Forty-eight Hours in Barcelona

Barcelona, the Catalan capital, is full of unique people and a mix of cultures. Anything goes.. and it does. We met up two friends from Orlando to rummage through the city. Here is a quick run-down of our 48-hours here.

Hotel Market and Restaurant, a boutique hotel off the beaten path in the Eixample district. Bottles of water and ripe granny-smith apples were in constant supply in the lobby. Our room was only reachable via two different, antique elevators that met on the 3rd floor. Brunch at the restaurant was a little unexpected - a heaping plate of pancakes, eggs, croquettes and a cold asparagus soup.

Located just North of the Eixample district, Cinema Bar was small and cozy with a rather large painting of ET on the wall. Home sweet home. The owner was overly excited by American patrons and jumped on the bar shirtless showing off his moves, while singing Total Eclipse of the Heart and the YMCA. He sent a round of shots to the table cheering from 3 feet above. Salut! After an overwhelming night, we were invited back to the bar's 14th anniversary party the following day.

La Seu Cathedral, located in the center of Barri Gotic (the Gothic District). Named after Saint Eulalia, it's name is Catalan for "Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia."

Perfectly crafted, delicious tapas lining the bar at Sagardi. Ham croquette atop french bread, goat cheese, walnuts and basil; salmon and peppercini; oh my! The restaurant was packed. Outside seating, with a 10-15% up-charge per tapas, was unavailable. We sipped house-made sangria next to high-top tables throughout the restaurant. At 1.80£ a piece, save your sticks to show how many pieces you ate. Ten for me!

La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi, looks like a castle molded from mud. Construction on this expiatory church was built entirely from donations beginning in 1882. Since Gaudi's death in 1926, various architects have continued his work. The church is still under construction.

"The best mojitos in town," according to the brazilian Barista at Bar Muy Buenas with hair wrapped in a tall scarf, and dancing and singing as she cranked out more and more sugary deliciousness. Their secret ingredient: tabasco sauce.

Some other highlights:

Catalan street performers breakdancing next to the antique market in front of Gaudi-inspired architecture. I was almost pulled to the center with other on-lookers for a special performance.

Perfect, late-night Turkish snacks from Doner Kabab. A thick pita filled with fresh lamb or beef, lettuce, garlic sauce and loads of hot sauce and chili flakes. These flakes are called biber in Turkish. (Yes, like Justin Bieber).

Locals selling Estrella in the streets (and dark alley ways too!) at all hours of the night. These warm beers must hit the spot when you're looking for just one more.