NEEDHAM, Mass., May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travelers' Choice^® awards for Landmarks. Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. The awards honor 706 landmarks in 82 countries.

"These iconic sights are cultural and historical touchstones for visitors across the globe," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. "Summer is the perfect time for travelers to plan a visit to one of these landmarks. To enhance the experience at many of these signature places, visitors can book tours on TripAdvisor that offer unique perspectives or special VIP access."

For those planning to visit an award-winning landmark this year, TripAdvisor has also identified top-rated tours and experiences bookable on TripAdvisor.

Top 10 Landmarks in the U.S.:

1. Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco, California

This 4,200-foot marvel of engineering opened 80 years ago and remains the signature landmark of San Francisco. "Don't just drive over it. Stop. Get out of your car and experience it on foot. Walk over the bridge. Take photos. You will be glad you did," recommended a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Top-rated tour: San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $55 per person

2. Lincoln Memorial - Washington, D.C.

The iconic marble statue of America's 16^th president presides over the National Mall as an enduring monument to the nation's cherished values of freedom and equality. "From the setting, facing the reflecting pool and Washington Monument, to the statue and historic speeches inscribed on the walls, this place is momentous and awe-inspiring," commented one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Top-rated tour: Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $40 per person

3. Alcatraz Island - San Francisco, California

Impenetrable and escape-proof, Alcatraz operated as a prison for only 29 years, housing America's most notorious criminals in infamous conditions. Noted one TripAdvisor reviewer, "Prison life was tough. The accommodations are Spartan, with no privacy. Between the audio tour, signage and staff, you can't help but have a fantastic history lesson."

Top-rated tour: Alcatraz Tour plus Muir Woods, Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Day Trip - book on TripAdvisor from $79 per person

4. Grand Central Terminal - New York City, New York

Grand Central's stunning Beaux-Arts design, a delight to tourists, is also a prime example of art serving function: more than 750,000 commuters pass through daily. A TripAdvisor reviewer remarked, "It's what every railway tries to be: a stunning active terminal with complex layouts and opulence from the golden age of the railroad."

Top-rated tour: Grand Central Indoor Food Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $89 per person

5. Statue of Liberty - New York City, New York

Lady Liberty's lighted torch serves as a symbol of welcome and inclusion to all those hoping to make a better life in a new world. "The ferry ride provides excellent views of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Once on the island, just keep walking and you will get wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline and the green lady," recommended a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Top-rated tour: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $55 per person

6. USS Arizona Memorial - Honolulu, Hawaii

The USS Arizona Memorial floats above the submerged battleship and honors the thousands of Americans who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. "The memorial offers a unique perspective, both emotionally and visually," a TripAdvisor reviewer commented. 

Top-rated tour: Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl Sightseeing Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $50 per person

7. Empire State Building - New York City, New York

Spanning 102 floors and more than 1,450 feet, this Art Deco masterpiece is arguably America's most iconic skyscraper. A TripAdvisor reviewer advised, "There's no better place to see the city lights than from the observation deck at night."

Top-rated tour: Empire State Building Tickets - Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets - book on TripAdvisor from $34 per person

8.      Rockefeller Center - New York City, New York

Shop, stroll, skate or search the skyline at this sprawling, soaring complex of office buildings, stores, restaurants and public art. "You can visit Rock Center regularly and never get tired of the time you spend there. There's always something beautiful to see," a TripAdvisor reviewer raved.

Top-rated tour: Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $41 per person

9. St. Patrick's Cathedral - New York City, New York

This magnificent Neo-Gothic cathedral, famed for its classic spires and beautiful stained glass, is a National Historic landmark and still a local parish church. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted the "cathedral is open to all for a visit or for services. Take a break from the opulence of the city and reset for a bit."

Top-rated tour: NYC Highlights Small-Group Tour - book on TripAdvisor from $74 per person

10.  Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina

Take a trip to the Gilded Age of the late 19^th century at this lavish, expansive estate that contains a chateau, winery, farm, shops and restaurants. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it "a beautiful example of the excesses of wealth and a real work of art. In the spring, the gardens have the most beautiful flowers." 

Top 10 Landmarks in the World:

1. Angkor Wat - Siem Reap, Cambodia
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3. Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba - Cordoba, Spain
4. St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican City, Italy
5. Taj Mahal - Agra, India
6. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood - St. Petersburg, Russia
7. Great Wall at Mutianyu - Beijing, China
8. Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu, Peru
9. Plaza de Espana - Seville, Spain
10. Duomo di Milano - Milan, Italy

For the complete list of the 2017 Travelers' Choice Landmarks winners, as well as reviews and candid traveler photos, go to: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Landmarks.

TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to unleash the full potential of every trip. Travelers can read the latest reviews and compare prices from more than 200 sites to find the lowest prices on the right hotel for their trip at www.TripAdvisor.com.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site*, enables travelers to unleash the full potential of every trip. With more than 500 million reviews and opinions covering the world's largest selection of travel listings worldwide -- over 7 million accommodations, airlines, attractions, and restaurants -- TripAdvisor provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowds to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do and where to eat. TripAdvisor also compares prices from more than 200 hotel booking sites so travelers can find the lowest price on the hotel that's right for them. TripAdvisor-branded sites are available in 49 markets, and are home to the world's largest travel community of 390 million average unique monthly visitors,** all looking to get the most out of every trip.  TripAdvisor. Know better. Book better. Go better.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), through its subsidiaries, manages and operates websites under 22 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.citymaps.com,www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.iens.nl and www.dimmi.com.au), www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.housetrip.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com and www.viator.com.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, December 2016
**Source: TripAdvisor log files, Q1 2017

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SOURCE TripAdvisor