-
-
Alexander Meddings
Verified Writer
Guided TourFrom €69.00
Lisbon Food Tour
When planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto, or various municipalities in the Algarve, be sure to include the city tax (Taxa Municipal Turística) in your budget. Commonly referred to as the ‘tourist tax’, this fee may not be included in the pricing of your accommodation, and you’ll likely need to pay it directly to the establishment at the end of your stay.
Knowing about the city tax in Lisbon is crucial to avoid unexpected charges.
What is the City Tax in Lisbon?
Starting from September 1st, 2024, Lisbon’s city tax will increase from €2 to €4 per guest, per night for all types of accommodation. This fee is applicable for a maximum of 7 consecutive nights. Children under 13 years old are exempt from this tax, and it is only charged once per stay, regardless of changing accommodations within the city.
City Tax Rates for 2024
To illustrate how Lisbon’s city tax works, let’s consider a couple of examples. A solo traveler staying in a hotel for five nights would incur a tourist tax of €10 (calculated as €2 x 5 nights).
A family of four (with children aged 15 and 10) staying in an apartment for eight nights would pay a total of €42. Since the tax applies only for the first seven nights and children under 13 are exempt, the total city tax for the family would be €42 (€2 x 3 adults x 7 nights).
Why Does Lisbon Charge City Tax?
The revenue from Lisbon’s city tax is used to enhance the city’s attractiveness for tourism and to mitigate some negative impacts of overtourism by reinvesting in local services. According to Essential Business, tourism in Lisbon grew by 7%, reaching 1.8 million visitors in February 2024, with a 6.4% increase in overnight stays, totaling 4.3 million.
The Portuguese Communist Party has claimed that the funds collected from the tourist tax since its introduction in 2016 have not adequately addressed the negative impacts of tourism in the city. The Socialist Party has made similar comments, stating a need to “combat the externalities of tourism [and] restore the quality of life for Lisbon residents”. The revenue generated from the city tax will be allocated to improving urban cleanliness and public transportation, as well as conducting inspections of local accommodations and nightlife venues.
Are Children Required to Pay City Tax in Lisbon?
No, children under 13 are not required to pay city tax in Lisbon. Other exemptions include:
Residents of Lisbon; Guests accompanying patients receiving medical treatment; Individuals attending medical consultations in the city; People with disabilities; Hotel staff staying for work purposes.
It’s vital to obtain a receipt when you pay the city tax in Lisbon. Not receiving proof of payment could mean your accommodation has not correctly registered your stay.
Plan Your Lisbon Trip with Carpe Diem
Planning a trip this summer? Carpe Diem is here to assist you. We offer a variety of tours and experiences suitable for everyone, from first-time visitors to seasoned travelers.
Is this your first time in Lisbon? Our Lisbon Tours provide the most comprehensive and convenient way to explore the iconic attractions of the Portuguese capital. Our Lisbon food tour has received multiple Viator Experience Awards for 2024, while our Tipsy Tour and Lisbon Walking Tour are popular favorites among travelers. Come and discover Lisbon with us and experience the excitement for yourself!
Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter with a postgraduate degree in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After earning his MPhil, he relocated to Florence and later Rome to conduct field research and pursue his passions. Currently, he works in travel as a writer and content consultant, while also serving as a university lecturer and translator.
