≡-Amsterdam unifys Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Venice: EU Cities with Sky-High Tourist Taxes That Are Shocking Visitors – See How Much You’ll Pay Next Time You Visit! – Viral of Today
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Home » EUROPE » Amsterdam unifys Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Venice: EU Cities with Sky-High Tourist Taxes That Are Shocking Visitors – See How Much You’ll Pay Next Time You Visit! Monday, July 14, 2025If you’re looking to plan a European vacation in 2025, prepare for more than the scenic vistas and cultural wonders — many of Europe’s top destinations are asking that visitors reach into their wallets that much further. Using Euromonitor’s Top 100 City Destinations data, a new ranking put together by Holidu, shows which cities have the highest tourist taxes. The numbers reflect an increasing trend: local governments seeking to fund infrastructure, control crowds and protect heritage sites have looked to nightly levies. And as some cities take it easy, others have soared to the very top of global charts with remarkable speed.Amsterdam: The World’s Highest Tourist Levy Embattled by OvertourismAmsterdam is now the tourist-tax capital of the world. Known for its canals, museums and lively culture, the Dutch capital is also on the forefront of taxing visitors. A hefty percent-based tax on lodging fees will mean guests pay more for an Airbnb stay than anywhere else in the world.The initiative is part of the city’s efforts to crack down on overtourism by making sure visitors still find a – literally – clean, safe and well-maintained destination. From boutique hotels to hostels, the fee is nearly universal, and can add up quickly for travelers who book extended stays.Greek Cities Claim Second PlaceTied for second place, just behind are four Greek destinations —Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes and Thessaloniki. Their tourist taxes fluctuate depending on the time of year and how many stars a property has. There is some relief on the quieter months, but in the peak of summer, these taxes can really add to the cost of your accommodation.That flexibility is a plus, but also means travelers in the know should plan ahead — especially if you’re exploring Greece’s historic cities or chasing popular island getaways.Italy and Germany in the Middle, but Upward TrendingMeanwhile, mid-top Italian and German cities have already established themselves at the top of the tourist tax rankings.Berlin applies a flat percentage of the net cost of the stay, setting it among the most taxed cities in Germany for tourists.Milan has modified its infrastructure for 2025, with its focus largely on the affluent visitors in the city’s luxury hotels.Rome, the Italian capital, uses a tiered system. The higher the number of stars your hotel bears, the more rate you pay.” It costs the most to stay in luxury accommodations, while budget lodging is taxed less.Florence is no different, with five-star hotels costing a whole lot more than those in the lower category.Bologna utilizes a sliding scale related to the cost of a room, with more expensive lodging paying out the most each night.Just Outside the Top 10: Tourist Favorites Remain in the MiddleSome of Europe’s most popular tourist cities, however, maintain rather modest tourist taxes — hard on tourists’ wallets, perhaps, but when you compare them, not so bad, after all:Barcelona, placed just within the top ten, enforces a middle of the road the tax.Paris and Nice also do the same exploiting tariffs, trying to find the right mix between earnings and competitiveness to the visitor.Lisbon, Vienna, Venice and Porto, with the latter having the lowest tax rate among those cities, complete the top 20.These places deliver cultural richness and world-class experiences for a fraction of the higher levies at other European hubs.Why Tourist Taxes Are on the RiseCities all over Europe are using tourist taxes as weapons to combat the problems of overtourism. The added revenue goes toward public services, infrastructure repairs and handling the environmental and cultural fallout from an influx of visitors.The goal isn’t to discourage travel — rather to encourage more sustainable and balanced tourism. During the peak season, higher taxes could motivate tourists to visit lesser-known cities or move their trips to off-peak months, ultimately helping cities lessen demand throughout the year.What Travelers Need to KnowThe rates for the tourist tax are usually per person, per night, and apply to all guests aged 18 years and over and is collected at the property. This is not necessarily always included in the price of the advertised accommodation so be sure to check the fine print before booking.While the charges may seem low on a per-person basis, they can add up fast — particularly for multi-city itineraries or long stays. Knowing the tax setup for each destination — whether it’s seasonal or tied to the hotel equivalent category — can allow travelers to budget more accurately.Conclusion: The Price of Travel in 2025Tourist taxes are continuing to factor more heavily into the travel equation in Europe. From Amsterdam’s high-end rates to Porto’s welcome signs for travelers, the range of tax models mirrors the unique priorities of each city — be it retaining ancient architecture, minimizing overcrowding, or enhancing visitor services.As eyebrow-raisers, these levies are ramping up cities for a more sustainable tourism future. And travelers now are provided with a new lens through which to see Europe — one that factors in not just experience, but contribution to the places they love.Tags: Tourism, Travel News
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