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

Machu Picchu has been named the best-rated landmark in the world. Photo / iStock

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.

Machu Picchu is renowned for its dry-stone walls, built without mortar. Photo / iStock

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

This spellbinding Incan citadel perched atop the Andes Mountains in Peru was first built in the 15th century and then later abandoned.

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

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).

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is the largest mosque in the UAE. Photo / iStock

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

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

The Angkor Wat complex contains the remains of the capitals of the Khmer Empire. Photo / iStock

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

St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is the most important church in the Catholic world. Photo / iStock

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

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.

India's famous Taj Mahal attracts over three million visitors a year. Photo / Greg Bowker

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

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

The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba underwent conversion from a church to a mosque and back again. Photo / iStock

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

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

The Church of the Savior on Blood was built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. Photo / iStock

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 originally built for military purposes, but it also held the function of a Christian court in 1492.

The Alhambra was originally built for military purposes. Photo / iStock

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

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 Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was featured in the movie Forrest Gump. Photo / iStock

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

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

The Milan Cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. Photo / iStock

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.

TRIPADVISOR'S TOP 25 TOURIST LANDMARKS FOR 2016

1. Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Peru
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
6. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
7. Church of the Savior on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
8. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
9. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington, United States
10. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy
11. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, United States
12. Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya), Istanbul, Turkey
13. Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
14. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
15. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
16. Great Wall at Mutianyu, Beijing, China
17. Acropolis, Athens, Greece
18. Corcovado - Cristo Redentor, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
19. Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
20. Chichen Itza, Chichen Itza, Mexico
21. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), Bangkok, Thailand
22. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
23. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
24. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
25. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kyoto, Japan