Traipsing around cobbled streets, photographing landmarks and eating ice cream in the blazing European sun – especially amid scorching temperatures in the high 30s – can be taxing.
When you arrive at a cafe, bar, restaurant or pit stop, you’ll likely want to sip on some water to remain hydrated.
But paying for this is an unpleasant, and often extortionate, surprise when you’re travelling – a €5 (£4.30) bill when all you’ve consumed is room-temperature water is hardly the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.
Fortunately, plenty of countries in Europe offer free tap water to thirsty travellers – all you have to do is ask.
Here’s a rundown of the places where getting your fill of H2O won’t cost you a penny – and the ones charging high amounts…
FREE WATER SPOTSFrance
Terraces and cafes in France will provide drinking water for no cost
‘Une carafe d’eau’ is all you need to ask for in France if you’d like a jug of water free of charge.
As long as a meal is ordered – and in many cases you are fine with just a snack or a coffee – the establishment you’re in will provide one without any additional cost.
Top tip – ask for it ‘avec des glaçons’ if you fancy ice cubes to keep your drink nice and cold if the weather is very hot.
Portugal
The same applies in Portuguese hotspots, restaurants and cafes
By law, hotels, restaurants and cafes in Portugal must provide free tap water if requested.
Make sure you ask for a glass of water, though.
‘Copos de água’ – cups of water – are free, while asking for just water might come in a bottle with a price tag.
Spain
In Spain, you will have no trouble getting a glass of tap water without paying a fortune
As in Portugal, tap water is free in Spain in a cafe under the 2022 Waste Law.
Until this point, it was merely a recommendation, not a requirement.
But nowadays, it should not cost you a penny to ask.
UK
Similarly, at licensed pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK tap water is free
In the UK, all licensed premises in England and Wales must provide free drinking tap water if customers request it.
This means any venues that serve alcohol are legally required to have water for all those visiting.
While unlicensed venues are not subject to the same rules, in general you won’t have any trouble getting tap water in most UK establishments.
… AND THE ONES CHARGING A FORTUNEItaly
Not all venues in Italy are obligated to provide guests with free water
While most assume tap water is free in Italy, it’s not always the case.
Last week, it was reported a woman lost a lengthy and ’emotionally distressful’ court battle after a five-star hotel in Italy refused to serve her tap water.
She launched the case in 2019 after spending a week at the luxury ski resort of Corvara, in Badia, over Christmas and new year. She paid for a half-board deal which included dinner.
But when she requested tap water with her meal, the hotel ‘constantly denied’ her and instead she was expected to pay £6 (€7) for a 0.75-litre bottle.
The judges ruled there are no Italian laws or regulations which require tap water must be served and that doing so is up to the discretion of the venue.
Switzerland
Water is expensive in Switzerland – and tap water is not necessarily on offer for free
According to the World Population Review, a bottle of water in Switzerland costs on average $4.58 (£3.40).
This is close to what most would expect to spend on a latte or something more substantial than just a bottle of water.
It’s hardly a surprise, though, with Switzerland often considered among the most expensive spots in Europe.
Germany
In German cities such as Berlin, you are not guaranteed free tap water
Some of Europe’s most expensive water can be found in Germany – which has no requirement to provide it free of charge to tourists.
According to euronews, sometimes water here can even cost more than soft drinks.
The World Population Review says bottled water in Germany can cost as much as $2.69 (£2).
Norway
In Norwegian cities such as Oslo tap water is not a legal requirement – but it is easy to ask for in most establishments for free
With an average bottle also costing $2.69 (£2), Norway is also one of the priciest places for water in Europe.
Although there is no strict rule in Norway, most establishments will provide complimentary tap water if you ask for it.
Plus, there are many free drinking water fountains available in cities such as Oslo.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
