Barcelona vs Berlin vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Madrid vs Sofia

Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Sofia 🇧🇬
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Population 5,585,556 3,400,000 15,520,000 144,900 6,578,0179 1,270,169
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish German Turkish Greek Spanish Bulgarian
Level of English High Very high Low High Moderate High
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November May - September April - June, September and October March - May, October - December March - May, September - November April-June, September-October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes Yes No No Yes No
Average monthly costs $2384 $2200 $659 $1959 $2498 $1289
Rent $932 $939 $354 $678 $1174 $567
Groceries $121 $188 $44 $157 $175 $10
Dining out $403 $271 $81 $261 $313 $227
Cafe $45 $57 $18 $56 $51 $27
Coworking space $213 $174 $49 $209 $196 $140
Mobile internet $10 $23 $3 $35 $10 $10
Public transportation $127 $88 $6 $63 $78 $30
Taxis $48 $58 $6 $42 $44 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $17 $2 $45 $49 $40
Sport and cultural events $81 $64 $11 $28 $54 $18
Museums and sights $33 $37 $15 $8 $20 $12
Nightlife $112 $63 $22 $110 $82 $82
Gym $81 $66 $9 $107 $44 $23
Yoga $93 $99 $23 $105 $142 $62
Massage $59 $56 $15 $54 $64 $29
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Orange, Movistar, Vodafone A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow Mytaxi, Uber BiTaksi nTaxi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Catalan cuisine makes extensive use of Mediterranean vegetables, legumes mixed with pork in its many varieties, chicken and fish. Regularly mixes sweet and savory flavors in specific dishes. This cuisine is known for being bold in flavor and striking in color, with a variety of specific regional dishes found the culinary hub that is Barcelona. Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well.. Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Vegetables and mild spices are often mixed with dairy products to create rich chicken and pork products. Seafood dishes also popular in some regions of the country, making them popular in the capital.
Local food specialities Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomáquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator
Eat like a local Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too. Have some tapas and sangria at a tasca and paella at an authentic eatery. Keep an eye on the time and visit a cafeteria for a mid-afternoon merienda and some churros! Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
Vegetarian / vegan options 98 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available 85 listings on Happy Cow 20 options on HappyCow