But, and here's the crucial part, if you are calm and civilised then the police tend to turn a blind eye. Never forget that holding that open can of beer in the street is technically against the law, and try to hide it from the police, who are well within their rights to hit you with a fine if they feel like it.

No, it is technically illegal to drink alcohol in the streets of Barcelona, and you can be fined up to €600 (or more for raucous behavior) for doing so. Local laws categorize public drinking as a "public nuisance," similar to littering or noise violations. While you will frequently see "mojito men" or street vendors selling cans of Estrella for €1 in the Gothic Quarter or on the Barceloneta beach, both the sale and the consumption are prohibited. In 2026, the Guardia Urbana (local police) have intensified patrols in tourist-heavy areas to reclaim public spaces for residents. However, there is a cultural nuance: if you are sitting at a "Terraza" (a licensed outdoor table belonging to a bar), you can drink freely. The law is primarily aimed at "botellón" (large public drinking gatherings) and rowdy "stag/hen" parties. If you are caught with an open beer while walking, police may simply ask you to dispose of it, but if you are causing a disturbance, they will not hesitate to issue a steep fine.