Are you going to Krakow for 3 days with a group of friends and don’t want to waste time in queues or only see the Main Square? Do you want to explore the city “your way”, take your dog to pretty spots, but also enjoy some culture without your pet? This article gives a ready-made plan and practical tips — what to see off the beaten path and where to safely leave your dog for a few hours or overnight.
What we focus on: short, doable routes for three days, alternative neighborhoods and peaceful places, plus realistic dog-care options in Krakow (petsitter, home-style dog hotel, professional kennel, in-owner-home care), and a checklist of things to prepare before the trip. Everything in a friendly tone so you can plan without stress. :)
Let’s begin — first, a short “must have” list before traveling with your dog.
Pre-trip checklist: vaccination record (health booklet), collar with ID and phone number, favorite toys/blanket, food supply for a few days, leash and muzzle (if required), medications if your dog takes any, authorization details for the caretaker and the local vet’s number. Book care or a hotel in advance — weekends and tourist season can be fully booked.
If you have no experience leaving your dog with someone else: arrange a short meet-and-greet with the caretaker or hotel first. A “dry” meeting helps you see if your dog is comfortable and lets you set a routine.
Morning: skip the crowds at the Main Square and, instead of staying in the very center, meet your friends and head south to Podgórze. Podgórze has a nice artistic vibe, lots of murals and intimate cafés. If you prefer not to bring the dog indoors, you can leave them with a petsitter for a few hours (care options are described later).
Afternoon: walk along the Vistula boulevards and cross the Piłsudski Bridge toward the areas by the Rudawa river or climb Krak’s Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) — beautiful views and calmer paths than the city center. For the dog: the boulevards are great for walking, but always carry water and waste bags.
Evening: a casual local bar or restaurant with a garden in Podgórze or Kazimierz — many places allow dogs in their outdoor areas, so you can all sit together. If you plan a longer indoor dinner at a venue that doesn’t admit animals, consider a short-term petsitter or leaving the dog at a home-style hotel for a few hours.
Why this day works: short transfers, small walking distances, lots of outdoor space and atmospheres that younger groups of friends like.
Tip: if you want to leave the dog for a few hours just to visit a specific museum or a small restaurant, choose a caretaker who can come to your apartment every few hours (option: care in the owner’s home) or a petsitter who can take your dog for daytime care.
Morning: head to Zakrzówek — a place with a beautiful, raw scenery that’s perfect for photos and walks. It’s a great alternative to crowded viewpoints in the center. Note: in some areas dogs must be on a leash, and there are zones where dogs can swim — check local rules in advance.
Afternoon: go to the Nowohuckie Łąki (Nowa Huta meadows) or around the Nowa Huta reservoir — wide open spaces, much quieter than the Planty, with plenty of room for your dog to move. Nowa Huta also offers an interesting architectural contrast and a less touristy vibe.
Evening: if you feel like socializing locally, pick a pub with an outdoor area. Alternatively, after a day of walking you can leave your dog in a nearby home-style hotel — your pet will rest and you can enjoy dinner without rushing.
Why this day works: lots of greenery, short public-transport or car time, and places spread out so everyone can find something they like — from activity to chillout.
Practical tip: go to Zakrzówek earlier rather than later to avoid crowds and have easier parking. Bring extra water and a blanket — rocks can get hot in summer.
Morning: spend the morning slowly discovering Kazimierz — side streets, small galleries and cafés. If you bring your dog, choose a time outside the tourist peak (early morning or late afternoon), or leave your pet with a caretaker for a few hours to visit indoor museums in peace.
Afternoon: visit offbeat museums and workshops — Krakow has places that tolerate or even welcome pets (for example, selected branches, stained-glass studios or some outdoor exhibitions). It’s a chance to dive into culture without big crowds.
Evening: finish with a short walk on the Planty or the Błonia and an easy dinner at a dog-friendly outdoor spot. If you left your dog in a hotel or with a sitter, pick them up calmly and give them time to recover after the separation.
Tip: not all museums and galleries allow animals, so if you want to enter with your dog, call ahead or check the institution’s rules. When pets are not allowed — a short-term petsitter is the better option.
Alternative idea: if one person in your group is happy to spend the day with the dog, split duties — two people sightsee while two stay with the pet for walks and coffee.
1) Petsitter (hourly care, care in the owner’s home or full-time) - pros: minimal stress for the dog if they stay at home, or individual attention if the sitter takes them in; good for social dogs. Cons: can be more expensive than a single walk, requires advance booking and a meet-and-greet.
2) Home-style dog hotel / 'doggy guesthouse' - pros: the dog has care all day and often socializes with other dogs; many home hotels focus on calm, home-like conditions. Cons: quality varies — check reviews, visit the place and confirm conditions. Prices typically start from several dozen złoty per night and can exceed 100 PLN depending on standard and extra services.
3) Professional boarding kennel (with runs/yards) - pros: professional care, additional services (grooming, walks, monitoring). Cons: some dogs get stressed in new environments; visit and book ahead.
4) Daycare / doggie day care - pros: the dog spends the day active and returns home in the evening; ideal if you only want to visit museums or exhibitions. Cons: not always available in smaller locations; needs advance reservations.
5) Trusted friend or family - pros: often the cheapest and least stressful for the dog. Cons: not everyone has the time or space to care for another pet for a whole day or night.
6) We do not recommend leaving a dog in a parked car or alone in unsuitable conditions for long periods — it’s risky for health and can be illegal in extreme cases.
- Meet and greet: arrange a short meeting before the real reservation. See how your dog reacts to the caretaker and the environment.
- References and reviews: check other owners’ feedback, but use it as guidance rather than the sole criterion. Ideally, speak by phone with some clients or ask for recommendations.
- Formalities: agreement terms, visiting hours, cancellation policy, consent to give medications, communication and reporting methods (photos, messages).
- Vet contact: make sure the caretaker has a vet contact and knows the nearest clinic. Agree on emergency procedures and any cost limits that require your approval.
- Dog’s routine: provide a detailed daily schedule, favorite games, dietary limits, medications and stress signals. The clearer the instructions, the calmer you’ll both be.
- Check the conditions: if it’s a hotel, inspect the kennels, play areas, cleanliness and how dogs are integrated. If it’s home care — check the apartment, whether the dog will have a quiet place to rest and sleep.
Care prices vary by option: a short walk usually costs from a few to several dozen PLN, multi-day or overnight home care can start at around 90 PLN per day and up, and professional kennels typically range roughly from 50 to 200 PLN per day depending on standard and extra services. Book ahead — especially for weekends and holidays.
If you plan to enter several indoor attractions, consider a mix: one of you stays with the dog while the rest sightsee, then swap; or leave the dog at a daycare for the day and meet for dinner. This approach saves stress and helps everyone enjoy the attractions.
Remember possible extra charges: administering medications, vet visits, extra walks, grooming.
Budget tip: for longer stays ask about discounts for multiple nights or off-season promotions.
- Food supply in its original packaging with portion instructions. Extremely helpful if the caretaker will feed your dog.
- Favorite toys and a blanket with the scent of home — they help reduce stress.
- Current health booklet with vaccinations and any allergy information.
- Contact list: your number, substitute person number, chosen vet’s number and caretaker’s details.
- Short routine guide: walking hours, rituals, what to do if the dog is scared. The clearer the instructions, the better.
Prepare the phone number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic, note addresses of several practices and make sure the caretaker knows how to reach them. Discuss in advance the emergency procedure and the cost limit after which the caretaker should obtain your consent for additional actions.
If the dog has special needs (insulin, medicines, diet), make sure the caretaker has full information and knows how to administer medications. Leave a written authorization to use veterinary services if needed.
It’s worth asking the caretaker if they know basic first aid for animals and if they carry basic supplies (applicator, bandages, disinfectants). That gives extra peace of mind.
Final advice: keep a digital copy of the dog’s documents (health booklet, microchip number) available offline — phones can run out of battery, so a paper copy is a good plan B.
- Green areas: Błonia, the Planty, Jordan Park, Wolski Forest, Zakrzówek and the meadows around the Nowa Huta reservoir are good places for walks. Remember to clean up after your dog.
- Swimming spots and reservoirs: in some places in Lesser Poland there are designated areas where dogs may swim; outside those zones dogs usually must be on a leash or are not allowed on certain bathing areas. Take safety by the water into account.
- Pet-friendly museums: there are cultural places in Krakow that accept dogs (some branches, outdoor exhibits or selected workshops) — if you plan to enter a particular venue with your pet, call ahead to check rules.
- Cafés and restaurants: more and more places have outdoor areas and welcome dogs — ideal for a coffee break with your pet after a short walk.
A small practical tip from the guide: plan a time buffer for dropping off/picking up the dog — 15–30 minutes of extra time gives you comfort and helps avoid rushing, especially if someone in the group is late.
Krakow offers plenty for a group of friends who want to explore off the beaten path — from Podgórze and Nowa Huta, through the green spots of Zakrzówek, to small museums and workshops. If you travel with a dog, the most important thing is good organization: plan where the dog will stay while you visit indoor attractions, bring basic items that help the caretaker, and check local rules in places you visit.
You don’t have to give up great sightseeing or the company of your pet — a few simple decisions beforehand and a little flexibility during the trip are enough. If you want, I can prepare a short list of vetted care options in Krakow (petsitters, home-style hotels, 24-hour kennels) tailored to your dates and budget — tell me your travel dates, the dog’s size and preferences (e.g., sensitive dog / very social).
Wishing you a lovely trip — may Krakow gift you smaller crowds, interesting discoveries and calm walks with your pet! Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz (zwiedzaniekrakowa.com).
PS. If you’d like, I can also send a one-page A4 “what to pack for your dog” checklist for printing — handy for quick planning.
Q: Are dogs allowed on public transport in Krakow? A: In general, small dogs in carriers or on a leash and muzzled (depending on the vehicle rules) are allowed on trams and buses; check the current municipal rules or with the operator for details.
Q: Is it safe to leave my dog with a petsitter I find online? A: Always arrange a meet-and-greet, check references and agree on emergency procedures. Trust your instincts and prefer caretakers with clear policies and communication.
Q: How to handle heat in summer? A: Avoid midday walks, carry water and a collapsible bowl, never leave a dog in a parked car and look for shaded routes or green areas.
Extra tip: keep local payment options ready for small services (walks, extra treats) and have a little cash for unexpected expenses — not all small providers accept cards.
