If the size of people’s comically large water bottles these days is anything to go by, hydration is having a “moment”. However, the well-watered may want to reconsider their European trip or buy an even larger water bottle because they may not get free top-ups at cafes or restaurants. One woman has alerted fellow travellers of Europe’s unusual approach to water via a viral TikTok, which has been viewed more than 11 million times.
In the clip, the user named Brenna and her friends are seen quickly drinking massive bottles of water in various European spots. “Us the moment we can find water because Europeans don’t believe in water,” reads the caption. The video pokes fun at the tendency for restaurants and cafes in Europe to charge for bottled water instead of offering free tap water.
Many of the 15,000 comments expressed similar frustration at the cultural difference. “It’s so true. I miss my complimentary pitcher of water at restaurants.
When the water is free, it’s the smallest glass,” one person wrote. Another wrote that her boyfriend’s French uncle giggled when she requested water at a French restaurant, while a European joked they had “never even heard of water”. “I have stayed in five European countries and this is FACTS, we were so thirsty everywhere,” another stated.
However, a large proportion of comments criticised the video for broadly using “Europe” and being “dramatic”. One person asked Brenna to “define Europe please”, .