Podgórze is the district on the right bank of the Vistula whose atmosphere combines an industrial past with a modern cultural scene. Here you’ll find museums, authentic memorial sites, interesting cafés and viewpoints — all within easy reach of the Old Town. It’s a great place for a walk without the crowds of the Main Market Square, but it’s also an area where you should plan dog care in advance if you want to visit museums or restaurants. In this article I’ve gathered Podgórze’s top spots and practical solutions for where and how to leave your dog for a few hours.
- Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Museum) – a moving exhibition about Kraków during World War II. When planning a visit: tickets and queues can mean a longer stay, so consider arranging care for your dog for the duration. - MOCAK (Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków) – modern exhibitions and comfortable spaces; animals are not allowed. - Ghetto Heroes Square with the installation of empty chairs – a powerful memorial and an easy walking point. - Zabłocie and Lipowa Street – once industrial, now full of galleries, cafés and trendy spots. - Krakus Mound (Kopiec Krakusa) – a short but excellent viewpoint over the Vistula and the city skyline. - Podgórze Market Square and St. Joseph’s Church – the local hub with character and cafés. - Vistula river boulevards (from the Podgórze side) – pleasant walks with a dog, especially outside weekends. - Cricoteka (Tadeusz Kantor Museum) – interesting exhibitions and cultural events. - Old factories and Zabłocie’s loft spaces – an architectural stroll with galleries. - The Bernatek route and the famous Father Bernatek Footbridge – linking Podgórze with Kazimierz; an iconic photo spot.
- Dog hotel / boarding kennel: ideal if you plan longer sightseeing or a trip away. Facilities typically offer kennels, play areas and several walks per day. Book in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. - Petsitter / dogsitter: a sitter who comes to your flat or takes your dog to their home for a few hours or overnight. A good choice for anxious dogs that don’t do well in unfamiliar places. - Daycare: day-care facilities where your dog spends active time with other dogs and supervisors. - Leaving your dog with family/friends: the least stressful option for your pet when possible. - Last-minute options: some groomers or veterinary clinics offer short-term care or emergency admissions — keep a number handy just in case. - Not recommended: leaving a dog locked in a car or tied outside a venue for a long time. It’s dangerous and often prohibited.
There are small local dog hotels, home-style kennels and mobile petsitters operating around Podgórze and in Kraków — some accept dogs for single hours or offer pickup/drop-off. Examples to consider include small local kennels and named providers such as Szarikton, Psiemka, PsieNocowanie or Pies i Przyjaciele, as well as platforms and apps that connect owners with sitters and dog-walkers. Before handing over your dog: check admission rules (current vaccinations, deworming), schedule a meet-and-greet, and ask about transport (some kennels offer pickup and drop-off). Prices vary by standard — from cheaper home-style options to higher-end kennels with full service.
1) Morning: quick walk and drop your dog at the kennel or with the petsitter at the agreed time (for example 9:00–9:30). 2) Late morning: visit Schindler’s Factory and MOCAK (2–3 hours). 3) Lunch around Zabłocie or return near Podgórze Market Square — if you plan to go to a dog-friendly café, call ahead to check conditions. 4) Afternoon: Krakus Mound and the Vistula boulevards — a short walk before collecting your dog. 5) Pick up your dog and enjoy a relaxed afternoon together (outdoor cafés, short gallery visits). With this schedule you can see the highlights without rushing, and your dog won’t spend long hours away from you without contact.
- Arrange a meet-and-greet: most kennels and petsitters offer a brief trial visit — important for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind. - Check required vaccinations and paperwork: many places require a vaccination book and proof of deworming. - Bring the dog’s favorite blanket or toy — the scent of home reduces stress. - Ask about communication and updates: photos, short videos or texts help reassure the owner. - Provide food and medications: leave a supply and clear instructions for feeding or medicines. - Book ahead during tourist season and holidays — kennels often fill up quickly.
Can I leave my dog for 3–4 hours at a kennel? - Yes, many kennels accept short daytime stays; some offer hourly rates or discounts, others charge by the night — check before arrival. Can a petsitter come to my flat while I’m sightseeing? - Yes, many services and individual sitters offer visits (feeding, walking, staying with the dog), a great solution for dogs that don’t tolerate separation. Can I take my dog into Podgórze museums? - Most museums (e.g. MOCAK, Schindler’s Factory) do not allow dogs inside; exceptions are guide dogs. That’s why planning care is essential. Is it legal to leave a dog in a car? - Even if local law doesn’t explicitly forbid it, leaving a dog in a hot car is dangerous and can result in a fine or authorities being called. It’s not recommended. How much does it cost to leave a dog for a night? - Prices in Kraków range from modest home-style fees (tens of PLN per night) up to around 100–150 PLN or more for higher-standard kennels; prices rise during holidays and peak season.
- Mistake: booking care at the last minute. Solution: reserve several days (or weeks in season) in advance. - Mistake: forgetting the dog’s health documents. Solution: carry the vaccination book and feeding instructions. - Mistake: assuming every café allows dogs. Solution: call ahead or ask before entering; many places welcome dogs on terraces or at outdoor tables. - Mistake: leaving the pet without enough food/medication. Solution: prepare a supply for the planned stay and a short instruction note.
- Podgórze was for a long time a separate town — it was incorporated into Kraków in 1915, and many places still keep a distinct local character. - On Ghetto Heroes Square you’ll find an installation of iron chairs — a memorial symbol. - Krakus Mound is a wonderful vantage point and climbing it takes relatively little time — it’s perfect for a short sunset after visiting museums.
- Phone number of your chosen dog hotel or petsitter (arrange an introductory meeting in advance). - Apps/platforms that connect you with sitters and dog-walkers (they simplify booking and communication). - Number of a local veterinary clinic — just in case. - Transport info: if you plan to use taxis or pet-taxis, confirm the driver accepts animals or use pet-specific transport services.
I hope this guide helps you plan stress-free sightseeing in Podgórze for you and your pet. If you found it useful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków. If you prefer to explore with a guide and would like someone to show you Podgórze “behind the scenes,” I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz). You can find contact information on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I wish you a great trip and a calm, enjoyable day of sightseeing!
