A virtual stroll down Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia boulevard

Pilot project unveils mixed reality headset with local information and letting users explore buildings, book hotel rooms, and even go shopping 

A user of the virtual reality goggles in Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia, on November 19, 2019 (by Jordi Bataller)
A user of the virtual reality goggles in Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia, on November 19, 2019 (by Jordi Bataller) / Cristina Tomàs White

Cristina Tomàs White | Barcelona

November 19, 2019 02:30 PM

5G technology arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday, with a pilot project involving augmented reality goggles allowing visitors to explore the city's Passeig de Gràcia boulevard.

The '5G Interactive City' project lets tourists "see" and interact with what is inside the avenue's landmarks and shops using Magic Leap mixed reality headsets.

In this pilot, users could get information about buildings, buy tickets to Antoni Gaudí's Pedrera or Casa Batlló houses, book a room in one a hotel, or shop in local stores.

"At first I wasn't sure how to use it but it's quite easy and intuitive. You can do loads of things without even having to move," said Teresa Vives after trying the experience.