First, the most important answer: Wawel Hill and many of the castle’s indoor exhibitions have special historic status and often impose restrictions on animals. In practice, an ordinary visitor should not plan to take a dog inside the Royal Castle or into most of the castle exhibitions. The exception is assistance dogs for people with disabilities, which are allowed entry under the law.
If you really want to see Wawel from the inside, it’s best to plan that visit without your dog: arrange with a companion, leave your pet at a dog hotel, or use a short-term dog-sitting option nearby. However, walking around Wawel and along the Vistula boulevards with your dog is perfectly possible — it’s a beautiful scenic route where your four-legged friend can rest and explore.
Before you come, check current rules and announcements from the institutions that manage Wawel Hill, because regulations can change depending on exhibitions, renovations or special events.
Kazimierz, the former Jewish district of Kraków, is one of the city’s most relaxed neighbourhoods — many streets, cafés and restaurants have a friendly atmosphere and often accept dogs, especially on outdoor terraces and garden areas. In summer staff frequently offer a bowl of water for a visiting pet.
When walking around Kazimierz remember basic rules: keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them and be courteous to other visitors. During less busy hours the walk will be pleasant for both you and your dog, and you can show them side streets, small squares and the river boulevards.
If you plan to go inside a restaurant or museum, call ahead or ask at the door — many places will tell you whether animals are allowed indoors or if outdoor seating is the only option.
Public restrooms in the city and toilets inside historic buildings are usually not places where dogs are allowed for hygiene reasons. Plan short stops or find a dog-friendly café with a terrace where you can use the facilities while your dog stays by the table or with a companion.
Pack useful items: a collapsible travel bowl, a bottle of water for your dog, extra poop bags and a small towel. If you must leave your dog briefly at the entrance to a venue, don’t tie them to railings in very busy places and never leave them in a locked car.
An alternative to longer visits in monuments is to use a dog daycare or dog hotel for a few hours — Kraków offers short-term dog care services that let you visit places where animals are not permitted.
In Kazimierz it’s safest to look for places with gardens or terraces — during the season most outdoor spots welcome dogs. Check the café or restaurant profile ahead of time, as many venues advertise themselves as pet-friendly.
Examples of types of places often welcoming dogs include small outdoor cafés and bistros with garden seating and certain restaurants that list pet acceptance in their description. Some venues commonly mentioned by locals and visitors as dog-friendly are cafés like Karma Coffee or Bunkier, and restaurants with outdoor gardens such as Kolanko No.6; vegetarian or casual spots like Veganic and Hevre are also often suitable. Always confirm current policies before entering.
If you’re after a coffee or a light lunch, choose outdoor tables or places that explicitly say “pet-friendly” — that will avoid surprises and make the visit comfortable for both you and your dog.
Near Wawel, on the Czerwieński Boulevard by Smocza Street, there is the Dżok monument — a sculpture commemorating a loyal dog who waited for his owner. It’s a moving spot often visited by locals and tourists with dogs.
Kazimierz itself is layered with history and culture. A walk with your dog through its alleys reveals small synagogues, atmospheric cafés and places of memory. Remember that some historic sites have stairs or uneven surfaces, so choose comfortable routes for older dogs or pets with mobility issues.
You’ll often meet local dog owners taking short breaks at café tables — a friendly conversation with them can quickly reveal other dog-friendly spots nearby.
Assuming every attraction and museum allows dogs — always check the rules in advance. The best approach is to call or check the institution’s official information before you go.
Leaving a dog unattended at the entrance to a venue — this is stressful and potentially dangerous. If you can’t go in together, find short-term care or plan to take turns visiting in a ‘swap’ system with your companion.
Forgetting water, a bowl or poop bags during longer sightseeing — prepare a small travel kit for your dog to avoid problems.
Can a dog enter Wawel Cathedral? Religious interiors and exhibitions often have their own regulations; assistance dogs are usually permitted, but ordinary pets are most often not allowed. Always ask staff before entering.
Where can I let my dog relieve themselves in the city centre? Use green squares, short walks along the Vistula boulevards or nearby dog runs if available. Always clean up after your pet.
Are there hotels in Kraków that accept dogs? Yes, many hotels and apartments are pet-friendly; before booking check rules about additional fees, size limits and the number of pets allowed.
Visiting Kraków with a dog is entirely possible if you plan your route in advance and respect the rules that apply to historic sites. Wawel is exceptional — for most exhibitions and some interiors it’s better to go without your pet, while Kazimierz offers plenty of welcoming spaces for walks and relaxation with your companion.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it on social media or send it to friends. For personal help planning a dog-friendly route around Kraków you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great trip and many happy moments with your pet in Kraków!
