|
Barcelona ๐ช๐ธ
|
Larnaca ๐จ๐พ
|
Madrid ๐ช๐ธ
|
Medellin ๐จ๐ด
|
Playa del Carmen ๐ฒ๐ฝ
|
Sofia ๐ง๐ฌ
|
Valencia ๐ช๐ธ
|
|
| Population | 5,585,556 | 144,900 | 6,578,0179 | 2,427,000 | 259,453 | 1,270,169 | 834,000 |
| Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | Greek | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish | Bulgarian | Spanish, Valencian |
| Level of English | High | High | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Larnaca International Airport (LCA) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | Josรฉ Marรญa Cรณrdova International Airport (MDE) | Cancun International Airport (CUN) | Sofia International Airport (SOF) | Valencia Manises Airport (VLC) |
| Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | March - May, October - December | March - May, September - November | January - April, December | January - May, October - December | April-June, September-October | March - June, September, October |
| Currency | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) | COP - Colombian Peso ($) | MXN - Mexican Peso ($) | BGN - Bulgarian Lev (ะปะฒ) | EUR - Euro (โฌ) |
| Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted in some places | Accepted almost everywhere | Accepted everywhere | Accepted almost everywhere |
| Remote worker visa | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Average monthly costs | $2384 | $1959 | $2498 | $1293 | $2143 | $1289 | $1976 |
| Rent | $932 | $678 | $1174 | $732 | $923 | $567 | $869 |
| Groceries | $121 | $157 | $175 | $87 | $127 | $10 | $146 |
| Dining out | $403 | $261 | $313 | $131 | $207 | $227 | $292 |
| Cafe | $45 | $56 | $51 | $18 | $42 | $27 | $42 |
| Coworking space | $213 | $209 | $196 | $96 | $160 | $140 | $152 |
| Mobile internet | $10 | $35 | $10 | $16 | $21 | $10 | $16 |
| Public transportation | $127 | $63 | $78 | $21 | $17 | $30 | $38 |
| Taxis | $48 | $42 | $44 | $14 | $9 | $12 | $42 |
| Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $45 | $49 | $0 | $49 | $40 | $30 |
| Sport and cultural events | $81 | $28 | $54 | $8 | $97 | $18 | $73 |
| Museums and sights | $33 | $8 | $20 | $9 | $217 | $12 | $44 |
| Nightlife | $112 | $110 | $82 | $73 | $77 | $82 | $66 |
| Gym | $81 | $107 | $44 | $15 | $42 | $23 | $34 |
| Yoga | $93 | $105 | $142 | $54 | $54 | $62 | $87 |
| Massage | $59 | $54 | $64 | $20 | $101 | $29 | $45 |
| SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Claro, Tigo | Telcel, Movistar | A1, Telenor, Vivacom | Vodafone, Orange |
| Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | Tip 10% in restaurants | 10-15% for restaurants | 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafรฉs | Round up for good service at restaurants, not common at bars |
| Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | nTaxi | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | EasyTaxi | N/A | TaxiMe, TaxiStars | Cabify, FreeNow |
| Tap water | Drinkable | Not drinkable | Drinkable | Not drinkable | Not drinkable | Not 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. | 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. | A blend of indigenous and European traditions with rice, maize, cassava, assorted legumes, and meats | Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices | 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. | Mediterranean style using vegetables, seafoods and meats |
| Local food specialities | Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo | Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros | Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa | Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole | Kebapche, Bulgarian musaka, lyutenitsa, shkember chorba, kyufte, kavarma, banitsa and tarator | Paella, fideuร , esgarrat, orxata, bunyols |
| Eat like a local | Taverns, tapas bars, local markets, bodegas and street food spots | 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! | Street stalls for empanada and arepa with cheese, restaurants for traditional Colombian food | Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's | Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas. | Tapas bars, markets, menu del dia (cheap set lunches) |
| Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 153 listings on Happy Cow | 72 listings on Happy Cow | 20 options on HappyCow | 98 listings on Happy Cow |