Water is never free

Tap water exists everywhere in Italy and is safe to drink, but at restaurants you order a bottle: *naturale* (still) or *frizzante* (sparkling), typically €2-4 for a 75cl glass bottle. Asking for tap water is allowed but uncommon — staff may seem mildly surprised. Outside restaurants, public fountains in Como (Piazza Cavour, Piazza Volta, the lakefront promenade) deliver free, cold, drinkable water. Bring a refillable bottle.