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Barcelona Just Got More Expensive: 12 Million Visitors Push Tourist Taxes Up!

Updated: Apr 5


If you're booking a trip to Barcelona, get ready—Spain's Catalonia region has doubled its tourist tax on visitors in a bid to balance runaway tourism with local sustainability. So, what does this actually mean for your sangria budget? Let's have a look, Barcelona-style.


What's Changing?

The Catalan government signed a deal that will increase tourist tax to an upper limit of €15 per person per night, double what it was previously. This has the implication that based on the type of accommodation you choose, you might now be paying up to a much higher amount.


Here's a quick rundown on tourist tax:

  • High-end hotels (5-star & upwards) → As much as €15 per night

  • Middle-range hotels (4-star, 3-star) → As little as €4 to €7 per night

  • Vacation apartments (VRBO, Airbnb) → €3 to €5 per night

  • Cruise ship passengers → €3 to €6 a day (yes, even if you don't overnight!)


Tip: The tax is per person, per night (up to 7 nights). So if you're on a week-long romance or crazy bachelor party, multiply accordingly!


Why the Increase?

Barcelona is a victim of its own beauty—with more than 12 million visitors annually, residents feel priced out of their own city. The tax increase is just one part of a plan to:

  • Prevent over-tourism in packed spots such as Las Ramblas & Sagrada Familia

  • Increase public amenities (more cleaning, improved transport)

  • Fund sustainable tourism initiatives


The message? Visit, have fun, but pay something back to the city you adore!


How Will This Impact Your Trip?

In reality, the additional tax won't hurt that much—for a week at a 4-star hotel, it's roughly €30-50 extra per person. That's one fewer cocktail at Barceloneta Beach or skipping a €2 magnet souvenir (we know you secretly adore them).


But this is how you can still have an incredible Barcelona trip on a budget:

  • Keep on the outskirts of the city – Badalona or L'Hospitalet hotels cost less and don't have so many tourists.

  • Take advantage of free things to see – Parc Güell costs money, but much of the park is free!

  • Dine with the locals – Trade tourist areas for menú del día (€10-€15 for a whole meal!).


Is It Worth Going to Barcelona in Spite of the Tax?

True enough! Barcelona remains one of Europe's top cities for food, architecture, nightlife, and beaches. A little extra tax in euros won't make a difference to the wonder of a Park Güell sunset or the excitement of finding a secret tapas bar in El Born.


So pack your bags, pick up your Barcelona City Pass, and enjoy Catalonia with a clear conscience—because every euro you spend on the tourist tax goes towards keeping Barcelona as lovely as possible.


Would you still travel to Barcelona even with the increased tax?






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