Krakow is a city made for walking — even if you don’t want or can’t visit museums. Here are places that capture the city’s atmosphere and that you can visit with your dog or plan around so your pet is taken care of.
Main Market Square and the surroundings - the heart of the city: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church (from the outside) and the crowded but picturesque lanes of the Old Town. It’s perfect for a short stroll, many outdoor cafés and street life. Keep in mind the square can be very busy — if your dog is stressed by crowds, choose early morning hours.
Planty Park - the green ring around the Old Town. Ideal for a calm walk with your dog, with benches and shade on hot days. Planty give you a break from Market Square’s bustle without going far.
Błonia meadow - a huge open grassland close to the centre. A great place to burn off your dog’s energy, have a picnic or enjoy a long walk. It can get busy during events and summer, but it’s one of the most dog‑friendly areas near the centre.
Vistula Boulevards - riverside walks with nice views, cafés and play areas. The evening atmosphere is particularly pleasant. The boulevards are also a good spot for photos and resting after sightseeing.
Kazimierz - the former Jewish quarter, now full of atmospheric streets, outdoor eateries and street art. It’s a soulful place for a longer walk; watch out for crowds and remember not all places welcome dogs indoors.
Mounds and viewpoints - Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound, Piłsudski Mound and several smaller hills offer great panoramas and are excellent for active walks with your dog away from the centre. They need a bit more effort but reward you with quiet and views.
Wawel - the area around the castle and the Wawel Hill is a classic Krakow walk. Strolling the exterior courtyards and slopes is pleasant and outdoors; remember dogs are usually not allowed inside some interiors.
Nowa Huta and industrial corners - if you prefer less touristy scenes, walk through Nowa Huta or explore lesser‑known industrial areas with interesting architecture and quieter routes.
Parks and gardens - besides Planty and Błonia, visit local district parks, the outdoor parts of interactive gardens and riverside areas. They make good short stops and playtime for your dog.
Day 1 - Old Town and Kazimierz: morning walk around the Market Square and Planty (ideally before the biggest tourist rush), then Wawel (outside areas) and spend the afternoon in Kazimierz. In the evening go to the Vistula Boulevards for sunset.
Day 2 - green spaces and viewpoints: Błonia in the morning, then Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound (depending on fitness and time). In the afternoon choose a less crowded part of the city — Nowa Huta or the area around Krakowska Street with its industrial scenery.
This route makes the most of outdoor space, avoids queues for interiors and museums, and still shows different faces of Krakow — historic, green and local.
If your dog enjoys long walks you can easily adapt the route to spend most of the day together. If the dog stays with a carer, plan shorter, more intense outings and use hourly care options (described below).
Remember to schedule water and shade breaks — no walk is pleasant for a dog without water and places to rest.
1) Petsitter / care at the owner’s home - great when your dog is more comfortable in familiar surroundings. Platforms and local listings connect owners with trusted sitters. The sitter comes to your home, walks the dog, feeds them and stays for the agreed time. This is usually less stressful for the animal than moving to a new place.
2) Hourly care / dog‑walking - if you plan to sightsee for a few hours, hire someone to come several times a day for short walks and play. This works well when you’re staying in an apartment or hotel near the attractions.
3) Small dog hotels and kennels - Krakow has cosy, home‑style dog hotels and larger boarding facilities. They offer short or longer stays, walks, socialisation with other dogs and around‑the‑clock care. If you plan a full day out or a day trip, book in advance.
4) Daycare for dogs - some places run daytime care like a kindergarten for dogs — play, walks and rest, with pick‑up at the end of the day.
5) Friends or family - if you have acquaintances in Krakow who can look after your pet, that’s the simplest solution. Agree rules ahead and let your dog get used to the caregiver.
What to avoid - leaving your dog in a hot car, trusting strangers without checking reviews or documents, and failing to check a caregiver’s basic references. When leaving your dog with someone, make sure they have contact details for your vet, know the dog’s medical needs and understand reservation and cancellation rules.
References and reviews - check online feedback, ask for recommendations on local groups or request contacts of previous clients.
Visit beforehand - when possible, see the kennel or meet the petsitter before leaving your dog. You’ll see the conditions and meet the caregiver.
Environment and socialisation - ask how a typical day looks, how many walks the dog gets, whether dogs meet others and if there’s a fenced play area.
Health and safety - ensure the facility has procedures for illness or injury and a partner veterinarian. Ask which vaccinations and documents are required.
Prices and cancellation policy - learn the cost, payment methods, cancellation rules and any extra fees for extended hours.
Always carry a leash and poop bags - basic courtesy and often a legal requirement.
Water bottle and a collapsible bowl - some places offer bowls, but it’s safer to bring your own. In hot weather plan shorter routes and frequent shade breaks.
Avoid peak crowd hours - if your dog doesn’t like noise and crowds, choose very early mornings or late afternoons.
Have an ID tag with a phone number and up‑to‑date vaccinations - it helps reunite you quickly if your dog gets lost.
Ask before taking your dog into cafés or restaurants with outdoor seating - many places allow dogs on terraces but policies vary.
Don’t leave your dog unattended at an entrance - it’s stressful and not always safe. If you must go inside briefly, better leave the dog with a trusted person.
On green areas watch for plant hazards and other risks - ticks, animal droppings or sharp objects. After a walk check your dog for ticks.
Search local groups and apps - Krakow has services that connect owners with petsitters and short‑term care. Often you can find someone for a few hours with short notice.
Ask your hotel - many hotels keep a list of trusted sitters or can recommend nearby solutions.
Shorten your route and choose places you can visit with your dog - if no safe care is available, adapt the plan so most attractions are outdoors and dog‑friendly.
Don’t risk leaving a dog in a car - even for a short time this can be dangerous, especially in warm weather.
If you must leave the dog for several hours and there’s no professional option, look for a trusted friend to watch them or a petsitter who will stay in your accommodation.
Travelling with a dog needs more planning but can bring joy and unique memories. Krakow offers lots of outdoor spaces, so with well‑timed breaks, sightseeing without museums is very pleasant.
Always have a plan B for care and book in advance during the high season. Small dog hotels and popular sitters get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
If you’d like, I can help create a personalised walking route in Krakow tailored to your dog’s fitness and the time you have available.
Wishing you a great stay in Krakow and peaceful walks — Małgorzata Kasprowicz
PS. If you want, tell me your dog’s type and how much time you have — I’ll prepare the perfect route for you.
