Is It Safe To Drink Tap Water In Europe? It Depends
By Kristin Conard
VACATIONS
Tap water in Europe, at least in the western and central areas, is safe to drink, so you can refill your bottle. Still, visitors might think water isn't consumed much there.
However, visitors think water isn't consumed much. In the U.S., your server will bring you a glass of tap water, but in Europe, staff might assume you want bottled or sparkling.
That assumption seems to come from an idea that Europeans may want a more elevated option than ordinary tap water. To help avoid this mix-up, designate that you want tap water.
In some places, you might get charged for a glass of tap water. However, many major European cities, like Rome, Paris, and Lisbon, have freely accessible H2O fountains.