The analysis of exoplanetary atmospheres by means of high-resolution spectroscopy is an expanding research field which provides information o n chemical composition, thermal structure, atmospheric dynamics and orbital velocity of exoplanets. In this work, we aim at the detection of the light reflected by the exoplanet 51 Peg b employing optical high-resolution spectroscopy. To detect the light reflected by the planetary dayside we use optical HARPS and HARPS-N spectra taken near the superior conjunction of the planet, when the flux contrast between the planet and the star is maximum. To search for the weak planetary signal, we cross-correlate the observed spectra with a high S/N stellar spectrum. We homogeneously analyze the available datasets and derive a 10^-5^ upper limit on the planet-to-star flux contrast in the optical. The upper limit on the planet-to-star flux contrast of 10^-5^ translates into a low albedo of the planetary atmosphere (A_g_~0.05-0.15 for an assumed planetary radius in the range 1.5-0.9R_Jup_, as estimated from the planet's mass).