Locations with the Costliest Tourist Taxes
In the bustling cities of Lisbon and Porto, the tourist tax landscape has undergone significant changes over the past few years.
Lisbon, Portugal's capital, currently charges a tourist tax of €4 per person per night for overnight stays, a rate that has risen from €2 per night in 2019. This tax, which is part of an effort to manage visitor volumes and fund infrastructure, sees a reduction during the off-season, ranging from €0.25 to €1 per night depending on the accommodation type.
Porto, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, has also seen an increase in its tourist tax following Lisbon’s example. While exact recent figures for Porto's current rate are not explicitly listed, it is considered among Portugal’s costliest tourist tax cities alongside Lisbon. The Porto City Council implemented the Municipal Tourist Tax in 2018, and recently increased the rate from €2 to €3 per person per night, justifying the increase by adjusting for tourism-related expenses.
Across Portugal, more than 40 municipalities have introduced or raised tourist taxes to help manage tourism’s impact. This national trend reflects a regional effort to offset pressures caused by the growing number of tourists.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce, and Services has advocated for the "rationalization" of the application of the tourist tax in Portugal. However, the current disparity and municipal management of the tax do not always guarantee "added value and advantages" for the sector, according to the Secretary.
Since the introduction of the tourist tax in Lisbon in 2016, it has generated over €260 million. In 2022, Lisbon's tourist tax reached nearly €49.51 million. By April 2025, revenue from Porto's municipal tourist tax totaled €9.3 million.
The tourist tax applies to guests over 13 years of age in both cities, with guests under 13 years of age exempt. The tax is primarily imposed on accommodation stays, whether in hotels or local accommodations. In Lisbon, the tax applies to disembarking passengers over 13 years of age from cruise ships in transit since 2024.
Portugal ranks 8th among the EU countries with the most expensive tourist accommodation prices, according to a study by real estate information company CoStar. Cities like Athens, Rhodes, Heraklion, Thessaloniki, and Berlin also have high tourist taxes in Europe, ranging from €8.17 to €7.38. Amsterdam has the highest tourist tax in Europe at €18.45.
The evolution of Portugal's tourist tax policy is a reflection of the country's commitment to managing tourism growth while generating revenue for infrastructure and services. As the trend continues, it remains to be seen how the tax will further impact the tourism sector and the overall economy.
- The steady increase in Portugal's tourist tax in cities like Lisbon and Porto has sparked interest in the real estate sector, as some argue that the elevated costs could potentially deter travelers, impacting the tourism business.
- Given Portugal's growing tourist taxes and the high prices of tourist accommodation, the country's lifestyle, especially in popular cities, could become less affordable for certain travelers, potentially affecting travel choices.
- As more municipalities in Portugal implement or raise tourist taxes to manage tourism growth and fund infrastructure, the resulting financial influx could provide opportunities for businesses, benefiting the country's economy as a whole.
