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The best thing to do in every country around the world, according to TripAdvisor

The Independent logo The Independent 11-09-2018 Joanna Whitehead

a large waterfall over some water © Provided by The Independent A list of the top rated things to do in every country, according to TripAdvisor, has been released.

The list includes natural, historical, religious and tourist attractions and was collated by VoucherCloud.

Testament to the enduring success of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding franchise, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is ranked as the most popular attraction the UK, beating Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge. The exhibit opened in 2012 and welcomes up to 6,000 visitors per day during peak periods.

Related: Sleeping Beauty's castle & other fantastic places you never knew were real (provided by Love Exploring)

Fact or fiction?: There are many beautiful and intriguing places in this world inextricably linked to ancient myths and legends or modern works of fiction. From the mystery of the lost city of Atlantis and the enigma of the Bermuda Triangle to the well-loved tales of legendary warrior King Arthur and Sleeping Beauty, we seek out locations steeped in stories that are sure to capture your imagination.

Many of the expected contenders are present and correct, including the Taj Mahal in India, Machu Picchu in Peru and Niagara Falls in Canada.

Ahead of the Grand Canyon, Disney World and Alcatraz, Central Park is ranked top for the US. Covering 843 acres, the park was established in 1857 and contains six miles of “drives” or roads. It has its own New York City Police Department precinct and welcomes around 37 million visitors per year.

Central Park, New York City (Getty Images/iStockphoto) © Provided by The Independent Central Park, New York City (Getty Images/iStockphoto) In Europe, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is the top attraction for Spain. Famously unfinished by Gaudi, the magnificent neo-Gothic structure was deemed to be “one of the most hideous buildings in the world” by George Orwell.

Internationally renowned for its collection of Impressionist art, Paris’s Musee d’Orsay art gallery comes top for France. Housed inside an old train station, the space includes art work by Monet.

Religious institutions are well represented in the Middle East, while further east sees the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Thailand and the Great Wall at Mutianyu in China come out on top.

The Great Wall of China (Getty Images/iStockphoto) © Provided by The Independent The Great Wall of China (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Across the water, the Sydney Opera House is the leading attraction in Australia.

In Africa, the Karnak Temple, dating from around 2055 BC and the largest religious building ever constructed, comes top for Egypt, while Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and South Africa’s Table Mountain received the best rankings. 

The Karnak Temple (Getty Images) © Provided by The Independent The Karnak Temple (Getty Images) Declared a World Heritage site by Unesco in 1984, the Iguazu Falls of Brazil are comprised of 275 separate falls and widely regarded as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

Natural wonders are the most common attractions to top the charts, followed by areas or icons of historic interest. 

Some 24 beaches also make the cut, alongside 19 museums, 19 national parks or nature reserves, 10 castles or fortresses and nine waterfalls.

Also watch: Top summer destinations of 2018, according to Google (Provided by Buzz 60)

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