Nicknamed 'Little Paris', the Romanian capital of Bucharest has become a magnet for British travellers seeking a vibrant, affordable city break. However, visitors planning a trip in 2026 will face a new nightly charge, as local officials push ahead with a controversial tourist levy.
The New Charge: What Travellers Need to Know
From next year, every tourist staying in any form of accommodation in Bucharest will be charged 10 Romanian Leu (approximately £1.70) per night. The tax was formally adopted by the General Council Municipality of Bucharest on Tuesday, 23 December, and is set to come into effect for the 2026 travel season.
Unlike systems in cities like Barcelona, the fee is a flat rate and will not vary based on the price or standard of your hotel or rental. It will be collected directly by accommodation providers, including hotels, and major online platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Authorities have warned that non-compliance could lead to fines of up to 1,500 Leu (£256) for individuals and 4,000 Leu (£683) for businesses.
Funding and Backlash: A 'Hastily Passed' Measure
Officials state the tax aims to raise more than £2.5 million annually (15 million Romanian Leu) to help promote Bucharest as a tourist destination. This move follows a significant surge in visitors, with the city recording nearly 954,000 arrivals and 1.93 million overnight stays in just the first half of 2025.
However, the rapid adoption of the measure—just four days after the draft was published—has sparked significant concern. The Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) has led the backlash, arguing the legislation was passed in a 'non-transparent way'. Industry leaders fear a lack of a concrete plan for using the funds could result in poor promotion, leaving Bucharest as an 'expensive fiscal desideration'.
'Tourism needs partnership, not administrative improvisation,' the FIHR stated, warning the tax could negatively impact the sector's growth.
Bucharest's Allure and the Wider Trend
Bucharest's rise in popularity is driven by its unique blend of communist-era architecture, medieval charm in the Old Town, and lively nightlife, all amplified by social media platforms like TikTok. With cheap, direct flights from the UK taking just over three hours, it has become a favourite for both city-breakers and stag parties.
The move mirrors a growing global trend of destination taxes. It also comes as new powers in the UK's Autumn Budget 2025 enable local leaders in England to introduce similar levies on overnight stays, aligning with practices in cities like New York, Paris, and Milan.
While the extra cost per night remains relatively small, the introduction of the Bucharest tourist tax marks a pivotal moment for a destination capitalising on its newfound popularity, balancing revenue generation with the risk of deterring budget-conscious travellers.
