There’s plenty on offer for globe-trotting canines visiting Europe
You don’t have to go far in Europe to find pet-friendly destinations that will set your dog’s tail wagging. From Parisian boutiques for well-dressed pooches to the best puppuccinos, there’s something for every breed – and owner.
1. BARKING IN BARCELONA, SPAIN
Take your waggy-tailed pal on a walking tour of Antoni Gaudí’s eye-catching architecture around the Catalan city. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning buildings are the perfect combination for travels with a canine companion. The city’s beaches, including Barceloneta, are open to dogs, and are ideal for having fun on sunny days. Chill out with tapas and a bowl of water for your four-legged friend at the many bars with outdoor seating areas.
2. AMAZING FUN IN AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Wander along the banks of pretty canals in this chilled-out European capital that’s paws-atively dog-friendly. Almost all of the city’s parks welcome dogs and have off-leash areas to run around, from Vondelpark and Rembrandt park to Oosterpark and Westerpark. Many restaurants and public places are open to furry friends and your dog can go with you on public transport. If you have a larger dog, you can get a Dog Day Pass.
3. MAKING TRACKS IN THE SWISS ALPS, SWITZERLAND
The Alpine region can be enjoyed all year round – a paradise for walkers and their faithful companions. Many hiking trails are dog-friendly, from the Harder Kulm Loop near Interlaken to Grindelwald Glacier Canyon, and some have off-leash areas. When it’s time to take a break with a glass of glühwein, find a pet-friendly restaurant or a café with an outdoor terrace for treats and cuddles as you take in the jaw-dropping scenery.
4. NAVIGATING PARIS WITH YOUR POOCH
The City of Love extends its affection to canine companions. Stroll the maze of the Haussmann-designed streets with your furry friend by your side and seek out specialty shopping for dogs. Paris has pet boutiques with gourmet treats and stylish accessories. Well-behaved dogs can hop on a cruise along the Seine, then you can wander the picturesque grounds of Palais du Louvre, Le Jardin du Luxembourg, and Jardin des Tuileries.
From Parisian boutiques for well-dressed pooches to the best puppuccinos, there’s something for every breed – and owner
5. A BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY FOR PETS IN PRAGUE
Take in the fairy-tale architecture and cobbled streets with your paw-some pup. There are plenty of green spaces for your dog to run around in and some of the best have amazing viewpoints, from Letna Park and Petřín Hill to Vitkov Hill. Public transport welcomes dogs, and bigger dogs even have their own entrances on some trains. Wander open-air areas like Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Bridge with your pooch on a leash and keep your eyes open for food and beer stalls with bowls of water for thirsty pups.
6. LIFE’S A BEACH IN SWEDEN
Explore the great outdoors together in this Nordic adventure land. Explore the Stockholm archipelago on a lazy boat trip, camp by the shores of a scenic lake, or wrap up to venture north of the Arctic Circle. In summer, visit a dog beach (or hundebadsplat). Take your leashed dog on hiking trails such as the King’s Trail (Kungsleden), Pilgrim’s Trail (Pilgrimsleden), and the Storsjö Trail (Storsjöleden). You can even scale Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest mountain, with your pet by your side.
7. AFTERNOON TEA FOR POOCHES IN LONDON
London is packed with many playgrounds for dogs and exciting pit stops. Run around Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, or Primrose Hill, find a pet-friendly café to meet other pooches, and visit Surrey Docks Farm, where well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit the goats, sheep, pigs, and donkeys. For a real treat, try canine afternoon tea with puppuccinos.
8. COZY SPOTS IN THE EMERALD ISLE
There’s a warm welcome for everyone in Ireland – especially our four-legged friends. Restless paws can walk the cliffs and Strands of Clare, the green countryside of Tipperary is perfect for dog walks, and Wicklow has gorgeous gardens to discover. There are dog-friendly cafés all over. Ireland is also renowned for its traditional pubs, and many are pet-friendly. Relax with your dog at one of these cozy spots and enjoy traditional Irish music.
9. PALACES FOR POOCHES IN GERMANY
Your pup will feel right at home in most parts of pet-friendly Germany. Together you can visit the gardens and grounds of palaces and castles including Sanssouci Park at Potsdam. Take a cruise down the Rhine to see vineyards and beautiful towns. Wander the streets of Berlin to see the street art and go back in time at the medieval town of Quedlinburg. You don’t have to go far to seek out pet-friendly restaurants and cafés.
Italian Tail-Wagging Travels
Four-legged friends are well catered to in Italy’s glamorous lakeside retreat. Take leisurely strolls along the promenade, stop for a gelato, then hop in a sleep Vaporina boat to scoot across to neighboring towns dotted along the shore. Walk winding trails into the hillside scattered with olive groves and rest in a dog-friendly café with coffee and a pastry.
Take your dog for a stroll in Italy’s capital full of ancient sites and architectural wonders. For something more paw-venturous, discover the city on a Vespa ride with your furry friend in a sidecar. Many of Rome’s cafés welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Parks and open spaces, such as Villa Borghese, Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica, and Parco degli Acquedotti are dog-friendly areas.
Wander the maze of pedestrianized medieval streets in the birthplace of the Renaissance with your paw-some pal. Explore the iconic sites, stop at cafés and restaurants that welcome dogs along the way, then head to one of the city’s pet-friendly parks.
Many of Sicily’s stunning beaches are pet-friendly. You can also both explore trails that wind through vineyards and forests, the ideal opportunity to breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy stunning views of the coastline. The urban centers of Catania and Syracuse have parks where dogs can stretch their legs, then snooze in the shade.
With rolling hills covered in vineyards, the Chianti region of Tuscany is the perfect city escape. Many wineries welcome dogs on tours. Your pup can enjoy exploring surrounding gardens and then a welcome nap while you sample lunch of locally produced pastas, meats, and wines.
Take a stroll around Giardini della Biennale parkland with your pup, then visit the Rialto Market, where dogs are always welcome. There are bowls of fresh water and doggy treats outside many shops. Look for gelato shops offering gelato per cani (ice cream for dogs) made with canine-friendly ingredients. Don’t leave without a visit to the beach. At the Lido, find a dedicated dog area called Pachuka Bau Beach, located in San Nicolo.
Explore pet-friendly locations at Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Italy