Traveling to Belgium in 2025? Whether you’re enjoying the medieval charm of Bruges, the lively atmosphere of Brussels, or Antwerp’s cultural gems, you’ll likely need to pay the Belgium city tax 2025. This fee is applied to hotel stays and short-term rentals across many Belgian cities.
The charges are usually modest but differ from city to city. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Belgium city tax costs in Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, and beyond, plus the latest updates and practical tips for travelers.
2. What Is the Belgium City Tax 2025?
The Belgium city tax 2025 (also called tourist tax or city tax) is a nightly fee charged per room or per person, depending on the city.
Key points:
- Applied to hotels, hostels, and rentals.
- Rate depends on city and accommodation type.
- Often per room, not per person, making it different from other EU countries.
- Collected at check-out, or included in booking platforms like Airbnb.
3. Belgium City Tax Rates by City (2025)
| City | Hotels (per room/night) | Hostels & B&Bs | Short-Term Rentals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | €4–€9 depending on star rating | €4–€6 | Often included in platform | Varies by hotel size/location |
| Bruges | €3 per person/night | Same as hotels | Same as hotels | Applies to all visitors |
| Antwerp | €2.97 per room/night | Same as hotels | Same as hotels | Flat rate across the city |
| Ghent | €3 per person/night | Same as hotels | Same as hotels | Supports cultural tourism |
| Other towns | €1–€4 | €1–€4 | €1–€4 | Smaller communes may charge less |
💡 Travel Tip: In Brussels, the city tax is per room, which makes it more affordable for groups sharing accommodations.
4. How Do You Pay the Belgium City Tax?
- Typically collected at hotel check-out.
- For Airbnb or Booking.com, it may be included in the listed price.
- Always check your reservation details for extra charges.
5. Belgium City Tax 2025 by Destination
🏙️ Brussels City Tax
- €4–€9 per room, per night.
- Higher rates for larger hotels or central locations.
💡 Tip: Families save more since tax is per room, not per person.
🌉 Bruges City Tax
- Flat €3 per person, per night.
- Applies to all accommodation types.
💡 Tip: Stay longer in Bruges, as the flat per-person rate is manageable.
🎨 Antwerp City Tax
- Flat €2.97 per room, per night.
- Applies to hotels, hostels, and rentals.
💡 Tip: Budget travelers benefit from Antwerp’s simple flat rate.
📚 Ghent City Tax
- Around €3 per person, per night.
- Supports preservation of the historic city center.
💡 Tip: Students may be exempt in some hostels.
6. What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
- Hotels are required to collect the Belgium city tax.
- Non-payment can result in extra charges or refusal at check-in.
- Hosts face penalties if they fail to collect.
7. Where Does the Belgium City Tax Go?
The revenue supports:
- Tourism promotion campaigns.
- City infrastructure (cleaning, signage, public transport).
- Maintenance of historic attractions like canals, cathedrals, and museums.
8. Belgium City Tax News & Updates (2025)
| Update | Impact on Travelers |
|---|---|
| Brussels digital system | More hotels using automated tax collection. |
| Bruges tourism cap | Authorities limiting day-trips; overnight guests more affected by tax. |
| Antwerp sustainability projects | Tourist tax funding green initiatives. |
| Airbnb compliance | Stronger enforcement of tax collection from platforms. |
9. Tips for Travelers in Belgium
- Groups save in Brussels: City tax is per room, not per person.
- Plan for €2–€9 per night: Average across cities.
- Check exemptions: Students and children sometimes excluded.
- Book early in Bruges: Hotels fill quickly, and tax is unavoidable.
- Look at total cost: Always confirm whether the tax is included.
10. FAQs About Belgium City Tax
Q1. How much is the Belgium city tax in Brussels?
👉 Between €4–€9 per room per night, depending on hotel size and rating.
Q2. Do children pay city tax in Belgium?
👉 Usually yes, except in cities where exemptions apply (e.g., some student hostels).
Q3. Is Airbnb subject to Belgium city tax?
👉 Yes, most platforms include or collect it.
Q4. Which Belgian city has the highest tourist tax?
👉 Brussels, with up to €9 per room per night in central hotels.
Q5. Why does Belgium charge this tax?
👉 To fund tourism infrastructure and maintain historic city centers.
11. Conclusion
The Belgium city tax 2025 is modest but varies by city. In Brussels, expect €4–€9 per room, while Bruges and Ghent charge about €3 per person, per night. Antwerp has one of the lowest, at just €2.97 per room.
Though small, this fee supports Belgium’s world-famous attractions, from Brussels’ Grand Place to Bruges’ canals and Ghent’s medieval streets. With a little planning, visitors can budget for these charges and enjoy Belgium without surprises at check-out.