(DailyExpertNews) — A dreamy, uniquely designed cathedral in Europe, under construction since 1882, is the top attraction in the world for 2022, according to Tripadvisor reviewers.
On Tuesday, Tripadvisor unveiled its “Best of the Best Things to Do” in 11 categories, including the best attractions in the world and in the US, theme parks and the best overall experiences.
Spain and Italy are hot in this year’s world attractions, occupying half of the list. Here’s the top 10 according to Tripadvisor:
1. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia: Barcelona, Spain
2. Coliseum: Rome
3. Empire State Building: New York City
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5. Gallery Degli Uffizi: Florence, Italy
6. Plaza de Espana: Seville, Spain
7. Iguazu Falls: Brazil Foz do Iguacu
8. The Roman Baths: Bath, United Kingdom
9. Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs, Colorado
10. Trevi Fountain: Rome
More about Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
The basilica was the vision of the pioneering architect Antoni Gaudí, who became a leading figure in modern architecture. It was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, and its facade and crypt of the Nativity were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.
To see for yourself and enter Spain, from June 11 you must present a certificate proving full vaccination, a negative result of a Covid-19 test or a certificate of recovery.
Top 10 Attractions in the USA
The Empire State Building looms high in New York City and in the minds of travelers.
Alexander Spatari/Moment RF/Getty Images
The Big Apple has no fewer than three places. The top 10 US attractions are:
1. Empire State Building: New York City
2. Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs, Colorado
3. Central Park: New York City
4. Iolani Palace: Honolulu
5. Biltmore: Asheville, North Carolina
6. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum: New York City
7. Arches National Park: Moab, Utah
8. The National WWII Museum: New Orleans
9. Taliesin Preservation: Spring Green, Wisconsin
10. Stetson Mansion: DeLand, Florida
Top 10 World Amusement and Water Parks
An aerial view of Siam Park in Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, is shown.
Mateusz Popuszyński/Adobe Stock
It is a good year for Spain, which also took first place in this category. Brazil had a strong show with three parks. The top 10 amusement parks and water parks are:
1. Siam Park: Adeje, Spain
2. Puy du Fou: Les Epesses, France
3. Beto Carrero World: Penha, Brazil
4. Puy du Fou Espana: Toledo, Spain
5. The Milky Way Adventure Park: Clovelly, United Kingdom
6. Hot Park: Rio Quente, Brazil
7. Water Bomb Bali: Kuta, Indonesia
8. Dolly Wood: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
9. Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Orlando
10. Parque Terra Magica Flory Ball: Canela, Brazil
Siam Park is a water park on Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The theme in the park is Thai. One of the attractions there is called The Vulcano, which goes after dark and has a laser light show.
Top 10 US Amusement & Water Parks
In addition to entertainment and charm, the Dollywood theme park makes the heart beat faster with roller coasters.
imageBROKER/Shutterstock
Two parks that made the top 10 of the world list lead the American version. Unsurprisingly, Florida parks dominate this list.
1. Dollywood: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Orlando
3. Magic Kingdom Park: Orlando
4. Universal Studios Hollywood: Los Angeles
5. Universal Studios Florida: Orlando
6. Silver Dollar City: Branson, Missouri
7. Fun Land: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
8. Fun Place America: Kissimmee, Florida
9. Santa Claus Village: Jefferson, New Hampshire
10. Busch Gardens: Tampa, Florida
Experiences
Tripadvisor places an emphasis on experiences in this year’s prices, especially those offered by tour operators.
“The awards are a well-deserved recognition for the hard-working and skilled tour operators who have managed to deliver exceptional experiences to their guests as they navigate the pandemic,” said Kate Urquhart, general manager of experiences at Tripadvisor, in a press release.
Outdoor activities dominated the 2021 awards, Tripadvisor said, and they showed another strong showing in 2022. But city tours are also growing in popularity for 2022, the press release said.
Here are the No. 1 overall experiences:
The Travelers’ Choice Awards also honor the best dining experiences; nature and outdoor activities; cultural and historical tours and more.
How the winners are chosen
According to Tripadvisor, the Best Things to Do awards “will be determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler ratings and reviews for experiences, tours, activities and attractions on Tripadvisor … from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022, specific to each pricing subcategory, as well as an additional editorial process.
“Experiences are classified as bookable tours and activities on Tripadvisor. Non-bookable experiences or attractions are activities on Tripadvisor that travelers can visit without booking a ticket.”