Yes - you can, but it requires planning and a compact approach. Cats are territorial animals for whom changes in environment can be stressful, so the most comfortable option is to keep your pet in a carrier, choose short outings with breaks and adapt your sightseeing pace to your cat's needs.
In practice, tourists usually combine sightseeing with stays in pet-friendly places, choose accommodation that accepts cats and plan meals so they do not leave the cat alone in an unfamiliar place for too long. This article lists recommended breakfast spots, transport tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Basic kit: a handy carrier (preferably ventilated and with a soft lining), a travel bowl, two days' worth of food, spare litter or a small portable litter tray, waste bags, a blanket with the scent of home and your pet's documents (health booklet, vet contact details).
Useful extras: a harness-and-lead (if the cat tolerates leash walks), medication supply if needed, wipes and a paw disinfectant. Always have the contact number of a local vet and information about the nearest 24-hour clinic.
If you travel by public transport, prepare the carrier so the cat feels secure - covering part of the front with a light blanket often reduces stress.
On MPK trams and buses, carrying animals is allowed but rules of safety and hygiene apply. Dogs usually must be on a leash and muzzled; other animals - including cats - should be transported in cages, carriers or baskets that prevent damage or soiling.
The driver or transport staff may refuse carriage if the vehicle is crowded or the animal threatens other passengers. The animal cannot occupy a seat. It is good practice to have the cat's documents (health booklet) and, if in doubt, a simple certificate from the vet.
If you plan longer trips, consider a taxi or private transport - many drivers are more willing to take passengers with animals, and the journey is faster and less stressful for the cat.
Most cafés do not allow animals to roam freely around the room, but many places are owner-friendly - they will accept a cat in a carrier at the table or have outdoor seating where it is easier to organise a meal. Before entering, call or message to ask about the current pet policy.
If your cat is stressed by noise and does not want to leave the carrier, choose a place with a quieter interior, window tables or a garden. During the tourist season, breakfast reservations are recommended - they help avoid waiting and unnecessary stress for your cat.
Cafe Manggha - exceptional breakfasts with views of the Vistula and Wawel. It's a good spot for a calm morning: Japanese-inspired dishes and careful presentation make it not only a meal but an experience. If your cat stays in the carrier, window tables will give you comfortable space.
Zaczyn - a bakery and breakfast place known for freshly baked bread and simple, excellent sandwiches. These kinds of venues are ideal if you want takeaway and to eat in a quiet corner by the Vistula or in one of the parks.
Ranny Ptaszek - known for shakshuka and breakfasts served all day. A cosy atmosphere and a wide plant-based menu make it a good stop for a longer morning in Kazimierz.
Massolit Bakery & Cafe - bagels and New York-style baked goods, great coffee and quick service. Good for morning take-away if you plan a walk around the Planty with the carrier.
Karma - for lovers of plant-based cuisine; signature breakfasts, bread from their own bakery and solid coffee. Pet-friendly vegan and vegetarian options.
Bazaar Bistro, Kolanko No 6, Charlotte, Szalej Cafe, Kaffe Bageri Stockholm - other places worth noting: from breakfast buffets to French pastries and classic challah. If the cat stays in the carrier, most of these places will allow you to remain at the table with the carrier or offer food to go.
Additional pet-friendly options: smaller local cafés in Krakow are often animal-friendly - it's worth calling ahead. There are also dog-oriented cafés, but remember cats usually feel safer in a carrier than around free-roaming dogs.
Choose tables by a window, in a corner or in the garden. A view of the outside space often soothes the animal and gives it a sense of control over its surroundings. If the venue has an entrance from a street with light traffic, it will be quieter and safer.
Order in advance or take food to go - queuing at breakfast time can lengthen the time the cat must stay in the carrier, increasing stress.
If your cat tolerates a harness, a short walk down a quiet street may help it relax - but do this only after checking the surroundings and ensuring there are no stray dogs nearby.
Not all hotels and apartments accept cats, and acceptance policies can vary (extra fees, limits on animals, rules about furniture, etc.). Always read the terms and ask for details - it's better to agree everything before booking.
A popular choice is an apartment with a kitchenette and a quiet location; smaller guesthouses and private apartments are often more flexible than large hotels. Check reviews from other guests who travelled with pets.
Prepare a refundable deposit or security if the owner requests it, and leave your contact details in case questions arise about the cat's behaviour during the stay.
Mistake 1: no carrier or a poorly chosen carrier. Solution: invest in a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier where the cat can lie comfortably. Do short 'test trips' before travelling so the cat gets used to the carrier.
Mistake 2: leaving the cat unprepared in an unfamiliar flat. Solution: arrive earlier, set up a corner with familiar scents (blanket, toys), prepare litter and food. Never leave a cat without access to water and a litter tray for more than a few hours.
Mistake 3: not informing the venue about the pet. Solution: call and ask - many places will gladly help and some will offer a table in a quieter area or the option to order food to go.
Krakow has a strong breakfast culture - from artisanal bakeries to cafés serving breakfasts all day. Challah, cardamom buns and New York-style bagels are among the local morning treats.
Cafe Manggha is not only about breakfasts - portions inspired by Japanese cuisine can be a small tourist attraction thanks to the view of Wawel and the Vistula.
Many places in Krakow make it easy to order breakfast to go and eat it in a park or by the river - a simple solution for travellers with pets who often prefer fresh air to stuffy interiors.
Can I enter a café with my cat outside the carrier? Usually not. Most venues accept animals only if they are in a carrier or seated outside at a table. Always ask beforehand.
Do I need special documents to transport a cat on public transport? For most small animals a carrier is enough. For dogs a muzzle and leash are often required, and some transport rules remind owners to have vaccination documents (e.g. for dogs). It's good to carry the cat's health booklet and vet contact details.
Where is the best place to reserve breakfast with my pet? Call the venue in the morning and ask for a quiet table or the option of takeaway. Reservations are especially useful at weekends.
If you want to start the day specially: choose a breakfast with a view - Cafe Manggha offers mornings with a panorama of Wawel; if you value baked goods and quick solutions, Zaczyn or Massolit are safe choices; for plant-based options try Karma.
Share this article with friends who plan to visit Krakow with a pet - it may save them stress and time. If you want to sightsee Krakow more calmly, more intimately and adapt the route to your cat's needs, consider using the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz - contact details are available on the guide's website.
