City tax (tourist tax)

A city tax (also called a tourist tax) is a fee that is paid by inbound travelers when they stay in hotels, resorts, B&Bs, hostels, vacation rentals, or other types of accommodation in many European cities. It’s implemented as a means to support local infrastructure and improve the tourism sector.

A city tax is not included in the room rate and is usually paid at check out. The amount depends on the type of accommodation, its location, and the season. 

Depending on city regulations, a tourist tax amount can be a percentage of the room rate or a fixed fee (applied per person per night). A fixed fee also sometimes depends on the room type. For example, in Paris, the city tax varies from €0.25 (1 and 2-star campsites) to €5 (palaces). In Manchester, overnight guests are charged £1 per night per room. In Amsterdam, it’s 7 percent of the room rate plus €3 per person per night.

Common exemptions include children (age varies), people with disabilities, bus drivers, tour guides, and some other categories.