Can You Drink Tap Water in Prague?

Exploring new destinations is a thrilling adventure, marked by the enticement of discovering unfamiliar cultures, fascinating architecture, and mouthwatering cuisines. As you embark on your journey, it’s not only the landmarks and attractions that ignite your curiosity but also the practicalities of daily life. One such essential consideration for any traveler is the quality and safety of tap water. Join me in this post to delve deep into the question: Can you drink tap water in Prague?

Prague

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, often called the “City of a Hundred Spires,” is a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends rich history with a vibrant, bohemian atmosphere. This enchanting European gem attracts travelers with its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and an exciting sense of intrigue around every corner.

Known for its iconic attractions, there are a plethora of things to do in Prague like visiting the awe-inspiring Prague Castle, Charles Bridge’s timeless beauty, and the famous Astronomical Clock. Yet, for me, it’s the city’s lesser-explored neighborhoods that unveil its true soul. In districts like Vinohrady and Žižkov, as a conscious traveler, you can immerse yourself in local life, discovering hidden gems amidst a backdrop of quirky cafes, street art, antique shops, and some of the best vegan restaurants in Prague.

If you like to travel slowly and consciously, one of the questions that certainly pops into your mind is if you can drink tap water in the location you are visiting. Being able to drink tap water reduces the need for bottled water immensely and is an ecological choice since it reduces waste and plastic drastically.

Furthermore, it’s also good for your wallet. Let’s see if you can drink the tap water in Prague safely!

CAn you drink tap water in Prague

The answer is: Yes, you can drink the tap water in Prague! The tap water in Prague is considered good for human consumption according to the local authorities and meets the European Union’s strict quality standards.

It undergoes regular testing and treatment to ensure its quality. Locals commonly drink tap water, and you’ll find water fountains scattered throughout the city where you can fill up your reusable water bottle.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Prague

Streets and buildings of Prague

Yes, it is safe to drink the tap water in Prague. The city’s tap water undergoes rigorous quality control measures and complies with the standards set by the European Union and the World Health Organization.

Here are a few reasons why the tap water in Prague is considered safe:

Strict Regulations: The Czech Republic has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of its tap water. The water is regularly tested for a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals.
Modern Infrastructure: Prague has a well-maintained and modern water treatment and distribution infrastructure. Advanced filtration and purification methods are employed to remove impurities and ensure the water’s cleanliness.
Natural Sources: A significant portion of Prague’s tap water comes from underground sources and protected reservoirs, which generally have fewer chances of contamination from human activity.
Transparency: The local authorities in Prague are transparent about the quality of their tap water. Water quality reports are often accessible to the public, providing information about the water’s composition and safety.
Common Practice: The residents of Prague regularly drink tap water without any health concerns. If the locals have confidence in drinking the water, why wouldn’t you?

Is water free at restaurants in Prague

A lovely vegan lasagna at Pastva Restaurant, Prague

While it is very common in the US and Australia to get tap water for free in restaurants this isn’t always the case in Europe.

Countries like France are happy to give you a large can of tap water when you ask for it. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the Czech Republic and also not in Prague specifically.

In Czechia, it’s more common for restaurants to charge for bottled water, and tap water will certainly not be offered automatically.

However, this can vary depending on the restaurant and the specific situation. It’s always a good idea to ask if tap water is available and if there’s a charge before ordering any beverages. If you don’t ask, you cannot know!

Adantages of drinking tap water in Prague

Prague Castle

Drinking tap water in Prague offers several advantages, making it a convenient and eco-friendly choice for staying hydrated during your visit. Here are some of the benefits:

Cost Savings: Opting for tap water is significantly cheaper than purchasing bottled water. This can save you money over the course of your trip, allowing you to allocate your budget to other experiences (how about a beer spa?).
Environmental Impact: Choosing tap water helps reduce plastic waste from single-use water bottles. By minimizing your use of disposable bottles, you contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly travel experience.
Convenience: Tap water is readily available in the bathrooms of restaurants, cafes, and public places. You can easily refill your reusable water bottle throughout the day, ensuring you stay hydrated without the hassle of constantly buying bottled water.
Accessibility: Prague offers numerous public water fountains where you can fill up your water bottle with clean and cold tap water. These fountains are often located in popular tourist areas, making it easy to stay hydrated while exploring.

To round up, drinking tap water in Prague not only benefits your travel experience but also aligns with environmentally conscious choices. It’s a simple and practical way to make a positive impact during your time in this beautiful city.

Awesome sustainable water bottles

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.

Klean Kanteen: Klean Kanteen offers a wide range of stainless steel bottles, cups, and containers. They prioritize sustainability and have a commitment to using eco-friendly materials.
Dopper: Dopper bottles are made out of ocean plastic and can be recycled if you would ever decide not to use them anymore. They invest an amount of their profit in drinking water projects across the globe.
Tree Tribe: Tree Tribe offers stainless steel and bamboo water bottles. They have a strong commitment to reforestation and environmental conservation.

If you’re still not sure whether you should drink the tap water in Prague, you can always buy a life straw bottle to filter out the water even more.

Bottled water in Prague: why it's worth to try it

Even though drinking tap water is a safe choice and benefits the environment, there are a few reasons why you might want to consider drinking bottled water during your visit to Prague or the Czech Republic in general.

The Czech Republic is home to a large array of spa towns, many of which are associated with natural mineral springs and therapeutic properties. Some of these spa towns also produce bottled water sourced from these mineral springs.

Drinking this water can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture of the country. For instance, one of the most famous spa towns in Czechia is Karlovy Vary. It is known for its hot springs and curative mineral waters. Some brands of bottled water, such as Mattoni and Karlovarské minerální vody (KV), source their water from this region.

The taste of these mineral waters are quite unique!

Tap water in Prague: Final thoughts

There you go! We are at the end of this post about whether or not you can drink tap water in Prague. As you can see, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Prague. On the other hand, it’s also worth it to try one of the local brands to experience the taste of the water of the famous spa towns of the Czech Republic.

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.

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August 5, 2023

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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!