If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh this year, there’s an important change to be aware of. Starting 24 July 2026, visitors staying overnight in the city will pay a new 5% tourist tax, added to the cost of accommodation.

Edinburgh will be the first city in Scotland to introduce this type of levy.

What Is the Edinburgh Tourist Tax?

The new charge is a 5% levy on overnight accommodation, including:

• Hotels
• Bed and breakfasts
• Guesthouses
• Holiday rentals and serviced apartments

The tax will be added to the total accommodation cost and paid by visitors staying in the city.

Why Is Edinburgh Introducing This Tax?

City officials say the tax is designed to support:

• Local services affected by high visitor numbers
• Tourism infrastructure
• City maintenance and improvements

Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in the UK, particularly during peak periods such as the summer festival season. The aim is to help manage visitor impact while continuing investment in the city.

How Much Will It Add to Your Trip?

The impact will depend on where you stay and for how long.

For example:

• A £200 per night hotel stay would include an additional £10 per night
• A £1,000 total accommodation cost would include an extra £50

For most travellers, this won’t dramatically change the overall budget, but it is something to factor in, especially for longer stays or family trips.

What This Means for Trip Planning

If you’re visiting Edinburgh from summer 2026 onwards, it’s worth:

• Checking whether the tax is included in quoted accommodation prices
• Comparing total costs rather than nightly rates alone
• Planning accommodation carefully during busy periods

For travellers visiting Scotland more broadly, this may also influence decisions about how long to stay in Edinburgh versus other cities or regions.

Planning an Edinburgh or Scotland Itinerary

When I plan personalised itineraries for Scotland, I take factors like accommodation costs, travel timing, and seasonal demand into account. For some travellers, it may make sense to adjust the length of stay in Edinburgh or balance city time with smaller towns and countryside stops.

FAQ: Edinburgh Tourist Tax

When does the Edinburgh tourist tax start?
The Edinburgh tourist tax starts on 24 July 2026.

How much is the tourist tax in Edinburgh?
The levy is 5% of the total accommodation cost.

Which types of accommodation are taxed in Edinburgh?
The tax applies to hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, holiday rentals, serviced apartments, caravan parks, and campsites in Edinburgh.

So the tourist tax applies to caravan parks and campsites?
Yes. The 5% tourist tax also applies to paid stays at caravan parks and campsites within the Edinburgh area.

Is the tourist tax charged per person or per room?
The tax is calculated as a percentage of the total accommodation cost, not per person.

Will the tourist tax be included in the booking price?
It depends. Some providers include the tax in the total quoted price, while others add it at checkout. Check the final price before booking.

Does the tourist tax apply to day visitors?
No. The tourist tax only applies to overnight accommodation in Edinburgh.

Will other Scottish cities introduce a similar tax?
At present, Edinburgh is the only city in Scotland to introduce a tourist tax. Other cities may consider similar levies in future.