Just got back from Lisbon and the free tap water thing is real

I was eating at a little place in the Alfama district and asked for water, fully expecting to pay for a bottle. The waiter just brought out a chilled carafe of tap water, no charge. Saved me like 3 euros a meal, which adds up over a week. Anyone know other cities in Europe where this is common?

3 comments

3 Comments

ninasanchez2mo ago

Totally, I had the same surprise in Porto last year. My friend and I kept ordering bottled water out of habit until a server gently pointed to the free carafe on the counter. It's such a nice, simple thing that makes a trip feel less nickel-and-dimed.

lisar142mo ago

Ngl, that's a solid travel tip. Does it mostly work at smaller local spots, or have you seen bigger restaurants in tourist areas do it too without making a fuss?

claire_fisher411d ago

I saw a thread a while back where people said even in Madrid and Barcelona, you just have to ask for "agua del grifo" and they'll bring it out. Same deal in Berlin from what I've heard, total game changer for budget travel.