Barcelona Tourist Tax: What Visitors need to know for 2025

Barcelona applies a mandatory tourist tax to visitors staying in hotels, vacation rentals, cruise ships, and regulated accommodations within the city. The tax is officially known as the Barcelona Municipal Tourism Tax, and it exists alongside the wider Catalonia Tourism Tax. Both are added to your nightly rate and vary depending on the type of accommodation.

This guide explains how much the tax costs, who pays it, how it is collected, and what travelers should expect when visiting Barcelona.

How much is the Barcelona Tourist Tax?

Barcelona’s tourist tax has two layers:

1. Catalonia regional tax

2. Barcelona city surcharge

The final rate depends on your accommodation type:

Typical 2025 Rates

Hotels (4–5 stars)
EUR 3.50 – EUR 6.75 per person per night (combined city + regional tax)

Apartments / Short-term rentals / Airbnb
EUR 2.75 – EUR 5.00 per person per night

Cruise passengers
EUR 4.50 – EUR 7.00 per passenger (depending on hours spent in Barcelona)

Budget hotels / Hostels
EUR 1.70 – EUR 3.00 per person per night

All rates are per person, per night, up to a maximum of 7 nights.

Children under 16 are exempt from the tax.

Who must pay the Barcelona Tourist Tax?

The tax applies to:

• All foreign tourists

• Spanish visitors from other regions

• Cruise passengers docking in Barcelona

• Travelers staying in hotels, apartments, villas, hostels, or short-term rentals

Business travelers also pay the tax unless exempted under specific corporate arrangements.

Who is Exempt?

The following visitors do not pay the tourist tax:

• Children under 16

• Long-term stays (more than 30 days in the same accommodation)

• Travelers staying for medical reasons with documentation

• Travelers participating in certain government or educational programs

Hotels and hosts may request proof if an exemption is claimed.

How is the Barcelona Tourist Tax Collected?

The tax is collected directly by your accommodation, not by the airport or the city.

You will pay it:

• at check-in or check-out

• usually in cash or by card

• listed as a separate line on your bill

Cruise passengers will either:

• pay the fee through the cruise line

• or have it charged when disembarking (depending on the cruise operator)

Short-term rental hosts (Airbnb, VRBO, villas) must collect the tax from guests and even when the property is privately owned.

Does the Tourist Tax apply to Cruise Passengers?

Yes.
Barcelona charges cruise-passenger fees based on:

• Length of stay in port

• Whether passengers disembark

• City center vs. outlying terminals

Cruise taxes apply per passenger, not per cabin.

Why does Barcelona charge a Tourist Tax?

Barcelona introduced and later increased its tourist tax to:

• Manage overtourism in crowded neighborhoods

• Fund urban infrastructure upgrades

• Support public transportation used by tourists

• Preserve historic areas such as the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Família surroundings

• Improve safety, sanitation, and environmental sustainability

The city reviews tax rates periodically and adjusts them based on tourism levels.

Do Tourists pay any other Fees in Barcelona?

You may encounter:

• Hotel service charges

• Short-term rental cleaning fees

• Event or attraction surcharges

• City parking fees

• Public transport passes

These are separate from the tourist tax.

How much should Travelers Budget?

For a typical 3-night stay in a mid-range hotel:
Expect EUR 15–25 per person in total tourist taxes.

For a week in an apartment:
EUR 20–35 per person is typical.

See our specialist pages

References

• Ajuntament de Barcelona (City of Barcelona). Tourist Tax Information. https://www.barcelona.cat

• Generalitat de Catalunya. Impost sobre les Estades en Establiments Turístics. https://atc.gencat.cat

• Port de Barcelona. Cruise Passenger Fees. https://www.portdebarcelona.cat

Disclaimer:
Content published by Antravia is provided for informational purposes only and reflects research, industry analysis, and our professional perspective. It does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. Regulations vary by jurisdiction, and individual circumstances differ. Readers should seek advice from a qualified professional before making decisions that could affect their business.
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