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Barcelona ๐ช๐ธ
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Istanbul ๐น๐ท
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Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
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Lisbon ๐ต๐น
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Madrid ๐ช๐ธ
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| Population | 5,585,556 | 15,520,000 | 144,900 | 517,000 | 6,578,0179 |
| Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | Turkish | Greek | Portuguese | Spanish |
| Level of English | High | Low | High | Very high | Moderate |
| Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) |
| Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | April - June, September and October | March - May, October - December | March - May, September, October | March - May, September - November |
| Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | TRY - Turkish Lira (โบ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted in most places | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere (less for AMEX) | Accepted everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $2384 | $659 | $1959 | $1984 | $2498 |
| Rent | $932 | $354 | $678 | $965 | $1174 |
| Groceries | $121 | $44 | $157 | $136 | $175 |
| Dining out | $403 | $81 | $261 | $271 | $313 |
| Cafe | $45 | $18 | $56 | $37 | $51 |
| Coworking space | $213 | $49 | $209 | $164 | $196 |
| Mobile internet | $10 | $3 | $35 | $24 | $10 |
| Public transportation | $127 | $6 | $63 | $63 | $78 |
| Taxis | $48 | $6 | $42 | $27 | $44 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $2 | $45 | $18 | $49 |
| Sport and cultural events | $81 | $11 | $28 | $29 | $54 |
| Museums and sights | $33 | $15 | $8 | $24 | $20 |
| Nightlife | $112 | $22 | $110 | $47 | $82 |
| Gym | $81 | $9 | $107 | $65 | $44 |
| Yoga | $93 | $23 | $105 | $65 | $142 |
| Massage | $59 | $15 | $54 | $50 | $64 |
| SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Turkcell, Turk Telekom | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Vodafone | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone |
| Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | 5-10% for restaurants, not common at bars | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. |
| Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | BiTaksi | nTaxi | Uber, FreeNow | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now |
| Tap water | Drinkable | Not 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. | 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 seafood, meats, soup, sausages and famous pastries | Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. |
| Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Bacalhau ร bras, sardinhas, petiscos, leitรฃo, polvo ร lagareiro, pasteis de nata, bifana | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros |
| Eat like a local | Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots | 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. | Tascas, snack bars, seafood restaurants | 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! |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 59 listings on Happy Cow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 401 listings on Happy Cow | 85 listings on Happy Cow |