After travelling across every country in Europe, YouTuber Drew Binsky has named one city as his ultimate favourite, and it’s not where you might think. While much of Europe’s tourism spotlight shines on countries like France, Italy, and the UK, Binsky’s choice reflects a growing appreciation for destinations that blend rich history, modern livability, and affordability.
At the heart of the Czech Republic, Prague is a city that seems pulled from a fairy tale, yet remains rooted in the real world. With its cobblestone streets, soaring Gothic cathedrals, and medieval landmarks like the Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock, it offers a historic backdrop that rivals the best of Europe. But what sets it apart is its atmosphere, romantic without being overrun, cultural without being commercialised.
“It’s literally my favourite place on the planet,” Binsky says while standing in Old Town Square, marvelling at the architecture. Despite spending over a year in the city, he admitted, “I still have goosebumps every time I’m here.”
Unlike many major European capitals, Prague remains surprisingly compact and easy to navigate. With just over a million residents, it manages to feel both lively and intimate.
Visitors can stroll from one end of the historic centre to the other in just a few hours, taking in baroque facades, hidden courtyards, and countless cafes that spill out onto sunny squares.
Its charm is more than skin-deep. Prague consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Europe.
Violent crime is rare, and even petty theft, common in many tourist hotspots, is relatively low.
Public transportation is fast, clean, and punctual, trams glide along cobbled streets, metro trains run like clockwork, and all without the steep price tag found in cities like Paris or Amsterdam.
Affordability is also a major draw.
“Beer is still cheaper than water,” Binsky said, noting a half-litre of freshly poured Czech lager can cost as little as £1.50, while bottled water often goes for more.
Food, accommodation, and entertainment all follow suit, making Prague a budget-friendly alternative to Western Europe’s usual suspects.
For all its fairytale looks, Prague is a working city, alive with students, artists, and families, not just tourists with cameras.
Its mix of old-world charm and modern ease is rare in a European capital.
While sun-seekers will always flock to the beaches of Spain or the coastlines of Greece, those looking for a deeper, more grounded experience might find their answer in the winding lanes and red rooftops of Prague.
