Barcelona ๐ช๐ธ
|
Istanbul ๐น๐ท
|
Mexico City ๐ฒ๐ฝ
|
Porto ๐ต๐น
|
Valencia ๐ช๐ธ
|
|
Population | 5,585,556 | 15,520,000 | 8,850,000 | 237,559 | 834,000 |
Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | Turkish | Spanish | Portuguese | Spanish, Valencian |
Level of English | High | Low | Moderate | Very High | Moderate |
Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Istanbul Airport (IST) | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) | Francisco Sรก Carneiro International Airport (OPO) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | April - June, September and October | March - May, October, November | May - September | March - June, September, October |
Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | TRY - Turkish Lira (โบ) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted in most places | Widely accepted (less with AMEX) | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
Remote worker visa | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Average monthly costs | $2384 | $659 | $1867 | $1759 | $1976 |
Rent | $932 | $354 | $778 | $717 | $869 |
Groceries | $121 | $44 | $281 | $148 | $146 |
Dining out | $403 | $81 | $182 | $280 | $292 |
Cafe | $45 | $18 | $49 | $45 | $42 |
Coworking space | $213 | $49 | $159 | $96 | $152 |
Mobile internet | $10 | $3 | $25 | $21 | $16 |
Public transportation | $127 | $6 | $11 | $95 | $38 |
Taxis | $48 | $6 | $9 | $25 | $42 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $2 | $24 | $10 | $30 |
Sport and cultural events | $81 | $11 | $81 | $45 | $73 |
Museums and sights | $33 | $15 | $20 | $24 | $44 |
Nightlife | $112 | $22 | $64 | $66 | $66 |
Gym | $81 | $9 | $69 | $56 | $34 |
Yoga | $93 | $23 | $65 | $82 | $87 |
Massage | $59 | $15 | $51 | $48 | $45 |
SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Turkcell, Turk Telekom | Telcel, Movistar | Vodafone, MEO, NOS | Vodafone, Orange |
Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars | 10-15% for restaurants, bars and services | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | BiTaksi | Uber | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify | Cabify, FreeNow |
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 | Corn, beans, tortillas and chili peppers typically alongside meat and cheese | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight | Enchiladas, torta de chilaquiles, esquites, quesadillas, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa | Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
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 | Markets, food stalls, menรบ del dรญa (cheap set lunch menus) | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 59 listings on Happy Cow | 279 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |