An ever-increasing number of European cities or regions are applying tourist taxes to travelers who stay overnight in their lodgings, albeit with large differences in the amount charged depending on the tourist destinations.

Both Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, the only two of Spain’s Autonomous Communities to charge a tourist tax, are among regions which charge the least. For a one week stay in a 5 star hotel in Catalonia, the visitor will be required to pay up to 17.75 euros, while in the Balearic Islands this number is around 14 euros.

The Highest Taxes – Belgium and Italy

According to statistics gathered by Kayak, Belgium and Italy are the tourist destinations with the highest tourist taxes. Travelers who decide to visit Brussels are required to pay approximately 42, 56 or 70 euros for a seven night stay in a 3, 4, or 5 star hotel respectively.

In the case of Italy, Rome is in the lead with a maximum tax of 49 euros for the same seven-night stay. Next in line is Florence, Venice and Milan with an average of 35 euros. Except in the case of Venice, where only the first 5 days are charged for, in the rest of Italy’s cities, the tax is charged for the first ten days.

The Lowest Taxes – Lisbon

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