Planning a trip to Portugal in 2025? Along with booking your flights, hotels, and tours, there’s one small but important detail you need to know: the tourist tax.
This fee may sound complicated, but it’s very simple. The tourist tax is a small daily charge that travelers pay per night when staying in certain Portuguese cities. It helps the local government maintain streets, protect cultural landmarks, and manage the growing number of visitors.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Portugal tourist tax 2025—where it applies, how much it costs, who needs to pay, and tips to make your trip stress-free.
What Is the Tourist Tax in Portugal?
The tourist tax, also called a city tax or municipal tax, is:
- A small fee is charged per person, per night.
- Added to your bill when staying in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or Airbnb.
- Collected by the accommodation provider and passed on to the local council.
It is not unique to Portugal—many European countries, including Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, also have similar taxes.
The main purpose is to support tourism infrastructure so that the millions of visitors each year do not put too much strain on local services.
Why Is Portugal Charging a Tourist Tax?
Tourism is one of Portugal’s biggest industries. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro welcome millions of international travelers every year. While tourism creates jobs and boosts the economy, it also brings challenges:
- Crowded streets and transport systems
- Higher pressure on housing and local services
- Wear and tear on cultural and historic sites
- Increased waste management costs
By collecting a small tourist tax, Portuguese cities can invest in:
- Keeping streets and beaches clean.
- Improving public transport and city facilities.
- Preserving historic landmarks like castles, palaces, and cathedrals.
- Funding sustainable tourism projects.
For visitors, the tax is small—but for the cities, it makes a big difference.
How Much Is the Tourist Tax in 2025?
The fee depends on the city or region you are visiting. In most cases, it is between €1 and €2 per person, per night.
Example Costs for 2025:
- Lisbon: €2 per night, per person (up to 7 nights).
- Porto: €2 per night, per person (up to 7 nights).
- Funchal (Madeira): €2 per night.
- Vila Nova de Gaia: €2 per night.
- Algarve (Faro, Albufeira, etc.): €1–€2 per night, often during high season.
👉 Important: Children under 13 years old do not pay the tourist tax.
How the Tourist Tax Works
Here’s what you can expect when paying the tourist tax in Portugal:
- Added at check-in or check-out – Hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs usually collect the tax separately from your booking fee.
- Per night, per person – If you’re traveling as a family of four for 5 nights in Lisbon, you’d pay:
- 4 people × €2 × 5 nights = €40 in total.
- Maximum limit – Usually applied only for the first 7 nights in the same city.
- Payment methods – Most places accept cash or card for the tax.
Where Do You Pay the Tourist Tax in Portugal?
Not every Portuguese city charges this fee. For now, it mostly applies in major tourist destinations.
Cities with Tourist Tax in 2025:
- Lisbon – €2 per person, per night (max 7 nights).
- Porto – €2 per person, per night (max 7 nights).
- Funchal (Madeira) – €2 per night.
- Vila Nova de Gaia – €2 per night.
Algarve Region:
- Cities like Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos may charge €1–€2, especially during the summer months.
Cities Without Tourist Tax (as of 2025):
- Coimbra, Braga, Évora, and many small towns currently do not charge this fee.
Who Has to Pay the Tourist Tax?
- All travelers over 13 years old must pay.
- Applies to both EU and non-EU citizens.
- Charged for both tourism and business trips.
Exemptions to the Tourist Tax
Some visitors do not need to pay:
- Children under 13 years old.
- People staying longer than 7 nights in the same city.
- Visitors traveling for medical reasons (with proof).
- Students or people traveling for certain educational purposes (varies by city).
How to Plan for the Tourist Tax in 2025
While the fee is small, it’s good to be prepared:
- Budget a little extra – Add €10–€20 to your budget if staying in Lisbon or Porto for several days.
- Check with your accommodation – Some hotels include it in the final booking price, while others ask for it at check-in.
- Have small cash available – Although most hotels accept card payments, some smaller hostels or Airbnbs may prefer cash.
- Save receipts – Especially useful for business travelers who need expense records.
Is the Tourist Tax Worth It?
For travelers, paying a few extra euros might feel unnecessary. But when you see how Portugal maintains its beautiful beaches, historic castles, clean streets, and safe transport systems, it’s clear that the small contribution helps improve the travel experience for everyone.
Think of it as an investment in Portugal’s future tourism—ensuring that the country remains a top destination for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do children pay the tourist tax in Portugal?
No. Children under 13 are exempt.
2. Do I need to pay if I stay in an Airbnb?
Yes. The tax applies to all accommodations, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.
3. Is the tax included in the booking price?
Sometimes. Some hotels show the fee upfront, but often you’ll be asked to pay at check-in or check-out.
4. Do business travelers pay?
Yes, unless specifically exempt for long stays or special reasons.
5. How much should I budget for a week in Lisbon or Porto?
Around €14 per adult, since the maximum is €2 per night for 7 nights.
Final Thoughts
The tourist tax in Portugal 2025 is a small, simple fee that ensures the country remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. At just €1–€2 per night, it won’t impact your budget much, but it plays a big role in keeping Portugal’s cities and beaches clean, safe, and beautiful.
When planning your trip, remember:
- It only applies in some cities.
- Children under 13 don’t pay.
- The maximum is usually 7 nights.
So, enjoy your journey knowing your contribution is helping Portugal remain a top travel destination for millions of visitors worldwide.