A few places cleared 9.0 on the Rory Trotter Test this year and they stayed with me longer than the rest. Tokyo hit 9.2, Kyoto 9.1 and Lisbon 9.0. Each one did it in a different way, but the pattern was the same. They felt complete without needing to perform.

Tokyo won on contrast. Neon nights and quiet temple mornings in the same day. The food stayed strong at every level and the city never forced a single mood on you. I left tired in the best way and already thinking about the next visit.

Kyoto worked because of pace. A full week of temples, gardens and slow walking without the usual rush let the place settle in. The quiet paths and the simple meals did more than any packed itinerary could. It scored high because it rewarded staying still.

Lisbon kept climbing for simpler reasons. The light on the hills, the trams, the way the river just sits there. Nothing felt overdone. You walk, you eat, you stop at a viewpoint, and the city does the rest. It feels alive without trying to impress.

These three stood out because they balanced the obvious sights with enough ordinary life underneath. Crowds existed but never defined the whole trip. Food stayed honest. The days had room to breathe.

City Experience
All three sat at 9 or higher. The mix of big moments and everyday streets worked better than places that only offer one or the other.

Food
Strong across the board. Tokyo and Kyoto edged it for variety and consistency. Lisbon kept it simple and still delivered.

Value
Lisbon did best here. Tokyo and Kyoto needed a bit more care with location to keep costs reasonable, but none of them felt wasteful.

Walkability
Kyoto and Lisbon made walking the natural choice. Tokyo needed trains for distance but rewarded every neighbourhood stroll.

Family Friendly
All three handled families well once you timed the busier spots carefully. Open space and flexible food options helped.

Tourist Traps
Present in each, yet easier to step around than in lower scoring cities. Early starts and side streets solved most of it.

Rory’s Verdict
GO to any of these three if they are on your list. They earned the top scores this year by feeling whole rather than polished. I would return to all of them without hesitation.

Rory’s Tips
Give Kyoto more days than you think you need. The slower pace is the point.
In Tokyo, balance one busy night with one quiet morning. The contrast is the best part.
Lisbon rewards the late afternoon light. Plan at least one long walk when the hills turn gold.
Book stays slightly outside the densest zones in all three. Sleep and value both improve.
Leave unplanned time in each. The highest scoring places work better when you stop filling every hour.