Dog-friendly destinations in Europe

What makes a European city break 10 times the fun? If you said chic architecture, jaw-dropping museums or the laid back pace of life, we wouldn’t blame you - but it’s not what we were thinking of. In fact, (in our books, at least) a weekend away is made all the better with a fluffy friend by your side - furry morning snuggles, walkies by the river and pooch-friendly pastry spots are right at the top of our weekend away checklist. You might be wondering how a heaven like this exists if you’re not a pet parent yourself - well by house sitting in Europe, you could be exploring some of the continent’s coolest sites with a four-legged pal trotting by your side. So, what are you waiting for? Get your paws all over these dog-friendly cities in Europe to help you plan your next fluff (and fun)-filled city break adventure…

What are Europe’s most dog-friendly destinations?

Paris

If you’re anything like us, you’ll have envied those effortlessly fashionista Parisians going about town with their equally aesthetic (and darn cute) four-legged friends gently in tow. And while London has its buses, Paris has its style AND of course, its dogs - the city simply wouldn’t be the same without them. It’s one of the most dog-friendly destinations going if you want to get amongst the hustle and bustle with the calming effect of a pooch by your side, every boot-heeled step of the way. So, pack your bag and meander amongst the city’s romantic streets, strut the Champs-Élysées and pick at a pastry in one of Europe’s most rewarding people-watching spots, all with a furry tour guide by your side.

Bruges

If you’re not yet a pet parent but you’re after dog-friendly city breaks to keep your wanderlust and fluffy fixes in check, Bruges is known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe - perfect for pet sitting then! Tuck into local eats at Bruges’ top restaurants for dogs and try Belgium’s most famous dish (the humble fries of course). Despite being a tourist favourite amongst Belgium’s cities, Bruges is quaint, canal-filled and sends you back a few hundred years through its impeccably-kept streets, sleepy vibe and buildings from empires passed. While you marvel at the sites and pick your jaw up off the floor after snooping around the city’s chocolate shops, head to The Doghouse or Côté Canal Bed & Breakfast, both famous for their pooch-loving ways.

Barcelona

Gothic cathedrals, avant garde art and Modernist marvels aside, Barcelona is one of the  European cities that opens its warm arms to four-legged friends, so you won’t be disappointed when you look for pet sitting opportunities. Filled with dog-friendly destinations for you and your new pooch pal to kick back, you can soak up the city’s cool scenery without worrying about whether your fluffy friend is welcome. Find heaps of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes, then chill at Playa del Llevant - the beach that welcomes  four-legged friends during the peak summer season.

Madrid

If capital cities are more your thing, head for your dog-friendly city breaks in Spain’s Madrid. Bursting with green spaces perfect for letting large dogs burn some energy (El Retiro, Parque del Oeste and Casa del Campo - to name a few), a fun day out with Fido certainly won’t go amiss. And swing by Café Federal, El Columpio or Barbara Ann for a pooch-friendly place to try Madrid’s local specialities.

Warsaw

With average temperatures a little lower than some of the other dog-friendly cities in Europe, Warsaw is ideal for dog lovers who love nothing more than getting wrapped up, heading out for walkies and seeing some cool sites along the way. Stroll through the city’s streets, past its (stunning) restored architecture and tuck into a homemade pierogi on a dog-friendly terrace. And if you’re accompanied by a fluffy friend simply bursting with energy, dog parks don’t go amiss in this city. Check out Pole Mokotowskie, Szczęśliwice park or Park Edwarda Szymańskiego, just to name a few.

Prague

Becoming one of Europe’s most dog-friendly destinations, Prague is teeming with pup-friendly walkies spots including Petřín Gardens with rewarding views of the city from the top. Head to Vyšehrad for river city views if the idea of walking with a fluffy friend in tow and gawping at historic sites is your idea of the perfect afternoon. And if Prague weather simply isn’t playing ball, book a dog-friendly viewing at one of the city’s pooch-welcoming cinemas. Yep, this really is a great city for dogs - who knew popcorn in one hand and a paw in the other could be a thing!

Krakow

Edging up to the border with Czech Republic, Krakow is a great city for dog lovers pet sitting in and around the city. Known for its medieval core, old town and market squares (plus lots more historical spots worth visiting), Poland’s southern city of Krakow is perfect for city breaks, any time of the year. Head to the cosy dog-friendly spot, Cafe Kładka for a welcoming eatery to refuel after walkies, Massolit Bakery or Karma Coffee Roasters. If you’re more the grab and go type, head to one of Krakow’s stunning squares while you sip on your morning coffee - visit Rynek Podgórski, the Grand Square and Plac Szczepanski square for Insta-worthy city views and ample bird-chasing opportunities.

Berlin

Spots that welcome our four-legged friends are great, but you know us, and we respect a place even more when a pooch-friendly menu is on offer. If this is up your street too, head to Berlin’s Five Elephant cafe where both you and your fluffy friend can tuck into delicious cheesecakes. And the city isn’t short of green spaces ideal for bonding with your new pal, either. Between cheesecake munching, site seeing and walkies, hop onto public transport with your fluffy friend, no problem. So, say auf wiedersehen to bland holidays and willkommen to fur-filled fun times abroad by pet sitting in Berlin - one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe.

Hamburg

A canal-filled major port city, Hamburg is one of Germany’s most popular cities for tourists and dog lovers alike. Home to dogs of Europe and further afield, you won’t be short of sites to see and things to do with your new fluffy buddy in Hamburg. Track down a dog-friendly restaurant to refuel after walkies around Planten und Blomen - a dog-friendly park filled with waterfalls and impressive views that Fido will love. Or if water is more your thing, hop aboard a tour at Hamburger Rundfahrten to see the city with your pooch pal by your side.

Amsterdam

Our four-legged friends are truly welcome in Amsterdam - arguably one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Europe. If the pet parents are happy, tuck your new pooch pal up in an open-top cargo bike, giving your new buddy the chance to show you their city’s top spots in Amsterdam’s most traditional form of transport. And talking of transport, dogs travel free on all public transport in Amsterdam, apart from trains.

Vienna

If its artist legacy wasn’t enough (Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud, we’re looking at you), Vienna is up there with some of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe. Why? Have a gander around Sigmund Freud park (which your new pooch pal is sure to know the ropes of), head to Figlmüller for traditional Austrian eats (with your fluffy friend peering at you expectantly, of course), or Cafe Wien for an upmarket afternoon of sweet treats.

Rome

Along with the capital’s famous historical sites, Rome can be a great place to have the company of a new fluffy friend. Wander Rome’s plazas - Fido will love chasing the pigeons, head to Bau Beach for a break from the hustle and bustle, and when you’re ready for more sightseeing, take a Vespa sidecar tour of the city! Find out more about traveling around Rome with a pooch pal in tow in our solo female traveler's guide to Italy.

Venice

Venice might be one of the most romantic cities in the world, but it’s also a dog-friendly destination and the perfect place to pet sit a new fluffy friend. Did you know that this city has no roads, only canals? Pretty impressive stuff! More impressive still is the canal-filled city’s Renaissance and Gothic palaces. So between walkies with your new best buddy, be sure to look up! And of course, head to the central square (Piazza San Marco), where you’ll see St. Mark’s Basilica and the bell tower.

Milan

While it’s Italy’s fashion capital, dogs of Europe and further afield are so welcome in Milan - the city has literally hundreds of dog-friendly restaurants. Check out Rosso Rubino, Vala and Sushi Koboo, just to name a few. And when you’re not restaurant-hopping, find out your pooch pal’s fetch abilities at Mobility Dog Park in the Indro Montanelli Gardens, Acquario di Parco Sempione or the dog area in Marinai D-Italia. And if your new buddy is more of a stroll rather than a ‘run for the ball’ type dog, take a gentle wander around the city to see the famous Il Duomo Cathedral.

Related article: 5 Most Friendly Dog Cities In The World

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