From Cambodia's Angkor Wat to Machu Picchu: TripAdvisor's best-rated landmarks around the world revealed

Given the competition, a landmark has to be pretty special to be named the very best in the world.

But few would argue against Peru's Machu Picchu being a breath-taking place.

The Incan citadel has just been named the best-rated landmark in the world by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards 2016, beating stunning attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Here are the top 25 tourist attractions in the world, according to TripAdvisor's millions of users. How many have you ticked off your bucket list?

1. Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Peru

The Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, perched atop the Andes Mountains, is a popular 'must-do' for TripAdvisor users, ranking as the top tourist landmark for 2016.

Renowned worldwide for its dry-stone walls, which were built without the use of mortar, these incredible buildings are as mesmerising as they are mysterious.

And the TripAdvisor community agrees, with some users calling a visit to the stunning structures 'a must-do on life's bucket list.'

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is considered to be one of the key places of worship in the United Arab Emirates.

A stellar example of Mughal architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is considered to be one of the key places of worship in Abu Dhabi, and the whole of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It took over ten years to complete the massive project and it is currently the largest mosque in the UAE.

The design was inspired by the idea of 'uniting the world' - and travellers from around the world are suitably smitten, with reviews including such words as 'spectacular', 'splendid', and 'breathtaking'.

3. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The religious site of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was voted the top landmark in the world by TripAdvisor reviewers in 2015 and in the top three for 2016.

Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the most important religious sites not only in south-east Asia, but the entire world.

It contains the remains of the capitals of the Khmer Empire and the complex in Siem Reap includes the famous Temple of Angkor Wat, as well as the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. It stretches out over an incredible 400 square kilometres.

Perhaps unsurprisingly then, the site boasts a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, with plenty of glowing reviews and recommendations.

Users have also left some handy tips, such as to arrive early and wait by the water to watch the sun rise.

4. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy

A must-visit for anyone visiting Rome, St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is visited by over four million tourists annually.

A must for anyone visiting Rome, St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the most important church in the Catholic world.

Thanks to the impressive Piazza San Pietro, on which it's situated, and its stunning Renaissance interior, which was principally designed by Michelangelo and Donato Bromante, more than four million tourists visit each year.

From the 'awe-inspiring' exterior mosaics to the 'amazing' architecture inside, TripAdvisor users are absolutely in love with this ever-important building.

5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, is one of the world's most celebrated structures and attracts three million visitors every year.

Described by one TripAdvisor reviewer as 'simply the greatest architectural achievement on earth', the Taj Mahal in Agra is one of the world's most celebrated structures.

Designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1983, the white marble mausoleum attracts over three million visitors every year.

An example of Mughal architecture, the domed tomb, which was completed in 1643 at an estimated cost of 32 million Indian rupees, is also part of a larger garden complex, overlooking the southern bank of Yamuna River.

6. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain

Many flock to witness the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba in Spain with its famous red-and-white arches.

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba in Spain has a history as fascinating as its exquisite decoration, with its horseshoe arches and pillars.

Originally called the Great Mosque of Córdoba, the Islamic holy building was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century, with many of the openings closed up so they could be used as backdrops for the various saints.

Today many tourists come to wander among the forest of over 856 pillars of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. Most famous of all are the alternating red and white arches which were inspired by those in the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

7. Church of the Savior on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

Coming in at number seven on the list of must-see landmarks is Church of the Savior on Blood in Russia, which was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881.

This spectacular, multi-coloured church in St. Petersburg dazzles in the sun with its golden domes and intricate mosaics.

This is the Church of the Savior on Blood - number seven on the list. It was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881, with funds donated by the Imperial family and thousands of private donors.

Its stunning architecture has made it one of the main tourist attractions in St. Petersburg.

8. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

The impressive Alhambra in Granada in Spain was made a Unesco World Heritage site in 1984 - and it is clear to see why many come to explore its preserved rooms.

The impressive Alhambra in Granada in Spain was originally built for military purposes, but it also held the function of a Christian court in 1492.

Later, various structures were built including garrisons, a church and a Franciscan monastery. During the 18th century and part of the 19th, the castle fell into disrepair and many of the rooms held the new purpose of dungheaps and taverns that were frequented by thieves.

Thankfully the rose-hued castle was named a national monument in 1870. After that it was restored and preserved over the years. In 1984 it was made a Unesco World Heritage site and is a popular tourist attraction. 

9. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington, United States

The famous Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a place of national significance and attracts millions of tourists annually.

Originally built in 1922 on swampy ground, Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a place of national significance that honours one of America's greatest presidents.

The pool is well known for real life events such as Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech and fictional ones like Forrest and Jenny reuniting in the movie Forrest Gump.

Today over 3.6million people visit the memorial annually.

10. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy

Milan's duomo has been described by some TripAdvisor reviewers as the 'most beautiful church in the world'.

The capital city's duomo has been described by some TripAdvisor users as the 'most beautiful church in the world'.

And the best vantage point from which to experience the stunning architecture? From the roof, which requires a ticket to access.

The Gothic building, which took nearly six centuries to complete, is also the seat of the Archbishop of Milan: Cardinal Angelo Scola.

(Editor:Kong Defang,Bianji)