London Joins Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Florence And More in Shocking Hotel Taxes This Year: Here’s What You Should Know Before Visiting the City

Published on November 28, 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2025, be ready to pay more for your hotel stay, as many cities across the continent have introduced or increased tourist taxes. Whether you’re headed to the iconic streets of Paris, the sun-soaked beaches of Barcelona, or the historical lanes of Rome, these city taxes, also known as tourist levies or hotel taxes, could significantly impact your travel budget. These taxes are collected by accommodation providers, such as hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals, and passed on to local governments. They are used to fund essential city services, from cleaning and public transport to maintaining cultural landmarks and addressing climate resilience efforts.

But what does this mean for you, the traveler? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about hotel taxes in major European cities for 2025, including how they’re calculated, who’s exempt, and what you should expect to pay.

What Exactly is a Hotel Tax?

A hotel tax, or city tax, is a fee charged to guests staying in accommodations, such as hotels, hostels, and even some types of short-term rentals. This fee is typically paid per night and is collected by the accommodation provider, such as a hotel or hostel, before being passed along to the local government. The money raised from these taxes helps fund a variety of services aimed at supporting local infrastructure, tourism, public transportation, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.

You might not notice it at first, but these taxes can quickly add up. The amount varies by city, and in some destinations, it can be quite significant. Some cities use a flat fee per night, while others charge a percentage of your accommodation bill, and these rates can fluctuate depending on the season, the type of accommodation, or even the city’s tourism policies.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular European destinations and what you can expect to pay when it comes to these local taxes in 2025. We’ll also explain any exemptions that may apply to help you understand when you might be eligible to avoid paying these fees.

London: The Proposal for a Tourist Tax

As of 2025, London does not have a tourist tax. However, the UK government has proposed a visitor levy, and a consultation has been launched seeking views on how such a tax would be implemented. Once introduced, this tax will add to the cost of your stay in London.

Paris: Leading the Charge with Skyrocketing Taxes

Known for its charming streets, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and world-renowned museums, Paris is one of the top destinations for travelers from around the world. However, 2025 will see the French capital charging visitors some of the highest hotel taxes in Europe.

Starting in 2024, Paris implemented a 200% surcharge on its existing tourist tax, which is set to continue into 2025. As a result, the taxes on hotel stays can reach up to €15.60 per night for guests staying in luxury 5-star hotels (palaces), and around €5.53 per night for guests in 3-star hotels. Even if you’re staying in a budget hostel, expect to pay €2.60 per person per night. While this seems like a steep increase, the tax revenue is earmarked for funding the public transportation system in the Ile-de-France region, including improvements to metro lines and buses.

The good news is that this tax is capped at 30 consecutive nights, so if you’re on a longer trip, you won’t pay taxes for more than a month. There are also some exemptions, including for children under 18 and workers on temporary assignments.

However, Paris isn’t the only city imposing a tourist tax. You’ll need to be aware of local taxes in other parts of France, as well as other European cities, if you’re traveling around the continent.

Barcelona: A Rising Tax on Tourist Stays

Like Paris, Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, attracting millions of tourists each year. In 2025, travelers to Barcelona will face a combined municipal surcharge and Catalan tourist tax, with the total amount reaching €7.50 per person per night in 5-star hotels.

The base tax rate, which has been in place since 2023, varies depending on the hotel’s rating. For example, 5-star hotels will charge €3.50 per night, while hostels will charge €1 per night. However, the new municipal surcharge, introduced in October 2024, will increase the total tax for 5-star hotels to €7.50 per night.

While this may seem hefty, the good news is that this tax is applied only for stays of 7 consecutive nights. Some exemptions exist for Barcelona residents and children under 16, but most tourists will be required to pay.

What makes this tax particularly interesting is that the city officials are looking to increase the surcharge even further. According to reports from October 2024, the municipal surcharge may rise to the legal maximum of 4% of the accommodation cost.

Venice: A Seasonal Tax for a Magical City

Venice, with its enchanting canals and historic charm, is another popular European destination. However, due to concerns over overcrowding and the sustainability of tourism, the city has introduced a seasonal tourist tax that changes based on when you visit and what type of accommodation you choose.

During the high season (February to December), travelers will pay between €1 and €5 per night, depending on their hotel’s rating. For example, 5-star hotels will charge the highest rate of €5 per night, while 1-star hotels charge only €1 per night. This tax is capped at 5 consecutive nights, meaning that longer stays won’t cost more in tax.

Venice also offers seasonal discounts, reducing the tax rates during the off-season (January and February). However, there are some exemptions for children under 10 and youth hostels, which aim to make the tax fairer for all types of visitors.

Florence: Higher Taxes for a Historical Experience

Florence, the heart of Renaissance art and culture, has introduced a tourist tax that applies to various types of accommodations, with the tax rate based on the hotel’s star rating. In 2025, visitors to Florence will be charged €8 per night for stays in 5-star hotels, while budget travelers in 1-star hotels will pay €3.50 per night.

The tax is charged for 7 consecutive nights, and exemptions apply for children under 12 and bus drivers. The funds generated from this tax go toward funding city services and preserving Florence’s invaluable cultural heritage.

Amsterdam: A Percentage-Based Tax

Unlike the other cities mentioned, Amsterdam takes a different approach to its hotel tax. Instead of a flat rate, the city charges a 12.5% tax on the accommodation price (excluding VAT) for all types of paid accommodations, including hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals.

For cruise passengers arriving at Amsterdam’s port, the city charges a fixed €14.50 day tourist tax. There are some exemptions for business travelers and children under 16.

This percentage-based tax adjusts automatically with the price of your accommodation, making it easier for the city to collect, but harder for visitors to predict the exact amount they will owe.

Berlin: A 7.5% Tax on Room Prices

In Berlin, the local tourist tax, known as the Übernachtungsteuer, is set at 7.5% of the room price for all paid accommodation in 2025. The tax applies to all private overnight stays, including hotels, guest houses, and short-term rentals, and is collected by accommodation providers.

Business travelers can apply for exemptions if their stay is essential for work, making Berlin’s tax one of the most straightforward to understand and calculate.

Vienna: Local Tax with Future Increases

Vienna’s Ortstaxe or local lodging tax is set at 3.2% of the accommodation price for 2025. This applies to all types of paid accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses. Children under 12 years and guests staying for educational or health purposes are exempt from this tax.

However, the city has announced plans to increase the tax to 8.5% after 2026, so travelers to Vienna in 2025 will still benefit from the lower rate.

Lisbon: Flat Tax for Every Traveler

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, imposes a €4 per person per night tax for all accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals. The tax applies for up to 7 consecutive nights and is used to fund infrastructure improvements and tourism services.

Exemptions are available for children under 13 and for guests visiting for medical or educational purposes.

Porto: Similar Tax to Lisbon

Porto’s Municipal Tourist Tax is €3 per person per night, up to a maximum of €21 for stays of 7 consecutive nights. Exemptions include children under 16 and guests whose stay is funded by social welfare programs.

The revenue from this tax is used to promote Porto’s tourism and improve city services.

Prague: The Czech Republic’s Simple Tax System

In Prague, the local lodging tax is 50 CZK per person per night. This tax applies to stays up to 60 consecutive days and is collected by accommodation providers. Certain exemptions apply, including children under 18 and students in dormitories.

Budapest: A Small Tax, but Still Applicable

In Budapest, visitors will pay 4% of the room price per night as a tourism tax. This rate applies to all stays, whether in hotels, B&Bs, or short-term rentals. Budapest’s tax helps fund the city’s tourism infrastructure and public services.

Greece: A New Climate Crisis Resilience Fee

Greece replaced its previous accommodation tax with a Climate Crisis Resilience Fee. The fee applies to all types of accommodation, from €2 per night for 1–2-star hotels in the high season, to €15 per night for 5-star hotels.

This fee helps fund climate change resilience efforts, making it one of the more innovative hotel taxes in Europe.

Conclusion: A Complex Tax Landscape for Travelers

Hotel taxes in 2025 vary widely across European cities, so it’s important to be prepared. Some cities use percentage-based taxes (like Amsterdam, Berlin, and Budapest), while others charge flat fees (like Paris, Barcelona, and Venice). Some cities even have seasonal taxes or specific category-based fees, like Greece’s climate crisis resilience fee. Make sure to check the rates before booking to avoid any surprises and understand any potential exemptions.