This is one of the most common questions from visitors with dogs: what can you visit with your pet, and where are animals not allowed? The short answer is: it depends. Some historic and sacred places in Krakow only allow guide dogs or assistance dogs, other parts of the hill and public spaces are fine to visit with a leashed dog, and there are places where animals are not accepted at all for safety or out of respect for a memorial site. It's useful to know the specific rules to avoid unpleasant surprises during your trip.
If you plan a private tour with a guide, it's a good idea to agree the route with the guide before the day of your visit — that way you can avoid places inaccessible to animals and choose comfortable alternatives for both you and your dog. Below you'll find practical tips and a list of common mistakes you can easily avoid.
Wawel is a complex site: the Royal Castle, the Cathedral, the crypts and the publicly accessible areas around the hill. For that reason the rules vary depending on which part of the site you want to visit. In general: the public space around Wawel is accessible and walking the courtyards or riverside boulevards is possible, but entry into exhibition interiors, museum rooms or some sacred parts may be restricted for animals.
An important exception is made for guide dogs and assistance dogs — their presence is respected and there are procedures that allow access after showing appropriate documents. If your dog serves this role, prepare training certificates and vaccination records. In practice: when planning to enter the Cathedral or museum rooms at Wawel, notify the staff in advance and ask about the rules — sometimes a short, supervised visit to selected areas is possible, other times you may need to leave the dog in a safe place.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum is a memorial site of a special character. Regulations emphasize the need to behave respectfully and follow specific rules while visiting. In practice this means a very strict approach to the presence of animals: pets are not allowed on the museum grounds.
A clear exception applies to assistance dogs and guide dogs for people with disabilities — their presence is permitted after showing documents confirming training and up-to-date medical data (for example, vaccination records). Dogs must be kept on a leash. If you plan to visit Auschwitz with a dog, be prepared that in most cases you will need to leave your pet outside the Memorial Site (for example, in a parked car following safety rules) or use nearby dog-sitting or animal care services.
Private tours offer an advantage: you can tailor the pace, stops and breaks to your needs. When you want to explore with a dog, discuss the route with your guide (for example, Małgorzata Kasprowicz) before meeting — this will help avoid stress and awkward situations. A good approach is to choose routes that include mostly outdoor sections, parks and riverside boulevards, with short segments in places that allow dogs.
A few practical steps before you go: - check the rules of specific sites you plan to visit; - schedule breaks for water and rest; - bring waste bags and a small first-aid kit; - prepare your dog's documents (vaccinations, ID tag). If an attraction turns out to be inaccessible to pets, the guide can suggest alternatives — for example scenic viewpoints along the Vistula, green city spots or dog-friendly cafés.
If you want to enter a place that does not allow animals, consider: - leaving your dog at your hotel (the simplest solution if you stay in a pet-friendly place); - using a local pet daycare or dog-sitting service; - asking a friend or companion to watch your dog while you go inside.
There are several pet care and short-term dog-sitting services in Krakow — it's worth booking in advance, especially in high season. If you leave your dog in a car, remember safety: cars heat up quickly in summer, and in many places leaving pets in vehicles is restricted or forbidden.
If you plan a coffee or meal break during a walk around Wawel, consider dog-friendly places. A few popular spots often visited by dog owners: Pod Wawelem (near Wawel, known for hearty Polish food and an outdoor terrace), Gościniec Krakowski (traditional cuisine with a dog-friendly attitude outdoors), Psikawka (a dog café with water bowls and a welcoming atmosphere).
Keep in mind that in many venues dogs are welcome only outdoors or on the terrace — if you want to sit indoors, ask staff in advance. Always bring a bowl and water for your pet.
A few simple rules that will make sightseeing easier and ensure you and your dog are welcome: - always keep your dog on a leash in public spaces; - clean up after your dog immediately; - do not bring your dog into interiors when the venue rules forbid it; - in solemn places, show respect for other visitors and keep noise to a minimum; - carry proof of vaccinations and an ID tag with your contact details.
Additionally: if your dog is uncomfortable in crowds, noisy places or on public transport, consider shorter outings with longer breaks. Also check the weather and avoid the hottest hours — stone pavements can become very hot.
Mistake 1: Assuming that "public space means everything is allowed" - some sites have their own rules that prohibit animals. Always check the rules of a specific place.
Mistake 2: Being unprepared for a long walk - lack of water, a bowl or waste bags can quickly spoil the trip. Bring basic accessories.
Mistake 3: Trying to enter memorial sites with a pet without checking first - places like the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial require special respect; pets are not accepted there. Plan ahead to avoid problems.
Can I enter the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum with a dog? - Generally no. Exceptions are guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with disabilities after presenting appropriate documents.
Can I bring my dog to Wawel? - The hill and its outdoor areas are public, but access to exhibition interiors and some sacred areas may be limited. Guide and assistance dogs usually have access after meeting formal requirements. Always ask before entering.
What if I want to visit interiors but I have a dog? - Consider hotel pet care, a pre-booked dog-sitting service, or ask a companion to watch your dog temporarily.
Surprise: even if you can't take your dog inside, many of Krakow's most iconic views and photo opportunities can be enjoyed fully outdoors — along the Vistula boulevards, from viewpoints or on the Planty. Often these outdoor spots give the best frames with Wawel in the background.
Practical tip: if you're planning a longer stay in Krakow with your dog, check the map of parks in advance and choose spots for morning or evening walks — fewer crowds and better conditions for your dog.
If you want to explore Krakow with a dog, a private tour offers the greatest comfort: together we can agree on the route, pace and rest stops so your pet feels good and you can calmly see the most important sights. Usually we avoid places inaccessible to animals and suggest alternatives — parks, riverside boulevards, viewpoints and dog-friendly venues.
If you have additional questions, want to adapt a route to your dog's needs or book a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Please share this article with friends and on social media — you'll help other visitors plan a great trip to Krakow.
