That's right. I read an article once from a writer who visited a modern city in the Middle-East (I think it was Dubai) and mentioned the impressive skyline and city's gleaming modern buildings - but was void of street life and culture at street level. The heartbeat of the city is what defines it, gives it character. In this, modernity isn't always the answer to vibrancy. Examples of cities with much character - Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and in the west, NYC, London, Rome, Paris. All of these cities have lots of city life and home-grown culture, making them distinct and identifiable in their own unique ways.
Cheers!