Singular, bucket-list experiences are increasingly becoming the main motivation for trips, as travellers seek memorable adventures and alternatives to overcrowded attractions.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Tripadvisor has just announced the winners of its annual 2026 Travelers’ Choice® Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do.
The awards highlight the highest-rated experiences around the world based on millions of Tripadvisor reviews and ratings from its global community.
This year sees the launch of a new list, Once in a Lifetime Experiences, which spotlights truly special travel experiences across the world – and the number one is in Europe.
Europe’s top experiences ranked by travellers
Tripadvisor releases an annual ranking of tours and experiences that impressed the site’s users.
This year’s number one Top Experience in the World is a Porto walking tour, which costs as little as €3 per person. The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Centre has reclaimed first place, having previously topped the ranking in 2024.
With more than 25,000 five-bubble reviews, travellers love this tour for its coverage of Porto’s history, architecture, as well as local food and drink recommendations.
Participants explore attractions like Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s largest avenue, Igreja do Carmo church next to the narrowest house in the city, and Porto University, where they learn about urban legends, centenary cafes and strange rituals.
Coming in third place is Barcelona in 1 Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Old Town & Pickup. The tour allows visitors short on time to see the creme de la creme of the Spanish city in a single day, with round-trip transit directly from your hotel.
Tour the Passeig de Gràcia avenue, glimpse Las Ramblas, admire views from Montjuïc, and explore the Old Town on foot. Then, discover two of architect Antoni Gaudí’s top landmarks when you visit Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia.
The fourth spot went to the Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minutes Canal Cruise by Captain Jack. On this family-friendly boat trip, you get to know your fellow cruisers as you sip drinks and sample snacks.
Participants soak up city views from the open boat in summer and a heated, closed boat from October to March as they navigate the UNESCO-listed canal ring, spotting landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Skinny Bridge.
The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour in Liverpool has been named number five in the world. Fans of the legendary band hop aboard a boldly decorated bus to visit sacred sites, including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, the childhood home of Paul McCartney, and The Cavern Club – where the Beatles performed 292 times.
Europe’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences worth travelling for
The inaugural Once in a Lifetime Experiences ranking highlights exceptional activities that should be on travellers’ bucket lists.
The number one experience is Snorkelling Between Tectonic Plates in Reykjavik, where you can explore the underwater glacier meltwater-filled rift formed by the drift of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
You don’t have to be an expert to participate. The tour makes snorkelling the rift as easy as possible by including a guide, dry suit, snorkelling equipment, and the Silfra site entrance fees. Afterwards, you’re offered hot chocolate and cookies.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canoe Tours in Llangollen came in second place. An adventurous way to explore north Wales, this half-day canoe tour along a 38-metre-high aqueduct is packed with games and challenges to help you improve your paddling skills as you go.
The third European activity, ranked 13th in the world, is Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator. The hands-on lesson in the Italian capital teaches you fighting techniques using authentic weapons, and includes the chance to wear a gladiator tunic and belt (extra expense). The experience is suitable for children aged six and above.
Read the full article here
