March 11, 2026 | 06:59 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Singapore has been recognized as the best cultural destination in the world by TripAdvisor. The city-state has received this award for its rich combination of cultural heritage, culinary traditions, architecture, and artistic expression. Bali ranks 10th among the top 25 cultural cities in the world.
The 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards by TripAdvisor reflect positive reviews from genuine travelers over the past year. Out of more than 8 million destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions listed on TripAdvisor, less than 1 percent received the "Best of the Best" title in various categories, including culture.
Attractions of Singapore
Visitors to Singapore can experience the blend of ancient traditions with modern living, especially in its historic districts such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Colorful shophouses, temples, and mosques stand alongside cafes and boutiques here.
According to Travel+Leisure, Singapore's cultural identity is also evident through its culinary offerings. Food centers filled with small stalls operated by local vendors offer Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan dishes. Some favorite local dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab.
Moreover, Singapore excels in integrating nature into its urban landscape. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, established in 1859 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a peaceful oasis in the city. Meanwhile, Gardens by the Bay stands out with its futuristic Supertrees, biodome, and imaginative horticultural displays. Travelers can also enjoy a cityscape view from the SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands.
The next top five best cultural cities, in order, are London (UK), Krakow (Poland), Paris (France), and Rome (Italy). Meanwhile, Edinburgh in the UK, Hanoi in Vietnam, Budapest in Hungary, Kyoto in Japan, and Bali are among the top 10 best cultural cities. Other cities in the list include Prague, Dublin, Siem Reap, Istanbul, New York, Seoul, Beijing, Florence, Lisbon, Barcelona, Marrakesh, Athens, Lima, Luxor, and Rio de Janeiro.
Bali at 10th Position
Last year, Bali occupied the top spot in TripAdvisor's list of the best cultural cities. The culture and arts of Bali are key attractions for visitors to the Island of the Gods. One of these is Ubud, which serves as the center of art in Bali. Several villages, such as Penglipuran and Trunyan in Bangli, are known for preserving cultural and ancestral customs.
Nevertheless, Bali has earned first place as the world's best tourist destination in this award. This ranking represents Bali's highest position, as it has consistently ranked in the top 10 before.
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