Can You Drink Tap Water in Budapest? (2026)
When any of my international friends come to visit me in Budapest, they always ask me beforehand “Can you drink tap water in Budapest”? and I have good news, yes, you can!
The tap water in Hungary (including Budapest) is safe to drink. The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which make it safe to drink tap water for both locals and tourists.
When visiting Budapest, you can safely drink, cook, wash vegetables or brush your teeth using the tap water. You can also safely drink the tap water in Budapest hotels, restaurants and bars.
I recommend getting a reusable water bottle and refill it with tap water on the go. It will save you money and also reduce plastic waste.
BUDAPEST TRIP PLANNING
✈️ Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (Affordable travel insurance)
💳 Travel Card: Wise Card (best exchange rates for card payments)
🏠 Where to Stay: Three Corners Downtown Hotel
🛳️ Best Thing to Do: Budapest River Cruise
Can You Drink Tap Water in Budapest?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Budapest. The tap water goes through a water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.
This is one great thing about travelling in Europe, that most countries, including Hungary, have safe tap water for drinking.
Whether you are visiting Budapest, Szeged or any other place in Hungary (even the countryside), it is safe to drink tap water.
You can get a reusable water bottle and get it refilled as many times you want! It will save you from purchasing water bottles all the time and you will also reduce plastic waste, so it’s a win-win!
✅ Get your Nalgene water bottle now so you can refill water on the go!
Can Foreigners Drink the Tap Water in Hungary?
Yes, foreigners visiting Hungary can safely drink tap water all over Hungary, including Budapest.
Can Locals Drink the Tap Water in Hungary?
Yes, both locals or foreigners visiting Hungary can drink tap water in Hungary.
Can You Drink the Tap Water in Budapest Hotels?
Yes, if you are travelling to Hungary and staying in hotels in Budapest, you can also drink the tap water there. The tap water in Hungary goes through a water treatment process and it is also safe to drink tap water in hotels.
My advice is to get a resuable water bottle and get it refilled with water in hotels or on the go.
One time when I was back in Budapest after a couple of years in Asia, I stayed in a hotel in Budapest. In Asia, I got used to not drinking the tap water in hotels, and when I was back in Budapest, I realized that here, I can actually drink tap water, it’s safe.
Can You Drink the Tap Water in Budapest Restaurants?
Yes, whether you are in a bar or restaurant in Budapest, it is safe to drink the tap water.
The restaurant or bar staff may not be so happy to serve tap water, but usually in bars you will be able to get free tap water in a cup.
Can You Brush your Teeth with Tap Water in Hungary?
Yes, you can brush your teeth with tap water in Hungary and you can even swallow the water.
I lived in Asia for many years, where you have to be careful about using tap water for brushing your teeth. However, in Hungary, and Europe in general, you don’t need to worry about that. You can brush your teeth with tap water with ease – the tap water is safe.
Can You Shower with the Water in Hungary?
Yes, you can definitely shower with the water in Hungary!
The water in Hungary goes through a strict water treatment process that makes it clean, not just for showers but also for drinking and cooking.
Re-useable Water (Filter) Bottles
If you are travelling to Hungary, the best thing you can do is to take a re-usable water bottle. As you can drink tap water in Budapest, you can just refill your water bottle as you go.
The tap water in Hungary is safe to drink for everyone (locals and tourists alike) so if you bring a Nalgene water bottle, you will be able to refill it in hotels and on the go.
If you want to take some extra precautions, you can also get a water bottle with a filter that clears out any bacteria. The water bottles with a filter are best for when you go hiking and you can even refill it from streams and it will clear the water.
For visiting Hungary, having a water bottle with a filter is not necessary but if you plan to do lot of travelling around the world, then it is a good value.
Re-Useable Water Bottle:
- Nalgene Water Bottle (without water filter)
Water Bottles with Filter:
Is Cooking with Tap Water in Hungary Safe?
Yes, it is safe to cook with tap water in Hungary! You can use the tap water for cooking, such as washing fruits and vegetables, boiling pasta and making rice.
Can I Wash Fruits and Vegetables with Tap Water in Hungary?
Yes, you can wash fruits and vegetable with tap water in Hungary. After living in Asia for many years (where you cannot drink tap water or use it to wash vegetables), it always takes time for me to adjust back to using tap water in Hungary.
Is it Safe to Have Drinks with Ice in Hungary?
Yes, it is safe to have drinks with ice in Hungary. The water is treated in Hungary well and both the tap water and ice made from it is safe for consumption.
I love having a drink with ice in the summer when the weather is hot, and never had any issues with the ice in the drinks. It’s not like in Asia where you have to be careful with having ice in your drinks, in Hungary it’s totally fine.
Is it Safe to Wash Dishes with Tap Water in Hungary?
Yes, it is safe to wash dishes with tap water in Hungary. The tap water is clean in Hungary and after washing your dish, it is not even necessary to wait until it dries to use the pan, plate or pot.
Sometimes in Asia, when washing dishes with tap water, it is good to make sure the pot is dry before using it again. There is no need for that in Hungary, you can just use the pot again straight away after washing it.
Things to Do in Budapest
There are so many great things to do in Budapest. The city is known for its architecture, river cruises and thermal baths. Many travelers spend around 3 days in Budapest which is enough to explore the major attractions.
My top recommendations for visiting Budapest:
- Go Sightseeing: visit famous buildings in Budapest, such as the Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, Buda Castle, and the St. Stephen’s Basilica.
- Relax: Budapest has lots of thermal baths and it is also known as the “city of Spas”. The oldest and biggest thermal bath in Budapest, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, is a must-visit.
- Go on a River Cruise: The River Danube splits Budapest into two sides (Buda and Pest), and you can see many famous buildings on both sides near the river on a boat tour. I recommend booking an evening cruise as the lights are turned on in the evenings and the views are epic!
FAQs: Can You Drink Tap Water in Budapest?
Does Budapest have clean water?
Yes, Budapest has safe, clean tap water to drink. The tap water in homes, bars, restaurants and hotels are all safe to drink.
Can you drink tap water in Szeged?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Szeged. Szeged is one of the biggest university towns in Hungary and tap water is safe to drink there. Overall, it is safe to drink tap water all over Hungary.
Can you drink tap water in Budapest hotels?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest hotels. The water in Hungary goes through a process of treatment that makes it safe for people to drink tap water even in hotels.
What is still water called in Hungary?
‘Still water’ is called ‘szénsavmentes’ in Hungarian, while ‘carbonated water’ is called ‘szénsavas’.
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, you can drink tap water in Budapest! Generally, the tap water in Europe, including Hungary, is safe to drink. The tap water goes through a thorough water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink.
When visiting Hungary, you can safely drink, cook, wash vegetables or brush your teeth using the tap water. You can also safely drink the tap water in Budapest hotels, restaurants and bars.
My advice is to get a reusable water bottle to refill it with tap water on the go! It will save you money and also reduce plastic waste: it’s a win-win!
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