Istanbul vs Madrid

Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
Madrid ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ
Population 15,520,000 6,578,0179
Official language(s) Turkish Spanish
Level of English Low Moderate
Main airport Istanbul Airport (IST) Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Most common months to visit April - June, September and October March - May, September - November
Currency TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ)
Credit cards Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No Yes
Average monthly costs $659 $2498
Rent $354 $1174
Groceries $44 $175
Dining out $81 $313
Cafe $18 $51
Coworking space $49 $196
Mobile internet $3 $10
Public transportation $6 $78
Taxis $6 $44
Shared bicycles and scooters $2 $49
Sport and cultural events $11 $54
Museums and sights $15 $20
Nightlife $22 $82
Gym $9 $44
Yoga $23 $142
Massage $15 $64
SIM card options Turkcell, Turk Telekom Orange, Movistar, Vodafone
Tipping Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars Not customary or expected but small tips are appreciated.
Taxi apps BiTaksi Uber, Cabify, MyTaxi Free Now
Tap water Not drinkable Drinkable
Overall cuisine 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.
Local food specialities Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Paella, tapas, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo a la gallega, callos a la madrileรฑa, churros
Eat like a local 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!
Vegetarian / vegan options 59 listings on Happy Cow 85 listings on Happy Cow