Tripadvisor's annual 2026 Travellers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do has unveiled the highest-rated attractions and experiences worldwide, based on millions of reviews on the platform. A UK spot has taken the crown, being named the best tourist attraction in the world.
Top Attractions Around the World
1. The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, UK
Located in Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia has been crowned Tripadvisor's number one attraction. Formerly called HMY Britannia, the boat was once the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II. It impressively sailed over one million nautical miles between 1953 and 1997 before docking in Edinburgh in 1998, and is the last surviving British royal yacht. Nowadays, visitors can hop on board and explore Britannia's five decks, including the gleaming engine room. Guests can also dine in the Royal Deck Tearoom, the very room where the Royal Family used to play games and entertain. Franck Bruyère, chief executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia, said: 'We are incredibly proud of The Royal Yacht Britannia's success and wish to thank our visitors for taking the time to share their gift of feedback. Being number one in the world is a tremendous achievement and a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience.'
2. Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, has been under construction since 1882. While the structure of the central towers was finally completed in February 2026, work on the basilica's decorative details, sculptures, and main staircase is expected to continue until 2034. As well as placing second in Tripadvisor's awards, la Sagrada Familia also boasts UNESCO World Heritage Status for its crypt and nativity facade. Visitors can go all the way to the top of the towers in a lift and take in panoramic views of Barcelona. One review raves: 'An amazing must see if visiting Barcelona. Stunning all throughout, nothing else like it.'
3. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Spread across 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is located in Singapore's downtown Marina Bay. It boasts three waterfront gardens called Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central, and is home to a huge collection of 1.5 million plants. A tourist penned: 'Gardens by the Bay was really good fun and there is a lot to see. The gardens are very impressive and the Supertrees are especially worth seeing, particularly in the evening when they light up. The only downside was that it was very busy, which took away from the experience slightly. Even so, it is still worth visiting and is one of the best attractions in Singapore.'
4. Empire State Building, New York
With over 97,000 reviews, the Empire State Building ranks as the fourth best attraction in the world. Located in New York City, it stands 1,454 feet tall and was the Travelers' Choice Award best attraction in 2025. The building is used for offices but also houses a museum and two open-air observatories. One visitor gushed: 'This is an outstanding experience. The museum was extremely well done and the views spectacular. It is a must experience and something you could enjoy in multiple visits. The staff was very helpful, engaging, and appeared to really enjoy their job.'
5. Cayman Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman
The Cayman Crystal Caves consist of jaw-dropping natural underground formations of stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and more. The caves sit in a rainforest on the North Side of Grand Cayman, and visitors are welcome to explore through guided tours or even private trips. One visitor, who opted for a private tour, described it as 'an incredible experience' and continued: 'The caves are so beautiful, so magical! This is a must-see if you're visiting the Cayman Islands!'
6. The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Another Scottish attraction, The Real Mary King's Close lies beneath the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The historical landmark is the city's only preserved 17th-century underground street and is open for visitors throughout the year. Tourists call it a 'must-do' in reviews on Tripadvisor, and one raved: 'Was worth it and great way to learn a bit about the history of Edinburgh.'
7. Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg, Germany
The world's largest model train exhibit, Miniatur Wunderland, can be found in Hamburg, Germany. Each building is carefully crafted and has fascinating levels of detail, from the streets of Austria to the Grand Canyon, with tiny trains running through the scenes. One visitor has been twice and described it as 'sensational,' while someone else gushed over the 'technical and artistic masterpieces.'
8. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Located in the heart of the City of Love, the iconic Eiffel Tower is one of the most well-known landmarks in the world. It boasts a whopping 143,853 reviews on Tripadvisor at the time of writing, averaging at 4.6 out of five. Visitors can take a lift to one of the two viewing points, or brave the 674 steps to the second floor and then take a lift to the summit. One person penned: 'If you're going to Paris you will surely visit the Eiffel Tower, so just book it. Cheaper than other capitol landmarks for an elevator to the top. Gustave Eiffel's iconic 1889 tower remains a must.'
9. Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee
The legendary music studio can be found in Memphis, Tennessee, and is the very spot where Elvis Presley, at 18 years old, recorded his first song. Sun Studio is often dubbed the 'birthplace of rock 'n' roll' because of its strong musical roots and history. It still operates as a working music studio in the evenings, but guests can enjoy a tour during the day. One visitor raved: 'An awesome tour, highly recommended. Such a seemingly small slice of music history explodes into a hundred legends, all converging briefly at this humble recording studio.'
10. Cachoeira Boca da Onça, Bodoquena, Brazil
Rated as the number one thing to do in Bodoquena, Brazil, the 156-metre tall waterfall, Cachoeira Boca da Onça, is a breathtaking natural spectacle. It's surrounded by hiking trails, beautiful swimming spots, and lush greenery. It can take around six hours to complete the seven-kilometre trek, with lots of swimming and photo opportunities, according to Tripadvisor. A visitor penned: 'It exceeded our expectations. Wonderful reception space and breathtaking trails with waterfalls. Transparent water with stops for river and waterfall bathing.'
Top Experiences in the World
1. The Unvanquished Tour in Porto, Portugal
The Unvanquished Tour in Porto city centre takes the top spot. It is recommended by 99% of travellers on Tripadvisor and has a stunning five-star overall rating from more than 26,800 reviews. The walking tour takes visitors through 2,000 years of history and is operated on a flexible pay system, with guests encouraged to pay the amount that they feel reflects their enjoyment of the tour.
2. Peaceful Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO One-Day Bus Tour, Japan
Another five-star rated experience is the full-day tour from Hiroshima, which takes tourists through the Atomic Bomb Dome to various other sites including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima. It takes eight hours to complete, and the guide can speak Japanese and English. Prices start from £92.47 per adult. Many reviewers praise the guide for her English skills and knowledge, while others comment on it being a day well spent learning about the history and area.
3. Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Old Town and Pickup, Spain
The 'Barcelona in one day' tour takes holidaymakers through the best sights of the city in just a day. It's perfect for those who are only making a fleeting visit and want to see as much as possible. One reviewer said: 'This is highly recommended for people who have limited time in Barcelona,' and many others complimented their tour guide for being knowledgeable and friendly.
4. Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minute Canal Cruise by Captain Jack, The Netherlands
Holidaymakers can explore the city of Amsterdam by boat on an all-inclusive tour down the canal. The experience includes drinks and snacks to enjoy whilst passing by major landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and the Skinny Bridge. It has thousands of raving reviews, and one tourist penned: 'Highly recommend this tour. It was relaxing and educational! Great way to see the city and meet new people.'
5. Beatles Magical Mystery Tour, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Beatles fans can hop on board a colourful bus and take the Magical Mystery Tour through Liverpool. The bright coach stops at many key spots relating to the Beatles for guests to take photos, including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and the childhood home of Paul McCartney. One music lover wrote: 'So much information! Much more thorough than we anticipated. Very detail oriented, highly recommend this tour.'
6. Berlin's Best: Two-Hour Walking Tour Third Reich and the Cold War, Germany
In just two hours, this tour takes holidaymakers through some of the most significant sites in the city. From the Brandenburg Gate to Checkpoint Charlie, as well as Hitler's Bunker, the tour covers the Third Reich and Cold War eras. Many walkers have left stellar reviews about the quality of the guides, as well as the depth and variety of locations the tour explores. One penned: 'Excellent tour, filled with interesting locations and a unique perspective on things.'
7. London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, United Kingdom
This experience takes tourists away from the more popular, crowded spots and to the pubs of London that are loved by locals and have an interesting history. It gives visitors the opportunity to drink in iconic breweries and learn interesting tales. One person said: 'Great tour, different side of London I wouldn't have seen. Honestly could have done longer than 3 hours.'
8. Classic Four-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru
With over 11,000 reviews and an overall five-star rating, the four-day trail trek from Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu is an impressive feat to complete. Prices start from £627.42 per person, and the tour includes four-man tents provided for two people at a time, as well as meals and drinkable water. Walkers do have to bring their own sleeping bags and trekking poles, however. One wrote: 'This tour was incredible, the guides were great and helped make this a truly special trip.'
9. Krakow–Zakopane: Cable Car, Chocholow Baths, Cheese & Vodka, Poland
This tour is perfect for those staying in Krakow but who also want to see Zakopane too. It involves stopping by two villages as well as a visit to the Chochołów thermal pools. Many of the reviews rave about the driver and guides. One tourist penned: 'Value for money very good experience.'
10. Amanda Cruise - Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay - All-Inclusive, Hanoi, Vietnam
The Amanda Cruise takes travellers on a multi-day adventure across Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam. Holidaymakers can choose from a two-day, one-night option, or three days and two nights. Meals are included, and prices start from £42.08. The tour is rated an impressive 4.9 out of five overall.
