Spanish destination beloved by Brits doubles tourist taxes to £10 a night
Even those who simply stop by the city on a cruise can find themselves slapped with a the extra tourist taxes, as well as hotel and holiday let guests
A beloved Spanish city break hotspot has doubled its tourist taxes, meaning Britons could face paying an additional €12 (just over £10) per person per night during their next visit.
Barcelona welcomed 16 million visitors in 2025, marking a year-on-year rise of 2.9%, and with quick and convenient flights from the UK it has emerged as an immensely popular city break destination for Britons. Beyond the city centre, the wider Catalonia region also attracts UK holidaymakers and includes sunny coastal resorts including Salou, Tarragona, and Lloret de Mar.
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Nevertheless, the city's considerable tourism figures have sparked controversy in recent years, with Barcelona becoming the focal point of anti-tourism demonstrations. Local residents have raised concerns about tourism's effect on the city, particularly escalating property costs, and gathered in the streets during summer 2025 urging tourists to "go home". There were widely reported instances of holidaymakers being sprayed with water pistols while sitting on outdoor terraces.
In reaction to this, local authorities have implemented measures including plans to prohibit short-term lettings such as Airbnbs by 2028. As of April 1, tourist taxes have doubled, according to Barcelona City Council's website.
For visitors staying within the city centre, a Barcelona surcharge applies, which has also risen from €4 to €5 (approximately £4.36), meaning those preferring central accommodation will pay more. From the revenue generated, 25% will be allocated towards local housing schemes.
The most significant increase will affect those staying in hotels in Barcelona's city centre. The charge for 5-star hotel accommodation will double from €3.50 to €7 per night (just over £6). When combined with the Barcelona surcharge, that's an additional £10 per night for each guest aged over 16. This means a couple enjoying a long weekend break will need to fork out an extra £60 on top of their hotel bill, reports the Mirror.
Tourist taxes on holiday rentals have also doubled, though they're typically lower than hotels, climbing from €2.25 to €4.50 (just under £4) a night. This is also subject to the Barcelona surcharge for those staying within the city itself.
Even passengers merely passing through on a cruise will encounter higher charges. Those with stays exceeding 12 hours will see their taxes climb from €6 to €9 (approximately £7.85), while short-stay visitors under 12 hours will see their fees rise from €7 to €11 (just over £9.50). Cruise prices don't always include tourist taxes, so visitors should closely check their booking details to determine if they'll need to pay.
According to Reuters, some tourists could be discouraged from returning to Barcelona due to the additional taxes. A nurse from Italy interviewed by the news outlet reportedly said: "I don't think this added expense is fair. They already make money from tourists spending in shops, visiting their monuments, etc."
Barcelona's hoteliers' group general director Manel Casals also voiced his opposition to the scheme, claiming that local authorities ignored the tourism industry's calls for a phased increase in rates, cautioning: "One day they will kill the goose that lays the golden eggs."
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