TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the top 10 attractions in the world based on millions of reviews – and two are in the same Scottish city
08:44, 28 Apr 2026Updated 08:54, 28 Apr 2026
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Two of the world’s best attractions are in the same UK city(Image: Jason Cameron via Getty Images)
While iconic landmarks often sit proudly at the top of many a bucket list, the reality doesn’t always live up to the hype.
A few years back, one disgruntled visitor to London took to TripAdvisor to grumble that ‘it’s just a really big clock’ in a scathing review of the Elizabeth Tower.
Had that reviewer done their homework on TripAdvisor beforehand, the disappointment could easily have been avoided. Nothing cuts through the noise quite like TripAdvisor reviews, offering everything from glowing five-star praise to the unvarnished truth about what makes an experience fall flat.
Drawing on millions of reviews and ratings, the site has put together the definitive list of the world’s top 10 attractions — and the results might just surprise you.
Based on the honest accounts of real-life travellers who have shared their experiences, one destination emerged as the undisputed champion on TripAdvisor in 2026. As reviews continued to flood in on the globally renowned platform, Edinburgh’s Royal Yacht Britannia has been crowned the number one attraction in the entire world.
Edinburgh is no stranger to beautiful and historic attractions (Image: Getty Images)
The best attraction in the world
Following this remarkable accolade, 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 1 in the world is a tremendous achievement and a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience.”
The vessel attracts visitors from across the globe thanks to its splendour and fascinating history as the former floating palace and temporary residence of the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II spent over 44 years aboard the ship, covering more than a million miles.
The royal yacht proved the perfect home for the Royals, whether deployed for state visits, official receptions, royal honeymoons or simply cherished family getaways.
One recent visitor who explored the moored vessel wrote: “Staff are exceptional, from entering the royal yacht to the shop. The tour is informative, brilliant and relaxed. We would 109% recommend it. Also, a must-do is to take your time, take lots of pictures, and definitely visit the tea room.”
It sits just outside of Edinburgh’s city centre(Image: Serge Cornu via Getty Images)
The sixth-best attraction in the world
Cementing Edinburgh’s reputation as a must-visit destination for culture, history and entertainment is another attraction situated in the capital which has secured its well-deserved spot on TripAdvisor’s global attractions list.
Ranking at an impressive number six — ahead of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee — is The Real Mary King’s Close.
It’s even had a royal visit (Image: AFP, AFP via Getty Images)
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, beneath the famous thoroughfare known as the Royal Mile, lies an attraction steeped in history and fascinating tales. This underground experience reveals a labyrinth of hidden streets where residents once lived, worked and died.
According to TripAdvisor, the site remained forgotten and abandoned for centuries before being opened to the public. Reviews on the platform describe it as a “fantastic experience”, with one visitor writing: “Absolutely brilliant, the tour was informative and most importantly fun.”
Scotland’s capital boasts a stunning castle, enchanting cobbled streets, quirky bookshops and countless cafes, yet it’s these unique experiences that truly set it apart. If Edinburgh wasn’t already on your radar, it should be right at the top of your must-visit list this year before the rest of the world catches on to its world-class attractions.