Good to know
- The tourist tax is usually not included in the price you see when booking.
- It is charged per person in most of Southern Europe, but as a percentage of the room price in Amsterdam, Berlin and Edinburgh.
- Many cities only tax the first 5–10 nights, so longer stays cost less per night.
- Hosts: you normally collect it from guests and pay it to the city.
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What's changing
- 1 Jan 2027Amsterdam – Proposed rise from 12.5% to 16% (council vote November 2026).
- 25 Jan 2027Glasgow – New 5% visitor levy, capped at 5 nights.
- 1 Apr 2027Barcelona – City surcharge rises from €5 to €6 per night.
- 1 Apr 2027Wales – Councils may introduce a visitor levy of £1.30 per person per night.
- 2027Aberdeen – 7% visitor levy approved, the highest in Scotland so far.
How tourist taxes work in Europe
Tourist taxes are local charges on overnight stays. They are decided by cities and regions, so the amount can change from one town to the next, and rates are usually reviewed every year. The money typically funds tourism services, cleaning, culture and, increasingly, measures against overtourism.
Per person or percentage
In Italy, France, Spain and Portugal you usually pay a fixed amount per adult per night, higher for hotels with more stars. In the Netherlands, Germany and Scotland the tax is a percentage of what you pay for the room. A percentage tax grows with the room price, while a per-person tax grows with the number of guests.
Night caps and exemptions
Many cities only charge for the first nights of a stay: 5 in Edinburgh, 7 in Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Florence, 10 in Rome. Children are often exempt, but the age limit differs. Always check the city page for the exact rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tourist tax?
A tourist tax (also called city tax, visitor levy, taxe de séjour, Kurtaxe or imposta di soggiorno) is a local charge on overnight stays. It is set by the city or region and is usually collected by your hotel or host, either at check-in, at check-out or as part of the booking.
Is the tourist tax included in my booking price?
Often not. Many booking sites show it as a separate line or say it is "payable at the property". Check the booking summary, and use the calculator to know the amount in advance.
How is the tourist tax calculated?
There are two main systems. Most cities in Italy, France, Spain and Portugal charge a fixed amount per person per night, often depending on the hotel's star rating. Others, such as Amsterdam, Berlin and Edinburgh, charge a percentage of the room price. Many cities only tax the first few nights and exempt children.
Do children pay the tourist tax?
It depends on the city. Children are exempt in most places, but the age limit varies: under 10 in Rome, under 13 in Lisbon and Porto, under 17 in Barcelona and under 18 in Paris, Milan and Prague. Percentage-based taxes usually apply to the whole room price, regardless of who stays.
Do holiday rental hosts have to collect the tax?
In most cities, yes. The accommodation provider collects the tax from guests and pays it to the local authority. Some booking platforms collect it automatically in certain cities, but hosts usually remain responsible for declaring it. Check the rules of your city and your platform.
