Alexander Meddings
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20 Guests Max
3 hrs
When planning your trip to Lisbon, Porto, or various municipalities in the Algarve, don't forget to factor the city tax (Taxa Municipal Turística) into your budget. Often referred to as the ‘tourist tax,’ this fee may not be included in your accommodation’s listed price, and you’ll likely be asked to pay it directly to the establishment at the end of your stay.
Informing yourself about city tax in Lisbon is essential to avoid any last-minute surprises.
On September 1st 2024, Lisbon’s city tax increased from €2 to €4 per guest, per night for all accommodation types. This fee is applicable for up to 7 consecutive nights. Children under 13 years old are exempt from this tax, and it’s only payable once per continuous stay, regardless of whether you change accommodations within the city.
Let’s use a couple of examples to illustrate how Lisbon’s city tax works. A solo traveller staying in a hotel for five nights would pay a tourist tax of €10 (based on the straightforward calculation of €2 x 5 nights).
A family of four (with children aged 15 and 10) staying in an apartment for eight nights would, meanwhile, pay €42. Since the tax is only applicable 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).
Lisbon’s city tax is allocated to enhancing the city’s appeal as a tourist destination and offsetting some of the effects of overtourism by reinvesting in local services. According to Essential Business, tourism grew by 7% in terms of the number of visitors to 1.8 million in February 2024 and overnight stays increased by 6.4% to 4.3 million.
The Partido Comunista Portuguê has argued that the amount collected by the municipality from the tourist tax since its introduction in 2016 has failed to mitigate the most negative impacts of tourism in the city. Portugal’s Partido Socialista has issued a similar statement, calling for “the externalities of tourism [to] be combated and the quality of life of Lisbon residents restored”. Revenue from Lisbon’s city tax will be put towards reinforcing urban hygiene and public transport as well as inspecting local accommodation and nightlife establishments.
No. Children under 13 are exempt from paying city tax in Lisbon. Other exemptions include:
Residents of Lisbon; Guests accompanying patients for medical treatment; Those attending medical consultations in the city; People with disabilities; Hotel employees staying for work purposes.
It’s important to receive a receipt when you pay Lisbon’s city tax. Failure to get proof of payment could indicate that your accommodation has not properly registered your stay.
Planning a trip this summer? Carpe Diem has you covered. We offer a range of tours and experiences for everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned travellers.
First time in Lisbon? Our Lisbon Tours offer the most comprehensive and convenient way of exploring the Portuguese capital’s world-famous attractions.
Our Lisbon food tour has won multiple Viator Experience Awards for 2024 while our Tipsy Tour and Lisbon Walking Tour are firm favourites among travellers.
A sneak peak at our award-winning Lisbon Food Tour 👀
Come and join us in Lisbon and see what all the hype is about!
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You might have heard of the “Seven Wonders of the World” but did you know this phrase also applies to food? Try three of the seven wonders of Portuguese cuisine on our Lisbon Food Tour where you’ll taste your way through the historic Baixa neighbourhood.
A local guide will take you and a group of fellow foodies to three of the city’s most delicious eateries to try traditional petiscos and drinks. Tantalise your taste buds with Portuguese presunto, chourico, and seafood, all perfectly paired with four local beverages. You’ll try the country’s favourite drink, Ginjinha, a traditional liqueur. You’ll also get the chance to indulge in the flavours of local wines including the iconic vinho verde or “green wine”. And of course, no tasting is complete without a sweet treat. To end your tour you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with a classic dessert before continuing the night with your newfound friends.
What are you waiting for? Eat like a local and book our Lisbon Food Tour today.
5(118)
The hills in Lisbon are no joke so it’s best to stay hydrated with the Lisbon Tipsy Tour. Forget about a mundane walking tour— this is where history meets a night out on the town. Meet fellow travellers from around the world while exploring Lisbon’s bustling nightlife with a local, expert guide.
We’ll kick off the tour at Largo do Carmo where we’ll introduce you to the darker side of Lisbon’s history. You’ll hear a dramatic and bloody love story between a Portuguese prince and a Spanish lady of the court. After such a riveting retelling you’ll deserve a drink–or four, so we’ll head into Bairro Alto to discover some local, trendy bars. Start the night with a refreshing drink before breaking the ice over more twisted and fascinating tales. You’ll hear scandalous stories you won’t hear on your standard walking tour, including facts about Lisbon’s naughty past that will make you gasp.
As the adventure continues, we’ll visit some of the most sought-after bars in the city including the only one that serves a one-of-a-kind shot you can only find there. If you’re still thirsty for more you can get more shots in exchange for giving up your bra—yes you’ve heard that right. A bra for shots? It’s a win-win! You’ll also try a long drink featuring bitter almond liquor and other classic Portuguese shots. Learn about the origin stories of locally loved drinks all the while discovering Lisbon’s hidden gems. Still thirsty? The tour might be over, but the night is still young. Take to the streets and continue exploring Lisbon’s nightlife with your newfound friends.
Forget the standard boring walking tour. Learn about history all the while sipping on tasty, local drinks because let’s be honest, if you’re going to do a tour you might as well do it tipsy.
4.98(205)
Let’s explore all of Lisbon’s hills together! The Portuguese capital isn’t just winding cobblestone streets and beautiful squares, it’s also the second oldest city in Europe with centuries of history to uncover. Join us as we take you back in time to explore the best bits of the city, all the while hearing stories, facts, and legends that bring Portuguese culture to life. Your local guide will lead you around four of the city’s most bustling neighbourhoods including Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Alfama.
Over two hours you and a group of fellow adventurers will discover 3000 years of Lisbon’s history and loads of hidden gems. Our route takes you to the viewpoint of Santa Justa where you’ll witness jaw-dropping views of Lisbon. We also pass the oldest cafe in the city as well as Bertrand bookshop, the longest operating bookshop in the world! Along the way you’ll learn about the devastating earthquake that rocked the city over two hundred years ago and brought the Royal Palace crashing to the ground. You’ll also be immersed in the birthplace of Fado, a local musical tradition, developed over centuries in the tabernas and back alleys of Alfama.
Make the most of your time in Lisbon and let us show memorable sights and tell you the fascinating stories behind them. Our guides will answer your burning questions, show you the prime selfie spots, and give you insider tips for the best recommendations in the city.
4.93(189)