Barcelona 🇪🇸
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Berlin 🇩🇪
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Madrid 🇪🇸
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Medellin 🇨🇴
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Porto 🇵🇹
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Sofia 🇧🇬
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Population | 5,585,556 | 3,400,000 | 6,578,0179 | 2,427,000 | 237,559 | 1,270,169 |
Official language(s) | Catalan, Spanish | German | Spanish | Spanish | Portuguese | Bulgarian |
Level of English | High | Very high | Moderate | Low | Very High | High |
Main airport | Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) | Berlin Tegel (TXL) | Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) | José MarÃa Córdova International Airport (MDE) | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) | Sofia International Airport (SOF) |
Most common months to visit | April - June, September - November | May - September | March - May, September - November | January - April, December | May - September | April-June, September-October |
Currency | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | EUR - Euro (€) | COP - Colombian Peso ($) | EUR - Euro (€) | BGN - Bulgarian Lev (лв) |
Credit cards | Accepted almost evewhere | Accepted in some places but cash often preferred | Accepted everywhere | Accepted in some places | Accepted everywhere | Accepted everywhere |
Remote worker visa | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Average monthly costs | $2384 | $2200 | $2498 | $1293 | $1759 | $1289 |
Rent | $932 | $939 | $1174 | $732 | $717 | $567 |
Groceries | $121 | $188 | $175 | $87 | $148 | $10 |
Dining out | $403 | $271 | $313 | $131 | $280 | $227 |
Cafe | $45 | $57 | $51 | $18 | $45 | $27 |
Coworking space | $213 | $174 | $196 | $96 | $96 | $140 |
Mobile internet | $10 | $23 | $10 | $16 | $21 | $10 |
Public transportation | $127 | $88 | $78 | $21 | $95 | $30 |
Taxis | $48 | $58 | $44 | $14 | $25 | $12 |
Shared bicycles and scooters | $24 | $17 | $49 | $0 | $10 | $40 |
Sport and cultural events | $81 | $64 | $54 | $8 | $45 | $18 |
Museums and sights | $33 | $37 | $20 | $9 | $24 | $12 |
Nightlife | $112 | $63 | $82 | $73 | $66 | $82 |
Gym | $81 | $66 | $44 | $15 | $56 | $23 |
Yoga | $93 | $99 | $142 | $54 | $82 | $62 |
Massage | $59 | $56 | $64 | $20 | $48 | $29 |
SIM card options | Vodafone, Movistar | Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone | Orange, Movistar, Vodafone | Claro, Tigo | Vodafone, MEO, NOS | A1, Telenor, Vivacom |
Tipping | 5-10% in restaurants if service is exceptional, not expected elsewhere | Round up for restaurants, not common for bars and services | Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated. | Tip 10% in restaurants | 5-10% at restaurants if happy with service, not expected at cafes or bars | 10% in restaurants, 1-2 BGN at bars and cafés |
Taxi apps | Cabify, FreeNow | Mytaxi, Uber | Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now | EasyTaxi | Uber, MyTaxi, Cabify | TaxiMe, TaxiStars |
Tap water | Drinkable | Drinkable | 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. | Heavy and hearty meals with plenty of meat, potatoes and bread | 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 | A variety of meats often mixed with fresh legumes and vegetables. Emphasis on rich seafood dishes and creamy desserts. | 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 | Currywurst, spätzle, königsberger klopse, schnitzel, eisbein, doner kebab, pretzels | Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileña, churros | Bandeja paisa, ajiaco, mondongo, empanada, and arepa | Bacalhau, Alheira de Mirandela, Francesinha, queido da serra da estrela, tripas a moda do Oporto, pasteis de chaves, tarte de amendoa | 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 | Brew pubs, cafes, bars, deli shops | 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 | Local taverns, terraces, markets, tascas, churrascarias and local sports bars | Taverns, local BBQ restaurants, local markets and smaller eateries in residential and university areas. |
Vegetarian / vegan options | 98 options on HappyCow | 844 listings on Happy Cow | 85 listings on Happy Cow | 153 listings on Happy Cow | 46 options on Happy Cow | 20 options on HappyCow |