There are your run-of-the-mill venues, the beautiful, and the quirky… and then there those event spaces that are legendary. Some are steeped in history, others covered in gold, with iconic architecture and breathtaking views. Whether you’re hosting a grand gala dinner or a milestone meeting, here are 10 of the best venues in the world.

The Waldorf Astoria, New York City

As the city that famously never sleeps, there’s no doubt New York has some of the best event venues in the world. From Madison Square Garden to Carnegie Hall, New Yorkers are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to planning a party. But one of the most iconic places to hold any sort of momentous occasion has to be the Waldorf Astoria. It first opened its Park Avenue doors more than 90 years ago in 1931, and quickly became the backdrop for countless galas and benefits, with everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Frank Sinatra calling it home at some point. An official New York City landmark since 1993, the Art Deco property occupies an entire city block of prime, mid-town Manhattan real estate. It can hold 1,500 people for a reception, 1,450 for dinner, and with approximately 60,000 square feet of distinctive and versatile venues, and 40 rooms capable of hosting gatherings, events range from small and private to the most grand and extraordinary.

It’s currently closed (and has been closed for the past four-and-a-half years), as it’s undergoing a US$1 billion renovation. But when it reopens next year, it will have 375 hotel rooms, down from 1,400, and 375 condominium units. The Grand Ballroom, which is protected by New York City’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, will be restored to its original state.

Don’t want to travel all the way to New York to hold your special event? You won’t have to. Last week it was announced the Waldorf Astoria Sydney will open at Circular Quay in 2025. With perfect harbour views, the 28-storey building will be completely reimagined by Hilton, spanning 179 rooms and 41 suites, all of which will undoubtedly be finessed to the gold standard set by the legendary hotel brand.

Kensington Palace, London

For an event fit for royalty, the opulent Kensington Palace provides a rather regal backdrop for something truly extraordinary. Depending on the event, you can choose from The Queen’s Gallery, perfect for a reception for 1,000, or the Cupola Room, King’s Drawing Room or King’s Gallery, which are ideal for more intimate dinners and banquets. Set in the heart of West London, Kensington Palace was originally a private country home, before becoming a royal residence more than 300 years ago. Today, as well as being a popular London landmark, it is also an inspiring venue for stylish events including weddings, private dinners and fashion events.

Hotel Ritz, Paris

When it comes to outstanding events in the heart of the City of Lights, Ritz Paris is exquisite. Ranked one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most legendary in France’s capital, it was founded in 1898 and everyone from Scott Fitzgerald to Audrey Hepburn have walked its opulent halls. Coco Chanel lived there for 34 years, and Ernest Hemingway once said: “When I dream of an afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place at the Ritz.” After four years of restoration, and an estimated bill of US$600 million, the hotel reopened in 2016 and attained the “Palace” distinction from the French Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment. Now freshly restored, its grand décor and intimate salons welcome guests to rediscover a unique atmosphere and the inimitable French art de vivre. Choose from Salon d’Eté, with its terrace and landscaped Grand Jardin, Salon Psyché, which is listed as a Historic Monument, or the magnificent Salon Vendôme ballroom, which caters for 200 guests.

The Opera House, Sydney

The Sydney Opera House is, without question, one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Built between 1957 and 1973, it’s a masterpiece of late modern architecture and was inscribed in the World Heritage List in 2007. Situated on the harbour foreshore, its views are second-to-none and its amenities, particularly for events, are first class. Whether you’re holding a gala dinner for 2,000 or a meeting for 20, the Opera House has a whole host of truly magnificent spaces to use. There’s the Yallamundi Rooms, the Utzon Room, and the Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyers, with spaces across three levels. And, of course, there’s The Forecourt, which sits under the famous white sails and offers stunning views for a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s hosted a number of large-scale concerts including Florence and the Machine, Crowded House and, the one and only, Oprah.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Stretching 321 metres into the sky, the Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s most iconic hotel and a global icon of Arabian luxury. Built on a man-made island 280 metres off the shores of Dubai, it took five years and US$7.8 billion to build. It is home to the world’s largest Swarovski crystal ceiling (worth US$400,000), the most expensive cocktail (priced at US$7,438), 1,790sqm of 24-carat gold leaf used throughout its interior, a team of 16 in-house florists… oh, and a turtle hospital. Yes, it might just be the most over-the-top hotel in the world. Look up ‘opulent’ in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of the Burj Al Arab (not really, but if anyone from the Oxford Dictionary is reading this, we’d highly recommend it).

The event spaces here are as innovative and inspiring as they are extravagant, fitted with the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities, making any event a remarkable one. Designed to accommodate a wide range of celebrations, from a 2,500-person wedding to a corporate dinner for 800, a dedicated team and the perfect venue will ensure event perfection. The stately two-bedroom Royal Suite on the 25th floor is the last word in luxury, with its lavishly appointed interiors and breathtaking venues, while the 27th floor boasts five distinctive, purpose-built boardrooms for high-profile clients. There’s also the superior, uniquely circular ballroom, and no fewer than seven restaurants, run by two Michelin star chefs. Oh, and did we mention it’s the world’s first and only seven-star hotel?

Qualia, Queensland

For something more intimate, there’s Qualia (altogether now – siiiiigh). Situated in the stunning Whitsundays, with the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier on its doorstep, this venue utterly immerses you in a relaxed atmosphere and offers the highest levels of world-class service. Hosting a range of luxury events year-round including gala dinners, weddings, celebrations, product launches and sporting events, this is a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses. During an exclusive hire, guests have use of the 60 individual pavilions scattered across 30 acres of tropical gardens and immaculately landscaped grounds. Each pavilion offers ocean views combined with a private plunge pool or sun deck, and all guests have access to a two-seater electric golf buggy allowing the rest of the Island to be explored at a leisurely pace. Winning more than 50 national and international awards, including World’s Best Resort by Conde Nast Traveler, this really might just be heaven on earth.

Alila, Uluwatu, Bali

As Bali’s most spectacular hotel, Alila is an incredible choice for a very special event. Sitting atop the elevated plateau that meets with limestone cliffs sweeping down the Indian Ocean, the view from the hotel is nothing short of breathtaking. The eco-friendly, zero-waste luxury resort is an architectural masterpiece with spacious stand-alone suites, inviting daybeds by floor-to-ceiling glass walls and private pools for holiday guests. Alila is also an ideal setting for business events with uniquely tailored services. The stunning private room of the CIRE restaurant is the perfect venue to host theatre-style presentations for up to 40 guests.

The Sunborn, Gibraltar

Make no mistake – this isn’t your average 465 foot, seven story-high superyacht, it’s the world’s first five-star floating yacht hotel. Think cruise ship-meets-Bulgari Hotel. Residing in an idyllic ocean village marina on the north Gibraltar coast, this astonishing purpose-built yacht offers an extravagant alternative to the traditional corporate event spaces. Holding up to 600 guests in the 650 square metre conference room, there’s an outdoor terrace, the aurora ballroom and a large entertainment area on the 7th deck. The Sunborn also offers the usual cruise ship amenities, like various sundecks with bar and plunge pool; a spa and gym; Barbary, the signature fine-dining restaurant; a La Sala Restaurant; and spacious guestrooms and impressive suites with private terraces.

Palais Hansen Kempinski, Vienna

Steeped in history and elegance, the five-star Palais Hansen Kempinski is heritage-listed and located at Schottenring on the famous Ring Boulevard in Vienna. Originally built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in 1873, its imposing architecture, contemporary interiors and luxurious feel captivates all who stay there – whether that’s in the hotel or at one of its many events. There are six event spaces of note. The grand ballroom can host up to 220 for a gala dinner, while the award-winning restaurant, Die Küche, is also available to hire for events. The Henri Lou room offers an exclusive yet stylish atmosphere for smaller numbers.

The Treehouse, Scottish Highlands

For the ultimate in intimate and unique event spaces, there’s a fairytale castle in the sky in the form of The Treehouse. Perched in the branches of an ancient oak on Loch Goil in the Scottish Highlands, this enchanting venue is perfect for a romantic wedding, a product launch or a business meeting with a difference. Accommodating eight for dinner, or 24 people for a standing event, it has won countless awards and it’s easy to see why with a view like that. Just magical.