The city-state’s iconic waterfront park has earned a spot on the international stage. Gardens by the Bay has been named the third-best attraction in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do, trailing only Edinburgh’s Royal Yacht Britannia and Barcelona’s Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. The recognition, based on the volume and quality of visitor reviews collected from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, places the futuristic garden complex above perennial heavyweights like the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, and Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland.
A Fantasy Land That Outshines Icons
Tripadvisor’s judges describe Gardens by the Bay as a “fantasy land,” where guests can explore the climate-controlled Flower Dome, the mist-shrouded Cloud Forest, and the elevated Skyway—all while snapping skyline photos that, as the platform notes, do “most phones absolutely no favours in storage management.” The attraction’s design—soaring supertrees, futuristic glass conservatories, and lush horticulture—has long earned comparisons to the bioluminescent world of James Cameron’s Avatar, and this global ranking cements its status as a must-see destination.
Rotating Exhibits Keep the Experience Fresh
Beyond its permanent flora and architecture, Gardens by the Bay regularly transforms its spaces with large-scale collaborations and immersive installations. Past highlights include Pokémon-themed floral displays, Disney-inspired garden designs, and Avatar-style interactive experiences. Currently, the park offers a rotating lineup:
- Tulipmania in the Flower Dome, which reimagines Dutch art and landscapes each season.
- Jurassic World: The Experience in the Cloud Forest, where life-sized animatronic dinosaurs roam a misty jungle setting.
- My Little Pony: Petals of Friendship at Floral Fantasy, running through May 31, 2026.
These exhibitions are designed to appeal to both children and adults, with sculptures, interactive elements, and ever-changing themes that encourage repeat visits.
Tripadvisor’s Top 15 Attractions Worldwide
The 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards rank attractions based on a full year of traveler feedback. Here is the complete top 15 list:
- Royal Yacht Britannia (United Kingdom)
- Basílica de la Sagrada Familia (Spain)
- Gardens by the Bay (Singapore)
- Empire State Building (United States)
- Cayman Crystal Caves (Cayman Islands)
- The Real Mary King’s Close (United Kingdom)
- Miniatur Wunderland (Germany)
- Eiffel Tower (France)
- Sun Studio (United States)
- Cachoeira Boca da Onça (Brazil)
- Colosseum (Italy)
- The Little Museum of Dublin (Ireland)
- Bodleian Library (United Kingdom)
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (France)
- Louvre Museum (France)
Gardens by the Bay’s No. 3 rank is especially notable given that it sits among historical landmarks and centuries-old cultural institutions. Singapore’s relative youth as a nation—independent since 1965—makes the achievement a testament to ambitious urban planning and tourism innovation.
Broader Implications for Singapore Tourism
This accolade arrives alongside other major developments in Singapore’s tourism landscape. The Glow Festival has expanded to a 10-day event featuring headliners Jason Derulo and Alessia Cara, plus more than 70 wellness programs. Plaza Singapura recently unveiled a S$160 million makeover that includes “floating gardens” and themed dining concepts. And Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 is on track to debut a private terminal and Singapore’s first airport amphitheatre by 2027.
For travelers planning a visit, Gardens by the Bay offers a year-round experience that blends nature, technology, and entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, check the park’s exhibition calendar before you go—rotating installations mean there’s always something new to discover. For the full list of Tripadvisor’s top attractions, visit their official website.