Barcelona vs Istanbul vs Madrid vs Playa del Carmen vs Rio de Janeiro

Barcelona ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
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Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
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Playa del Carmen ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ
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Rio de Janeiro ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท
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Population 5,585,556 15,520,000 6,578,0179 259,453 6,718,903
Official language(s) Catalan, Spanish Turkish Spanish Spanish Portuguese
Level of English High Low Moderate Moderate Low
Main airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) Cancun International Airport (CUN) Galeรฃo International Airport
Most common months to visit April - June, September - November April - June, September and October March - May, September - November January - May, October - December January - March, December
Currency EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ) MXN - Mexican Peso ($) BRL - Brazilian Real (R$)
Credit cards Accepted almost evewhere Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere Accepted almost everywhere Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa Yes No Yes Yes No
Average monthly costs $2384 $659 $2498 $2143 $1833
Rent $932 $354 $1174 $923 $1066
Groceries $121 $44 $175 $127 $95
Dining out $403 $81 $313 $207 $210
Cafe $45 $18 $51 $42 $25
Coworking space $213 $49 $196 $160 $130
Mobile internet $10 $3 $10 $21 $7
Public transportation $127 $6 $78 $17 $33
Taxis $48 $6 $44 $9 $14
Shared bicycles and scooters $24 $2 $49 $49 $16
Sport and cultural events $81 $11 $54 $97 $55
Museums and sights $33 $15 $20 $217 $26
Nightlife $112 $22 $82 $77 $54
Gym $81 $9 $44 $42 $31
Yoga $93 $23 $142 $54 $40
Massage $59 $15 $64 $101 $32
SIM card options Vodafone, Movistar Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone Telcel, Movistar Tim, Claro, Vivo
Tipping 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. 10-15% for restaurants 10% usually included in restaurants, 10% at bars and cafes with table service is common
Taxi apps Cabify, FreeNow BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now N/A Easy Taxi, 99 Taxi, Uber
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable Drinkable Not 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 Fresh, regional produce accentuated with garlic and olive oil and mixed with various meats and seafoods. Influenced both by Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Staple dishes from maize, beans, sweet potato and avocado along with meat, chili peppers and other spices Emphasis on rice, beans, pork and beef with a variety of root vegetables and fresh fruits. Fresh seafood is also very common.
Local food specialities Paella, bombas, esqueixada, pa amb tomรกquet, escalivada, crema Catalana, gazpacho, chorizo Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros Chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, cochinita pibil, tostadas, pozole Feijoada, bolinho de bacalhau, fried sardines, caldo verde, pao de queijo and brigadeiros.
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 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! Taco stands, esquite stalls, El Fogon, El Pirata, Dona Mary's The "snack capital" of Brazil, Rio is a perfect place to try street food as well as the wide varieties of small, traditional eateries and churrascarias easily found across the city.
Vegetarian / vegan options 98 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow 72 listings on Happy Cow 54 options on Happy Cow