TripAdvisor®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice™ awards for Landmarks. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for man-made landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. Peru’s Machu Picchu, with over 5,000 visitors a day during high season, has been recognised as number one landmark in the world.
Nabbing lead position from the Sydney Opera House (2015 South Pacific Travellers’ Choice Winning Landmark), the Australian War Memorial in the Australian Capital Territory has topped the Australian list for 2016.
“This award is fantastic, and a fitting recognition for one of Australia’s most significant attractions,” VisitCanberra Director Ian Hill said. “A visit to the Australian War Memorial should be on everyone’s must-do list. This TripAdvisor award win comes off the back of record visitation to Canberra, with 4.4 million visitors to Australia’s capital in the year ending December 2015.”
TripAdvisor’s Director of Communications, Asia Pacific, Janice Lee Fang said, “These Travellers’ Choice landmarks showcase some of the world’s most iconic, must-see attractions that have been visited by our TripAdvisor community. Travellers can learn more and gain exclusive access to a number of these culturally-renowned landmarks when booking a tour on TripAdvisor.”
TripAdvisor’s winning list of landmarks includes historically, architecturally or culturally significant attractions that are typically owned or run by a governmental or non-profit organisations. Registered national historic landmarks and UNESCO sites have also been included.
For those planning to visit a winning landmark this year, TripAdvisor has also identified the average bookable accommodation rates for June, July, August travel to each world destination, as well as top-rated tours bookable on TripAdvisor.
Top 10 Landmarks in the World:
1. Machu Picchu – Machu Picchu, Peru
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Machu Picchu: June: $80 July: $81 August: $81
The enigmatic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological site in all of South America. Machu Picchu has never revealed all of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction. Highlights include the ruined Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous view across the Urubamba River Valley.
Discover this historic landmark with a day trip tour from Cusco, including an all-inclusive day trip to the breathtaking Machu Picchu as well as a scenic rail tour where you can see the world-famous Inca ruins and learn about the city, its history and the people who once lived there.
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates Abu Dhabi: June: $154 July: $163 August: $165
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center rises majestically from Abu Dhabi and serves as the central place of worship for citizens of the emirate. The massive white structure can accommodate 40,000 people and is home to the world’s largest marble mosaic. This grand structure was built with white marble imported from 28 different countries, as well as chandeliers from Europe.
Discover this historic landmark by going on a sightseeing tour of the Sheik Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village and Gold Souk. Travellers will experience a 4-hour tour of the UAE’s dazzling capital where you can visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, explore the recreated old desert settlement at the Heritage Village, and admire the beaches, gardens and gleaming high-rises.
3. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Siem Reap: June: $86 July: $86 August: $89
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a true wonder, a magnificently mesmerising ancient temple site built in the 12th century. A Hindu temple eventually converted to a Buddhist temple and surrounded by a massive 650-foot wide moat, Angkor Wat was named a UNESCO World Heritage site and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the Cambodian national flag.
Discover this historic landmark with a bike tour around Angkor at sunrise, and spend an unforgettable day cycling amongst the ruins of Angkor Kingdom and back roads to iconic temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
4. St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City, Italy
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Vatican City: June: $169 July: $148 August: $140
St. Peter's Basilica is like no other church, with visitors finding themselves surrounded by significant artwork, including Michelangelo's beautiful marble Pieta. Atop the basilica sits its famous dome, recognisable from across the city. Travellers who climb a staircase to the top are rewarded with a wonderful view over the piazza, Bernini's enclosing colonnade below and Rome’s cityscape.
Discover this historic landmark with an exclusive VIP breakfast experience in the Vatican. Enjoy a lavish buffet breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard, followed by a small group private tour of the Vatican Museums. Get a glimpse of the Raphael’s Rooms and the Sistine Chapel before heading inside St Peter’s Basilica though a reserved entranceway to beat the crowds.
5. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Agra: June: $45 July: $47 August: $47
Considered one of the most iconic wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is #2 on the Travellers’ Choice list of top landmarks for 2016. Increasing numbers of tourists from world over visit the Taj Mahal every year, to marvel at the grandeur, romance and history associated with this magnificent piece of architecture.
Discover this historic landmark with a private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tour, exclusively by Viator. This includes a high-class experience that combines a privately guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with dining at the 4-star Gateway Hotel as well as a visit to the Taj Museum and round-trip hotel transport with a private chauffeur.
6. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba – Cordoba, Spain
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Cordoba: June: $111 July: $86 August: $96
One of the largest Mosques in the world, the Great Mosque of Córdoba is one of the jewels of Islamic civilisation. The Mezquita (Mosque) dates back to the 10th century when Córdoba reached its zenith under a new emir, Abd ar-Rahman 111 who was one of the great rulers of Islamic history.
Discover this historic landmark with a 2-hour walking tour of Cordoba Mezquita, with a local guide. The walk takes you through the stunning cathedral mosque, to experience architecture like Mudejar, Baroque, Renaissance and Byzantine, and rooms such as the maksura and the Christian chapels. The experience finishes with a walk to one of Cordoba’s pretty patios where visitors can savour a glass of the local Montilla-Moriles wine.
7. Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood – St. Petersburg, Russia
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in St. Petersburg: June: $148 July: $111 August: $102
The phenomenal Russian-style church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881. Both the interior and exterior of the church is decorated with incredibly detailed mosaics, designed and created by the most prominent Russian artists of the day, V.M. Vasnetsov, M.V. Nesterov and M.A. Vrubel. The most breathtaking view of the church can be seen from Nevsky Prospekt.
Discover this historic landmark with a 3-hour tour of St Petersburg by night. Travellers will be guided in small groups with an expert guide, sharing the history of the magnificent floodlit monuments in the city center including the State Hermitage Museum and St Isaac's Cathedral, and surrounding streets, squares and embankments of the Neva River.
8. The Alhambra – Granada, Spain
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Granada: June: $114 July: $92 August: $97
Built between 1238 and 1358, the Alhambra is the palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, Spain. The name Alhambra, signifies ‘the red’ in Arabic, and is thought to have derived from the colour of the sun-dried tapia, bricks made of fine gravel and clay, of which the outer walls are built. The Alhambra is a love letter to Moorish culture, a sanctuary where fountains trickle, leaves rustle, and ancient spirits seem to mysteriously linger.
Discover this historic landmark with a private 2.5 hour tour of Alhambra and Generalife. Travellers can enjoy a fast-track entrance to see the best of Granada’s premier UNESCO World Heritage Site such as Alcazaba Fortress, the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens, while learning about its Moorish history.
9. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool – Washington, D.C.
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Washington, D.C.: June: $421 July: $357 August: $310
Stretching approximately 534 metres end to end, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool lies between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Built in 1920 on marshland, the pool gradually sank, leaking into the surrounding land. In 2012, the pool was reconstructed, and today holds nearly seven million gallons of water pulled from the nearby Tidal Basin.
Discover this historic landmark with an insider VIP tour of the home of Congress, exclusive to Viator. The experience includes a reserved priority entrance to two of Washington DC's most sought-after attractions the US Capitol Building and National Archives Building, as well as DC landmarks such as the White House and the Lincoln Memorial.
10. Milan Cathedral (Duomo) – Milan, Italy
Average bookable nightly accommodation rates in Milan: June: $193 July: $185 August: $20
The Milan Cathedral is a much-loved symbol of the city and the most exuberant example of Northern Gothic architecture in Italy. The exterior is an upwardly thrusting collection of pinnacles, elongated statues and buttresses, while the central spire is topped by a gilt statue of the Madonna. The view from the roof is the main highlight—on a clear day, the Italian Alps are visible.
Discover this historic landmark with a rooftop tour Milan’s Duomo in the evening. This includes an hour on Milan Cathedral’s rooftop with priority access where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Milan and admire the cathedral's statues, spires and buttresses up close.
Top 10 Landmarks in Australia:
1. Australian War Memorial – Australian Capital Territory
Discover this historic landmark with a comprehensive day tour of Canberra.
2. Sydney Opera House – Sydney
Discover this historic landmark by going to the Opera!
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge – Sydney
Discover this historic landmark by conquering the bridge with a climb.
4. Shrine of Remembrance – Melbourne
Discover this historic landmark by learning about its arts and history.
5. Block Arcade – Melbourne
Discover this historic landmark by exploring the city's laneways and arcades.
6. Port Arthur Historic Site – Port Arthur
Discover this historic landmark by going on a guided historical walking tour.
7. Fremantle Prison – Fremantle
Discover this historic landmark with a history lesson along the way.
8. Kings Park War Memorial – Perth
Top-rated tour: N/A
9. Australian Parliament House – Canberra
Discover this historic landmark as part of a guided day trip from Sydney.
10. Queen Victoria Building (QVB) – Sydney
Discover this historic landmark with a view atop the Hop-On Hop-Off 24-hour bus.
For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travellers’ Choice Landmarks, as well as reviews and candid traveller photos, go to: www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice-Landmarks.
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site**. Travellers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at:www.tripadvisor.com.au.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
1Average seasonal nightly rates of all bookable accommodations in each destination are based on TripAdvisor pricing data for June 1 through August 31, 2016, aggregated from booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers. All USD pricing was converted to AUD on 16 May 2016 via XE.com.
