Amsterdam uses its tourist tax to manage visitor numbers and fund city services. Because it’s a percentage, it grows with your room price — so in a city where hotels are already expensive, it adds up quickly. Here’s how it works in 2026. Rate source: IamExpat (August 2026).
Amsterdam tourist tax at a glance (2026)
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Rate | 12.5% of the room price, excluding VAT |
| Applies to | Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, holiday rentals and campsites in Amsterdam |
| Who pays | Overnight visitors (not residents) |
| How | Collected by your accommodation or added by the booking platform |
| Planned | Gradual rise towards 20% by 2031 |
Example costs
| Room price per night (excl. VAT) | Tax per night | 3 nights |
|---|---|---|
| €120 | €15 | €45 |
| €180 | €22.50 | €67.50 |
| €250 | €31.25 | €93.75 |
| €400 | €50 | €150 |
Because the tax is per room (as a percentage), sharing a room doesn’t increase it — unlike per-person taxes in Rome or Barcelona.
How to reduce the cost
- Compare total prices: look for “city tax” in the small print and include it when comparing hotels.
- Stay outside Amsterdam: Haarlem, Zaandam or Amstelveen are 15–30 minutes away by train and have lower tourist taxes — though you’ll pay for transport.
- Travel off-season: lower room prices in January–March and November mean a lower tax too.
- Book early for April (tulips and King’s Day) — see where to stay in Amsterdam or compare hotels in Amsterdam.
Other costs to know in 2026
- Anne Frank House: €16.50 — how to book.
- Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum: €27 each.
- Train from Schiphol: €5.50 with contactless — details.
- Public transport: GVB day ticket €9.
- Keukenhof: about €21 online — tickets.
- Cruise passengers: sea and river cruise passengers pay a separate per-person day tax when their ship stops in Amsterdam.
Compare: tourist taxes in other cities
| City | How it’s charged | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 12.5% of room price | This page |
| Barcelona | About €6–12 per person per night | Barcelona tourist tax |
| Rome | €4–10 per person per night | Rome tourist tax |
| Kyoto | ¥200–10,000 per person per night | Kyoto accommodation tax |
More Amsterdam guides
- Amsterdam itinerary
- Best things to do in Amsterdam
- Where to stay in Amsterdam
- Anne Frank House tickets
- Keukenhof tickets and tulip season
- Schiphol to Amsterdam
- Best time to visit Amsterdam
- Amsterdam travel guide
FAQ: Amsterdam tourist tax
How much is the tourist tax in Amsterdam in 2026?
12.5% of the room price, excluding VAT.
Is the Amsterdam tourist tax included in my booking?
Often not. Check for “city tax” in the booking details; many hotels charge it on arrival or departure.
Do children pay the Amsterdam tourist tax?
The tax is a percentage of the room price, so it doesn’t depend on the number or age of guests.
Will Amsterdam’s tourist tax increase?
The city plans to raise it gradually to 20% by 2031.
Is it cheaper to stay outside Amsterdam?
Often yes: nearby towns like Haarlem have lower room prices and tourist taxes, and are 15–30 minutes away by train.
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