Barcelona vs Berlin vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Porto

Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Porto 🇵🇹
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Population 5,585,556 3,400,000 15,520,000 6,578,0179 237,559
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish German Turkish Spanish Portuguese
Level of English High Very high Low Moderate Very High
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Berlin Tegel (TXL) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO)
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November May - September April - June, September and October March - May, September - November May - September
Currency EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) EUR - Euro (€)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted in some places but cash often preferred Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Average monthly costs $2384 $2200 $659 $2498 $1759
Rent $932 $939 $354 $1174 $717
Groceries $121 $188 $44 $175 $148
Dining out $403 $271 $81 $313 $280
Cafe $45 $57 $18 $51 $45
Coworking space $213 $174 $49 $196 $96
Mobile internet $10 $23 $3 $10 $21
Public transportation $127 $88 $6 $78 $95
Taxis $48 $58 $6 $44 $25
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $17 $2 $49 $10
Sport and cultural events $81 $64 $11 $54 $45
Museums and sights $33 $37 $15 $20 $24
Nightlife $112 $63 $22 $82 $66
Gym $81 $66 $9 $44 $56
Yoga $93 $99 $23 $142 $82
Massage $59 $56 $15 $64 $48
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Vodafone, MEO, NOS
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 Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow Mytaxi, Uber BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify
Tap water Drinkable Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable 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 Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts.
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 Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa
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 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! Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars
Vegetarian / vegan options 98 options on HappyCow 844 listings on Happy Cow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 46 options on Happy Cow