lille tourist tax

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What is the tourist tax.

Verified 02 June 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Some municipalities may require holidaymakers staying in their territory to pay a tourist tax.

How do I know the amount of the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is payable per person per night. The amount varies:

• according to the type of accommodation (hotel, furnished tourist, camping, etc.)
• and depending on whether the accommodation is classified or not.

To find out the amount of the tourist tax payable, you can consult this online service:

Tourist tax rates per municipality

In addition, the amount of the tax must be displayed at the lodger, the hotelier or the owner of the accommodation and appear on the invoice given to the vacationer

It can also be consulted in the town hall or at the tourist office concerned.

Who has to pay the tourist tax?

The tourist tax must be paid by the holidaymaker who stays in one of the following accommodation units:

• Tourist hotel
• Tourist residence
• Furnished tourist goods or holiday rental between private individuals (including room with a local)
• Bed & Breakfast
• Holiday village
• Outdoor accommodations (camping, caravan, camper vans and tourist parking)

The holidaymaker must pay the tourist tax:

• to the lodger, the hotelier or the owner
• or the professional who provides the internet booking service on behalf of the lodger, the hotelier, the owner.

The amount thus collected is then repaid to the municipality.

Some people are exempt:

• Child under 18 years
• Holder of a seasonal employment contract employed in the municipality
• Beneficiary of emergency accommodation or temporary relocation
• Person occupying premises whose rent is less than an amount determined by the municipal council

Please note

if you can prove that you are resident in the municipality, you do not have to pay the tourist tax on that municipality, even if you have a residence in another municipality.

To find out the rules applicable to your place of stay, it is possible to contact the City Hall:

Who shall I contact

Statute and miscellaneous references.

General code of local and regional authorities: Articles L2333-26 to L2333-47

Tourist tax in real and flat-rate form: general provisions

General code for local and regional authorities: Articles L2333-29 to L2333-31

Base, rate and exemption from tourist tax

General code of local and regional authorities: Articles R2333-43 to R2333-57

Tourist tax in real and flat-rate form: common provisions

General code of regional and local authorities: Article L5211-21

Decision to apply an inter-municipal residence tax

General code of regional and local authorities: Article R5211-6

Online services and forms

Search tools

Tourist tax: what are the rates?

Additional topics

Tourist accommodation tax

Tourist tax

Ministry of Economy

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Tourist tax: what are the rates?

Verified 01 January 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister), Ministry of Economy

Discount on an amount payable.

The municipality or the EPCI : titleContent may decide to apply a tourist tax ( real tourist tax or flat-rate tourist tax ). The decision must be made before 1 er July to apply from 1  er January of the following year. The decision also determines the criteria of the tax, such as the collection period (tourist season) or the amount applicable depending on the nature and classification of the accommodation.

What is the tourist tax?

A commune or a EPCI : titleContent may decide to apply:

• Let's say one real tourist tax , which is collected per person hosted,
• Let's say one flat-rate tourist tax , which is levied per tourist accommodation.

The municipality or EPCI shall define the characteristics of the tax, including the following:

• Period during which the tourist tax applies
• Amount of tourist tax, by type of accommodation. This amount must be decided before the beginning of the period during which the tax applies. It must be fixed within the limits of a minimum and a maximum tariff updated each year (tariff schedule).
• Whether or not a abatement on the number of accommodation units. The abatement rate must be between 10% and 80% .

How to calculate the tourist tax?

Tariff schedule applicable in 2023.

City tax rates are adopted by the city council or the legislative body of an EPCI, taking into account a scale that is increased each year:

Calculation of the real tourist tax

To calculate the real tourist tax due, the rate applicable to each category of accommodation must be multiplied by the number of overnight stays and then by the number of taxable persons.

The tax collected for the stay of 2 adults for 2 nights in a 2-star hotel is maximum:

2 x 2 x  €0.90  =  €3.60

Calculation of the tourist tax for the package

To calculate the flat-rate tourist tax due, there is a need to multiply

• Rate applicable to the accommodation category per accommodation unit
• Number of nights included both in the period of opening of the accommodation and in the period of collection of the tax
• Accommodation capacity

A tourist hotel has the following characteristics:

• Rated 2 stars. The rate applied per unit of capacity is €0.90 .
• Maximum capacity of 50 beds. It benefits from a discount of 30% .
• Open 183 nights during the period of collection of the tourist tax.

The calculation is as follows:

• Capacity after abatement: 50 - 30% = (50 - (50 x 30)/100) = 50 - 15 = 35
• Flat-rate tourist tax per year: €0.90 x 35 x 183 = €5,764.50 per year.

Calculation of the tourist tax for accommodation awaiting classification

When the accommodation is waiting to be ranked or not ranked (except outdoor accommodation), a rate must be applied.

In 2023, the adopted rate is between 1% and 5% .

It shall apply per person per overnight stay up to the highest rate adopted by the community. The cost of the overnight stay corresponds to the price of the accommodation service excluding taxes.

How do I know the amount of the tourist tax per municipality?

To find out the amount of the tourist tax charged in a municipality, you can use this online service:

Tourist tax rates per municipality

Statute and miscellaneous references

General code of local and regional authorities: Articles L2333-26 to L2333-47

Tourist tax on the real and the package 

General code of local and regional authorities: Articles R2333-43 to R2333-57

General code of regional and local authorities: Article L5211-21

Decision to apply an inter-municipal residence tax

General code of regional and local authorities: Article R5211-6

Online services and forms

Search tools

Additional topics

Tourist accommodation tax

Tourist tax

Ministry of Economy

Owner's Guide: Renting Furnished Tourists (PDF - 3.2 MB)

Ministry of the Environment

Public institution for inter-municipal cooperation

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WELCOME TO LILLE

Lille fully deserves its title of City of Art and History. In addition to Flemish architecture with colorful facades (of which the Vieille Bourse is one of the finest examples), Lille has a rich and diversified heritage; the private mansions between courtyard and garden of the royal district rub shoulders with the eclecticism of the grand boulevards or the “madness houses”, these old factories (textiles, breweries) which are beginning a second life. When is your next visit? We are warmly waiting for you!

More than 7,000 rooms, from 4-star luxury located in a historic monument to budget hotels, but also guest rooms, Clévacances or Gîtes de France furnished accommodation located in beautiful houses in the North and typical barges. In the Lille metropolis, the choice is vast and attractive.

40 hotels in the Nord-Pas de Calais region, under the Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Suite Novotel, Ibis, Ibis Styles, Ibis Budget and Formula 1 brands.

61 member hotels of the Lille Métropole Hotel Club characterize the friendliness and generosity of the people of the North. Lille Métropole Hotel Club – http://www.hotelslille.com Gîtes de France du Nord – http://www.gites-de-France-nord.com

There is something for everyone: Flemish specialties such as Waterzooï, Carbonade Flamande, Potjevleesch… traditional French cuisine and foreign specialities. To receive your groups, Lille has establishments that have reception capacities up to

Lille Tourist Office

T: 08 91 56 3000 (€0.112 including tax/min.) T: +33 (0) 3 59 57 94 00 [email protected] http://www.lilletourism.com Hotel reservation center of the Lille Tourist Office T: 08 91 56 20 04 (0.225 euros/min.) http://www.lilletourism.com

Mon – Sat: 9:00 a.m. > 6:30 p.m. Sun and public holidays: 10 a.m. > 4.30 p.m. (except 01/01 – 01/05 – 25/12)

Reservation service of the Departmental Tourism Committee of the North,

to find a hotel room or a guest room at the last minute, in real time. Résachambre: 08 92 16 18 20 (24h/24h)

(Union of Trades in the Hotel Industry)

List of all restaurants, cafes and nightclubs: +33 (0) 320 54 35 64 or by email: [email protected]

Inscrivez-vous à notre newsletter pour recevoir toutes les infos lille3000 et ne rater aucun événement !

Lille city and visitor guide

Discover the lille and roubaix area,   lille - once the industrial capital of france.

Tourist attractions in Lille

• The Grande Place -  The Old Stock Exchange square (photo top of page), one of Lille's fine urban piazzas.
• The Belfry - A Unesco world heritage site (Belfries of Flanders). 104 metres tall. There is a lift to the viewing terrace... but visitors first need to climb 100 steps to reach the lift.
• The Fine Arts Palace.  Palais des Beaux Arts -  One of the largest provincial art galleries in France, with a good collection particularly of French and Flemish art. Includes paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens.
• The Museum of Modern and contemporary Art . in the suburb of Villeneuve d'Ascq. One of the best modern art collections in France.
• The Piscine gallery (the Swimming Pool). Fascinating gallery of 19th and early 20th century painting and sculpture, housed in and around a 1930s Art Deco former swmming pool.
• The zoo and the Citadel.  Lille Zoo is housed in grounds outside the 17th century Lille military citadel. A very popular weekend outing for local inhabitants. A walk round the outer ramparts is over 2 km. The Citadel, still a military site, is normlly closed to visitors.
• La Manufacture. In Roubaix, housed in a former textile mill, this museum tells the story of the textile industry in the Lille area. Has 15 working historic looms.

Places to visit near Lille

• Cassel 40 km northwest of Lille, is an attractive hilltop town - built on one of the rare hills in this essentially flat part of France.
• Ypres (Belgium) , One of the major battle sites of the first World War. It's magnificent Cloth Hall has been meticulously rebuilt.
• Lens .  Le Louvre, Lens.  A modern satellite of the Paris Louvre, in a former mining town, le Louvre Lens exhibits works of art from the main Louvre, including major works that wre leant temporarily.

Accommodation 

Location and access.

• By air   Lille airport is not served by any regular flights from the UK. Nearest airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle or Brussels.  For details see  Fly to France . 
• By train   Lille is accessible by direct Eurostar services from London and Ashford, or direct  Thalys services from Amsterdam and Brussels, as well as direct high speed train services to Paris and many other French cities.  For timetables and online tickets (SNCF, Eurostar) , see  Trainline.com   .
• By car  Lille can be reached by car from Calais in about an hour.

Lille hotels

Tourist Tax in Italy: the 2024 Full and Complete Guide With All Rates

In most European countries visitors have to pay a tourist tax and Italy is no exception. In this full and complete guide I will answer the most common questions about it. If you’re planning to visit Italy soon, check out the information below and calculate your rate for your trip!

1. What’s The Tourist Tax?

The tourist tax in Italy is a tax that tourists have to pay for each night of their stay. It is collected by the accommodation they’re staying at – from all types of hotels to B&B, hostels, and campsites – over their vacation.

The amount varies according to the municipality and the type of accommodation : the more luxurious the higher the rate.

2. Why Is it Necessary?

Although the tourist tax is reinvested by the municipality mainly in heritage preservation , it is also used to implement all local services and facilities in order to keep the city in a good state and easily accessible to tourists.

It’s a small amount per person but it helps us to make the difference in keeping our cultural heritage maintained .

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3. Do Children Pay Tourist Tax in Italy?

In most cases, children up to a certain age don’t have to pay. However, conditions are different in each municipality. To see in which category your kids fall, please check the table below (see paragraph 4).

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4. How Much Is The Tourist Tax In Italy?

The tourist tax rate depends on each municipality. This tax is usually updated every year (sometimes every 2 years), therefore you always need to check the most recent rate.

In order for you to know how much you have to pay in each city you’ll be visit ing, I collected all the helpful data below: you will find the most touristic areas and corresponding taxes in three accommodation categories, children and elderly policies together with the period of time when the rate is applicable.

* depends on the hotel rates

5. Are There Any Exemptions?

Yes, there are some exemptions.

Below I collected the most common as each municipality has its own rules and regulations. The following, however, are shared with pretty much every municipality. Those who are exempt are:

a) residents in the municipality;

b) people with disabilities , with suitable medical certification, and relative accompanying person and parents who accompany children with disabilities;

c) patients in healthcare facilities and accompanying family members;

d) coach drivers and tour leaders who accompany groups organized by travel agencies;

e) members of the police and military forces, as well as the National Fire and Civil Protection Corps in case of service needs;

f) volunteers who offer their services in the social sector for events and manifestations organized by the Municipal, Provincial and Regional Administration or for environmental needs;

g) people who stay in the accommodation as a result of measures taken by public authorities to deal with emergency situations ;

h) university students (only in some cases and upon certain conditions).

Renting a Car in Italy: A Complete Guide for North Americans

6. Is It Possible To Get Any Refunds?

If you book your stay in any accommodation in Italy where the tourist tax is automatically collected (e.g. Airbnb) and you are entitled to a refund (e.g. if you fall into the exemption category), you can request it by completing a refund form that you can find on each municipality website. Refunds will be processed at the end of your booking .

Take a look at examples of forms in Bologna and Milan .

7. If I Stay In An Airbnb Or Apartment, Do The Same Rules Apply?

If you stay in any accommodation other than hotels, you have to pay the tourist tax. There is no exemption in this case.

The rate and conditions vary according to the type of accommodation, so you should check in with the place you’re staying at to verify all conditions applicable to your situation. In the case of Airbnb, you can check the rates on their website at this link .

Has this guide been helpful? Take a look at the other articles below!

Is Water Free and Safe to Drink in Italy?

Mosquitoes in Italy: Tips on How to Survive Them

Did you Like the Post? Follow Me on Social Media and Stay Tuned for More Content!

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Tourist Tax Updates in France for 2024

• Post author By Valery Saavedra
• Post date 15/04/2024
• No Comments on Tourist Tax Updates in France for 2024

Since January 2024, there has been a rise in French tourist taxes. The decision to raise taxes comes months ahead of the much-anticipated Paris Olympics. Hotel prices have been on the rise leading up to the games, averaging more than 300% higher than normal for this summer. Overall, Paris expects more than 11 million visitors to head to the city for the event, which kicks off July 26.

If you are managing a short term rental or hotel in France, you should be well aware of these changes and the impact it might have on your pricing structure.

Tourist Tax Updates: New Rates Since Jan 2024

As every year, since late 2023, the French government revised and defined the new rates for 2024 which has been active since January 2024. The new rates changes vary from department and region where the property is located. 

Alongside the updated rates for 2024, two new additional percentages have been officially introduced that could affect the tourist taxes calculation.

Additional 200% Tax for the Île-de-France Department

In a notable development,  a new additional tax of 200% has been proposed for the Île-de-France region. This tax, collected for the benefit of Île-de-France Mobilités, is to be added to the existing 15% additional tax for the Île-de-France department, thus making this region the one with the highest tax rate in France.

Additional 34% Tax for some Departments

Several departments across France will now enforce an additional tax. This additional tax, amounting to 34%, is allocated to specific local public establishments. The affected departments include:

• Art. L. 4332-4: Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Alpes-Maritimes
• Art. L. 4332-5: Gironde, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Hautes-Pyrénées, Ariège, Lot, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne
• Art. L. 4332-6:Hérault, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales

This additional tax is established and collected according to the same terms as the tax to which it is added.

Additional Taxes by Department and Region

Apart from base rates, additional taxes may be imposed by individual departments. These additional taxes could range from 10% to 34%, or a combination, depending on local regulations.

Notably, the Île-de-France region imposes additional regional rates, set at 15% and 200% respectively, applicable to both classified and non-classified properties.

These updates signify the French government’s commitment to optimizing tourist tax systems, ensuring fair contributions from visitors while supporting local initiatives and infrastructure development. Travelers and property owners alike are encouraged to stay informed about these changes to comply with regulatory requirements effectively.

Detailed Calculation of Tourist Tax

The calculation of tourist tax varies depending on whether the property is classified or awaiting classification. Properties falling under specific categories have the tariff rates set on the Taxe Sejour website , with variations across regions.

However, for non-classified or awaiting classification properties, a distinct calculation method is employed. This calculation considers factors such as the price per night, total number of guests (including minors), and a base percentage determined by the region. Additionally, there is a ceiling defined by the highest classification rate in each region. 

For example in Paris, the highest rate is 4.60 for Palaces, so if the base calculation results in 5.00, it will be overridden by the 4.60 amount to continue with the additional taxes calculations.

Automate Your Tourist Tax Calculations 

With Chekin , you can effortlessly configure tourist tax calculations based on your region, allowing our system to handle the calculation and collection automatically for each reservation. Whether your accommodations are classified or unclassified, you can take advantage of this technological advancement, significantly simplifying tax management and avoiding collection issues.

Link of interest

Experience Automated Tax Calculation Free for 14 Days New additional tax to the tourist tax in Île-de-France Official Law for the 200% increase Tourist tax rates per municipality (Search tool) Taxes exemptions in Paris Official Law for the 34%

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Ten things to do in Lille France

• Janine Marsh
• Nord-Pas de Calais

Lille is one of those cities that lures you in and embraces you with its charm.

Head for the Grand Place, the large square in the centre of Vieux Lille (the old town) any time you go, it’s the perfect starting point as it’s also where you’ll find the Tourist Office (just off the square) where you can pick up a free map. You’ll need it, this city has a labyrinth of winding streets.

There are several places you really mustn’t miss in Lille, so grab that map and head for:

1. Place des Oignons

Take a wander in this lovely square. It’s lined with quirky shops and places to eat and drink. It has a villagey vibe in the centre of the city and is great to relax.

2. Vielle Bourse

Go in the afternoons when the second hand book market is on. The inner courtyard of Lille’s old stock Exchange with its Renaissance frescoes is stunning.

Go on a Sunday night in the summer and join in the tango dancing under the stars .

More on the second hand book market in Lille.

3. Palais des Beaux Arts

This museum ought to be much better known than it is. Full of incredible paintings and artefacts it’s also very innovative with contemporary exhibitions and a willingness to present things in a different way. Normally I’m not that keen on that sort of thing but here it just works – brilliantly.

4. Take a break

There are hundreds of options in Lille from haute cuisine to mussels and chips, the local’s favourite.

Try Au Moulin d’Or Chez Morel – opposite Lille’s Renaissance opera house, this restaurant is friendly, traditional brasserie style with a modern vibe and has a great menu. Upstairs or downstairs, you’ll be made to feel welcome and find yourself falling under its spell, happy to sit and enjoy the vibe. Ten brilliant places to eat and drink in Lille

5. Artistic license

Lille was European city of culture in 2004 and it’s never looked back. Once the owner of a reputation as a rather drab place, Lille is dynamic, colourful, vibrant and funky. There are more than a dozen museums and art galleries and even the most prolific art lover will be impressed by the quality. Every three years the city hosts Lille 3000 , a months long art festival that takes place in hundreds of venues and commences with a fabulous parade.

6. Ride baby ride

Get off the beaten track, hire a bike and see the city on 2 wheels . This is a cycle friendly town with lots of cycle paths and even if you ride round the centre you’ll find cars are courteous and aware.

7. Take another break!

There are hundreds and hundreds of bars and cafes, and this is of course beer country being just a few miles from Belgium. For beer head to Vivat Factory where they’ll explain how and where beers are made and have a great beer tasting menu. It’s next to the magnificent Cathedral Notre Dame de la Treille and while you’re there pop in and admire the incredible marble facade – it has to be seen from inside to appreciate its beauty. Or for a touch of luxury, head to Couvent des minimes, the only dedicated Champagne bar in town – or a thousand other bars for your favourite tipple.

8. Park Life

There are several city parks where you can enjoy a picnic, Parc Vauban is a romantic, English style garden, great for wandering and relaxing. The Jardin des Geants is great for relaxing and has beautiful plant schemes. Head to the 123 acre Parc de la Citadelle to visit Lille Zoo, which costs just a few Euros to enter, wander in the woods and enjoy the cool views of the canal that encircles the park.

9. Shop til you drop

From fashion to kitchenalia and interior design to gourmet food products, Lille is a fabulous place for shopping. It’s like a mini Paris with an Hermès and Louis Vuitton store if you’ve won the lottery, though sadly the Galleries Lafayette store has closed now. What really makes this a superb shopping centre is that though there are all the usual high street stores, there are also loads of boutiques with clothes that won’t break the bank but will make you stand out because no one else will be wearing what you are – and that French style we all love is very evident.

You can’t go here and not visit Meert the chocolate shop, people have been flocking here for the sweets and pastries since 1761. And there’s a reason for that – their desserts and chocolates are sublime.

Lille is doable in one day but think how much more fun it is for a weekend!

Lille Tourist Office

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Tourist tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in France

What is the tourist tax.

Travelers may be required to pay a tourist tax when they book a reservation at listings in certain municipalities. The amount of the tourist tax is determined by the municipality, and may include additional taxes when voted by the Département (10%) or the Region (for example, the Île-de-France region recently introduced an additional "Grand Paris" tax of 15%). These additional taxes are collected at the same time as the tourist tax and are remitted twice a year.

When did Airbnb start collecting the tourist tax?

Starting July 1, 2018, Airbnb began collecting the tourist tax on Airbnb reservations in cities that introduced a tax “au réel” and filed with the French administration (“Ocsitan” file managed by the tax administration). The amount is remitted twice a year to the city on behalf of hosts, professional or individual ones.

Does Airbnb also collect departmental and/or regional taxes when they apply?

Yes, Airbnb also collects departmental taxes and the Grand Paris tax. Airbnb transfers the proceeds of this tax directly to the cities on behalf of the hosts.

How much is the tourist tax?

The tourist tax rate varies according to the property type of the listing as indicated by the host on Airbnb. Learn more out the different types of tourist accommodations in France .

The rates are voted by each municipality:

• For properties that have been classified (“classées”), the rate is determined in euros per night per person.
• For “non classified furnished” properties, municipalities set a rate between 1% and 5% of the price of the night per person. Find out the rate for your type of property .

Airbnb collects the tourist tax at the set rates depending on the nature of the accommodation offered (ex: "furnished tourism", "hotel", etc) and its ranking (unrated, 1 star, etc) as indicated by the host. The platform also collects the departmental tax and the “Grand Paris” tax when they apply.

Since January 2020, the law mandates platforms to collect and remit the tourist tax on behalf of non-professional hosts for all bookings accepted on the platform. For bookings made on Airbnb, as hosts (including professional hosts) you no longer have to do anything - neither for the collection nor for the remittance or the declaration.

What process do hosts need to follow?

Hosts will need to select the type of property they host, and the corresponding tax rate will be factored into the listing price when guests book the listing. Hosts can do this on the Airbnb website or mobile app when they manage their listings-just go to the Regulations tab and choose the classification category and the applicable tax rate for the listing will be set automatically. Until this step is complete, the rate for a "furnished unclassified" listing will be applied (between 1 and 5% per person of the amount of the night).

What happens if my property type changes?

Hosts can update this information on the Airbnb website or mobile app on the Manage My Listings tab. The new rate will then be updated automatically. Please note: changes may take up to 24 hours to take effect.

When is the tourist tax collected?

The tax is collected when guests book their reservation, not at the time of stay.

Does this automatic collection affect the host’s payouts?

The collection of the tourist tax does not affect the amount hosts receive from guests who book their listing. The rate is calculated automatically and added to the overall amount the guest pays.

How can I verify that the tourist tax has actually been collected on the reservations I accepted?

You will find a summary of your gross revenue generated by Airbnb per period on your personal account (Account > Transaction History > Gross Revenues).

Does Airbnb take into account tax holidays exemptions (for example, for minors, seasonal workers, etc.)?

For information about exemptions, please visit the How do I get a refund if I’m exempt from the tourist tax in France? help center article.

How is the tax remitted to the municipalities?

The repayment is made by Airbnb once a year. 

As a host, can I not allow Airbnb to automatically collect the tourist tax?

No. By accepting the Terms and Conditions of this platform, the hosts (either individuals or professionals) expressly authorize Airbnb to collect the tourist tax in their name and on their behalf.

Find out more about how occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb works .

Note: Hosts located in these areas are responsible for assessing all other tax obligations, including state and city jurisdictions. Hosts with listings in these areas should also review their agreement with Airbnb under the Terms of Service and familiarize themselves with the Occupancy Tax provisions which allow us to collect and remit taxes on their behalf and explains how the process works. Under those provisions, hosts instruct and authorize Airbnb to collect and remit Occupancy Taxes on their behalf in jurisdictions where Airbnb decides to facilitate such collection. If a host believes applicable laws exempt the host from collecting a tax that Airbnb collects and remits on the host's behalf, the host has agreed that, by accepting the reservation, the host is waiving that exemption. If a host does not want to waive an exemption the host believes exists, the host should not accept the reservation.

Related articles

How does occupancy tax collection and remittance by airbnb work, in what areas is occupancy tax collection and remittance by airbnb available, how do taxes work for hosts.

Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Lille (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Lille (France)

The capital of the northern Hauts-de-France region, Lille has a reputation as a hard-working industrial city, and has a fabulous historical centre. Until it was invaded by Louis XIV in 1667 Lille was actually Flemish, and this heritage is clear in the city’s architecture.

Old Lille has an abundance of baroque buildings, with delicately gabled roofs, and plush late-19th-century homes on engaging streets. If you’re on the hunt for culture you’ll be pleased with what you find: The Palace of Fine Arts is second only to the Louvre and there’s a clutch of smaller attractions that deserve your attention.

Lets explore the best things to do in Lille :

1. Old Lille

Lille’s historic district is a delight, with restored bourgeois houses on cobblestone streets.

You’ll  pick up on the city’s Flemish influence when you see the baroque architecture dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Place Louise de Bettignies and Rue de la Monnaie are the best places to start a stroll, and you’ll spend most of the walk looking up at the decorative facades and gables, so be careful not to bump into anyone! Old Lille is a dynamic area too, with more than its fair share of bars and congenial nightspots.

2. Palais des Beaux-Arts

A simply enormous museum, Palais des BeauxArts is behind only the Louvre for size.

It’s in a lovely Belle Époque summer palace from the end of the 19th century, and you may need as long as half a day to get the most out of the museum and its art from the 1400s up to the 1900s.

There are works by Monet, Raphael, Gustave Courbet, Rubens, van Gogh, Donatello, Jacob Jordaens and Picasso, but this is just the swiftest breeze through what’s on show.

Make time for the plans-reliefs, which are high-detail 17th and 18th-century scale models of cities around modern day Belgium and northern France, including Lille.

3. La Vieille Bourse

Most agree that Lille’s old stock exchange is the finest building in the city.

It dates to the mid-17th century and consists of 24 Flemish renaissance houses, all around a central arcaded courtyard.

If you’re wondering how the facades can be so ornate, the main architect, Julien Destrée, was a decorative furniture designer by trade, and was given free rein to express himself on this project.

After more than 350 years La Vieille Bourse still a fixture of daily life in Lille; people come to play chess in the courtyard, and beneath the arcades there’s a daily flower and book market.

If you fancy it in summer you can watch dance demonstrations in this marvellous space.

4. Grand Place

Lille’s expansive main square is the place where locals and tourists converge to meet up or see the sights.

On all sides are wondrous old gabled buildings.

Pause to look at the Théâtre du Nord, set in Lille’s former guardhouse from 1717. That classic Flemish style has also been adopted by more modern structures, like the art deco Voix du Nord building next-door, which was built in 1936 and has a high crow-stepped gable.

At the heart of the  square is the Colonne de la Déesse, put up in the 19th century to honour the city’s part in repelling the Habsburg Empire in the Siege of Lille in 1792.

5. Parc Zoologique

Located in the upmarket Esquermes quarter, Lille’s zoo is free to enter, placing it among the most-visited zoological attractions in all of France.

The zoo is pretty compact, but has 450 animals from 70-odd species and takes part in international conservation programs for endangered species.

The enclosures are all large and natural-looking too, so you won’t feel guilty about a family day out here.

There are seven areas in all, most organised geographically, so in Les Terres d’Afrique are zebras and rhinos, while the American zone has alpacas and tapirs.

Lille’s museum of modern art is a first-rate contemporary cultural attraction with more than 6,700 works from the 20th and 21st centuries.

It really took off in 1999 when it received a donation from L’Aracine, an association of Art Brut collectors, and now contains the largest set of Art Brut works in France.

Outsider artists like Augustin Lesage, Henry Darger and the famous schizophrenic Carlo Zinelli are all featured.

You can also see works by giants like Picasso, Georges Braque, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Amedeo Modigliani and Alexander Calder.

The verdant sculpture park is good for a stroll too, with contributions from Jacques Lipchitz, Eugène Dodeigne, Picasso and Calder.

7. Lille Citadelle

After conquering Lille in 1667 Louis XIV wasted little time reinforcing the city’s fortifications.

The star-shaped citadel was built in just three years, and was designed by none other than Vauban, the famed military engineer who left his mark all across France in this time.

The speed of the project is all the more amazing when you see the quantity of material needed for its construction: Three million stone blocks, 70,000 lumps of sandstone and 60 million bricks.

The Citadel is still a French military base today, so you can’t enter, but you can admire the various gates and outer walls on a ramble in the canal-side park, in Esquermes, the same posh part of the city as the Zoo.

8. Stade Pierre-Mauroy

The local football team, Lille OSC have been a mainstay of Ligue 1 for many years, and managed to win the league in 2011. Things have been up and down for them since then, but the club has a swish new stadium if you’re up for some live football action.

Stade Pierre-Mauroy can seat 50,000,was built for EURO 2016 and hosted six matches during the tournament, including the quarter-final between Wales and Belgium.

In the summer the stadium doubles as a concert arena for major artists like Rihanna.

9. Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle

On Rue Pincesse, in a leafy neighbourhood north of Old Lille, is the house where Charles de Gaulle was born on November 22 1890. It belonged to his maternal grandparents, and his family was well-off, although it had lost its land in the Revolution almost a century before.

With the help of family keepsakes and contemporary memorabilia the house is now a museum doing a good job of recreating a 19th-century bourgeois home.

There are some artefacts that will catch the eye, like the general’s cradle, and the officer’s sword he received at the end of his first year at the Saint-Cyr military academy.

10. Town Hall and Belfry

The art deco Hôtel de Ville went up in the 1920s and took inspiration from Lille’s famous gables.

Flanders, to which Lille belonged for centuries, is a region noted for its belfries, and the town hall boasts the most recent and the highest of them all: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site on its own, and rises to 104 metres.

In a low-rise city like Lille this concrete landmark is a useful marker wherever you are.

There are 400 steps to get to the top, but most sensible people will choose the lift!

Ticket available online : Town Hall Belfry Entry Ticket

11. Maison Folie Wazemmes

One of Lille’s massive textile mills has been transformed into a modern cultural centre.

It’s a red brick factory dating to 1855, and in 2004 the Dutch architectural agency NOX re-evaluated the two  buildings to create a new landmark for the city.

Contemporary design harmonises with 19th-century architecture here: There’s more than 5,000 square metres for exhibitions, and an auditorium that can seat 250 and stand more than 700. When you’re in town check out the sinuous sheet metal facade and pop inside to see what’s on.

12. Villa Cavrois

Less than ten kilometres from Lille-Centre is the suburb of Croix where aficionados of modern architecture will be keen to tour this mansion designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens.

Villa Cavrois was built at the turn of the 1930s for the rich textile industrialist Paul Cavrois.

Mallet-Stevens was a proponent of the modernist school and the building is a physical manifesto constructed with guidelines demanding the provision of “air, light, work, sports, hygiene, comfort and efficiency”. The villa has conveniences almost unheard of at the time, like air-conditioning, electric lighting in all rooms and telephones for people to speak to each other in different rooms.

13. La Piscine Museum

Next-door to Croix is Roubaix, where there’s an imaginative cultural attraction set in a former indoor swimming pool.

The pool was completed in 1932 and was conceived in an exquisite art deco style.

It shut down in the 80s but was reopened as a wonderful space in which to showcase a large archive of textile samples gathered from Lille’s many textile factories.

This collection goes all the way back to 1835, so the museum will help you connect with Lille’s industrial past in a graceful venue

14. Palais Rihour

There aren’t many flamboyant gothic buildings in Lille, but this mansion completed for the Duke of Burgundy in 1453 is a nice example.

It now contains Lille’s tourist centre in the Salle des Gardes on the ground floor.

Upstairs the Sacristy, with lovely stained-glass windows, and the Salle du Conclave are venues for exhibitions and public events.

The square in front is also where Lille’s first-rate Christmas Market takes place in December, and where you could come to taste Lille’s cuisine.

Just between Place Rihour and Grand Place are typical restaurants cooking Flemish-style dishes like carbonnade Flamande, a beef stew made with beer and served with French fries.

15. Marché de Wazemmes

One of northern France’s best-loved and largest outdoor markets is held at Place Nouvelle Aventure on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings.

Of the three, Sunday is far the most vibrant and colourful, when there are hundreds of stalls and thousands of people show up to browse and buy.

You’ll note a Maghreb accent at Wazemmes, in the spices and exotic fruits and vegetables used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

But really, you can find anything you desire, from rotisserie chicken hot from the spit to antiques, fresh fruits and veg and even clothing.

Cap your visit with a beer at one of the bars around the square.

15 Best Things to Do in Lille (France):

• Palais des Beaux-Arts
• La Vieille Bourse
• Grand Place
• Parc Zoologique
• Lille Citadelle
• Stade Pierre-Mauroy
• Maison Natale Charles de Gaulle
• Town Hall and Belfry
• Maison Folie Wazemmes
• Villa Cavrois
• La Piscine Museum
• Palais Rihour
• Marché de Wazemmes

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A look at Europe’s tourist taxes—have they helped curb overcrowding?

We evaluated imposed tourist fees in European cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice to find out where the money really goes.

If you’ve vacationed in Europe over the past year, then you’re probably aware of the overwhelming surge in tourists. A rise in overtourism has sparked Venice to ban groups larger than 25 people and guides from using loudspeakers on the streets. In Portugal, Lisbon will double its tourist tax from $2.15 to $4.30 on September 1.

Crowded landmark sites, such as Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Dam Square in Amsterdam, and St. Mark’s Square in Venice, have forced all three cities to impose or increase existing tourist taxes to curb overcrowding and placate frustrated locals.

That hasn’t quelled anger in Barcelona, where protestors recently chanted “tourists go home” and sprayed visitors with water pistols. So, we wanted to understand how tourist taxes are collected and do they really ease overtourism and help local communities.

City officials say that revenue from the imposed fees are indeed used to improve quality of life for locals, whereas some tourism experts claim there are no quantitative results. Here’s a quick dive into what happens when you pay tourist fees in Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice and do they really work.  

( What is overtourism ? Here's what you should know. )

Spain’s busiest city, receiving 15.6 million tourists last year , Barcelona is central to debates about overtourism, and how visitors to a destination can help fund its upkeep. This city has two forms of tourist tax, says Núria Guitart-Casalderrey, tourism professor at the University of Barcelona.

The first, introduced in 2012, is applied to hotel stays and cruise ship visitors across Catalonia , the region in which Barcelona is located. This tax is charged on a sliding scale. Guests at five-star hotels in Barcelona, for example, get the highest rate of $3.79 per person per night.

Half of the revenue from that tax is managed by the City of Barcelona, Guitart-Casalderrey says. Whereas the city keeps all the income from the second tourist tax , enacted in 2021.

Between the two tourist taxes, the Barcelona City Council expects to collect $103 million this year, she explains. These charges haven’t deterred tourists from visiting Barcelona. But they have improved the city as a destination, and enhanced quality of life for its residents, according to Guitart-Casalderrey.

She says the Barcelona City Council is transparent in publicly listing activities and projects funded by tourist tax revenue. Proceeds have been used to organize cultural events, expand public transport services, and fund tourism research.

Barcelona Turisme CEO Mateu Hernàndez says the tourist tax allows the city to pay for “better exhibitions, festivals, and sports events, benefiting both residents and tourists alike”. It has helped fund Barcelona’s role as host of the 2024 America’s Cup, which involves five sailing events between August 22 and October 20.

This prestigious sports festival is key to the tourist tax’s stated aim to “attract more quality visitors”, according to Hernàndez. Tourist tax income also improves “daily life” for Barcelona residents. “Such as by investing in air conditioning for primary schools, demonstrating the direct benefits of tourism to the community,” he explains.

Amsterdam has the highest tourist tax of any European city, charging 12.5% of the nightly rate for accommodation at hotels, campsites, and serviced apartments. Four-star hotels in the expensive Dutch capital have a base price of up to $216 per night, for example, which translates to $27 of additional tourist tax.

City of Amsterdam deputy mayor Hester van Buren says Amsterdam expects to collect $262 million in tourist taxes during 2024. These funds will be used both to mitigate the impact of tourism and improve the city.

“We ask visitors for a contribution to keep Amsterdam clean, safe and attractive, just like we ask from our own residents with local taxations,” says van Buren. “On the one hand (the tax is used) to combat the negative sides of over-tourism, like littering, cleaning, law enforcement. On the other hand, we use this for infrastructure, education, cultural life, sport facilities.”  

Visitors have not been put off by the city’s steep tourist tax, which started at 5% back in 2018, he says. “Amsterdam has welcomed an increasing number of tourists, apart from a decrease during Corona (Covid-19),” she notes. In 2023, approximately 9 million people visited Amsterdam for an overnight stay.

“Yet this tax originally was introduced to reduce tourist arrivals,” says Greg Richards, professor of placemaking and events at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. “The City of Amsterdam has since changed its reasoning for the tax from tackling overtourism to raising funds”

Richards believes this shift is due to a city-commissioned report which found the tax would not likely reduce tourism unless the rate was tripled. He says that report mirrors wider academic research which has shown no proof tourist taxes counter overtourism.

Currently, it is unclear how Amsterdam spends this revenue. “Tourist tax goes into the general tax budget (so) it is difficult to tell if it will have a significant effect, or simply plug a hole in the Municipal budget,” says Richards.

He adds, “The chances are high that as tourist taxes increase, tourists will stay in surrounding cities and travel into the centre of Amsterdam as day visitors. This will mean a potential loss of revenue to Amsterdam, but no overall decrease in visitor pressure on the city. This effect has already been seen in Venice, which was one reason for introducing a tax on day visitors there.”

Few destinations are as crowded as Venice , a wondrous, ancient city pierced by dozens of canals in northeast Italy. It receives about 30 million tourists a year, of which 24 million are day trippers, says Associate Professor Jan van der Borg, an economist and tourism expert at Ca' Foscari University of Venice.

  Overtourism in Venice is so severe that UNESCO last year warned it may add the city to its list of endangered World Heritage sites . Van der Borg believes this threat prompted the City of Venice to trial a new day-trip entry fee. From late April to mid-July, tourists who didn’t book their accommodations in Venice were asked to pay $5.40 per person per day to enter the city on 29 specified dates.

The City of Venice didn’t respond to questions from National Geographic, although it has publicly stated the day-trip fee is part of efforts to counter overtourism. However, tourist numbers did not fall during the trial, says van der Borg. Not only did the day trip fee fail to combat overtourism, but he claims, that the local community is not benefits of the day-trip fees.

In fact, it caused the City of Venice to lose, rather than make money. “The implementation of the scheme has cost collectively €3 million ($3.2 million), while the tax raised (is) slightly   more than €2 million ($2.2 million),” says van der Borg. “Local taxpayers will cough up this difference.”

The City of Venice could re-introduce the day-trip fee, and possibly double it, according to media . Van der Borg warns that, while that will boost the city’s tax base, it’s unlikely to reduce tourism to a manageable level. The dilemma in Venice mirrors what’s already unfolding in Amsterdam and Barcelona, both of which are now flush with visitor tax revenue, yet are no closer to solving a growing overtourism issue.

( What you need to know about European travel this summer. )

Related Topics

• OVERTOURISM

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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Lille Itinerary

Last Updated on 10th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

Lille is located in northern France just a stone’s throw away from the border with Belgium. A lively city with strong ties to Flemish culture, Lille is fairly small and compact, meaning that all of its major attractions can be seen on foot. Here’s your guide to spending one day in Lille .

The Flemish city is characterised by its unique Flanders style of architecture, many bars serving up strong beers, and smattering of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Lille has a rather chequered history and was under Flemish, Burgundian, and Spanish rule during various periods, before becoming French in 1667.

The best time of the year to visit is between May and October when the weather is at its best, though there is also a Christmas Market held in December if that’s something you’re interested in.

Getting to Lille

Is one day enough time in lille , eat a  merveilleux for breakfast , climb the belfry, porte de paris, palais des beaux arts , grand place, book market , patisserie méert , notre-dame-de-la-treille cathedral, place aux oignons , free time in lille, enjoy a beer, dinner in lille, where to stay in lille , watch the lille video.

With easy transport links to Paris and the rest of France, it couldn’t be easier to reach Lille. We personally took the fast train between Paris Gare du Nord and Lille-Flandres and the journey time is only an hour.

There are two main train stations in Lille, Lille-Flandres and Lille Europe. Whereas the Flanders branch tends to serve train stations in France, Lille Europe serves destinations further afield and is where the Eurostar departs from.

Though Lille is one of the largest cities in northern France (and the fourth largest urban city in metropolitan France), all of its major attractions are fairly close together, meaning that everything can be explored on foot.

For the most part, the best things to do in town are centred around the historic city centre and this area can be easily seen over the course of a day. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as there are lots of cobbled lanes and you’ll likely clock up well over 10,000 steps over the course of the day.

Lille is a popular day trip from Paris and also a pretty popular day trip from Brussels . It takes an hour on the train from either city to get to the city centre. There are also train links to further away destinations such as London via Eurostar.

One day in Lille suggested itinerary

If you’re the type of person who enjoys starting your day with a sweet treat, then you’re in luck: the sweet speciality of Lille is known as Le Merveilleux.

This small cake originated in either Belgium or France (no one is quite sure about its origins) and is a sandwich of two light meringues filled with cream. The best place to get a Merveilleux in Lille is from Aux Merveilleux de Fred.

After enjoying breakfast, head to the highest view point in town, at the top of the belfry. Known as the Beffroi de Lille, this 104 metre tall bell tower (though curiously it has no bells) is UNESCO World Heritage listed and was inaugurated in 1932.

The belfry is part of a larger town hall complex, which was completely destroyed during WWI before being reconstructed in the 1930s. The new belfry is constructed in classic Art-Deco and neo-Flemish elements.

Today, visitors can head up around 100 steps before arriving at a reception where you can pay to take the lift (or climb the rest of the stairs) to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a 360 degree view of the city.

The belfry is open from Wednesday through to Sunday. In the mornings, reservation is required, whereas in the afternoon, you can just turn up and wait. Please note that only 18 people are allowed at the top of the tower at any given moment so you could be waiting for up to an hour to visit.

Directly beneath the Belfry, you’ll soon spy the Porte de Paris. Much like Paris has its own triumphal arch, so does Lille (indeed, it has several) . However, the most impressive of these arches is most certainly the Porte de Paris, which was constructed in the latter half of the 17th-century.

The Porte de Paris is also known as the Porte des Malades (Gate of the Sick) on account of the fact that, when the city walls existed, this was where the city gate that led to a leper colony (maladrerie in French). The Porte de Paris itself was constructed to celebrate the victories of Louis XIV, i.e. the Sun King.

A short distance away, visitors will soon arrive at the Palais des Beaux Arts, a cultural space dedicated to fine arts, modern art, and antiquities. The museum was established in 1809 and today is one of the top places to visit in Lille. Dedicate a couple of hours to discovering this cultural gem.

The most grandiose place in town is Grand Place, also known as La place du Général-de-Gaulle, which boasts plenty of regal buildings constructed in typical Flemish fashion. Highlights of the large square include the 19th-century colonne de la Déesse and great views of the Beffroi de la Chambre de Commerce de Lille.

One of the best hidden gems of the city that’s tucked away in plain sight is the Old Bourse book market , which is located just off the Grand Place.

The book market is open throughout the year from Tuesday through to Sunday and between 1.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m (and is closed on Mondays). 

Throughout the week, the inner courtyard is also home to people playing chess. Visit the Vieille Bourse of Lille in the summer and you’ll discover people dancing Tango every Sunday evening from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

After a morning filled with exploration, head to one of the many bars, restaurants, or cafés in the city for lunch. Don’t have dessert yet though, as there is an extra special sweet treat for after your main (if you still have room!)

The Lillois speciality dish to try is Le Welsh. But no, it actually has nothing to do with the principality of Wales! This northern French food comprises of brown bread soaked in beer flavoured with mustard and topped with melted cheese and slices of ham.

Served with a side of fries and salad, the entire meal is typically washed down with a local beer. One of the top rated places to enjoy this dish is Estaminet Du Welsh, though you can find this cuisine pretty much all over the city.

If you still have room for dessert after lunch, be sure to head to Patisserie Méert, which is located in the Old Town and boasts the status of being the oldest patisserie shop in town. Founded in 1761, there is a café within the establishment or alternatively you can pick up their sweet treats to take away.

The modern and not entirely aesthetically pleasing main church in town is the Notre Dame de Treille, an ecclesiastical building with a rather complex history. Groundbreaking for the cathedral was initiated in 1854, though the church wasn’t completed until 1999.

You see, the church ran out of funds part way through construction and so had to be built in stages. The resulting structure is a unique blend of architectural styles, melded together with an über modern façade. The cathedral is free to visit and one particular highlight is a rose window depicting astronauts and UFOs.

Just a short walk away from the cathedral is the Place aux Oignons, which is undoubtedly the most attractive square in Lille. Situated close to the old castle mound, the pretty Place boasts a handful of bars where you can enjoy a local beer while watching the world go by.

After heading to Place aux Oignons, there are a few ways you can spend the next few hours. If you want to see even more of the city but are tired of walking, then consider booking a bus tour like this one . For those who want a more private experience, consider booking a driving tour like this one.

Before finishing your day trip or look for a venue to enjoy dinner, I suggest sampling one of the local Flemish beers at one of the many bars in Lille. Just be warned- the alcohol percentage is likely to be much higher than the strength of the beers that you’re used to so be sure to drink with caution!

Whether you want to enjoy local cuisine or have dietary preferences, the size of Lille means that there’s something for almost everyone in the city centre. Some of the best vegetarian restaurants in town include Itsy Bitsy and Annie’s Kitchen.

During our time in Lille, we actually opted to visit one of the Big Mamma restaurants. The chain began in Paris but has since spread to further afield cities, including Lille. The eatery is Lille is called La Bellezza Big Mamma and I loved my truffle pasta. Just be sure to reserve a table in advance as this place is very popular!

Thanks to its status as one of the largest Metropolitan areas in France, Lille has no shortage of places to stay to suit almost any budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city based on location and web-reviews:

Gastama: Though a little bit out of the historic city centre, one of the best reviewed hostels in Lille is Gastama. Highlights of this budget place to stay include dorm rooms or private rooms, free Wi-Fi and a bar onsite.

OKKO Hotels Lille Centre: A mid-priced accommodation that is particularly well-reviewed is OKKO Hotels Lille Centre. Amenities include room service, breakfast for an extra charge, and baggage storage. Check prices and availability here.

L’Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection: When it comes to the crème de la crème of Lille accommodation, one of the most luxurious places to stay is the five-star L’Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about the best way to spend one day in Lille? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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Hi there, just a comment about “le Welsh”. It does actually originate in wales where it is known as Welsh rarebit. A traditional Welsh rarebit consists of a savoury melted cheese sauce of grated sharp cheddar cheese; stout, beer or ale; butter; Worcestershire sauce and English mustard spread onto toast and grilled.

Dear Madame Sophie Nadeau, Just want to say thank you and congratulations to your write ups about Lille. For someone like me who will visit this beautiful city, it is very important to know what to expect. Will definitely look up for other cities that you have described in the future. Keep it up and wish you all the best.

Amicalement, LG

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One day in lille, france: itinerary + self-guided walking tour.

Featuring grand cobblestoned squares lined with exuberant Baroque buildings, Lille is one of France’s best-kept secrets. And thanks to its excellent rail connections, it is easy to take a day trip to Lille from other major cities, including London on Eurostar.

But which are the best things to see during one day in Lille? As a three-time visitor, this is where I can help.

Make the most of your time in this fascinating Flemish city by following my 1-day Lille itinerary. There’s a map you can use for a self-guided walking tour as well as practical information, including where to stay and how to get there and get around.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

Is One Day in Lille Enough? 

One day in Lille is enough to cover its main sights. Despite its size, the city’s main attractions are close together, making it easy to explore on foot. However, I recommend spending two days in Lille to appreciate it at a more relaxed pace. This also means that you can take a look at the UNESCO-listed Lille Citadel and visit the extraordinary La Piscine de Roubaix.

1-Day Lille Itinerary + Map

My Lille 1-day itinerary starts at Musée de Hospice Comtesse and finishes at the Beffroi de Lille:

• Musée de Hospice Comtesse

Place aux Oignons

• Notre Dame de la Treille
• Place de Théâtre
• La Veille Bourse
• Place du Générale-de-Gaulle

Church of St. Etienne

Palais des beaux-arts, lille.

• Porte de Paris
• Beffroi de Lille

This walk follows a logical route from north to south but you may need to tweak it and dog-leg back to a few places to accommodate their opening hours. Check these in advance.

The distance between these sights is less than 2 miles . To help you on your way, here’s a map you can use as a  self-guided Lille walking tour . Click here or on the image for step-by-step directions and to send to your phone.

Musée de Hospice Comtesse (Hospice Compesse Museum)

Founded in 1237 by Countess Jeanne de Flandre, the Hospice Comtesse Museum is the first stop on our Lille itinerary. This hospital remained in service until 1939 and is now the city’s museum and home to a collection of Flemish paintings, tapestries, wood sculptures and porcelain.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred

No Lille day trip is complete without trying Merveilleux. The best place to pick these up is Aux Merveilleux de Fred and there’s a shop opposite the Hospice Comtesse Museum.

Literally marvellous, these little cakes are made from clouds of light meringue liberally smothered in fresh cream and chocolate shavings.

Despite what its name suggests, onions have played no part in the history of Place aux Oignons. Back in the Middle Ages, this photogenic square formed part of the fortress of the Counts of Flanders, none of which remains. Today, it is home to several good restaurants.

Notre Dame de la Treille (Lille Cathedral)

I have walked down the nave of many cathedrals over the years but the Notre Dame de la Treille ranks amongst the most interesting that I have visited.

Lille Cathedral owes its unique appearance to its troubled genesis. Originally conceived as a Gothic building, the cathedral’s foundations were laid in 1854. However, workers had to down tools in 1947 when funds dried up, and construction was not resumed until 1999.

The resulting cathedral is a dizzying mix of traditional meets contemporary. The ugly modern façade, made from 110 marble sheets, contrasts with the cathedral’s interior with its soaring Gothic arches.

Its glass  rose window  above the main entrance features unusual symbols including UFOs & astronauts, said to represent the cycle of death and resurrection.

However, for me, Lille Cathedral’s star turn is La Sainte Chapelle  behind the main altar. Housing a small 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, it has an exquisite mosaic floor.

Place de Théâtre & La Veille Bourse  

Two flamboyant buildings dominate Lille’s Place du Théâtre.

The first is its gleaming white opera house topped by an overblown sculpture of the  Triumph of Apollo. 

The other is the ornate, albeit more restrained, La Veille Bourse .

La Veille Bourse was one of my favourite places to visit in Lille. Formerly the city’s stock exchange, this structure comprises 24 small houses arranged around an elaborate, porticoed inner courtyard, embellished with decorative plaques and stone sculptures.

Now home to a book market, La Veille Bourse has an interesting history.

Before its construction in the 1650s, most trading took place outside, and traders were at the mercy of the elements. Battling wind, rain and a damp chill during one of my days in Lille I felt their pain!

To prevent the traders from falling sick, La Veille Bourse was commissioned to provide private houses supporting trading in the coldest months.

Place du Générale-de-Gaulle (Grand Place)

Walk through La Bourse to Lille’s beating heart, the Grand Place. Once the site of the city’s medieval market, today it’s the focal point for celebrations and a popular meeting place.

At Christmas time, it is home to a giant Ferris wheel.

The Déesse Column , commemorating the 1792 Austrian siege, is in the centre of the square.

More exuberant Flemish buildings flank the square, including the  La Voix du Nord  building , home to the largest newspaper in Northern France.

Climb the steps to the entrance of Théâtre du Nord for a birds-eye view of the Grand Place.

Place Rihour & Lille Christmas market

Lacking the architectural bravado of the Grand Place or Place du Théâtre, the smaller and unremarkable Place Rihour, is home to the friendly  Lille Tourist Office  and the city’s Christmas market.

The 18 th  Century Church of St. Etienne (L’Église Saint Etienne) is a few minutes walk southwest of Place Rihour.

This is one of France’s largest Jesuit churches and features an exquisite pulpit, sculpted by François Rude. It is crowned by angels and cherubs with Faith and Hope holding a vessel of St. Stephen’s martyrdom.

Ten minutes southeast of the Church of St. Etienne is Lille’s cultural calling card, the Palais des Beaux-Arts .

Flanking the southern side of the vast Place de la République, this fine art gallery is second only to the Louvre in Paris in size and stature. It was established by Napoleon in the early 1800s to popularise art, its collection curated from the spoils of war.

I recommend working your way chronologically, starting at the basement level with art from the Renaissance period.

Don’t miss a pair of paintings by  Dirk Bouts  (1420 – 1475) that were once part of a triptych.

The painting to your right depicts the righteous ascending into Heaven. The souls featured in the left-hand side painting weren’t so lucky, with the dammed falling into Hell to be tortured by demons for eternity.

It is thought that the central painting of this triptych represented Judgement Day.

On the upper floor, there is an impressive collection of muscular Rubens, a smattering of Sisleys and expressive Goyas. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is also home to a fine collection of Rodin sculptures, the most striking of which is Les Bourgeois de Calais.

Porte de Paris and Lille Belfry (Beffroi de Lille)

Porte de Paris , the final stop on our Lille walking tour, is five minutes east of the Palais des Beaux-Arts

Built by Simon Vollant in the late 17 th  Century to celebrate Louis XIV’s capture of Lille for the French, this is the most striking of Lille’s surviving city gates.

The adjacent red brick and stone Art Deco belfry rises over the city like a giant exclamation mark. At a height of 104 meters, the UNESCO-listed Beffroi de Lille is the highest civilian belfry in Europe.

To climb Lille’s belfry, walk the first 100 steps and then take 300 or so steps or the elevator to the top. I recommend taking the lift up and walking down as there is information about the belfry on each floor.

Check opening hours and find out how to book here .

The Best Time to Visit Lille, France

For longer days and the best chance of sunny skies, visit Lille between May and September. I was there most recently in May and basked in balmy temperatures and drank cooling beer under blue skies. If Christmas markets are your thing, plan your visit for December (this was my first visit). Although it can be cold and damp, there is something magical about the festive lights.

Getting There

Lille has two train stations: Lille Flandres and Lille Europe. It is a ten-minute walk between the two train stations.

Most trains from other French cities and Belgium arrive at Lille Flandres station in the heart of the old town. Some TGV services go into Lille Europe , which also serves Eurostar trains from Brussels and London.

Thanks to short journey times and the central location of the train station, it’s easy to do a Lille day trip from Paris, Brussels and London. You can check train times here .

Eurotunnel  trains run from Folkestone to Calais up to four times per hour from 7 am. The last train back from Calais is at around midnight.

Alternatively, take the  car ferry from Dover to Calais , a 90-minute crossing.

There are underground car parks near the old town.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Lille is on foot. As most of the city’s attractions are close to one another, Lille lends itself beautifully to a self-guided walking tour

Lille also has an excellent bus, tram and metro network , which I used to visit La Piscine de Roubaix on my third visit. Public transport is included in the  Lille City Pass , which also includes free access to attractions and a selection of discounts and special offers.

Where to Stay in Lille

As one of France’s biggest cities, Lille is not lacking in accommodation options. However, to be in the thick of things, pick a central location near the old town.

Ibis Lille Centre Gare

I chose this 3-star hotel on my first visit to Lille for its central location close to Lille Flandres station. It’s perfect if you want a comfortable stay in a good location at an affordable price

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK

Hotel Boa, BW Signature Collection

This 4-star hotel, where I stayed on my most recent trip to Lille, is perfect if you are looking for a quiet, centrally-located hotel with superb customer service. Its location, between Lille Flandres Station and Place de Théâtre, could not be better and the complimentary minibar a bonus.

>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY & PRICES

Here are some other hotels that I have found that may suit different budgets:

Splurge – Grand Hotel Bellevue – Grand Place

This 4-star hotel is right in the thick of things on the Grand Place. A good breakfast is included in the room rate.

Budget – Hotel Lille Europe

Close to Lille-Flandres Station, this budget hotel looks terrific value and its helpful staff get a special mention in online reviews.

Thank you for reading my Lille day trip itinerary

Each time I have visited, I have been seduced by Lille’s grandiose Flemish architecture, its old town, the friendliness of its people and its hearty cuisine. For those taking a solo trip to France , it’s relatively safe and easy to explore. Although Lille may lack the immediate charm of other northern French cities such as Reims , Colmar  or  Strasbourg , dismiss it at your peril.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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These are all the destinations you’ll need to pay extra to visit this year

More and more popular travel destinations are introducing tourist taxes to tackle problems caused by overtourism – here’s what you’ll have to pay

This year, international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019 – and while that’s great news for the tourism industry in general, many cities, attractions and entire regions are suffering under the weight of overtourism .

The potential for damage to historic sites, unhinged tourist behaviour  and the simple issue of overcrowding are all common consequences of overtourism. That’s why a growing list of popular travel destinations have introduced a tourist tax, with the hopes of controlling visitor numbers and improving local infrastructure to better cater to higher visitor capacity. 

Many countries and cities introduced a tourist tax in 2023, and many more are due to launch theirs in 2024. Tourist taxes aren’t a new thing – you’ve probably paid one before, tied in with the cost of a plane ticket or the taxes you pay at a hotel. 

However, more destinations than ever before are creating this fee for tourists, and many places have increased the cost of existing ones. Here’s a full list of all the destinations charging a tourist tax in 2024, including all the recently introduced and upcoming tourist taxes you need to know about. 

Austria charges visitors a nightly accommodation tax which differs depending on province. In Vienna or Salzburg , you could pay 3.02 percent per person on top of the hotel bill. 

Belgium , like Austria, has a nightly fee. Some hotels include it in the rate of the room and add it separately to your bill, so read it carefully.

The rate in Brussels is charged per room, and varies depending on the size and rating of your hotel, but is usually around €7.50. Antwerp also charges per room. 

Bhutan has always been known for its steep tourist taxes and charges. In 2022, the Himalayan kingdom  tripled the amount it charged visitors in tax  to a minimum of  $200 per day , but that amount has since been lowered. In 2024, the daily fee for the majority of visitors is  $ 100,  and that is due to continue until August 31, 2027. 

Bulgaria applies a fee to overnight stays, but it reaches a maximum of only €1.50. 

Caribbean Islands

The following Caribbean Islands charge a tourist tax, ranging from between €13 to €45: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic , Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands. 

The tax tends to be tied into the cost of a hotel or a departure fee. 

Croatia only charges its visitors a fee of 10 kuna (€1.33) per night during peak season. 

Czechia (also known as Czech Republic)

Czechia only applies a fee to those travelling to Prague . It doesn’t apply to those under the age of 18, and is less than €1 per person, per night. 

France ’s ‘taxe de séjour’ varies depending on city, and tends to be added to your hotel bill. It varies from €0.20 to €4 per person, per night. 

Earlier this month, Paris announced it would be increasing its fee by up to 200 percent for those staying in hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites, but that it plans to put the funds towards improving the city’s services and infrastructure. 

READ MORE: The cost of visiting Paris will soar this summer – here’s why

Germany charges visitors a ‘culture tax’ (kulturförderabgabe) and a ‘bed tax’ (bettensteuer) in certain cities, including Frankfurt , Hamburg and Berlin , which tends to be around five percent of your hotel bill. 

Greece ’s tourist tax is based on numbers. Specifically, how many stars a hotel has, and the number of rooms you’re renting. The fee was introduced by the Greek Ministry of tourism to help pay off the country’s debt, and can be anything from €4 per room.

Hungary charges visitors four percent of the price of their room, but only in Budapest . 

Iceland is introducing a tourist tax to protect its ‘unspoilt nature’ this year, which will cost between  €4 to €7 per night. It comes after annual tourist numbers reached an estimated 2.3 million per year. 

In Indonesia , the only destination which charges a tourist tax is Bali , and the fee is set to increase this February  to $10 (£7.70, €8.90, IDR 150,000) – but is a one-time entry fee, not a nightly tax. It apparently goes towards protecting the island’s ‘environment and culture.’

Much like in France, Italy ’s tourist tax varies depending on your location. Rome ’s fee is usually between €3 to €7 per night, but some smaller Italian towns charge more. 

Venice finally announced in September that its tourist tax, a €5 (£4.30, $5.40) fee which will be applicable on various days during high season, will launch in 2024. It only applies to day-trippers rather than those staying overnight, though.

Japan has a departure tax of around 1,000 yen (€8). 

Malaysia has a flat-rate tax which it applies to each night you stay, of around €4 a night. 

New Zealand

New Zealand ’s tax comes in the from of an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of around €21 which much be paid upon arrival, but that does not apply to people from Australia. 

Netherlands

The Netherlands has both a land and water tax. Amsterdam is set to increase its fee  by 12.5 percent in 2024, making it the highest tourist tax in the European Union. 

Portugal has a low tourist tax of €2, which applies to all those over the age of 13. It’s only applicable on the first seven nights of your visit and applies in 13 Portuguese municipalities, including Faro, Lisbon and Porto.   

Olhão became the latest area to start charging the fee between April and October. Outside of this period, it gets reduced to €1 and is capped at five nights all year round. The money goes towards minimising the impact of tourism in the Algarve town. 

Slovenia also bases its tax on location and hotel rating. In larger cities and resorts, such as Ljubljana and Bled, the fee is higher, but still only around €3 per night. 

Spain 

Spain applies its Sustainable Tourism Tax to holiday accommodation in the Balearic Islands to each visitor over the age of sixteen. Tourists can be charged up to €4 per night during high season. 

Barcelona ’s city authorities announced they plan to increase the city’s tourist tax over the next two years – the fee is set to rise to €3.25 on April 1, 2024. The council said the money would go towards improving infrastructure and services. This is in addition to regional Catalan tax. 

Switzerland

Switzerland ’s tax varies depending on location, but the per person, per night cost is around €2.20. It tends to be specified as a separate amount on your accommodation bill. 

Thailand 

Thailand introduced a tourist tax to the price of flights in April 2022, in a similar effort to the Balinese aim of moving away from its rep as a ‘cheap’ holiday destination. The fee for all international visitors is 300 baht (£6.60, $9). 

The US has an ‘occupancy tax’ which applies across most of the country to travellers renting accommodation such as hotels, motels and inns. Houston is estimated to be the highest, where they charge you an extra 17 percent of your hotel bill. 

Hawaii  could be imposing a ‘green fee’ – initially set at $50 but since lowered to $25 – which would apply to every tourist over the age of 15. It still needs to be passed by lawmakers, but if approved, it wouldn’t be instated until 2025.

The European Union

Finally, the European Union is planning on introducing a tourist visa , due to start in 2024. The €7 application will have to be filled out by all non-Schengen visitors between the ages of 18 and 70, including Brits and Americans. 

READ MORE: Why sustainable tourism isn’t enough anymore

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What to Know About the ‘Tourist Tax’ Many Countries Are Implementing This Year

S everal destinations, including Iceland, Bali, and Barcelona, are implementing new taxes aimed at tourists this year. Tourist taxes are usually small daily fees typically levied against overnight guests. The taxes are usually part of a destination’s plan to lessen or avoid overtourism . These additional fees generally have to be paid before or on arrival at your accommodation of choice. It’s also another way popular tourist destinations can earn more revenue from visitors.

How Much Is It?

Most countries that utilize a tourist tax have either a per-night fee or a flat fee. However, the fee ranges greatly from place to place.

One of the world’s most expensive taxes on visitors is in Bhutan. Its Daily Sustainable Development Fee is $100 per night and helps to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Until recently, it was $200 per night.

Alternatively, travelers can visit Bali or Indonesia, and pay a flat tourist tax of $10. According to Balinese officials, the fees will be used to “contribute to the nobility and preservation of Bali’s unique culture and nature environment” as well as island sustainability and tourism management.

In Barcelona, due to overtourism, the government has to set a tourist one-time fee of about $3.50 with plans to raise it over the next two years. In Iceland, the government reintroduced its tourist tax to better handle the environmental impact of travelers into the country. Iceland’s nightly tourist tax rate is about $7.50.

Are Tourist Taxes New?

Though not new, this form of taxing travelers is increasing globally, with other first-time destinations entering the tourism tax world. Several destinations are still undecided about implementing a new tax but are considering them. 

Hawaii is a popular tourist destination that has dealt with overtourism and its impact for years. Recently, many residents have engaged in campaigns for people to stop visiting, fearing greater negative impacts on the island’s natural beauty, culture, and resources. Hawaiian officials are currently considering adding a one-time “climate tax” of $25 paid directly at check-in. 

The Impact of Taxing Tourists

Most tourist taxes around the world are small fees, but some can be deciding factors in whether or not to visit a destination. Bhutan, at $100 per night, is relatively steep and could deter certain guests from visiting or staying for long. A two-week vacation in Bhutan would cost $1400 in taxes alone, but the same two-week vacation in Bali would only be a flat fee of $10.

Travelers are encouraged to research their chosen destination and be aware of the tourist taxes they might be signing up for.

Navigating the New Tourist Tax in Italy: A Guide for Travelers

• November 29, 2023
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Italy, a country renowned for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine, is poised to introduce a new tourist tax in 2024. This initiative, aimed at generating revenue to support tourism infrastructure and promotion, will undoubtedly impact the travel experience for those planning to visit this captivating destination.

Understanding the Tax Structure

The proposed tourist tax will be implemented at a municipal level, with individual cities and towns determining the specific rates. While the exact structure of the tax is still being finalized, it is expected to apply to overnight stays in all forms of accommodation, including hotels, apartments, and campsites.

The tax is likely to be a fixed daily rate, with variations based on factors such as the type of accommodation, the location, and the time of year. For instance, stays in luxury hotels during peak season are likely to incur higher taxes compared to off-season stays in budget accommodations.

Impact on Travelers

The introduction of the tourist tax will undoubtedly add an additional cost to travel expenses for those visiting Italy. However, it is crucial to note that the tax is not intended to be a deterrent but rather a means to enhance the overall tourism experience.

The revenue generated from the tax will be directed towards improving tourism infrastructure, such as maintaining historical landmarks, enhancing public transportation, and preserving natural attractions. Additionally, the funds will be used to promote Italy as a tourist destination, potentially leading to increased awareness and attracting new visitors.

Preparing for the Tax

As the roll-out of the tourist tax approaches, travelers planning to visit Italy should be prepared for the additional cost. It is advisable to factor the tax into travel budgets and inquire about specific rates when booking accommodations.

Moreover, travelers should be aware that the tax may be collected in different ways, either directly by the accommodation provider or as a separate fee upon departure. It is essential to check with individual hotels or rental agencies for their specific procedures.

A Sustainable Approach to Tourism

The introduction of the tourist tax reflects Italy’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. By generating revenue specifically for tourism-related initiatives, the government aims to ensure that the influx of visitors contributes positively to the country’s infrastructure and preservation efforts.

In addition to the financial benefits, the tax is also expected to encourage responsible tourism practices. By requiring tourists to contribute directly to the upkeep of the destinations they visit, the tax fosters a sense of stewardship and encourages travelers to mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities.

The impending tourist tax in Italy marks a new chapter in the country’s tourism landscape. While it may initially raise concerns among travelers, it is essential to recognize the positive implications for sustainable tourism practices and infrastructure development.

By embracing this change with an understanding of its purpose, travelers can continue to enjoy the wonders of Italy while contributing to its preservation and enhancement for future generations.

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The Tourist Tax in Italy: Complete Guide and Updates 2024

Understanding tourist tax in italy: a complete guide.

In Italy, the tourist tax is a municipal tax applied to tourists who stay overnight in accommodation facilities. This article provides a detailed overview of the tax, from the basis of the calculation to recent legislative changes, with the aim of offering a comprehensive guide for tourists and operators in the sector.

1. What is the Tourist Tax?

Definition and purpose.

The tourist tax is a municipal tax in Italy, imposed on tourists for each night spent in an accommodation facility. Includes hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday apartments, and other forms of paid accommodation. This tax is used to generate revenue that municipalities use to finance projects aimed at improving tourist attractiveness, maintaining and enhancing cultural and environmental heritage, and supporting the local tourist infrastructure.

• How it works

The tax is calculated per night and per guest. The rate can vary greatly depending on several factors:

• Destination : Each municipality in Italy can establish its own tariffs. Cities with a high tourist influx such as Rome, Venice, and Florence tend to have higher rates.
• Type of Structure : Rates may differ depending on the type and category of accommodation. For example, a 5-star hotel may have a higher tourist tax than a B&B or hostel.
• Season : Some locations charge different rates based on the season, with higher prices during peak tourist periods.

Objectives and Use of Funds

The funds raised through the tourist tax are intended for different purposes, all aimed at improving the tourist experience and preserving local resources. Examples of uses include:

• Maintenance and restoration of historical and cultural sites.
• Improvement of public services and tourist infrastructure, such as signage, lighting and cleanliness.
• Tourist promotion and organization of cultural events.

Specific Examples

• In Rome, the tourist tax contributes to the maintenance of its many historical sites.
• In Venice, part of the funds raised is intended for the conservation of the city and the management of its delicate ecological balance.

Implications for Tourists and Managers

For tourists, the tourist tax represents an additional cost, although usually modest, on the total cost of the stay. For hospitality managers, it is essential to inform customers about this tax and ensure they collect and remit it correctly to local authorities.

Conclusions

The tourist tax, although it can be seen as a small burden for tourists, plays a crucial role in supporting and improving the quality and attractiveness of Italian tourist destinations, ensuring that cultural and natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

2. Calculation of the Tourist Tax

Determinant Factors

The calculation of the tourist tax in Italy is based on a series of factors which mainly include the classification of the accommodation and the duration of the stay. Here are some key aspects:

• Accommodation Classification : The accommodation facilities are classified into different categories, such as hotels (from 1 to 5 stars), bed & breakfasts, holiday homes, hostels, etc. Each category has an associated fee that varies from municipality to municipality.
• Duration of stay : The tax is generally calculated for each night spent in the property. In some locations, there may be a maximum number of nights for which the tax is due.
• Destination : Each municipality in Italy has the autonomy to establish its own rates, which can vary considerably depending on the needs and tourist attractions of the area.

Practical Examples

• Roma : In the capital, the tax can vary from 3 to 7 euros per night, depending on the type of establishment. For example, a 4-star hotel might have a city tax of 6 euros per night per person, while a B&B might have a rate of 3 euros per night per person.
• Venice : In a city with a unique urban structure and specific problems related to mass tourism such as Venice, the tourist tax rates may be higher to contribute to the maintenance of the city.

Considerations for Tour Operators

• Updated information : It is essential for tourism operators to keep information on their municipality's tourist tax rates updated. This includes periodically checking for updates or changes to local regulations.
• Communication to Customers : Operators should clearly inform their guests about the tourist tax, both at the time of booking and upon arrival, to avoid surprises or misunderstandings.
• Administrative Management : It is important for operators to correctly manage the collection and payment of the tax to local authorities, respecting the established deadlines.

The tourist tax, although it may seem like a minor detail, is an important element of tourism management in Italy. Correct application and effective communication of this tax contributes to a positive experience for tourists and ensures that tour operators comply with local regulations.

3. Regulations and Regional Variations of the Tourist Tax

Regional diversity.

In Italy, regulations relating to the tourist tax vary considerably from region to region and from municipality to municipality, reflecting the different needs and tourist attractions of each area. This diversity manifests itself in terms of tariffs, methods of application and destination of the funds raised.

Examples of Regional Variations

• Venice : One of the most iconic cities in Italy, Venice, adopts relatively high tourist tax rates. This is due to the need to maintain and protect its unique historical and cultural heritage, as well as managing the impact of mass tourism on a city built on canals.
• Roma : As the capital, Rome uses the tourist tax to preserve its rich historical and archaeological heritage, as well as improve tourist services in the city.
• Small Cities and Municipalities : In contrast to large art cities, many small cities or tourist municipalities can adopt lower rates. The objective may be to encourage tourism, especially in less well-known or developing tourist areas.

Different motivations

Changes in rates and methods of application of the tourist tax are influenced by various factors:

• Conservation needs : In cities with important historical and cultural sites, rates tend to be higher to fund preservation and maintenance.
• Tourism Sustainability : In areas with intense tourist flows, the tourist tax can be used to manage the sustainability of tourism and mitigate environmental impact.
• Promotion of Local Tourism : Some regions may use the tourist tax to finance tourism promotion campaigns or to develop new attractions.

Considerations for Tourists and Operators

Understanding local tourist tax regulations is essential for tourists and tour operators. While tourists need to be aware of additional expenses when planning their trip, operators need to be informed about their municipality's specific fees and how to pay.

The tourist tax in Italy is an example of how tax policies can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each region. This flexibility allows municipalities to use revenue to preserve their unique heritage, manage the impact of tourism and promote their attractions in a sustainable way.

New Introduced

The 2024 Budget Law has made significant changes to the management of the tourist tax in Italy, introducing the possibility for local authorities to increase the tax up to a maximum of 2 euros per night per person. This increase was designed to finance specific local needs and projects, in particular in view of major events such as the 2025 Jubilee.

Purpose of the Increase

• Financing for the Jubilee 2025 : The Jubilee is an event of great importance that requires substantial preparations, especially in cities of greater historical and religious interest such as Rome. The increase in the tourist tax will help finance the infrastructure and services necessary to manage the expected increase in visitors.
• Coverage of waste collection and disposal costs : With the increase in tourist flows, urban cleaning and maintenance services are also intensifying. The increase in the tourist tax will help cover the additional costs for waste collection and disposal, helping to keep the urban environment clean and welcoming.

Implications for Local Authorities and Tourists

• Greater Flexibility for Municipalities : Local authorities will be able to take advantage of this new flexibility to adapt the rates of the tourist tax to their specific needs, balancing financing needs with tourist attractiveness.
• Impact on Tourists : Although the increase may slightly affect the cost of accommodation for tourists, the funds raised are intended to improve the quality and sustainability of the tourist experience, as well as finance projects of cultural and environmental importance.

The changes introduced by the 2024 Budget Law represent an important adjustment in the management of the tourist tax in Italy, reflecting a response to current and future needs related to tourism and the conservation of cultural heritage. This increase, although it may be perceived as an additional burden on visitors, is essential to ensure that Italian cities can continue to offer a high-quality tourist experience, particularly in view of international events such as the 2025 Jubilee.

5. Management and Declaration of the Tourist Tax

Responsibility of accommodation facilities.

Accommodation facilities have the important responsibility of collecting, declaring and paying the tourist tax to the municipal authorities. This process requires special attention to ensure that all procedures are followed correctly.

Declaration Procedure

• Tax Collection :Properties must collect the tax from their guests, typically at check-out.
• Recordkeeping and Record Keeping : It is essential to maintain an accurate record of all guests and tourist taxes collected, often required by municipal regulations.
• Periodic Declaration : The facilities must periodically declare (monthly or quarterly, depending on the municipality) the total amount of the tax collected and pay it to the local administration.

Penalties for Failure or Incorrect Declaration

• Heavy sanctions : Failure or incorrect declaration of the tourist tax can result in significant penalties, which can vary from 100% to 200% of the amount due. These sanctions highlight the importance of careful and precise management.
• Checks and controls : Local authorities can carry out checks and checks to ensure that accommodation facilities comply with tourist tax regulations.

Tips for Effective Management

• Management software : Using hotel management software that tracks accommodation taxes and facilitates the filing process can be very helpful.
• Staff training : Ensure that all staff are adequately trained on the procedures for collecting and declaring the tourist tax.
• Communication with Guests : Inform guests about the tourist tax, both at the time of booking and upon arrival, to avoid misunderstandings and ensure transparency.

Correct management of the tourist tax is crucial for accommodation facilities. It not only ensures compliance with local regulations and avoids heavy fines, but also helps support the municipality's efforts in improving tourism offerings and preserving cultural and environmental heritage. For this reason, it is important for each accommodation facility to dedicate the resources necessary for efficient and precise management of this important tax.

6. Impact of the Tourist Tax on Tourists and Local Tourism

Perception by tourists.

The tourist tax, although an additional cost for tourists, is generally considered a small price to pay to contribute to the preservation and improvement of the destinations they visit. However, transparency in communicating this tax is crucial to avoid misunderstandings or negative perceptions.

Contribution to the Sustainability of Tourism

• Infrastructure Improvement : The funds raised are often used to improve tourism infrastructure, such as signage, lighting, street cleaning, and improved public services, all of which directly improve the visitor experience.
• Heritage Conservation : In many Italian cities, the tourist tax contributes to the maintenance and restoration of historical and cultural sites, ensuring that they remain accessible and in good condition for tourists.

Positive Impact on Local Communities

• Economic Benefits : The tourist tax provides a revenue stream to municipalities that can be reinvested in local projects, benefiting not only tourists but also residents.
• Mass Tourism Management : In some destinations, tourist tax revenues can be used to manage the effects of mass tourism, helping to preserve the environmental and cultural integrity of tourist areas.

Strengthening Tourist Attractiveness

• Investments in Events and Attractions : Some municipalities use tourist tax funds to organize cultural events, festivals and activities that enrich the tourist offer, attracting a greater number of visitors.
• Promotion of Responsible Tourism : Using funds to support sustainable and responsible tourism practices can improve the image of a destination and attract more aware tourists.

Although the tourist tax represents an additional cost for tourists, its impact on improving the quality and sustainability of tourist destinations is invaluable. This small expense contributes significantly to the conservation of cultural and natural heritage, the quality of tourist services and the well-being of local communities, thus enriching the overall experience of those who visit these splendid locations.

7. Importance of the Tourist Tax in Italian Tourism

The importance of the tourist tax and represents a crucial component of the tourism system in Italy. This tax not only supports the conservation of Italy's rich cultural and historical heritage, but also contributes to the improvement of tourism infrastructure and services. Its effective management and application have a direct impact on the quality of the tourist experience.

Impact on Tourists and Accommodation Managers

For tourists, the tourist tax can be seen as a small contribution towards the maintenance and enrichment of the places they visit. For hospitality facility managers, complying with tourist tax regulations is essential to avoid penalties and to ensure a positive experience for their guests. Careful management of this tax is, therefore, essential to the success of any business in the tourism sector.

Detailed Help Resource

Managers of accommodation facilities can find detailed guidelines and updated information on the calculation and management of the tourist tax by consulting official and local resources. Sites like EasyEntry and the web pages of Italian municipalities are precious resources that offer assistance and clarifications on the regulations in force.

Sustainability and Local Development

Ultimately, the tourist tax is a tool that promotes the sustainability of the tourism sector. It helps balance the needs of tourists with those of local communities, ensuring that tourism not only enriches the experience of visitors, but also brings tangible benefits to the places that host them.

Final Conclusions

In conclusion, the tourist tax is a fundamental element for the balance and development of tourism in Italy. Its correct application and management are essential to guarantee a high-quality tourist experience and to support the sustainable development of Italian tourist destinations.

The tourist tax plays a fundamental role in Italian tourism, supporting the development and conservation of tourist destinations. For hospitality managers, managing this tax efficiently is essential not only to comply with regulations, but also to improve their guests' experience.

In an era in which digitalisation is transforming the hotel sector, it is appropriate to consider solutions that simplify and automate the management of administrative activities. A perfect example of this type of innovation is the service offered by GuestKey , which allows the automatic sending of slips to the Police and ISTAT , as well as the calculation of the tourist tax.

This solution not only lightens the workload of hotel staff, but also ensures greater precision and compliance with current regulations. We invite you to explore how their service EasyEntry can transform the management of your facility, making sending slips and calculating the tourist tax simpler and more efficient.

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Via Consulare Antica, 402 98071 - Capo D'Orlando (ME) Messina - ITALY +39 0941 912335 +39 0941 901172 +39 0941 901749 [email protected] P.IVA IT01388530832

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