You can get free water in Italy by refilling a reusable bottle at public drinking fountains (nasoni in Rome) found throughout cities, as tap water is safe to drink unless marked "non potabile," or by asking for tap water (acqua del rubinetto) in restaurants, though bottled water is more common. Many cities also have modern "water houses" for chilled still/sparkling water, sometimes free with a municipal card.
Bring your own bottle and fill it at the water stations if you don't want to pay for water but if you are occupying a seat at a cafe or restaurant, paying for water is a courtesy.
4. Know what you do and don't have to pay for. Yes, you do have to pay for water. (You can ask for “acqua dal rubinetto,” tap water, but it's often seen as a bit rude or strange.
Many communes have water refill points which have been used by locals for years! Tuscan towns will typically have a central drinking fountain, usually near the main piazza. These should have a sign with 'potabile' translating to 'drinkable'.
Fun Travel Fact Italy has a free, public wine fountain! In the small town of Ortona, in Italy, there's a free wine fountain. Dora Sarchese Winery has opened the “free for the public” fountain, mainly to serve those travelling the Camino di San Tommaso.
Mornings are reserved for milky drinks, such as a cappuccino or caffè latte, and it is often frowned upon to drink milkier beverages later in the day. After 11 a.m., Italians switch to espresso-based drinks like a simple shot of espresso or a macchiato instead of a milkier cup of coffee.
Rome's long-standing tradition of supplying fresh water through public fountains dates back to antiquity, when aqueducts fed hundreds of public basins (lacus) across the city. The city of Rome began installing nasoni in the 1870s to provide a water supply for citizens.
Some guides advise bringing reusable water bottles with you from home. This is a great way to stay hydrated, especially during extensive sightseeing. And a reusable bottle is eco-friendly and convenient. In a pinch, plastic water bottles work just as well, and they're sold in every cafe in Italy.
Circulatory diseases remain the leading cause of death in Italy, followed by cancer. In 2022, Italy's adult smoking rate was slightly higher than the EU average at 19.6 %, marking a resurgence of smoking during the pandemic following a decade of gradual declines.
“Can you drink tap water in Italy?” is a question that students coming to visit us ask quite frequently. The answer is of course yes: tap water in Italy is always good to drink unless it is explicitly communicated. Tap water is constantly monitored in Italy in order to always assure its safety.
Recent research shows that the average Italian resident's monthly expenses range from €1,400 to €2,700 in major cities, while a family of four should budget between €3,000 and €4,500. But don't worry – there's plenty you can do to make the most of your budget no matter where you live.
Most public toilets usually require cash . The cost of paid toilets in Italy is usually 50 cents and 1 euro . so make sure you keep some small change on you . Some may even ask for exact change.
If you ask for the tap stuff, some waiters will simply refuse. And this isn't because the restaurant is trying to fleece you or because water from the tap is bad — Italians will drink it at home. Rather, it's because the water in Italy tends to be mineral-rich, making it hard.
The Average Cost of Utilities in Italy in 2025
Electricity bill: €70–€120 per month. Gas bill: €80–€130 per month in winter, less in warmer months. Water supply: €20–€50 per month, subject to local tariffs. Internet: €25–€40 per month.
Most European restaurants have paid for water from a bottle or sparkling water, so the costs of buying bottled water are passed on to the customers. Plus, in general, waiters may find it rude to ask for a free drink when dining at their enterprise. After all, they are a business, and they are trying to make a profit.
Eating habits are also a factor. Italians who regularly consume fruits and vegetables, for example, have a significantly lower rate of overweight than those who regularly drink alcohol and consume junk food. Obese people seem to get more pleasure from shopping and are more interested in cooking.
Pastina soup is a traditional Italian dish known for its soothing and nourishing qualities, often referred to as "Italian Penicillin." This simple soup is made with warm broth, tiny pasta (pastina), tomatoes, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, served hot to provide comfort and warmth, especially during illness or cold ...
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Italy: hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is a versatile capsule wardrobe strategy for light travel, typically involving 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering pieces (dresses/jackets/etc.), and 1 accessory set (bag, jewelry, hat), allowing for numerous mix-and-match outfits from minimal items, focusing on versatile, neutral pieces that suit your trip's weather and activities.
Fountain Water: The country of Italy boasts of many fountains like the Trevi Fountain and the Fountain of the Four Rivers. To avail drinking facility at the fountains, it is recommended to carry an empty bottle that can be refilled at the fountains located in many major streets (nasoni fountain).
Certain items like weapons, drugs, and counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited. Additionally, there are restrictions on bringing in certain foods, plants, and animals to protect public health and the environment.
The xylospongium or tersorium, also known as a "sponge on a stick", was a utensil found in ancient Roman latrines, consisting of a wooden stick (Greek: ξύλον, xylon) with a sea sponge (Greek: σπόγγος, spongos) fixed at one end.
Homosexual relationships the way we intend them today–between two free adults–were rarely allowed. Patriarchy was all the rage in the empire and Roman men, who were obsessed with their virility then as now, could have sex with other men only if they took the penetrative role.