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For those who value sustainability and want to save a few euros while staying hydrated, the quality and safety of tap water in a foreign city is an essential consideration. As a conscious traveler, in this blog post, I will dive deep into whether or not you can drink tap water in Amsterdam. We’ll explore the quality, taste, and local insights to help you decide whether to sip or skip the tap water in this enchanting Dutch metropolis! Here we go!
Amsterdam Canals, the Netherlands
“Last time I was here I slept in a park because I spent all my money on hash and hookers,” said Anthony Bourdain once in an interview.
Anthony Bourdain’s quote about Amsterdam, while humorous and provocative, often paints an incomplete picture of this captivating city. Beyond the stereotypes, Amsterdam is a lovely city full of history, culture, and enchanting experiences.
One of the best things to do in Amsterdam is to wander along the picturesque canals, where centuries-old architecture and charming houseboats create a postcard-perfect scene. You can dive into the city’s rich cultural heritage by exploring unique museums like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, where world-class art awaits you.
Amsterdam’s culinary scene is also something to explore, from Dutch (vegan) delights like stroopwafels and “Kroket from the wall” to global gastronomic adventures and lots of Indonesian restaurants.
While Bourdain’s quote about Amsterdam hints at the city’s famed liberal attitude, there’s so much more to discover!
But, this post is about whether are not you can drink tap water in Amsterdam. Let’s dive into that!
Canals in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Yes, you can generally drink tap water in Amsterdam. The tap water in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands is of high quality and safe to consume. It undergoes meticulous testing and treatment processes to ensure it meets strict quality standards. As a local or traveler, you can drink tap water without any concerns about its safety or taste.
Amsterdam’s tap water is sourced from natural reservoirs, including rivers and lakes, and is then treated to remove impurities. It is perfectly safe for drinking, cooking, and even making ice cubes.
Canals in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Yes, tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink. The tap water in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands is regularly tested to ensure its safety. It is suitable for drinking, cooking, and other everyday uses. It also doesn’t matter where you drink it, this can be from the kitchen sink, in the sink of a bathroom, or a drinking fountain on the street.
Drinking tap water in Amsterdam is not only safe but also an eco-friendly choice that helps reduce the environmental impact of bottled water consumption.
The streets of Amsterdam
In Amsterdam and the Netherlands in general, it’s common for restaurants to serve tap water for free upon request. If you ask for a glass of tap water at a restaurant, most establishments will provide it without charge. This is in line with the country’s commitment to providing clean and safe tap water, and it’s also an eco-friendly practice that reduces the consumption of bottled water.
However, it’s always a good idea to clarify with your server when you dine at a restaurant to ensure that they offer free tap water. While it’s a common practice, there may be exceptions at some high-end or tourist-oriented establishments where they might prefer to serve bottled water for a fee.
In general, though, you should have no trouble getting a glass of tap water at most restaurants in Amsterdam without incurring an additional cost. Some establishments link serving tap water to helping a good cause, for example, asking € 1 for a large bottle of tap water that goes towards a project to help albino children in Africa.
Amsterdam windmills, The Netherlands
Drinking tap water in Amsterdam offers several advantages both for yourself as well as for the environment:
When you want to buy a water bottle for your trip, ensure you buy one that is eco-friendly and/or recyclable. Here are some sustainable water bottle brands that are doing their bit for the environment.
If you’re still not sure whether you should drink tap water in Amsterdam, you can always buy a life straw bottle to filter out the water even more.
Eye film museum Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Here are some frequently asked questions about drinking tap water in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
In general, at hotels in Amsterdam, the tap water is safe to drink. Hotels in Amsterdam are generally equipped with plumbing systems that provide clean and drinkable water to their guests. The tap water in the city is regularly tested to ensure its safety.
However, if you have any concerns about the tap water quality in your specific hotel, you can always inquire at the front desk. They should be able to confirm that the tap water is safe to drink, and they can provide information about any water filtration or purification systems they may have in place.
No, you should not drink water directly from the Amsterdam canals. While the canals of Amsterdam are picturesque and play an essential role in the city’s character, the water in these canals is not safe for consumption.
Amsterdam’s canal water is not treated for drinking purposes and can be contaminated with various pollutants, including bacteria and other contaminants. It is primarily used for transportation and recreation, not as a source of potable water.
Yes, you can drink tap water from the bathroom sink in Amsterdam, as the tap water in the city is safe for consumption. The water supplied to bathrooms and kitchen sinks in homes, hotels, and other accommodations in Amsterdam is sourced from the same municipal water supply, which is treated to ensure its safety.
Bathroom tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink and can be used for brushing teeth, filling water bottles, or other personal needs.
Yes, you can safely drink tap water at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The airport, like the rest of Amsterdam, provides access to clean and safe drinking water. You’ll find water fountains and taps throughout the airport where you can refill your water bottle or drink directly from the tap.
You can also safely drink the water from the sinks at the many bathrooms in the airport.
Muntplein Amsterdam, The Netherlands
There you go! We are at the end of this post about whether or not you can drink tap water in Amsterdam. As you can see, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Amsterdam and in the whole of the Netherlands.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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