Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Prague, Czech Republic — LAIDBACK TRIP (2024)

Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Prague, Czech Republic — LAIDBACK TRIP (1)

Are you planning a trip to Prague and wondering if it's safe to drink tap water in hotels, restaurants, or in general, everywhere in the Czech Republic? Our guide will help you to stay hydrated, save money, and reduce plastic waste.

Staying hydrated while traveling is essential for the body and for a healthier lifestyle. Drinking tap water is healthy (especially when we compare it with pop or other sugar-loaded drinks), economical, ecological, and it's perfectly safe in many European countries including the Czech Republic.

When planning a trip to Prague, you might ask yourself how to reduce plastic footprint during your visit to Czechia? How to save money and stay healthy? We have a perfect answer for you, drink tap water!

Every time we travel abroad, one of the first things we research about the country we want to visit is the quality of the water, and if it's safe to drink tap water.

It's so convenient not to worry about the water when you travel that this is really an essential thing to know when visiting a new country you've never been to before.

We drank tap water in New Zealand, Canada, Patagonia, or even Costa Rica.

We also traveled around countries like Peru or Malaysia where tap water increases the health risk and is not suitable for drinking, and where it often becomes annoying all the time to look for a store where to buy bottled water.

But how is the tap water in the Czech Republic? Is it something to be worried about, or you can enjoy water from the tap?

IS TAP WATER SAFE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC?

Is it safe to drink tap water in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and other places in Prague, or do you need to pay for bottled water?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Prague, and generally in Czechia. Tap water is regulated by the Czech Republic government officials several times a day, and they monitor the quality of water very thoroughly.

Funny thing is that tap water is often more controlled than bottled water, as officials are very serious about this, therefore standards are high.

We believe we don't have to point out why you should drink tap water when traveling (when it's safe, of course) in this blog post, but we can quickly summarize all the pros.

It's environment-friendly, healthy, cheap, and you reduce plastic waste.

So basically, you travel more sustainably while reducing the cost of travel, which is great, especially if you travel long term.

If you are worried about your first visit to Prague and water quality, we can tell you this. We drink tap water every day at home in the Czech Republic, and never buy bottled water.

We do not even remember if we've ever bought plain water in plastic. Simply, there was never a reason to do so.

Yes, the water in the Czech Republic has such a high quality that you don't need to buy bottled water at all.

Also, did you know that cheap bottled-water is often actually tap water?

Another completely viable reason to drink tap water is to save money while traveling.

The price for a 1.5L water bottle is between 5-20 CZK in a large grocery stores in Prague however, the small shops in the historical center near Prague Castle or Old Town Square will sell you a smaller bottle (0.5L) for about 40-70 CZK (about 2 Euros).

You know what? Tap water is free.

We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials.

Travel smarter and safer!

TAP WATER IN PRAGUE RESTAURANTS

Also when you go to a restaurant, you can actually ask for a glass of tap water, though the owners don't like it, as there is no profit in it, and will usually charge you for this.

It is always better to ask in advance whether water is free or not.

Long gone are the days when beer was cheaper than water in the Czech Republic in restaurants, and now there has to be at least one non-alcoholic beverage on the menu cheaper than an alcoholic drink.

In all seriousness, you will have a hard time to find a restaurant in the city center serving free tap water, but you can give it a try.

To order tap water in the restaurant, ask for 'voda z kohoutku' or 'kohoutkova voda'.

Buying Mineral Water

The only reason why would you want to try bottled water in Prague is because of the mineral water, which some people like to drink.

The Czech Republic is a home to famous spa towns such as Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, or Frantiskovy Lazne, meaning that you can buy mineral water (it's technically mineral spring containing minerals) in every grocery store in the country.

Mattoni, Podebradka, Korunni, Ondrasovka or Hanacka Kyselka are the top brands, but as usual, go to the large grocery store (we call the stores supermarket or hypermarket in Czechia).

WATER FOUNTAINS IN PRAGUE

While wandering around the city, you might find some water fountains with potable water scattered around popular tourist places in Prague.

They are fully functional during the high season, which is usually from May to October. You should check out this guide when it is the best time to visit Prague by the way.

You can find some of the drinking water fountains in very convenient locations such as Vodickova Street, Jilska, Hellichova, Slovansky Ostrov (Zofin), or Loretanske Square near Prague's top attractions.

TSK monitors these water fountains frequently, the water is high quality, and should be safe to drink.

Also, there should be a sign 'Pitna voda', indicating potable water, which unfortunately gets 'lost' often, so it might be a little bit confusing to know, from which water fountain it is safe to drink.

Some water fountains have signs of 'Nepitna voda' which means the water is not suitable for drinking.

Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Prague, Czech Republic — LAIDBACK TRIP (3)

WHAT TO PACK

Lucie and I always pack reusable water bottles when traveling. It's really convenient to bring bottles you can fill up more than once on your trip.

We love our Nalgene Water Bottle, and if you don't have one already, you should get one ASAP.

We have ours for almost ten years, and they are practically indestructible and withstand any damage or abuse.

When visiting Prague in winter, sometimes it gets really cold.

In this case, consider bringing a thermos bottle, as it keeps batch of tea or coffee hot for several hours.

If you are still not convinced that tap water is that safe, and you want to have yourself covered, try SteriPen, which has a UV light, that destroys germs and bacteria.

Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.

Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.

Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.

We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.

Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.

Get Around: Buses and trains are an affordable way to get around the Czech Republic. Regiojet offers clean and modern buses and trains with all the amenities.

Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.

Travel Insurance: World Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel.

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Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Prague, Czech Republic — LAIDBACK TRIP (2024)

FAQs

Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Prague, Czech Republic — LAIDBACK TRIP? ›

IS TAP WATER SAFE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC? Is it safe to drink tap water in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and other places in Prague, or do you need to pay for bottled water? Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Prague, and generally in Czechia.

Can you drink tap water in hotels in Prague? ›

Yes, tap water in Prague is safe to drink

The quality of tap water in the Czech Republic is very high.

Can you drink water from the tab Prague? ›

Tap water is safe to drink in Prague!

You can drink water from taps in Prague without worrying about the effect on your health. In parks and streets, you'll see drinking fountains with clean water; don't be scared to fill bottles with it.

Is the water in Prague hard or soft? ›

New Prague Water Softener Recommendations

The national average for water hardness is 5gpg (grains per gallon). New Prague water hardness is 20-22gpg, which is 5x harder than average. A water softener will protect your water heater, plumbing, and appliances from hard water damage.

Is Prague safe at night? ›

In fact, Prague is considered one of the safest destinations in the area. However, like any big city, there are some areas that are not recommended for walking at night. Most of these less safe areas are far from where you would normally go as a tourist.

Can I drink water from bathroom sink in hotel? ›

And, while the water from a hotel bathroom tap goes through filtration and treatment to mitigate contaminants, it's safe to avoid this water supply if you can: The potential risks to your long-term health aren't worth it.

Is it safe to drink water from a hotel bathroom? ›

No matter how desperate you are for a cool drink of water in the middle of the night, do not resort to drinking from the bathroom tap. Hotel plumbing is a potential breeding ground for harmful microorganisms such E. Coli, as water in unoccupied hotel rooms can remain stagnant in pipes for days, weeks or even months.

Do you tip in Prague? ›

Tipping in the Czech Republic is commonly expected. Foreign visitors are often expected to tip at least 10%. (N.B. This practice holds true mainly in Prague and leading tourist "meccas" such as Cesky Krumlov, not in the general countryside, where foreigners are not expected to do anything more than locals.)

What is the drink of choice in Prague? ›

The staple hot alcohol drink in Prague is Hot Mulled Wine. You'll see signs for Mulled Wine, Gluwein or in Czech it's Svarák. Generally this is a red wine with a hint of cinnamon and cloves.

Do you have to pay for toilets in Prague? ›

– Public restrooms are common and clean. Free-of-charge toilets are available only in shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. Therefore, it is always good to equip yourself with a sufficient number of coins worth 10 Kc.

How do you say water in Prague? ›

If you want normal water, say 'neparlivá'. The waiter will bring you a little bottle of water and a glass.

How do you say thank you in Czech Republic? ›

If you learn nothing else, try these phrases:
  1. Prosím (pro-seem) = Possibly the most useful word in Czech. ...
  2. Děkuju (dyeh-kooyoo) = Thank you.
  3. Ano (ah-noh) = Yes. ...
  4. Ne (neh) = No. ...
  5. Dobrý den (dob-ree den) = Hello, Good afternoon.
  6. Nashledanou (nus-hle-dah-no) Good bye.
  7. Ahoj (ah-hoy) = Hi. or Bye.

What to stay away from in Prague? ›

Things to DON'T do in Prague
  • Don't expect to be alone on Charles Bridge. ...
  • Don't go on a bus (horse carriage, old car tour), walk instead. ...
  • Don't assume you have right of way - the tram does. ...
  • Don't expect to find anything unique to Prague for sale in souvenir shops.

Is it safe for Americans in Prague? ›

If you have planned or are thinking of traveling to Prague, then you already know it's a beautiful city with vibrant culture and history. But you may be wondering if it is safe to travel to Prague. The answer is: yes! Prague is one of the safest cities in Europe to visit right now!

Do you have to carry your passport in Prague? ›

You should carry your passport with you at all times for identification. The police may fine you or arrest you if you fail to do so. Some city centre bars and restaurants don't allow entry to stag groups. Drunken or offensive behaviour is dealt with according to Czech law and may result in detention and or fines.

Do hotels clean the bathroom? ›

Hotel bathrooms typically receive frequent cleaning and may even be cleaner than that remote you'll be using later.

Should you drink out of hotel faucets? ›

No matter how desperate you are for a cool drink of water in the middle of the night, do not resort to drinking from the bathroom tap. Hotel plumbing is a potential breeding ground for harmful microorganisms such E. Coli, as water in unoccupied hotel rooms can remain stagnant in pipes for days, weeks or even months.

Do they clean the showers at hotels? ›

Understandably, you want to make a good impression on all your guests, which means your hotel shower doors have to look spotless. In order to ensure they stay looking spotless, hotel cleaners need to clean glass shower doors every day.

Can you walk into a hotel and use the bathroom? ›

No, hotels typically don't mind if you run in to use their public restroom. In fact, many hotels are happy to provide this service as a courtesy for guests and visitors alike.

Can you use a hotel just to shower? ›

No, unfortunately you cannot shower at a hotel for less than a full night's stay. Hotels typically require guests to book and pay for an entire night in order to use their facilities.

Should I carry cash in Prague? ›

Most places in Prague accept payment by credit card and mobile device, but not all. It is advisable therefore to carry some Czech Crowns in cash. While some larger hotels, shops and restaurants can take payment in Euros, most local shops, entertainment venues and tourist attractions only accept Czech Crowns.

Should you tip taxi drivers in Prague? ›

TAXI: no tipping, only if you pay cash, you round the bill up (e.g. your bill is 290 CZK, just say 300).

Are credit cards widely accepted in Prague? ›

Are credit cards widely accepted? Major credit cards are widely accepted in the Czech Republic, especially in the capital Prague and other touristic hotspots. If you visit smaller towns or villages, credit cards are still accepted in some shops, but much less in restaurants.

Do they drink coffee in Prague? ›

The people of Prague like their coffee, and they like to socialize over it, which is, to many here, the main point of visiting a coffee shop in the first place.

What is the ice cream in Prague called? ›

Nowadays, trdelník is very popular among tourists as a sweet pastry in many countries, mostly in the Czech Republic. A variation of trdelník with an ice cream filling was popularized by Prague cafés.

Can you wear jeans in Prague? ›

Jeans are popular in Prague, as in most major cities, and you'll be comfortable wearing them both day and night in most places.

How do I ask for tap water in Prague? ›

TAP WATER IN PRAGUE RESTAURANTS

Also when you go to a restaurant, you can actually ask for a glass of tap water, though the owners don't like it, as there is no profit in it, and will usually charge you for this. It is always better to ask in advance whether water is free or not.

Do you tip hotel maids in Prague? ›

If you're staying in a hotel in Prague it's standard practise to tip between 10-20%. In top end hotels with high service levels you'll likely want to tip a range of staff, such as maids, bellboys, valets and front desk employees.

Is Bread free in Prague? ›

Bread usually comes with the soup, in some places it is free but, in others you pay 2 or 3kc for a slice or a long roll.

What is milk called in Prague? ›

Czechs like their milk at cow temperature. Milk = Mléko.

Are Americans welcome in Czech? ›

Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek announced the addition of the United States to its "green countries" list via Twitter on June 21, which means Americans can resume travel to the country sans a negative COVID-19 test or quarantine thanks to the Czech Republic's use of the traffic light system, which allows tourists from ...

How do I ask for a bill in Prague? ›

There are several ways how to ask for the bill. Zaplatím, prosím (I will pay, please)....is a very common one, for example. Platím, prosím (I am paying now) is also OK, although the above is used much more. You can also say účet, prosím (the bill please).

Do people speak English in Prague? ›

English is widely spoken, but a little Czech is welcome

It's common for people who live or work in Prague's tourist hotspots to speak English. Menus and museum information boards will usually be translated into English, too.

What jewelry is Prague known for? ›

The blood-red garnet is the official Czech national gem, rated among the world's finest. The Czech garnet is a popular urban accessory and is a necessity when visiting Prague.

What time do people eat dinner in Prague? ›

Dinning manners. Czechs tend to eat lunch at about 12 AM an dinner at about 6 PM. In smaller towns, it may be hard to find place to eat after 9 PM. People usually wait until everyone is served before eating.

Can I use US dollars in Czech Republic? ›

– The Czech national currency is called the Czech crown (abbreviation: Kč or CZK), and it is the only legal tender in the country's shops, hotels, and restaurants, although prices may sometimes be quoted in U.S. dollars or Euros for convenience sake.

What should I wear at night in Prague? ›

Prague nightlife dress code

If you don't want to spend your entire night in one place, I would advise you to dress smart casual. This will help you to “fit in” most of the nightclubs and pubs.

Where to avoid in Prague at night? ›

However, as everywhere in tourist towns, there would be a few areas that it is safer to avoid, especially at night: around the station, very touristic district of Bartolomejska in the old town and the red light areas near Charles Bridge and in side streets at Wenceslas Square including Perloca Street (Prague Red Light ...

Do I need a Covid test to fly to Prague? ›

COVID test is not required when arriving in the Czech Republic.

Are Ubers safe in Prague? ›

Uber Prague Safety – Is it Safe to Use Uber in Prague? Don't worry, it's totally safe to use Uber in Prague, both UberPOP, and UberBLACK. We personally use Uber cars many times a week and have never encountered any incidents.

Are taxis in Prague safe? ›

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. Prague taxi drivers are known for their rip-off scams and bad service. Tourists are particularly at risk. Simply hailing a taxi on the street or catching one at the railway station can be particularly tricky if you're a foreigner.

Do I need to fill a form to enter Czech Republic? ›

All passengers travelling to the Czech Republic have to fill the Public Health Passenger Locator Form before entering the country. After a completed form is sent, you will receive a confirmation email. The measure is based on the Minister of Health Protective Measure that also describes exceptions from this measure.

Do US citizens need a visa for Prague? ›

The Czech Republic (official short name: Czechia) is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter the Czech Republic for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.

Can you drink hotel bathroom tap water in Paris? ›

Paris tap water is considered safe to drink according to French, EU and international standards (WHO).

Is hotel tap water in Paris safe to drink? ›

Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable. In fact, drinking water from the fountains of Paris has been encouraged.

Can you drink in the streets of Prague? ›

Drinking in public is illegal (sort of)

There are more than 831 locations, (map here) where it is not allowed to drink alcohol, including beer and wine. Ironically, it is forbidden to drink alcohol for example on Old Town Square or Wenceslas Square, but there are many stands, selling alcohol.

Can you drink hotel bathroom tap water in Italy? ›

The water quality across Italy is of a pretty high standard. So you can drink tap water in hotels across Italy with no problems. This also includes using it to brush your teeth, wash and take medication.

Can you drink the tap water in Amsterdam? ›

You can drink water from the tap everywhere in the Netherlands. And it is much cheaper than buying bottled water in the supermarket.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Italy? ›

The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.

Can you drink tap water in America? ›

The United States has one of the safest and most reliable drinking water systems in the world. Every year, millions of people living in the United States get their tap water from a public community water system. The drinking water that is supplied to our homes comes from either a surface water or ground water source.

Is it OK to drink from bathroom tap? ›

If you want to drink water from your bathroom sink, it's good to have your water system assessed. Lead pipes can lead to poor health from drinking bathroom water, and bacteria can build up in the tank when chlorine evaporates.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Europe? ›

However, instead of creating a hard and fast rule that you are best to avoid tap water in Europe, know that in many countries, including all Western European countries, the water is perfectly safe to drink. So, save on buying and using plastic bottles and bring along a reusable water bottle on your trip instead.

Are public toilets free in Prague? ›

Free-of-charge toilets are available only in shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. Therefore, it is always good to equip yourself with a sufficient number of coins worth 10 Kc. – Toilets are located in every Prague metro station and are staffed by cleaning personnel who usually charge users 10 Kc.

What do people in Prague eat for breakfast? ›

White Bread

That would probably be the most common answer if you asked a Czech what they usually have for breakfast. A slice of wheat-and-rye bread, traditionally sourdough, or a white roll (rohlík) topped with butter, hard cheese, and ham is one example. Those with more of a sweet tooth opt for jam or honey.

Is tipping expected in Czech? ›

Tipping in the Czech Republic is commonly expected. Foreign visitors are often expected to tip at least 10%. (N.B. This practice holds true mainly in Prague and leading tourist "meccas" such as Cesky Krumlov, not in the general countryside, where foreigners are not expected to do anything more than locals.)

Can you eat ice in Italy? ›

It isn't as much that Italians don't like ice, as it is that Americans love it! Ice in drinks is actually an american concept, and ice was invented in the USA. So while ice is part of our DNA it is counterintuitive to Italians in that it is too cold, very cold! Ice tea in italy is served very cold with no ice.

Can I drink tap water abroad? ›

Drinking water abroad

Filtered, bottled, boiled or chemically treated water should be used. Bottled fizzy drinks with an intact seal are usually safe, as are boiled water and hot drinks made with boiled water. Ice in drinks should be avoided.

Can you drink tap water in Switzerland? ›

Aquatic organisms such as fish not only ingest toxicants during feeding but are also exposed via the skin and gills (respiration). As the Swiss limit for pesticides in drinking water is set at a very low level, on a precautionary basis, Swiss tap water can be safely consumed.

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