Many Canadian and American travellers are surprised the first time they sit down in a European restaurant, ask for water, and are presented with a €7 bottle of mineral water instead of a complimentary glass from the tap.

Now, a court case in Italy has pushed the issue into international headlines.

Italy’s highest court recently ruled that a luxury hotel in the Dolomites acted lawfully when it refused to provide tap water to a guest dining in its restaurant. The traveller argued that water is a universal human right and should be included as part of normal hospitality. The court disagreed, confirming that Italian restaurants and hotels are under no legal obligation to provide tap water to guests.

For North American travellers, this often feels shocking.

In Canada and much of the United States, free tap water in restaurants is essentially expected. In many parts of Europe, however, bottled water is deeply embedded in dining culture, and complimentary tap water is far from universal.

Europe Is Not One Uniform Experience

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is assuming “Europe” operates under one set of customs.

It doesn’t.

Some countries legally require restaurants to provide tap water free of charge. Others allow restaurants to refuse completely. In some destinations, free water is culturally normal even without a law. In others, asking for tap water may be viewed as unusual or even impolite.

One lesson I have learned and also observed, is if you just ask for “water” you will more than likely be served a bottle of water with a charge on your bill.

If you want “tap water” then you must ask for that specifically, and then you will quickly find out if the restaurant is going to serve you tap water.  Bear in mind however, there could still be a charge for serving tap water.

Countries Where You May Be Charged or Refused

Travellers are more likely to encounter paid bottled water culture in:

  • Italy

  • Germany

  • Netherlands

  • Czech Republic and Poland

  • Bulgaria and parts of Eastern Europe
     

Bottled water culture remains strong in some countries due to local perceptions around tap water quality.

Why Europeans Often Buy Bottled Water

This issue is not only about profit.

In many European countries:

• Mineral water culture is generations old
• Sparkling water is more common than still water
• Diners often view bottled water as part of the restaurant experience
• Local tap water may contain high mineral content or strong taste variations
• Restaurants rely heavily on beverage sales for profit margins

In Italy particularly, ordering bottled still or sparkling water is considered completely normal dining etiquette.

The Environmental Shift Happening Across Europe

At the same time, Europe is slowly changing.

The European Union has introduced broader drinking water initiatives aimed at reducing plastic bottle consumption and encouraging access to tap water. However, current EU rules largely encourage restaurants to provide water rather than mandate it universally.

There are also discussions within the EU about future regulations that could require restaurants to offer tap water either free or at minimal cost.

So while travellers may still encounter resistance today, attitudes are gradually evolving.

Practical Advice for Travellers

If you are travelling in Europe, especially on a cruise extension or land tour, here are a few practical tips:

• Never assume water is complimentary
• Ask specifically for “tap water” if that is what you want
• Expect bottled water charges in many restaurants

Personally, I am a traveller that rarely drinks tap water anywhere outside of my home.  Why?  Because water is that unknown source of potential gastrointestional upset that you just don't want when you are travelling.

The Bigger Lesson for Travellers

This story is really about something larger than water.

Travel reminds us that customs we consider “normal” at home are not universal.

I have said this before, and will say it again and again, that if you want things the way they are at home, then you should not be travelling…. For me, the differences that I encounter when travelling from home customs are one of the allures of travel.

Something as simple as ordering water can become a lesson in culture, hospitality, sustainability, economics, and social expectations.

And honestly, that is part of what makes travel so fascinating.

I am, Ken Graham - World Traveller and Cruise Specialist
TravelOnly With Ken