: @womcreativestudio)
Get ready to feel transported to the beaches of Cuba. (Photo Credit: Spencer Everett)
And okay, it’s also about the food — just grab some empanadas, croquetas, and pastelitos from any street vendor or cafe for a truly authentic Cuban experience.
Where to stay: Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Kimpton Angler’s South Beach, Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach, or Kimpton Surfcomber
Polish Downtown, Chicago
Dubbed the heart of the Polish community in Chicago, restaurants in Polish Downtown are brimming with traditional fare. At Podhalanka you’ll find classics such as pierogi, gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), and barszcz (beet soup). Also make sure to swing by Kurowski’s Sausage Shop for kielbasas.
The best way to experience Poland is via its cuisine in the Polish Downtown neighborhood of Chicago. (Photo Credit: Zalfa Imani)
To expand your knowledge beyond traditional cuisine, pay a visit to the Polish Museum of America for an exploration of Polish heritage and history.
Where to stay: Kimpton Gray Hotel or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago
Koreatown, Los Angeles
Neon lights, karaoke bars, and of course Korean BBQ — Los Angeles’ Koreatown does not disappoint. A staple in the neighborhood since 1982, The Corner Place is renowned for great barbecue and great cold noodles. Or swing by BTS-approved Ahgassi Gopchang — if you can get a table.
For the best Korean food outside of Korea, head to Los Angeles. (Photo Credit: Ruth Georgiev)
In the neighborhood, you’ll find traditional Korean pancakes, bubble tea, language classes at the Korean Cultural Center, and abundant K-pop albums and merch at Music Plaza.
Where to stay: Kimpton Everly Hollywood, Kimpton Hotel Willshire, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Beverly Hills, or Kimpton La Peer Hotel
Little Ethiopia, DC
The neighborhood of Little Ethiopia is home to the largest population of Ethiopians outside of the country itself, and the region runs electric with the sounds of masinko (a one-stringed instrument) and traditional Ethiopian beats.
Experience an authentic Ethiopian coffee ritual in the Little Ethiopia neighborhood of DC. (Photo Credit: Zeynep Sumer)
Who knows, perhaps you’ll even change up your own coffee routine. (Photo Credit: Alazar Kassahun)
Add a string of cozy eateries offering doro wat, coffee ceremonies, and injera-based platters, and you will feel transported to one of the oldest cultures in Africa. A local favorite spot is Ghion Restaurant, offering traditional fare.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Banneker, Kimpton Hotel George, or Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
Chinatown, New York
Are you legally allowed to have a list like this without Chinatown?
Welcome to Chinatown in New York City. (Photo Credit: Yoav Aziz)
Get ready for some of the best Chinese food of your life. (Photo Credit: Krista Stucchio)
With bilingual signage, herbal shops, Chinese grocery stores, red and gold motifs, dragon symbols, and — of course — endless options for dim sum, the reality matches the hype. Also make sure to have your aura read, because why not?
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Eventi or Kimpton Hotel Theta
