The Tap Water Taboo

While the tap water in Belgium is perfectly safe, clean, and delicious to drink, there is a strong cultural taboo against serving it in restaurants. If you ask for tap water with your meal, you will almost universally be denied.

Restaurants rely heavily on beverage sales, so you will be expected to purchase bottled water. When ordering, the waiter will ask if you want plat (still) or bruisend/pétillante (sparkling). Be prepared to pay anywhere from 2 to 5 euros for a bottle.

To stay hydrated on a budget while exploring, pack a reusable water bottle. You can easily fill it up at your hotel or at various public drinking fountains scattered throughout the cities before heading out for the day.