The amount in 2026: 12.5% before VAT
The City of Amsterdam charges 12.5% of the nightly price, calculated before VAT. So the tax depends not on the number of guests or the hotel's stars but on the price of the room: the dearer the room, the higher the tax.
Example: for a room billed at €200 before taxes, expect €25 of tourist tax and €42 of VAT (21%), or €267 a night. Over three nights, the tourist tax alone is €75. The other spending items are in our guide to the budget for a stay in Amsterdam.
Who pays, and when?
The traveller bears it and the host passes it on to the city. Three cases come up:
- Booking with taxes included: the displayed price already includes the tourist tax and VAT. This is the simplest case.
- Booking "taxes extra": the site shows it separately, often at the last step, and you pay it with the booking or on arrival.
- Payment at the front desk: some hotels and hostels charge it at check-out, next to the room.
Always check on the payment page whether the total is "taxes included" before comparing two hotels, especially between a platform that shows the price before tax and a hotel that quotes an all-in price.
What it covers
The tax applies to every type of commercial accommodation: hotels, hostels, B&Bs, holiday apartments and campsites. A legal holiday rental must display a city registration number in its listing, which helps you spot a dubious ad: see our tips in the guide to scams and safety in Amsterdam.
2027: an announced increase
The city has announced a gradual rise: the tax is expected to go to 16% in 2027, then rise by one point a year, up to 20% in 2031. For a stay in 2027, budget for more than the example above, and check the rate applied to your nights.
How to cut the bill
- Sleep outside the centre: a cheaper room means a lower tax. Well-connected metro neighbourhoods are covered in our guide on where to stay in Amsterdam.
- Book off-season: nights are much cheaper in winter than in spring or during big events.
- Share a room between several people: the tax is based on the room, not on each traveller.
- Compare "taxes included": it is the only honest comparison.
Key takeaway
Plan for 12.5% on top of the displayed price before VAT, in addition to VAT, and ask for an itemised receipt at the end of the stay. The tax is not negotiable.
