Krakow is made for walking — wide Planty parkways, charming side streets, large squares and plenty of spots where dog owners can stop. Short stages between monuments make it easy to plan water breaks and rests for your dog, and many cafés and places with terraces today welcome guests with pets. It’s a great way to see the “essence” of the Old Town at a pace suited to the animal and the guide, who knows tricks for shortcuts and calm passages.
The Old Town in Krakow is a UNESCO site and has retained its medieval layout — that helps a lot because many highlights sit close together: the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate, the Planty, the Main Market Square with St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall, and further on the Wawel hill. Because of this you can see the essence in a few hours with dog‑friendly stops.
Bring a collapsible bowl, spare water, poop bags, your usual leash and, if your dog is large or nervous in crowds — a well‑fitting harness. A small first‑aid kit and your vet’s phone number in your phone give extra peace of mind.
Keep your dog on a leash in crowded places and near monuments. Make sure your pet doesn’t block walkways, jump on benches or interrupt services or cultural events — many places expect owners to behave considerately. Always clean up after your dog — it’s the basic rule of being a guest in the city.
Be aware of places that don’t allow dogs: many religious sites, indoor museum spaces and certain areas (for example some municipal cemeteries) have restrictions — guide dogs and assistance dogs are usually exceptions. Before entering a specific place it’s worth asking the staff.
Start: St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican — a good base to begin the walk. From here take Floriańska Street toward the Main Market Square, passing sections of the city walls and the Planty.
Main Market Square: a quick loop around the Cloth Hall, a view of St. Mary’s Basilica (enter the interior without the dog — interiors are usually not pet friendly). A short detour to the Small Market Square — atmospheric cafés and good places to rest.
A shorter walk down Kanonicza Street and then toward Wawel — stroll around Wawel Hill (dogs can access the outer courtyards, but most castle interiors and the cathedral have restrictions). On the way back use the Planty — the green ring around the Old Town that lets you avoid the busiest streets.
Choose places with terraces or cafés known for being pet‑friendly — in Krakow there are establishments adapted for guests with pets where a dog will be given water and often a treat. Psikawka is one often‑recommended spot by local pet owners — it’s worth visiting during a break.
On hot days plan shady breaks and use fountains or water points (not every fountain is for drinking). In summer outdoor tables make it easier to keep an eye on your dog and relax.
More and more apartments and hotels in the center accept pets — when booking check the rules (dog size, possible extra fee, areas off‑limits for the pet). An apartment near the Planty or the Vistula boulevards makes walks easy at any time of day.
When booking, ask about the availability of bowls, nearby walking areas and contact details for a vet. If you plan an intensive day of sightseeing consider an apartment with private access — your dog will usually feel safer there than in a hotel with lots of guest traffic.
Surprise: the Planty form a calm green belt around the Old Town — a perfect spot for a break with your dog, often less crowded than the streets right by the Market Square.
Common mistake: planning too‑long stretches without breaks — especially on cobblestones and stairs a dog tires quickly. Divide the route into short stages and plan stops at cafés with terraces.
Another mistake is not checking local regulations — for example dogs are not allowed in all municipal cemeteries (restrictions are stricter in some necropolises), and some churches and indoor museum spaces simply don’t admit animals.
Can I take my dog inside St. Mary’s Basilica? — Generally pets are not allowed inside churches; exceptions are guide and assistance dogs. It’s always best to ask staff at the entrance.
Can I take my dog to Wawel? — Dogs can accompany you around the hill and on outdoor grounds, but entry to most museum interiors and the cathedral is restricted for animals. Plan to stop outside for photos with the Vistula view.
Where can I leave my dog if I want to enter a museum? — The safest option is to plan a route that doesn’t require leaving your dog unattended; if that’s impossible, use a nearby café or ask a trusted companion to look after your pet for a short time. Never leave a dog alone in a car.
A shortcut through the Planty lets you avoid the busiest sections of Floriańska and the Market Square — a comfortable option for both dog and owner.
If your pet doesn’t cope well with crowds — choose morning hours (before 10:00) or late afternoon. At those times the Market Square and its surroundings are much calmer.
Suggest to the guide a route tailored to your pet — a private tour allows the pace and stops to be adjusted to the animal’s needs, avoiding stressful situations.
Cafés with terraces and pet‑friendly places — pick those with high local ratings; one often recommended spot in Krakow is Psikawka (a dog café) — worth a visit during a break in your walk.
Restaurants with terraces — in summer these are the best choice with a dog. Choose venues with good reviews and enough space for a leash so your dog won’t disturb other guests.
Accommodation — top‑rated central apartments offer comfort and proximity to attractions; before booking ask about pet rules and any extra fees.
If this guide helped you plan a walk through the Old Town with your dog, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other pet owners enjoy a stress‑free visit to Krakow.
If you’d like a calmer, pet‑adjusted sightseeing experience, consider a private guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. We’ll gladly tailor the route and breaks so the trip is pleasant for both of you. Thank you and enjoy your walk in Krakow!
