(CNN) — A uniquely designed dream cathedral in Europe, under construction since 1882, is the world’s top attraction in 2022, according to Tripadvisor reviews.
On Tuesday, Tripadvisor unveiled its “Best of the Best Things to Do” in 11 categories, including Top Global and U.S. Attractions, Theme Parks and Top Overall Experiences.
Spain and Italy are hot in this year’s global attractions, taking up half of the list. Here are the top 10, according to Tripadvisor:
1. Sagrada Familia Basilica: Barcelona, Spain
2. Colosseum: Rome
3. The Empire State Building: New York City
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5. Degli Uffizi Gallery: Florence, Italy
6. Spanish Steps: Seville, Spain
7. Iguazu Falls: Foz do Iguacu, Brazil
8. The Roman baths: Bath, United Kingdom
9. Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs, Colorado
10. Trevi Fountain: Rome
Learn more about the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
The basilica was the vision of revolutionary architect Antoni Gaudí, who became a leading figure in modern architecture. It was vandalized 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 check on your own and enter Spain, you will need to provide either a certificate proving full vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test result or a certificate of recovery as of June 11.
Top 10 American Attractions
The Empire State Building looms large in New York City and in the minds of travelers.
Alexander Spatari/Moment RF/Getty Images
The Big Apple has three impressive spots. The top 10 American attractions are:
1. The 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 September 11 Memorial and Museum: New York City
7. Arches National Park: Moab, UT
8. The National Museum of the Second World War: New Orleans
9. Preservation of Taliesin: Spring Green, Wisconsin
10. Stetson Mansion: DeLand, Florida
Top 10 amusement and water parks in the world
An aerial view of Siam Park in Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, is shown.
Mateusz Łopuszyński/Adobe Stock
It’s been a good year for Spain, which also took first place in this category. Brazil did well 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 Spain: Toledo, Spain
5. The Milky Way Adventure Park: Clovelly, United Kingdom
6. Hot Park: Rio Quente, Brazil
7. Waterbom Bali: Kuta, Indonesia
8. Dollywood: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
9. Universal’s Islands of Adventure: Orlando
10. Terra Magica Florybal Park: Canela, Brazil
Siam Park is a water park in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The theme of the park is Thai. One of the rides is called The Vulcano, which goes in the dark and features a laser light show.
Top 10 American Amusement and Water Parks
In addition to fun and charm, Dollywood theme park makes your heart beat faster with roller coasters.
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Two parks that were in the world’s top 10 topped the US 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, Mo.
7.Funland: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
8. Fun Spot America: Kissimmee, Florida
9. Santa Claus Village: Jefferson, NH
10. Busch Gardens: Tampa, Florida
Experiences
Tripadvisor is emphasizing experiences in this year’s awards, especially those offered by tour operators.
“The awards bring well-deserved recognition to hardworking and skilled tour operators who have successfully delivered exceptional experiences for their customers while navigating the pandemic,” said Kate Urquhart, general manager of experiences at Tripadvisor, in a press release.
Outdoor activities led the 2021 awards, Tripadvisor said, and they did another strong showing in 2022. But city tours are also growing in popularity for 2022, according to the press release.
Here are the #1 overall experiences:
The Travelers’ Choice Awards also reward the best culinary experiences; nature and outdoor activities; cultural and historical tours and more.
How winners are chosen
According to Tripadvisor, “Best Things to Do” awards “are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for experiences, tours, activities and attractions on Tripadvisor…from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022, specific to each award sub-category, plus an additional editorial process.
“Experiences are categorized as bookable tours and activities on Tripadvisor. Non-bookable experiences or attractions are activities on Tripadvisor that travelers can visit without booking a ticket.”
