Barcelona vs Istanbul vs Larnaca vs Medellin vs Seoul vs Sofia

Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Istanbul 🇹🇷
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Larnaca 🇨🇾
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Medellin 🇨🇴
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Seoul 🇰🇷
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Sofia 🇧🇬
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Population 5,585,556 15,520,000 144,900 2,427,000 9,963,452 1,270,169
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish Turkish Greek Spanish Korean Bulgarian
Level of English High Low High Low Moderate High
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA) José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Incheon International Airport (ICN) Sofia International Airport (SOF)
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November April - June, September and October March - May, October - December January - April, December March - May, September - November April-June, September-October
Currency EUR - Euro (€) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺) EUR - Euro (€) COP - Colombian Peso ($) KRW - South Korean won (₩) BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted in some places Accepted everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No No No No No
Average monthly costs $2384 $659 $1959 $1293 $2184 $1289
Rent $932 $354 $678 $732 $797 $567
Groceries $121 $44 $157 $87 $356 $10
Dining out $403 $81 $261 $131 $211 $227
Cafe $45 $18 $56 $18 $69 $27
Coworking space $213 $49 $209 $96 $222 $140
Mobile internet $10 $3 $35 $16 $40 $10
Public transportation $127 $6 $63 $21 $40 $30
Taxis $48 $6 $42 $14 $41 $12
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $2 $45 $0 $13 $40
Sport and cultural events $81 $11 $28 $8 $39 $18
Museums and sights $33 $15 $8 $9 $6 $12
Nightlife $112 $22 $110 $73 $93 $82
Gym $81 $9 $107 $15 $69 $23
Yoga $93 $23 $105 $54 $112 $62
Massage $59 $15 $54 $20 $75 $29
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN Claro, Tigo KT, SK Telecom, LG Uplus A1, Telenor, Vivacom
Tipping 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars Tip 10% in restaurants Not customary or expected 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow BiTaksi nTaxi EasyTaxi Uber, Kakao TaxiMe, TaxiStars
Tap water Drinkable Not 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. 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.. A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats Emphasis on rice, vegetables, spices and meats. Main dishes are coupled with diverse side dishes and desserts. Strong driking culture. 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 Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa Kimchi, bulgogi, chap chae, mandu, sam gae tang, bossam 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 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. Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food Smaller, local eateries (sikdang), street stalls and local markets Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas.
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 153 listings on Happy Cow 57 options on Happy Cow 20 options on HappyCow