There’s something about arriving in Barcelona that feels cinematic — perhaps it’s that soft golden afternoon light, or the mix of old world romance and modern vitality that hums through its streets. Or perhaps it’s just that I had the new Oppo Find X9 Pro in hand, ready to capture it all in glorious detail.
After an excruciatingly long flight, I checked into the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel, a striking building that sits right on the waterfront, overlooking the glittering Port Vell marina where cruise ships dock. My room was vast — complete with its own dressing room — and while it was tempting to stay in, Barcelona beckoned.
Our group met for lunch before strolling to a hidden tapas bar in the old town, Bar Jai-Ca — an absolute gem. It was one of those rare, local places that is authentically itself. We ordered an array of tapas and jugs of sangria — including my first white sangria, a revelation for any white wine drinker. Between bites, I kept pausing to take photos with the Oppo Find X9 Pro — its vivid colour accuracy made even the mosaic tabletop look like art.
After lunch we ambled through the Gothic Quarter, winding through narrow cobbled lanes where laundry flapped from balconies and sunlight poured in through the occasional archway. It’s the kind of city made for photography — every corner offers a new texture or tone — and the phone’s dynamic range captured shadow and light perfectly.
That evening, we made our way along the waterfront to the W Hotel for the Oppo launch event. This is where I switched into tech-journalist mode, learning more about the phone’s advanced camera system — including its triple lens co-developed with camera icon, Hasselblad. Naturally, that was what interested me the most. After the presentation came cocktails and dancing, and a rumour that football star Lamine Yamal might appear (sadly, he didn’t — much to my nine-year-old football mad son’s disappointment when I had to break the news over the phone later).
Day two was all about seeing the city and really putting the Oppo Find X9 Pro to the test. We set out early to explore Gaudí’s masterpieces, starting with Park Güell, an outdoor wonderland of mosaics, wavy exteriors, and sweeping views across the city. From there we walked to the Sagrada Família, perhaps the most breathtaking building I’ve ever seen. The sheer ambition of Gaudí’s design, the kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows, and the intricate stonework was incredible. Our tour guide told us it’s due to be completed in 2026, 100 years after Gaudí’s death — and standing there, in a place that gathered so many people together, it felt sacred.
Dinner that night was at Berbena, a modern Catalan restaurant with a creative streak. Ordering Ubers in Barcelona can be hit-and-miss, so we walked, which turned out to be perfect for catching golden hour shots along the way. The meal was full of surprises: prawn tostadas, a stingray dish that was definitely an acquired taste, and glasses of excellent local wine.
On my final day, I leaned further into Gaudí’s world with a visit to Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia. Originally designed for a wealthy family, it’s one of the most imaginative houses ever built — no straight lines, just flowing, organic shapes inspired by the sea. Photographing the curved windows, mosaic details, and soft natural light was a dream; the Oppo Find X9 Pro handled it all effortlessly. Since I was already on the city’s main shopping boulevard, I indulged in a little retail therapy. Alongside the usual Zara and Mango stores were luxury flagships and local designers. I found myself in Massimo Dutti, where I couldn’t resist a soft suede brown jacket — my one very wearable souvenir.
That evening, our final dinner was at Bar Super, a compact spot and sister restaurant of the more well-known Bar Brutal. The botifarra with escalivada (aka a sausage) was a smokey, rich, and perfectly spiced standout. Between shared stories and shared dishes (and one last round of photos) it struck me how invigorating it is to see a city through a new lens. Barcelona is a city of colour and curve — and through the Oppo Find X9 Pro, I was able to see it in a whole new light.
Top tips
Where to eat
Avoid tourist traps and try local yet modern restaurants such as Bar Super and Berbena. If you’re looking for authentic tapas, head to Bar Jai-Ca. Or for dessert, try the historic Granja Dulcinea for churros.
Where to stay
The options are endless. We stayed at the Eurostars Grand Marina hotel, but there are plenty of Airbnb options in the old town that will make you feel like you’re a Barcelona resident.
Where to shop
Passeig de Gràcia is a long straight line, which has stores from high to low end, allowing you to choose your budget. The city has a well-known vintage market but best to research that before you go.
This article was originally published in Fashion Quarterly’s Summer 2026 issue.
All photos were shot on the Oppo Find X9 Pro.
Words: Sarah Murray.
