Tap Water in Europe: Where It's Safe to Drink

Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in most of Europe — and that's good news for travelers, because money spent on bottled water adds up fast. In this guide we'll cover where you can drink straight from the tap, where a little caution helps and how to save money and plastic while you travel.

✅ Where tap water is safe

In almost every country in Western and Northern Europe, tap water is tightly regulated and safe. Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian countries and Britain — you can drink from the tap everywhere without a second thought.

In Southern Europe too — in Italy, Spain and Greece — tap water is safe in the big cities, though the taste is sometimes different. In Rome the street fountains (nasoni) give you clean drinking water for free.

⚠️ Where a little caution helps

In some places tap water is technically drinkable, but the local bacteria may not agree with your system — not because the water is 'dirty', but because the microflora is unfamiliar to you. This applies more to remote or less urban destinations than to central Europe.

Lead pipes in old buildings, or water in rural areas, are a separate matter. When in doubt, ask your hotel or read the signs — a tap marked 'Eau non potable' (French) or 'Kein Trinkwasser' (German) means the water is not for drinking.

💧 Practical tips for travelers

• Carry a reusable bottle — many European cities have public fountains for refills
• Apps (such as Refill or Tap) show you the nearest free water refill point
• On a plane, refill an empty bottle after security — carry-on liquid rules don't ban an empty bottle
• Ask for tap water in restaurants — in many countries it's free, while bottled water is paid
• If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to bottled water for the first days until your body adjusts

🩺 What to do if your stomach acts up

If water or food upsets your stomach, rest, plenty of fluids (bottled or boiled water is best) and a simple diet are often enough. It helps to carry electrolyte sachets and basic stomach remedies — add these to your travel first-aid kit.

For buying medicine abroad and the rules around it, see medications abroad. If symptoms persist, visit a local pharmacy or doctor — in Europe pharmacists often give good first advice.

🌍 Save money and the planet

Drinking tap water helps not only your budget but the environment too — fewer plastic bottles means less waste. When packing, put a reusable bottle in a separate pocket of your bag — see the packing tips.

Plan your trip, search flights and find the cheapest dates on the Travel365 price calendar. Save on the ticket and on the ground.