I recently took a trip that changed my life. I packed my bags and said my goodbyes to the usual routine. My furry best friend came along for the ride. We headed straight to one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Czech Republic is a dream for anyone who loves their pet. I want to share my story with you. This is a guide for the Best Dog Friendly Tours in the Czech Republic.
First of all, you might wonder: is prague dog friendly? I can tell you from my own experience that it is a massive yes. You see dogs everywhere. They are in the cafes. They ride the trams. Is prague a dog friendly city for a long holiday? Absolutely. People here love dogs so much that they even call them their “most favourite humans.”
Preparing for the Big Trip
The planning part can feel a bit scary. However, it is quite simple if you follow the rules. If you come from an EU country, your dog needs a microchip. A valid rabies vaccine is a must. You also need an EU pet passport. On top of that, the vaccine must happen at least 21 days before you cross the border. I always keep these documents in my bag.
Additionally, if you fly in from outside the EU, you might need a rabies titre test. I suggest you check the official website of the State Veterinary Administration for the latest details. They have offices in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava. Therefore, you can always find help if you need it.
I often chat with other travellers about the best places to go. Some people ask me about dog friendly hotels tours france or other spots in Europe. Others even ask about the best dog breeds for bangladesh because they want to know how dogs handle different weather. But for now, we are talking about the czech republic best experiences for you and your pooch.
Getting Around Like a Local
Public transport here is amazing. Plus, it is incredibly cheap for dogs. In Prague, dogs can often travel for free on the metro, trams, and buses. Only humans have to pay for a ticket. However, there are some rules you must follow. Your dog must be on a short leash. They also need to wear a muzzle. My dog was not very happy about the muzzle at first. Gradually, she got used to it.
First of all, look for the dog symbol on the doors of the tram or bus. You should board there and stay in the open area. Similarly, the trains are very pet-friendly. Small dogs in a bag or carrier usually travel for free. For larger dogs, you only pay a small fee. For example, a trip across the whole country might only cost you 50 CZK. That is only about 2 Euros!
I use an app called MujVlak to book my train tickets. It is the official app for the national railway. It makes life so much easier. Therefore, you can skip the long lines at the station. Just remember that some older “R” trains have steep steps. They can be hard for a dog to climb. On top of that, the doors on those trains do not open automatically. You have to use a handle with both hands. This is tricky when you are holding a leash and a suitcase.
Exploring the Streets of Prague
Prague is a city of magic and history. It is also the most beautiful capital in Europe. The city centre is very walkable. You can see all the big sights with your dog by your side. I love to walk across the Charles Bridge early in the morning. The light is beautiful then. Also, there are fewer people around. If you wait until noon, the crowds can be quite a nightmare.
Later, you can head up to Prague Castle. Dogs are allowed to explore the castle grounds. They cannot go inside the buildings or the cathedrals. But the courtyards are huge and very pretty. The grounds are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. I often go there in the evening because there is more space to move around.
If you want a tour that is truly special, I recommend Prague Cool Tours. They have local guides who bring their own dogs along. Their dogs are named Sanka, Mirek, and Jessie. Sanka is like a local GPS. Jessie is the food specialist. These tours show you hidden gems that most tourists never find. On the contrary to big group tours, these are private and very friendly.
Additionally, a guide named Dana runs a business called Prague Behind The Scenes. She has a dog named Daisy. Her tours are perfect for small groups. She takes you away from the noisy crowds. She even calls her tours “pet-friendly.” Therefore, your dog will be the star of the show.
The Best Green Spaces and Parks
Prague is full of parks that feel like a forest in the middle of a city. My absolute favourite is Stromovka Park. It is the largest park in the city. It has forest trails and ponds. There are even specific areas where dogs can run off their leashes. On top of that, there is a fenced dog park inside for safe play.
Similarly, Letná Park offers the best views of the city. It has a famous beer garden where dogs are very welcome. Actually, most beer gardens in Prague love dogs. Petřín Hill is another great spot. You have to climb a bit, but the view is worth it. During the spring, the gardens there are full of flowers.
Other parks I love include:
- Kinský Gardens: A steeper park with magnificent views.
- Vyšehrad: An ancient fort with mystical vibes. (Be careful here, as some cliffs are steep and dangerous for dogs).
- Střelecký Island: An island in the middle of the river where dogs can jump in the water.
- Vítkov Park: A great place where dogs can be off-leash.
Therefore, you will never run out of places for a “fun walkie.”
Dining and “Dog Bars”
One thing I noticed right away was the “dog bars.” These are not actual bars where dogs drink beer. They are bowls of water left outside shops and cafes. This is a sign that the place is dog-friendly. Also, tap water in Prague is very safe to drink. You can refill your own bottle at the drinking fountains in the streets.
Furthermore, many restaurants allow dogs inside. I loved Cathedral Café for its pretty patio. Lokál Dlouhá is a great place if you want a fresh beer and traditional Czech food. If you are in Brno, you must visit Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice. They have a big sign at the door that says dogs are welcome. My friend’s dog even approved of their pork knuckles!
However, you should always be polite. Ask the staff if it is okay to bring your dog inside. Plus, remember that dogs are usually not allowed in hotel breakfast areas. This is to respect other guests who might not want a dog around while they eat.
A Weekend Special: Bohemian Switzerland
If you want to escape the city, you must visit Bohemian Switzerland. It is only a two-hour drive from Prague. I recommend a two-day trip to see the best parts. First of all, park your car in Mezní Louka. From there, you can do the Little Arch Trail. It is a 15 km hike that takes about 3 hours.
On top of that, the scenery is breath-taking. You will see massive sandstone arches. The most famous one is Pravčická brána. It is the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe. However, you must stay on the official trails. The area is a National Park, and straying from the path is forbidden.
Day two should take you to Jetřichovice. Start the Lookout Trail. This trail leads to amazing viewpoints like Mariina skála. Gradually, you will see the whole forest from above. The trails are wild and wonderful. Therefore, you should wear good boots.
I stayed at U Fořta in Mezní Louka. They have pet-friendly rooms in their haylofts. The rooms are large enough for a dog bed and a blanket. They only charge about 4 Euros for a dog cleaning fee. Finally, the restaurant there is open even in winter. The food is very good.
Wine Country in South Moravia
Later in my trip, I headed south to Moravia. This is the wine region of the Czech Republic. It is very affordable compared to other parts of Europe. A glass of wine can cost as little as $1.50. Therefore, it is a paradise for wine lovers.
Day one in Moravia started at Znojmo. It is a beautiful city with small, winding streets. We visited the Lahofer Vineyard. It has some of the coolest views I have ever seen. Next, we walked through the grounds of Lednice Castle. Dogs are not allowed inside the castle, but the gardens are free to roam. The park is huge and has a big lake with many bridges. It is the perfect place for a long stroll.
However, I have a small warning. If you stay in an old manor house like I did, keep the windows shut at night! The lights attract thousands of tiny bugs. Additionally, some places have a lot of spiders. I barely slept one night because of a huge spider above my door. On top of that, always check for ticks after a walk in the high grass.
Similarly, Mikulov is another town you must see. The Zámecky Park next to the castle is lovely for a walk. We also hiked up to the castle ruins at Sirotčí Hrádek. We reached the top just in time for the sunset. It was one of the best views of my whole life. My dog was a very good model for all the photos I took.
Castles and History Near Prague
You do not have to go far to see amazing castles. Karlštejn Castle is only a 40-minute drive from Prague. It is surrounded by thick forests. Dogs are allowed in the castle grounds on a leash. However, they must wear a muzzle. You can also reach the castle by train. It is a bit of a walk from the station, but it is very pretty.
On top of that, Chateau Mcely is a very fancy place. They actually have a special menu for dogs! Can you believe that? Small dogs can even join you on the tour inside the castle. Larger dogs can stay on a leash in the beautiful gardens. Therefore, it is the perfect spot for a posh day out.
Similarly, the Beroun region is great for a day trip. You can visit the Beroun Beararium. Dogs on leashes are welcome in many places there, like Lavender Valley. Additionally, the Krakovec Castle looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Camping with Your Pooch
If you prefer to sleep under the stars, the Czech Republic has some of the best campsites. Srubový Kemp Zvíkov Village was named the “Best Campsite for Pets” in 2024. It is located near the meeting point of two rivers. It has cozy log cabins and a very peaceful setting.
On top of that, Autocamp Sedmihorky is another top choice. It is in the heart of Bohemian Paradise. It has a sandy beach and even a mini-farm with animals. The area is perfect for exploring rock towns on foot. Gradually, you will see why people love this region so much.
Similarly, Vranovská Pláž is a great holiday park for those with a caravan. It is right on the shore of a reservoir. You can take your dog for a swim there. Actually, many campsites here have first-rate services for families and pets.
Important Rules and Local Etiquette
To be a good visitor, you must know the local culture. First of all, always pick up after your dog. Prague provides free poop bags in dispensers on the street. They are usually made of paper and come with a little cardboard shovel. I think that is a very clever idea.
On top of that, dogs in the Czech Republic are very well-trained. They often walk off-leash in the city. However, I do not recommend doing this unless your dog has perfect recall. There are many distractions like birds and other dogs. Also, in the forests, hunters are allowed to shoot stray dogs that chase wild animals. Therefore, keeping your dog on a leash is the safest choice.
Additionally, there is a city dog tax. Locals have to pay this to help the city stay clean. As a tourist, you do not need to worry about this. But you should have your dog registered and carry their vaccination certificates.
If your dog gets sick, do not panic. Prague has 24-hour emergency vets. I use a clinic called Veterinární klinika Erika. They are very professional. It is always a good idea to save their number in your phone.
Why This is the Best Dog Friendly Country Watch Till End
I have travelled to many places, but the Czech Republic stands out. The people are so welcoming. They see a dog and they smile. Gradually, you feel like part of the community. Whether you are sipping beer in a garden or hiking up a mountain, you never have to leave your best friend behind.
Therefore, if you are planning your next adventure, choose the Czech Republic. You will see the 8 best dog friendly country watch till the end of your holiday and wish you could stay longer. It is a place where every corner has a new smell for your dog and a new view for you.
Finally, I want to leave you with one tip. Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. This quote by Einstein is on a local dog blog, and it is so true. Walking with my dog in the Czech forests helped me find peace. I hope it does the same for you.
I often talk to people from all over who want to know about the best dog friendly country watch till end videos they see online. I always tell them to start right here. The history is deep. The beer is cold. The paths are endless. What more could you want?
I hope this guide helps you plan your dream trip. Plus, if you see Dana and Daisy or Mirek and his pack, say hello for me! Have an epic adventure!
FAQ
Is the Czech Republic dog friendly?
Yes, the Czech Republic is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. Dogs are widely accepted in restaurants, cafes, and bars, and are a common sight on public transport and in public parks.
What is the prettiest town in Czech Republic?
Several towns are praised for their beauty, including Prague, described as the most beautiful European capital. Other “absolutely gorgeous” or charming locations include Český Krumlov, Olomouc, Telč, and Znojmo.
Is Prague Castle dog friendly?
Yes, the grounds and courtyards of Prague Castle are dog-friendly and free for leashed, muzzled dogs to visit. However, dogs are not permitted to enter the castle’s historical interiors, buildings, or gardens.
Which city is the most dog friendly?
Prague is frequently cited as one of the most pet-friendly capitals in the world. Brno is also noted for being very accommodating, with many establishments allowing pets inside or on terraces.
Is Prague a dog friendly city?
Prague is highly pet-friendly; it is a compact, walkable city where locals are very welcoming to dogs. It offers numerous dog-friendly parks, beer gardens, and cafes.
Are dogs allowed on trams in Prague?
Yes, dogs are allowed on trams. Small dogs in carriers travel for free, and larger dogs can also travel for free within the city limits, provided they are leashed and wear a muzzle.
Why are dogs in Prague so well behaved?
Local culture emphasises early socialisation and daily training. Unlike some other cultures, Czech owners typically prioritise active training over keeping dogs in backyards, which results in highly disciplined pets in public spaces.
What to beware of in Prague?
Owners should be cautious of crowded areas like the Old Town Square after 9 am, which can be stressful for pets. Additionally, be aware of specific safety hazards like the high drops at Vyšehrad, where dogs have accidentally fallen.
Why is Český Krumlov famous?
Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage listed town famous for its historic charm and its massive castle overlooking the Vltava River.
Concluding words
The Czech Republic offers some of the best dog-friendly tours in Europe, ranging from private dog-guided city walks in Prague to rugged nature hikes in Bohemian Switzerland and Bohemian Paradise.
Whether navigating the historic streets of Brno or trekking the Malerweg trail, travellers can enjoy a seamless experience thanks to the country’s welcoming culture, affordable dog-friendly trains, and abundance of pet-welcoming cafes and castles.
