Looking for some trouble inspiration? Tripadvisor just announced the winners of its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards for Things to Do, naming the best of the best attractions, experiences and more, according to reviewers. Needless to say, New York City’s most famous buildings has claimed a premier spot among the world’s best.
The Empire State Building ranks as the number four best attraction in the entire world, trailing only behind The Royal Yacht Britannia, the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Even more impressively, the “World’s Most Famous Building” secured the number one spot for top attractions in the United States, proving that its timeless Art Deco glamour continues to captivate the modern traveler.
According to Tripadvisor’s data—which is pulled from millions of reviews and ratings from its global community—the Empire State Building remains a must-see destination despite the rise of newer, taller skyscrapers. While it’s currently surpassed in height by seven other buildings in Manhattan, the Empire State Building’s sleek, symmetrical facade, stainless-steel canopies and iconic spire antenna offer a level of prestige that newer glass towers simply cannot replicate.
Visitors to the Empire State Building experience an incredible view, and a piece of living history. The attraction features a comprehensive second-floor museum and immersive exhibits on the 80th floor. Of course, the main draws remain the 86th-floor open-air observatory and the 102nd-floor indoor deck, offering 360-degree panoramas of the city skyline.
The building’s connection to the city is further cemented by its world-famous LED lighting system. Whether glowing orange for a Knicks game or “Tripadvisor green” to celebrate its latest accolade, the spire serves as a literal beacon for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
In addition to its global and national rankings, the Empire State Building also featured prominently in Tripadvisor’s brand-new category: Top New York City Experiences. Coming in at number seven in a highly competitive local market, the Empire State Building, after nearly a century, remains key element of the New York experience.
Top attractions in the world according to Tripadvisor
- 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
