Facing an influx of visitors, Barcelona is introducing a new measure to regulate tourism. A decision that could affect travellers’ stays starting in April 2026.
With 15.8 million tourists a year, Barcelona has become one of the four most popular destinations in the world. Between its iconic monuments and its vibrant lifestyle, the Catalan capital attracts more travellers every year. But from April 2026, a new measure approved by the regional parliament could affect certain aspects of visitors’ stays.
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Barcelona revises its rules for visitors
For several years, Barcelona has been facing a housing crisis linked to the rapid growth of tourist rentals. In an attempt to curb the phenomenon, the city announced at the end of 2024 its intention to ban short-term tourist apartments by 2028. In the meantime, another measure will come into force in April 2026.
Tourists will soon have to pay nearly double the current tourist tax to stay overnight in the Spanish city. Stays in short-term tourist apartments will see the tax rise from €6.25 to a maximum of €12.50 per night. Hotels will also be affected, with a tax ranging from €10 to €15 per night depending on the category of the establishment, compared with €5 to €7.50 previously.
In practical terms, for a two-night stay in a four-star hotel, travellers will now need to add around €45.60 in taxes to the bill, or €11.40 per person per night. In a five-star hotel, the additional charge could reach €15 per person per night.
These revenues will fund a new “tourism reinvestment fund”, which could generate nearly €100 million per year. The money will notably be used to improve public transport, security and infrastructure in the city’s most visited areas.