Do you have only one day in Kraków and want to see the city’s heart, walk the famous Bernatek Footbridge and find a comfortable, dog-friendly place to stay? This guide is for you — practical, hour-by-hour and focused on comfort with your pet.
I will take you step by step along the route, point out the best spots for photos on the footbridge, recommend places to eat and explain how to avoid common mistakes when staying overnight with a dog.
The Bernatek Footbridge is a convenient, short crossing that links Kazimierz with Podgórze, offering great views of the Vistula River and Wawel Castle and featuring distinctive suspended sculptures — it’s an ideal spot for a golden-hour photo. The bridge is named after Father Laetus Bernatek, associated with the Brothers Hospitallers hospital in Kraków.
The bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists, with separated lanes, and it’s often used as a connecting point between two very different parts of the city: historic Kazimierz and the calmer Podgórze. That makes crossing the bridge a quick “wow” moment that fits well into any one-day itinerary.
09:00 Start: Planty and the Main Market Square — a short stroll, listen to the trumpet call and take a few shots by the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica. 10:30 Walk along Grodzka Street and up to Wawel Hill — explore the Wawel courtyards and enjoy the river view. 12:00 Vistula boulevards — rest and a light lunch by the river. 13:30 Kazimierz: Izaaka, Jakuba and Wolnica Square — quiet streets perfect for walking with your dog. 15:30 Bernatek Footbridge — photos, a short break and cross to the Podgórze side. 16:15 Podgórze Market Square and return along the boulevards toward Wawel for the golden hour. This plan is based on practical routes adjusted for strolling with a pet.
In practice: adjust times according to the season and your dog’s energy — on hot days take longer breaks and avoid the midday sun. The boulevards and Planty provide shade and places to access water.
The best shots are taken in the morning (for empty frames) or at sunset (for warm light). Try three types of shots: wide framing with the Wawel panorama, medium framing showing the sculptures, and close-ups of the sculptural silhouettes. If you photograph with your dog, short leashes and a few practice poses help composition.
Practical note: it can be windy on the bridge — bring a light jacket and secure your camera gear. The love padlocks that once covered the railings were removed during renovation; some of these elements were planned to be reused in a local commemorative bench near the bridge, an interesting detail to look for.
The most convenient locations for travelers with a dog are the Old Town, Kazimierz and the areas along the Vistula boulevards — close to attractions, many walking routes and an easy return to your accommodation. When choosing a hotel, look for “pet-friendly” options and check in advance about any dog fees and rules (many places charge extra or require signing house rules).
Kraków has many apartments and hotels offering dog amenities — from bowls and beds to small treats. Booking platforms allow filtering for pet-friendly properties, but always confirm terms directly with the owner. Recommended areas: Kazimierz (close to cafés and the boulevards), the Old Town (central, short walks to sights) and the neighborhoods near Wawel.
When booking, check: whether pets are accepted, whether there’s an extra fee for a dog, whether documents (vaccination records) are required and where you can walk the dog nearby. During high season I recommend booking early, because the number of pet-friendly rooms is limited.
A common mistake is assuming that a “central hotel” automatically accepts pets. Always confirm by phone or email — this will save you from an unpleasant surprise at check-in.
For breaks I recommend outdoor places and cafés with terraces — Kazimierz and the Vistula boulevards have many options. Local cafés along the boulevards and a few highly rated spots in guides are good picks — choose places with outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs.
If you plan a sit-down lunch at a restaurant that accepts reservations, ask whether you can be seated outside with your dog — that is usually the most accepted arrangement. In very busy restaurants it can be kinder to leave your dog at the accommodation for a short time than to cause stress for the animal and other guests.
1) No advance booking for pet-friendly accommodation — solution: reserve and confirm conditions in advance.
2) An overly tight schedule — don’t try to “do everything” on foot in one day; it’s better to choose one or two areas and enjoy them without rushing.
3) Inadequate control of the dog during photos and on bridges — use a short leash and, if your dog is sensitive to crowds, choose morning hours.
Can you take a dog onto the boulevards and the footbridge? Yes — the boulevards and the footbridge are public spaces, but dogs should be on a leash and have up-to-date vaccinations; always follow local signs and any instructions from city staff.
How should I plan water and rest breaks for my dog? Plan a break every 30–60 minutes depending on weather and your dog’s activity; the boulevards and Planty offer benches and shade. In summer avoid the hottest hours.
What about the safety of belongings during photos on the bridge? Keep your gear close, use straps for your camera and case for your phone — it can be colder and windier on the bridge.
The love padlocks that once decorated the bridge’s railings were removed during renovation; there were plans to give them a “second life” as part of a bench made from repurposed elements — an interesting local community project and a sign of how the city cares for both aesthetics and memory.
The footbridge is one of the few spots where, in a short time, you can see three faces of Kraków: the historic Old Town, the artistic Kazimierz and the more urban, peaceful Podgórze. That’s why it’s worth including even on a short visit.
If you found this article useful — share it on social media or send the one-day plan to friends. It helps other travelers plan a pleasant, low-stress stay with their dog.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with someone who knows the city inside out and can adapt the route to your pace and your pet’s needs, feel free to contact local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Have a great day in Kraków and safe walks with your dog!
