The UK is home to the world's best tourist attraction. The prestigious title was given to the UK visitor experience in the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards 2026. These results are decided based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. Plus, the experts at TripAdvisor add extra editorial processes to make the decision, so the winner is carefully chosen.

With popular tourist attractions famous around the world, travellers might be quick to assume that the UK's best is located in its capital, London, which is the most visited destination in the country. However, that is not the case. In fact, the top tourist attraction isn't even located in England. That award goes to Scotland this year, as it's a highly-rated Edinburgh attraction that takes the title for 2026.

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has been named the best tourist attraction in the world for 2026. This former royal yacht was in action between 1954 and 1997, and it travelled more than a million nautical miles during that time.

Queen Elizabeth II was no stranger to the boat, as it brought her on multiple international visits throughout her reign. Nowadays, it is a busy tourist attraction, with visitors praising the experience.

Tourists can embark on an audio tour around the iconic ship, find out about the boat's history in the Britannia Visitor Centre, and enjoy cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom.

Reviews of Royal Yacht Britannia are overwhelmingly positive, and it currently has 47.7 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. "This tour covered everything on the yacht, the history of it, and walking in the steps of royalty was amazing," one review reads. "The tea room was amazing, offering a variety of drinks and snacks overlooking the dock area."

Another says: "This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The royal yacht has been kept well-maintained and is an excellent museum."

Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer, Tripadvisor Group, said: "There's a clear theme in this year's winners: they bring out what makes a destination unique. These aren't experiences that simply fill an itinerary - they're the experiences that give you a better way to understand a place."

The 2026 Traveller's Choice Awards listed the top ten tourist attractions in the world, with Edinburgh's Royal Yacht Britannia beating out some impressive competition.

The top ten best tourist attractions in the world are:

• The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, United Kingdom


• Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain


• Gardens by the Bay, Singapore


• Empire State Building, New York City, New York


• Cayman Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman


• The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh, United Kingdom


• Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg, Germany


• Eiffel Tower, Paris, France


• Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee


• Cachoeira Boca da Onça, Bodoquena, Brazil

With two entries from Edinburgh in the top ten list, more tourists might consider visiting the historic Scottish city. However, locals have previously complained about overtourism in their city, pointing out crowds and too many short-term rentals as some of the issues they face.

This doesn't stop tourists from around the world from visiting Edinburgh every year. As well as the Royal Yacht Britannia and The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh is home to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland.

The awards also named the top tourist experiences in the world, including specially designed tours and trips for visitors. The top one is the Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Centre, Portugal, followed by the Peaceful Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO 1 Day Bus Tour in Japan.

The UK has one entry on that list, with Liverpool's Beatles Magical Mystery Tour nabbing the number 5 spot.