If you’ve ever booked a hotel in Europe and been surprised by a mysterious extra charge at check-in or checkout, chances are you’ve encountered the city tax. Also called tourist tax, occupancy tax, or stay tax, this fee is commonly applied in many European destinations — and often not included in the price you see online.
In this post, we’ll break down what city tax is, where it’s charged, how much it costs, who needs to pay it, and how to avoid last-minute surprises when traveling in Europe.
💡 What Is a City Tax?
A city tax is a local fee collected from tourists by the city or municipality where they stay overnight. You might see it listed as:
- Tasa turística in Spain
- Taxe de séjour in France
- Kurtaxe in Germany
The money goes toward tourism infrastructure, cultural preservation, public transport subsidies, and managing the effects of overtourism. Importantly, this fee is usually not included in your hotel’s upfront cost on booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. It’s collected by the hotel itself at check-in or checkout.
🌍 Why Do Cities Charge This Fee?
Cities use tourist taxes to:
- Maintain public spaces and heritage sites
- Fund tourism-related services
- Help reduce the strain on local resources
- Control overtourism (e.g., Venice charges day-trippers to discourage mass tourism)
While it may seem like a nuisance, the funds often go back into improving the experience for future travelers.
📍 Where Is City Tax Most Common in Europe?
You’ll find city tax applied in most major tourist destinations, including:
- Italy: Rome, Venice, Florence
- France: Paris, Nice
- Spain: Barcelona, Balearic Islands
- Germany: Berlin, Munich
- Austria, Netherlands, Croatia, and many more
It’s less common in small towns or rural areas.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
City tax rates vary widely depending on the city, hotel category, and length of stay. Here are a few 2024–25 examples:
- Barcelona: €1.70–€4.00 per adult, per night
- Rome: €3–€7 per adult, per night
- Paris: €1–€5 per adult, per night
- Amsterdam: 7% of the room rate + €3 per person, per night
Some cities cap the tax after a certain number of nights or waive it for children under 12–16.
👥 Who Has to Pay It?
Typically:
- Adults only — children are often exempt
- Per night, per person
- Regardless of how you book (direct, Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.)
Hotels may ask for payment in cash or card at reception.
📅 When and How Is It Paid?
- Not usually included in the price shown during booking
- Mentioned in the fine print or under “taxes and charges not included”
- Paid directly to the hotel during check-in or checkout
Tip: Always double-check the booking details or ask the hotel in advance.
💼 Tips to Avoid Surprises
- Read the fine print: Look for “excluded taxes” before finalizing your booking.
- Search ahead: Use phrases like “city tax + [destination] + [year]” to get updated rates.
- Carry some cash: Smaller hotels or B&Bs may not accept card payments for the tax.
- Plan for it: Add the estimated tax to your travel budget — especially for longer trips or large families.
- Check special rules: Some cities only charge the tax for the first few nights or reduce it in low season.
🏠 What About Airbnb and Rentals?
Platforms like Airbnb are now required to collect city tax automatically in several countries, including France and Italy. This means you might already pay the tax during booking — but always check your receipt or invoice.
🧾 Final Thoughts
City tax isn’t a scam — it’s just not well-explained upfront. While a few extra euros a night may not seem like much, it adds up quickly on a multi-night stay. The key is to stay informed so you won’t be caught off guard at checkout.
Have you ever been surprised by a city tax on your travels? Share your story in the comments — and let us know how cities are using that money creatively where you’ve stayed!
