THE Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at Ocean Terminal has been crowned the number one visitor attraction in the world for 2026, in a survey of online reviews by the world’s largest travel guidance platform.
Her late Majesty’s former floating palace was singled out as the “Best of the Best” visitor attraction in the World, Europe and the UK, by Tripadvisor.
The iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona took second place ahead of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and the Empire State Building in New York, with Cayman Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman, completing the top five.
Remarkably, Edinburgh featured twice in the top ten, with The Real Mary King’s Close – an interactive tour that takes visitors beneath the city’s 17th-century streets – taking sixth place.
It came ahead of Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany; the Eiffel Tower in Paris; Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee; and the stunning Cachoeira Boca da Onça waterfalls in Brazil.
The attractions feature in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the highest rated experiences and attractions around the world, based on millions of Tripadvisor reviews.
The most-loved attractions in the world – “according to the travelers who ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘ahh-ed’ at them” – range from “natural wonders to man-made marvels”.
Reviewers praised the “outstanding” staff and fascinating living history on board the Royal Yacht, highlighting all five decks including the private Royal Quarters, State Apartments, and working areas of the ship, as well as the attraction’s engaging sailing exhibition.
Franck Bruyère, Chief Executive, The Royal Yacht Britannia, said: “We’re 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 one in the world is a tremendous achievement and a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience.
“We remain committed to delivering memorable visits that are considered great value for time and raising the bar for what world-class attractions can offer.”
Britannia was home to the Queen and the royal family for over 40 years, sailing over one million miles around the world before it was decommissioned in 1997.
Millions of people have visited the yacht since it was berthed in Leith in 1998, becoming a permanent visitor attraction and evening events venue.
The Royal Yacht has been voted Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Attraction in the UK three times.
The Royal Yacht Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust who also care for three of the former Royal Sailing Yachts; Cowslip, Bluebottle and Bloodhound, which is owned by the Trust.
A spokesperson said “The Britannia team continually strives to make a visit to the Royal Yacht an exceptional experience with a highly accessible tour.
“Inclusivity is a priority, with the tour commentary in 42 versions including translated languages, junior audio guide in five languages, British Sign Language/American Sign Language tablet and Braille.”
1) The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
2) Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
3) Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
4) Empire State Building, New York City, New York
5) Cayman Crystal Caves, Grand Cayman
6) The Real Mary King’s Close , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
7) Miniatur Wunderland, Hamburg, Germany
8) Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
9) Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee
10) Cachoeira Boca da Onça, Bodoquena, Brazil
