Posts Tagged ‘drinking’
When it comes to drinking the water in Barcelona, many people have different opinions. In my experience, I recommend that you do not drink the water from the sink. The water is fine to drink, but it is not the best tasting. 
The Barcelona Public Health Authority has approved the safety of the water, and drinking it causes no health risk. It is fine to use the water for cooking, but as for drinking it during the day, thats a different story. The restaurants in Barcelona only serve bottled water. Bottled water is very cheapp to buy. You can find a large bottle at a local store for around 1 euro, and in the grocery stores they are around 40 cents. Restaurants mark up the water prices a lot, a small bottle may cost you around 1.50 euro. They are also large 5 L bottles of water, which are good to keep inside the apartment, and cost around 1.50 euro. There are old stylish water pumps/fountains around Barcelona, which many people use to fill up water bottle containers. You can see older locals using them as well as thirsty dogs, however not many tourists use them to fill up their bottles. If you are desperate for water, it is fine to drink the water, but be prepared that it may not be the best tasting water.
Walking along Las Ramblas, sitting on the beach, or just strolling the streets of Barcelona, it is quiet easy to notice the beer salesmen. For the most part, no matter where you are in Barcelona and at all hours of the day, you can always hear someone say “Cerveza, Cerveza, Beer!” In my opinion I find it quiet nice, as I am a beer drinker.
They sell beers for about 1 euro each, and you can buy a 6 pack for 5 euros. There are many Pakistani/Indian beer sellers around Barcelona, but do not be afraid of them as they are probably not going to steal from you. After all it is hard to turn down cold cheap beer, on a hot day or night. When you are wandering the streets at night, you can see everyone walking around with a beer, bottle/box of wine, or a mixed drink in hand. It seems that everyone is doing it, so the question is, can I do it too? Even though it seems no one thinks twice about walking around with a beer, it is however illegal. Obviously it is not heavily enforced, but you can get fined around 70 euros for an open container. You may get caught for drinking on the streets, and then that 1 euro beer all of a sudden seems a lot more expensive. To have a beer or not to have a beer, that is your choice, but you have been warned. Do not be surprised if you get caught by the policia.
