Yes — many people explore Krakow with their dogs, especially when strolling the city streets and the Planty park. Keep in mind, however, that every element of a tour has its limits: not every museum, monument or church allows animals inside. Before your planned outing it’s worth checking the rules of specific places and being prepared for a few practical compromises.
If you’re booking a guided tour with me — Małgorzata Kasprowicz — please let me know in advance that you’ll be bringing a dog. That way we can choose a dog-friendly route and pace, schedule breaks for rest and water, and agree which places we’ll visit and which we’ll avoid due to venue rules or crowds.
Key ground rules: dog on a leash, keep control of your animal, clean up after your pet and make sure it doesn’t stress other visitors. If in doubt, ask the guide beforehand.
Many museums, exhibitions and some historic interiors have rules forbidding animals — exceptions are assistance dogs for people with disabilities. It’s always a good idea to call or message a venue before your visit to avoid an unpleasant surprise on the spot.
Churches and chapels vary: some accept dogs, others don’t. If you plan to visit a church during your tour, check its policy in advance.
Municipal cemeteries often have their own rules regarding dogs; in practice some necropolises prohibit bringing a dog (except assistance dogs). Note this if your route goes near historic cemeteries.
If you plan to visit interiors (museums, exhibitions), consider leaving your dog in short-term care (there are hourly dog-sitting options) or choose an outdoor route — the Old Town, the Planty, the areas around Wawel (from the outside) and Kazimierz offer plenty of beautiful views and stories without the need to go indoors.
Krakow has rules for transporting animals on trams and buses — a dog should be on a leash and often a muzzle is required for larger breeds. The animal must not obstruct other passengers, should not be placed on passenger seats, and the owner should be prepared to show vaccination records (e.g., for rabies) if required during an inspection.
Practical tip: if you plan to use public transport with your pet, bring a lightweight muzzle, a leash and proof of vaccinations. A small dog in a carrier is often the most convenient solution — it takes up no extra space and is usually less stressful for other passengers.
If you’re unsure about the rules for a specific service (night routes, private shuttles, suburban trains), check the carrier’s regulations or ask the driver before boarding. If a vehicle operator determines that an animal threatens safety or order, they may refuse transport.
The Old Town is the historic center — parking spaces right next to the landmarks are limited and often within paid parking zones. Fortunately, there are convenient alternatives that let you leave the car close by and reach the center with a short walk or a tram ride:
- "Przy Muzeum" parking (underground parking near the center) — a great option if you want to be really close to the main attractions.
- Stare Podgórze parking (Zamoyskiego/Warneńczyka streets) — recommended if you plan to visit Kazimierz or Stare Podgórze; it usually has more spaces and good connections to the center.
- Park-and-ride (P+R) lots (for example Czerwone Maki, Kurdwanów, Nowy Bieżanów) — if you’re coming from farther away and want to avoid long parking in the center, leave your car at a P+R and take a tram or bus. This is an economical solution, especially on busy days.
Remember the paid parking zone in the center — hours and rates can change, so check current information in the city service or parking app before arrival. If you plan a stop shorter than a few hours, consider a multi-storey parking facility rather than searching for a street space.
When traveling with a dog, choose a parking spot with easy sidewalk access and quick access to a green spot where the dog can relieve itself before the tour — this makes starting the route much easier.
- Water and a bowl: carry a bottle of water and a collapsible travel dish. Even short city walks can be tiring, especially in summer.
- Waste bags: you must clean up after your dog in all public areas. Carry spare bags and dispose of them in public bins.
- Spare leash and a short lead: in crowds it’s better to keep the dog close on a short lead, while on quieter stretches you can use a longer line.
- Wipes, a towel, dry shampoo or paper towels: after rain or mud you can quickly clean paws and coat before entering a café.
- Breaks and pace: plan the route with breaks. Longer outings (2–3 hours) require several stops for rest and drinking.
- Watch out for heat: don’t leave your dog in the car. Even with windows cracked the temperature inside a vehicle rises quickly. If it’s hot, choose morning or late-afternoon hours for the walk.
- Avoid the busiest times: crowds on the Market Square or at popular sights can be stressful for a dog. Early morning or late afternoon are often better.
- ID tag and contact phone: attach an up-to-date tag with a phone number to the collar and carry vaccination records if needed.
Sometimes part of the group wants to go into a museum or interior and the dog isn’t allowed. A few simple ideas for what to do then:
- Short-term sitting: in larger cities there are "dog sitting" services for a few hours. Check local offers or ask at your accommodation’s reception.
- Find a quiet spot nearby: while one person visits inside, the guide can suggest a short, safe walk in the nearest green area or square.
- Arrange rotations: if you’re in a group, split into short shifts — some people visit the interior while others stay with the dog, then swap.
- Leaving the dog in the car? Only in exceptional, very safe circumstances and at low temperatures with shade and ventilation — generally I advise against leaving a dog in a car for safety reasons.
In Poland, during an inspection you may be asked to show documents proving rabies vaccination. It’s worth carrying your dog’s health book or a digital copy. This increases comfort during checks and when dealing with venue staff.
Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date before your trip. You might also consider motion-sickness tablets if you plan longer car journeys.
Remember responsible behavior — a dog must not be aggressive toward people or other animals. If your pet reacts badly to crowds or noise, it’s better to change the route to a quieter option.
If you want to explore Krakow with your dog, contact me in advance and tell me a few things about your pet: age, fitness, how it reacts to crowds, whether it enjoys longer walks, and its needs for breaks. With that information I will:
- prepare a dog-friendly route,
- match the pace and length of breaks,
- point out places worth visiting outdoors and those better to skip,
- advise where to park or where to leave your car safely during the tour.
My philosophy: Krakow can be discovered and felt without going into every interior. Stories, views, streets and legends are full of magic — your dog won’t really miss out, and you will enjoy a comfortable, joyful shared walk.
- Always plan ahead: check venue rules, plan parking and inform the guide about bringing a dog.
- Pack the basics: water, bowl, waste bags, a short leash and a muzzle (if required for public transport).
- Avoid leaving the dog in the car; if you must leave the pet briefly, look for sitting options or ask locally for help.
- When in doubt — ask. A guide will help choose the route and advise practical solutions. Together we can arrange sightseeing that is pleasant and safe for all participants, including your four-legged companion.
If you’d like, we can plan a route tailored to your dog — feel free to contact me through the tour website or directly to discuss details and design the perfect walk in Krakow.
