The ancient city is the heart and soul of the country.

[alpacinou]

Can I say a place is "the heart and soul" of a country/city/neighborhood? Are these correct and natural?

1. The ancient city is the heart and soul of the country. It weaves a tapestry of heritage and tradition that is intertwined with the country's identity.
2. The Grand Bazaar is the heart and soul of the city. It's always bustling with activity and has a vibrant energy.
3. The park is the heart and soul of our neighborhood. Every time I go there I see lots of people there trying to relax and enjoy themselves.
4. The street is the heart and soul of the city. It's bursting with a lively blend of theaters, cafes, and artistic havens. If you want to have your finger on the pulse of culture in this city, you should immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this street.

 

[Barque]

Can I say a place is "the heart and soul" of a country/city/neighborhood?

Yes.

Are these correct and natural?

Example 1 - The first sentence is okay. I'm not sure what the second means.
Example 2 - Okay.
Example 3 - Okay as far as wording goes. But a place doesn't become the heart and soul of a neighbourhood just because people go there to relax.
Example 4 - The first two sentences are all right. In the third, I think you need "keep" rather than "have".

 

[Tarheel]

I recommend against "trying" to relax or "trying" to enjoy yourself. Instead, simply say those people were there to relax and enjoy themselves.

 

[alpacinou]

Are these okay now?

3. The park is the heart and soul of our neighborhood. Every time I go there I see lots of people there relaxing and enjoying themselves.
4. The street is the heart and soul of the city. It's bursting with a lively blend of theaters, cafes, and artistic havens. If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of culture in this city, you should immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this street.

 

[Tarheel]

I think you've got it.

 

[Barque]

Every time I go there I see lots of people there relaxing and enjoying themselves.

I'd drop the second "there".