Kraków is full of monuments, parks and memorial sites — many of which can be visited outdoors with a dog. Holiday dates and anniversaries (for example commemorations on September 1) attract crowds and organized events, and parts of the city can be closed off or very busy. If you plan to visit during official remembrance events, factor in crowding, avoid the center at peak times and plan alternative routes.
Remember that assistance animals are treated differently from companion pets — museums and some indoor sites have restrictions.
Bohaterów Getta Square (Podgórze) is one of Kraków’s most moving memorials: metal chairs scattered across the square symbolize empty homes and abandoned furniture. It’s an outdoor space, so you can walk there with a dog, take photos and spend a quiet moment reflecting on history. A walk around Podgórze also reveals fragments of the former ghetto and the surroundings of the former "Under the Eagle" pharmacy (the pharmacy itself is a museum — see the museums section).
Rakowicki Cemetery contains dedicated wartime quarters, including graves of soldiers from September 1939 and a Commonwealth war graves plot. Cemeteries are places of remembrance where a dog on a leash can accompany its owner in quiet reflection — and they make a thoughtful stop away from the busiest tourist routes.
The river boulevards, areas near Podgórze and riverside walking paths combine recreation with historical views — from the boulevards you can see Zabłocie and the site of the former Schindler factory. These walks are dog-friendly and pleasant for rest by the water.
Many outdoor plaques, small monuments and commemorative markers remain on façades and walls across the city (mini monuments, building plaques, memorial walls referring to events from 1939–1945). You can combine these into a self-guided walking route tailored to your dog’s fitness and the weather.
Most historical museums and indoor exhibitions in Kraków do not allow companion animals. Several municipal museum branches explicitly prohibit animals in their regulations, with the exception of assistance dogs for people with disabilities. This applies to indoor displays and historic interiors.
Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory operates as a museum and generally admits visitors without pets; only assistance dogs for people with disabilities are permitted inside. Similar restrictions apply to most synagogues, indoor exhibitions and memorial interiors. If you plan to see indoor exhibits, arrange care for your dog in advance or focus on the outdoor parts of the route.
In practice, when planning a day that mixes "WWII traces" and bringing your dog, it’s best to concentrate on outdoor spaces and museum exteriors. If you want to go inside, check a place’s rules beforehand and consider leaving your dog at your accommodation or with a trusted person.
Use a leash and, if needed, a muzzle — in many city parks and public recreational areas in Kraków dogs must be kept on a leash. During large gatherings and official ceremonies there may also be temporary no-entry zones.
Avoid the most crowded times and central ceremonial locations on official remembrance days (anniversaries of the outbreak of war, state and local commemorations). Events often take place at the Main Market Square, Wawel or cemeteries; on those days, choose alternative walks along the Vistula boulevards, Błonia or Bednarski Park.
Bring water for your dog, a travel bowl, poop bags and spare towels. During holidays some food venues change opening hours, so have a plan B.
Public transport has rules for animals: dogs generally must be on a leash, bigger dogs often require a muzzle, and some carriers may charge a fare for pets. The safest option is to check rules with the local operator beforehand, or consider short walks and pet-friendly taxis.
Kraków has an increasing number of dog-friendly places; pick cafés and restaurants with good reviews and outdoor seating, especially on busy holiday days. Many local places offer water bowls, small treats and welcoming staff — it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm current pet policies.
If you want to combine a coffee break with a short walk, look for cafés near the Planty, Kazimierz and Podgórze — these areas often have garden seating and quick access to green spaces. Dog-friendly spots usually provide easy access to nearby parks or riverside paths for a fast relief break for your pet.
Local guides and community listings of dog-friendly venues are updated by users and are a useful source to check which cafés and restaurants currently welcome dogs and what amenities they provide.
Short walk (1–2 hours): start on the Vistula Boulevards, head toward Zabłocie, loop through Bohaterów Getta Square and rest in one of the small nearby parks. The route is flat, easy and offers many places to pause for water and rest.
Full day (4–6 hours): morning on the Błonia, walk through Jordan Park, continue toward Podgórze and Bohaterów Getta Square. In the afternoon allow time for a short stop at Rakowicki Cemetery (place of remembrance); finish with a dog-friendly café or an evening stroll along the boulevards. If you plan to enter an indoor museum, leave the dog at your accommodation or choose a flexible itinerary with alternatives.
Alternative route: Kazimierz — short stops at synagogue exteriors, walk along the Vistula across Dębnicki Bridge and return through the Planty. This balances history, food stops and relaxation for your dog.
Can I enter Schindler’s Factory with a dog? Generally no — most indoor exhibits do not admit companion animals; exceptions are assistance dogs. Check a site’s regulations before visiting.
Does a dog need a muzzle on the tram? In practice larger dogs often must wear a muzzle and be on a leash; rules can vary between carriers, so check with the local operator.
Where can I let my dog off leash? There are fenced dog runs and designated areas in Kraków, but most parks require a leash. For off-leash play choose a secure, fenced dog park or quieter stretches of the riverside outside peak hours.
What should I do when the city holds remembrance ceremonies? Avoid the crowds and marked procession routes. Loud events can stress animals — plan alternative walks away from ceremony zones.
Ignoring museum rules and bringing a dog indoors — result: being asked to leave or needing to return to your accommodation. Always check regulations before entering.
Disregarding crowds during anniversaries and ceremonies — large gatherings, loud speeches and sounds can frighten dogs. Choose quieter routes and times.
Lack of basic supplies (water, poop bags, spare leash) — always carry the essentials to keep the walk comfortable for you and your pet.
The metal chairs on Bohaterów Getta Square are intentional — an artistic, symbolic reminder of abandoned belongings and the emptiness left after residents were deported. It’s one of those places where the visual message is very strong.
Rakowicki Cemetery, in addition to Polish wartime graves, contains a notable Commonwealth soldiers’ plot — often overlooked on history routes but a peaceful place to walk with your dog.
Many local initiatives and services maintain up-to-date lists of dog-friendly places — using them helps find fresh recommendations and avoid disappointment.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other visitors plan a trip with their dog. If you prefer to explore with a guide who knows the city and can prepare a route adapted to the needs of the animal and the owner, consider booking a private guide from the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com team — Małgorzata Kasprowicz can prepare tailored routes. Enjoy your stay in Kraków and safe walks with your dog!
Thank you for reading — if you’d like, I can prepare a ready 2–3 hour route with a coffee stop and a dog break, or a shortened mobile map. Tell me which you prefer.
