Kraków is a compact, green city with many places where a walk with a dog can be a real pleasure. If you only have one day, we'll focus on the heart of the city and on a few areas where your pet will feel comfortable. With two days you can add calmer green neighborhoods and short trips outside the center.
This text is a practical guide — you will find ready-made 1- and 2-day itineraries, a list of dog-friendly places, practical tips (transport, accommodation, hygiene) and an FAQ with the most common questions. Everything is presented clearly so you can plan your trip without stress.
Kraków has many green areas close to the center — the Planty encircling the Old Town, Błonia, Park Jordana, the Vistula boulevards and nearby forests and mounds. This makes walking between attractions easy and enjoyable.
The city also has several designated dog runs and parks, and an increasing number of cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating that welcome animal guests. More and more accommodations accept dogs — from apartments to hotels.
Note: interiors of museums, historic buildings and some religious sites often do not allow animals. It’s worth checking the rules of a specific place in advance — later in the guide I point out which institutions sometimes make exceptions and where a dog can join you outdoors.
Morning: Old Town and the Planty. Start your day with a walk around the Planty — the green ring surrounding the Main Market. From the Planty you can easily reach the Market Square, St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican. Your dog will enjoy a short stroll and you’ll see the most important sights in the center.
Late morning: the Wawel area. Walk along the Vistula riverbank toward Wawel Castle — note that entering castle interiors or the cathedral usually means leaving the dog outside. The area around the hill and the riverbank is a great spot for photos and a rest.
Afternoon: Vistula Boulevards and Kazimierz. After lunch head to the boulevards — a long walk along the river gives your pet plenty of exercise. Then cross to Kazimierz: the streets and outdoor café terraces there often host dog-friendly places.
Evening: a light unwind on the Błonia or in a park. If you still have energy, Błonia is a huge meadow perfect for play and relaxation before dinner. Remember to bring water for your dog.
Day 1 (city center): Old Town, the Planty, Wawel, Market Square, Kazimierz and the Vistula Boulevards — similar to the one-day plan but with more breaks for rest and a relaxed meal in a place with an outdoor terrace.
Day 2 (nature and views): Kościuszko Mound and Las Wolski. In the morning head to Kościuszko Mound — the paths are pleasant for walking and the panorama is a great photo backdrop. In the afternoon visit Las Wolski and the Zoo (observe the rules — not all parts of the Zoo are accessible to dogs). Alternatively, choose Park Jordana and nearby off-leash areas.
If you have a car or use regional transport, consider a short trip outside the city — Lesser Poland (Małopolska) offers plenty of hiking trails and attractive spots within a half-day drive.
Most museums and historic interiors do not allow dogs. There are exceptions — outdoor exhibitions or branches that explicitly declare pet-friendly rules sometimes allow four-legged visitors.
For example, some outdoor displays or certain museum branches in the region accept visitors with dogs (always check the availability of a specific exhibition before you go). If you want to see interiors, plan for someone to look after the dog briefly outside or arrange a short stop nearby.
Always ask at the ticket desk or reception before entering — regulations vary and can change seasonally. If a museum allows a dog inside, keep it on a leash and prevent contact with exhibits.
Planty — the green ring around the Old Town. A short walk to the city's main attractions and many benches for rest.
Błonia — a vast meadow ideal for running and play. Depending on events, remember there may be restrictions on letting dogs off leash.
Vistula Boulevards — long riverside paths, many spots to rest and veterinary clinics and eateries nearby.
Park Jordana and Kleparski Park — good choices for shorter walks among city trees; there are also dog runs in the area.
Las Wolski and Kościuszko Mound — if you want to escape the city noise, these areas offer quiet paths and nice views.
Many cafés and restaurants in Kraków with outdoor seating welcome guests with pets. Choose venues with spacious terraces, outdoor tables or pet-friendly corners — this will make relaxing after an active walk easier.
If you’re searching for a place, look for descriptions saying “dog-friendly” or ask the staff — more and more places provide a bowl of water for dogs. For example, there are dedicated dog cafés such as Psikawka, and several cafés advertise pet-friendly service and small dog menus. Always be considerate of hygiene and the comfort of other guests.
If you plan a longer stop, bring a blanket and a collapsible bowl. That way your dog will have its own spot and won’t need to use chairs or seats.
Basic rules to remember: keep your dog on a leash and consider using a muzzle in crowded places — it’s common and a safe solution. Clean up after your pet and carry dog-waste bags.
Rules for transporting animals on public transport vary by carrier — in practice dogs are often required to be on a leash and muzzled; small animals in carriers are treated like baggage, while larger dogs may require a fare. Before boarding a tram or bus, check the carrier’s rules or have a backup plan (a pet-friendly taxi or walking).
If you plan to use taxis, indicate when booking that you’ll be traveling with a dog — not every driver will accept pets. Kraków also has transport services friendly to passengers with animals.
When booking, check whether the property accepts animals, whether there are extra fees, what the policy is about leaving a dog alone in the room, and whether there are nearby walking areas. Many apartments and hotels mark their offers as “dog-friendly.”
If your priority is the dog’s comfort, choose an apartment with a small garden or a hotel near Błonia or the Boulevards. This makes daily walks more convenient.
When reserving, inform the staff in advance, give the size of your dog and ask about extra amenities — sometimes properties can provide bowls, a bed or extra cleaning.
1) Documents: vaccination card/proof of rabies vaccination and the owner's ID.
2) Basic equipment: leash, collar with ID tag, muzzle (just in case), waste bags, blanket, collapsible bowl, water supply and favorite treats.
3) Safety: address and phone number of the nearest veterinary clinic (save it on your phone), a dog first-aid kit (medications for diarrhea, bandages, tweezers), and enough food for the whole stay.
4) Transport: a carrier for a small dog, sturdy harness for longer walks, a towel for mud or rain.
5) Time planning: include frequent rest breaks and time for socializing with other people and animals.
Will my dog be allowed into all the Wawel attractions? Usually not — many historic interiors and the cathedral prohibit animals. You can walk with your dog around the outer area of Wawel, but it’s best to check at the ticket office of the specific site beforehand.
Do I need to buy a ticket for a dog on the tram? Animal transport rules differ by city and carrier. Small animals in carriers are often treated as baggage, while larger dogs may require a fare. We recommend checking the transport operator’s regulations before traveling.
Where can I leave my dog if I want to go briefly into a museum? If possible, ask a travel companion to wait with the dog outside. Another option is a short walk and return, or finding a nearby café with outdoor seating. Do not leave your dog unattended in a car.
How can I protect my dog from heat? Carry water and a bowl, avoid walking at midday, use shade and plan routes with frequent breaks. Never leave your dog in a hot car or an unventilated place.
Plan routes that include water and shade — a dog does not care about sights but will notice thirst and heat quickly. Provide frequent short breaks.
Be flexible — your pet may tire sooner than you. Instead of trying to “tick everything off” the list, pick a few priorities and enjoy the walk.
If you want to visit interiors, check alternatives: some museums offer luggage storage or cloakrooms where you can leave a bag with accessories; ask also about using a garden or patio.
Before you go, check local maps of off-leash areas and apps listing pet-friendly places — this will save time and help you find the best cafés and parks.
Kraków is a city you can discover with a dog, and it will reward your trip with views, green spaces and good food. The key is good planning, attention to your pet’s needs and a bit of flexibility.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized walking plan and a list of dog-friendly stops tailored to your dog’s pace — tell me where you’ll be staying and how big your dog is, and I’ll suggest the best route and stops.
Safe travels and enjoy your walks in Kraków!
