Dog-Friendly European Cities: Travel Guide 2026

Europe has a relationship with dogs that American visitors often find surprising and delightful. In Paris, dogs sit under tables at Michelin-starred restaurants. In Vienna, well-behaved dogs ride the U-Bahn with their owners during rush hour. In Amsterdam, canal-side cafe terraces are as much for dogs as for their humans. The European approach to dogs in public life is, in many ways, generations ahead of the United States.

For American pet owners considering a European trip with their dog, this cultural openness is enormously encouraging. While the documentation process to bring a dog into Europe requires advance planning (see our Pet Passport Guide for details), once you arrive, you will find a continent that not only tolerates dogs but genuinely celebrates them. This guide covers the most dog-friendly cities in Europe, with practical information on transportation, accommodation, dining, parks, and cultural attitudes that will help you plan an unforgettable European adventure with your four-legged companion.

Before You Go: Getting Your Dog to Europe

Documentation Requirements

To bring a dog into the EU from the United States, you need:

• An ISO 15-digit microchip
• Current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry)
• An EU Animal Health Certificate (completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS)

The certificate is valid for 10 days of travel from the US to the EU, and then for 4 months of travel within EU countries.

Getting There

By air: Most major airlines allow small dogs in the cabin on transatlantic flights for $125 to $200 each way. For larger dogs, cargo is the main option, or consider the Cunard Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing which offers onboard kennels.

SkyePets (launching 2026): A new airline service offering long-haul in-cabin pet flights, including transpacific and potentially transatlantic routes. Check their website for the latest route announcements.

The Most Dog-Friendly European Cities

1. Paris, France

Paris is, without question, one of the most dog-friendly cities on Earth. The French capital has an estimated 300,000 dogs, and the culture accommodates them at every turn.

Dining: Dogs are welcome inside most Parisian restaurants, not just on patios. It is not unusual to see a well-behaved dog lying quietly under a table at a bistro while their owner enjoys a three-course lunch. Some restaurants even provide water bowls. Cafe culture, with its sidewalk terrace seating, is inherently dog-friendly.

Transportation: Dogs are allowed on the Paris Metro, buses, and RER trains. Small dogs in carriers ride free. Dogs over 6 kg (about 13 pounds) require a ticket at reduced fare and must be muzzled.

Parks and Gardens: Most Parisian parks allow dogs, though leash requirements vary. The Bois de Boulogne (2,100 acres) and Bois de Vincennes (2,460 acres) are enormous parks where dogs can explore extensively. Many smaller neighborhood parks have designated off-leash areas.

Accommodation: The majority of Parisian hotels welcome dogs. Notable pet-friendly options include Le Bristol (provides dog beds, bowls, and a dedicated pet concierge), Hotel Plaza Athenee, and the more affordable Hotel du Petit Moulin in the Marais.

Must-Do: Walk your dog along the Seine at sunset. Cross the Pont des Arts and stroll through the Tuileries Garden. Sit at a cafe terrace in Saint-Germain-des-Pres and watch the world go by with your dog at your feet.

Photo credit on Pexels

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Dutch are famously tolerant and practical, and this extends to their attitudes about dogs. Amsterdam is compact, walkable, and remarkably accommodating for four-legged visitors.

Dining: Dogs are welcome at most outdoor terraces (and there are thousands of them). Many brown cafes (traditional Dutch pubs) and casual restaurants welcome dogs inside as well. The food halls at Foodhallen in Amsterdam West are dog-friendly.

Transportation: Dogs ride free on Amsterdam’s trams, buses, and metro system. They do not even need a ticket. On intercity trains (NS), small dogs in carriers ride free; larger dogs require a day ticket.

Parks: Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s most famous park, allows dogs off-leash in designated areas. The Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is a massive park south of the city with extensive off-leash zones and swimming areas. Westerpark and Flevopark also have off-leash sections.

Accommodation: Most Amsterdam hotels accept dogs. The Pulitzer Amsterdam (a luxury canal-house hotel) offers dog beds and bowls. More budget-friendly options include many canal-side Airbnbs and boutique hotels in the Jordaan neighborhood.

Must-Do: Take a canal boat tour that welcomes dogs (several operators do). Walk along the Prinsengracht and Herengracht canals. Visit the Vondelpark early morning when the off-leash atmosphere is relaxed and social.

3. Berlin, Germany

Germany is one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world. An estimated 10 million dogs live in Germany, and Berlin’s progressive culture embraces them fully.

Dining: Dogs are welcome in most Berlin restaurants, both indoor and outdoor. The city’s legendary beer gardens are particularly dog-friendly. Pratergarten, Berlin’s oldest beer garden, and Cafe am Neuen See in Tiergarten are excellent choices.

Transportation: Dogs ride on Berlin’s extensive BVG public transport system. Small dogs in carriers are free. Larger dogs need a reduced-price ticket (approximately 2 euros). Dogs must be leashed and muzzled on public transport, though enforcement of the muzzle rule is inconsistent.

Parks: Tiergarten, Berlin’s vast central park, is a dog paradise with dedicated off-leash areas. The Grunewald forest on Berlin’s western edge offers miles of trails and lake access where dogs can swim. Tempelhofer Feld, the former airport turned public park, has enormous open spaces for dogs to run.

Accommodation: The Hotel de Rome, Soho House Berlin, and 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin all welcome dogs. Budget travelers will find many dog-friendly hostels and apartments through Airbnb.

Must-Do: Walk through the Brandenburg Gate area with your dog, explore the East Side Gallery, and end the day at a beer garden where your dog can rest under the table while you enjoy a Berliner Weisse.

4. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s coffee house culture and grand parks make it a surprisingly wonderful destination for dog owners. The city has a long tradition of dogs accompanying their owners through daily life.

Dining: Dogs are welcome in most Viennese coffee houses, a tradition dating back centuries. Sit with your dog at Cafe Central or Cafe Sperl and enjoy a melange while your pup rests at your feet. Many restaurants welcome dogs inside, especially traditional Heurigen (wine taverns) in the outer districts.

Transportation: Dogs are allowed on Vienna’s U-Bahn, trams, and buses. Small dogs in carriers ride free. Larger dogs need a half-price ticket and must be muzzled and leashed.

Parks: The Prater, Vienna’s famous public park, spans over 1,500 acres and includes extensive dog-friendly walking paths and designated off-leash areas. Schonbrunn Palace gardens allow leashed dogs. The Donauinsel (Danube Island) is a 13-mile strip of parkland with multiple off-leash zones and river swimming.

Accommodation: Hotel Sacher (home of the famous Sachertorte) welcomes dogs of all sizes. The Sans Souci Wien and many boutique hotels in the Innere Stadt also accept pets.

5. Rome, Italy

Italy’s relationship with dogs is warm and welcoming, and Rome is no exception. The city’s outdoor lifestyle, piazza culture, and extensive park system make it excellent for dogs.

Dining: Dogs are welcome at outdoor dining areas throughout Rome. Many trattorias and osterias also welcome dogs inside, particularly smaller establishments. The neighborhood restaurants in Trastevere and Testaccio are reliably dog-friendly.

Transportation: Small dogs in carriers ride free on Rome’s Metro and buses. Larger dogs require a ticket and must be muzzled and leashed.

Parks: Villa Borghese, Rome’s most beautiful park, allows leashed dogs on all paths. The park offers stunning views, fountains, and a lake. The Appian Way Regional Park provides a remarkable walk through ancient Roman history with your dog. Villa Doria Pamphili is Rome’s largest park with extensive off-leash areas.

Accommodation: Hotel de Russie (a Rocco Forte hotel) provides luxury pet amenities. Many smaller boutique hotels and B&Bs in Trastevere welcome dogs.

Must-Do: Walk your dog past the Colosseum at sunrise (before the crowds). Explore the Appian Way with its ancient ruins. Enjoy a gelato in a piazza while your dog watches the world go by.

Photo credit on Pexels

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague offers a remarkable combination of beauty, affordability, and dog-friendliness. The Czech Republic is one of Europe’s most pet-loving nations.

Dining: Dogs are welcome at the vast majority of Prague’s restaurants and pubs. Czech beer culture revolves around pubs where locals bring their dogs as a matter of course.

Transportation: Dogs ride Prague’s metro, trams, and buses with a half-price ticket. Larger dogs must be muzzled.

Parks: Letna Park offers panoramic views of Prague’s old town and generous off-leash areas. Stromovka Park is a vast green space perfect for long walks. Riegrovy Sady has an excellent beer garden with dog-friendly seating.

Accommodation: Many hotels welcome dogs, and the city’s apartment rental scene is very pet-friendly. The Augustine (a Luxury Collection hotel) and Hotel Josef both accept pets.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s relaxed culture extends to dogs, and Lisbon’s combination of historic neighborhoods, riverside promenades, and nearby beaches makes it ideal for canine visitors.

Dining: Most outdoor restaurant terraces welcome dogs. The Time Out Market food hall’s outdoor seating is dog-friendly.

Parks: The Jardim da Estrela is a beautiful park in the center of the city with dog-friendly paths. The Monsanto Forest Park is Lisbon’s largest green space, offering miles of trails.

Beaches: Several beaches near Lisbon are dog-friendly, particularly outside peak season. The Costa da Caparica south of the city has dedicated dog beach sections.

8. London, United Kingdom

Despite being outside the EU (requiring separate documentation), London remains one of Europe’s premier dog-friendly cities.

Dining: Dogs are welcome in most pubs and many restaurants with outdoor seating. The British pub culture is inherently dog-friendly, and it is common to see dogs lying under tables in traditional pubs.

Parks: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath all welcome dogs with off-leash areas. Richmond Park, a vast royal park, allows dogs to roam in most areas.

Transportation: Dogs ride free on London’s Tube, buses, and Overground. No muzzle required but dogs must be on a leash.

Practical Tips for Traveling Europe with a Dog

Train Travel

European rail is one of the best ways to travel between cities with a dog:

• France (SNCF): Small dogs in carriers: free. Larger dogs: reduced fare.
• Germany (Deutsche Bahn): Small dogs in carriers: free. Larger dogs: half-price ticket.
• Italy (Trenitalia): Small dogs in carriers: free. Larger dogs: reduced fare (varies by train type).
• Switzerland (SBB): Dogs travel at half-price fare.
• Eurostar (London to Paris/Brussels): Does NOT allow pets (service animals only).

Car Rental

Most European car rental companies allow pets, but confirm when booking. In many European countries, dogs must be secured in the vehicle (crated, harnessed, or behind a barrier).

Cultural Considerations

• Muzzle requirements vary by city and transport system. Carry a muzzle even if your dog does not usually wear one, as it may be required for public transport.
• Leash culture is strong in European cities. Off-leash dogs in public (outside designated areas) are generally frowned upon.
• Clean up after your dog. While enforcement varies, the expectation is universal.
• Dog-friendly does not mean anything goes. European dogs are generally well-socialized and calm in public. Your dog should be comfortable in crowded, noisy environments before you bring them to a European city.

Planning Your European Dog Trip

Recommended Itineraries

The Classic Triangle (2 weeks): Paris (4 nights) -> Amsterdam (3 nights) -> Berlin (4 nights) Travel by high-speed rail throughout. All three cities are exceptionally dog-friendly.

Mediterranean Dog Days (2 weeks): Lisbon (4 nights) -> Barcelona (3 nights) -> Rome (4 nights) Mix of flights and trains. Focus on outdoor dining, parks, and beaches.

Central European Charm (10 days): Vienna (3 nights) -> Prague (3 nights) -> Berlin (3 nights) Easy train connections. Affordable, beautiful, and dog-loving throughout.

Europe is waiting for you and your dog. With proper documentation, reasonable preparation using our international pet travel checklist, and an adventurous spirit, a European trip with your four-legged companion will create memories that last a lifetime.

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Related Reading

• International Pet Travel: The Complete Checklist
• Pet Passport Guide: International Travel Rules
• Dog-Friendly Breweries & Wineries Across America