Barcelona has one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe, and it’s rising: the city has approved a €1-a-year increase in its surcharge until it reaches €8 in 2029. The tax is rarely included in the price shown on booking sites, so it’s worth budgeting for. Rates below are from Catalan News and idealista (July 2026).
Barcelona tourist tax rates (from April 2026)
| Accommodation | Per person, per night | Before April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 5-star / grand luxe hotel | €12.00 | €7.50 |
| 4-star hotel | €8.40 | €5.70 |
| Tourist apartments (HUTs) | €9.50 | €6.25 |
| Other hotels and establishments | €7.00 | — |
| Hostels | €6.00 | — |
| Cruise passengers (under 12 hours) | €11.00 | — |
| Cruise passengers (longer stays) | €9.00 | — |
Each total combines the Catalan tax (IEET) and Barcelona’s €5 municipal surcharge. Ask your accommodation for the exact amount before you arrive.
How it works
- Who pays: visitors staying overnight in tourist accommodation in Barcelona.
- Exempt: children aged 16 and under are exempt from the regional tax; check with your host whether the city surcharge applies to them.
- How: collected by your hotel, apartment or hostel, usually at check-in or check-out, or added to your bill.
- Not included: most booking sites show the room price without the tax — look for “city tax” in the small print.
Example costs
| Trip | Tourist tax |
|---|---|
| Couple, 3 nights, 4-star hotel | 2 × 3 × €8.40 = €50.40 |
| Couple, 4 nights, tourist apartment | 2 × 4 × €9.50 = €76 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children under 16), 5 nights, 3-star hotel | About 2 × 5 × €7 = €70 |
| Couple, 3 nights, 5-star hotel | 2 × 3 × €12 = €72 |
How to reduce the cost
- Compare total prices including the tax when choosing between hotels and apartments — apartments now pay more than 4-star hotels.
- Consider staying just outside Barcelona (for example in Sitges or L’Hospitalet): the €5 city surcharge applies inside Barcelona only, though the Catalan tax still applies.
- Book early for better room prices — see where to stay in Barcelona or compare hotels in Barcelona.
Other costs to know in 2026
- Sagrada Família: from €26 — tickets.
- Park Güell: €18 — tickets.
- Casa Batlló: from €29 online.
- Metro: €2.90 single, €13 for 10 trips.
- Europe entry: see ETIAS & EES explained.
More Barcelona guides
- Barcelona itinerary
- Best things to do in Barcelona
- Where to stay in Barcelona
- Sagrada Família tickets
- Park Güell tickets
- Barcelona airport to city centre
- Best time to visit Barcelona
- Barcelona travel guide
FAQ: Barcelona tourist tax
How much is the tourist tax in Barcelona in 2026?
From about €6 (hostels) to €12 (5-star hotels) per person per night since 1 April 2026, including the €5 city surcharge.
Is the Barcelona tourist tax included in my booking?
Usually not. It’s normally paid at the hotel or apartment.
Do children pay tourist tax in Barcelona?
Children aged 16 and under are exempt from the Catalan regional tax.
Will the Barcelona tourist tax go up again?
Yes. The city surcharge is set to rise by €1 a year until it reaches €8 in 2029.
Do cruise passengers pay tourist tax in Barcelona?
Yes: €11 for stops under 12 hours and €9 for longer stays.
Book your trip: our favourite tools
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
