I spent three months traveling through the heart of the continent with my Golden Retriever, Luna. We visited twelve different cities. I took notes on every park, cafe, and train ride. I wanted to find the most dog friendly places in europe. This journey was not just a vacation. It was a deep dive into how different cultures treat our four-legged family members. I learned so much during this time. I am excited to share my story and a guide for your next big adventure.
First of all, you must prepare for the logistics of international pet travel. It is not as scary as it sounds. You will need an EU Pet Passport. Your dog must have a microchip for identification. Also, a rabies vaccine is mandatory. You must wait twenty-one days after the initial shot before you can travel. Additionally, some countries like Ireland, Norway, and Finland require a tapeworm treatment. Therefore, you should talk to your vet at least three months before you plan to leave.
The train system in Europe is a dream for dog owners. Most trains allow both large and small dogs. I took Luna on twenty-seven different trains during our trip. Small dogs in carriers often travel for free. Larger dogs usually need a half-price ticket.
However, some high-speed trains in Spain have strict weight limits of 10kg, though some new routes now allow dogs up to 40kg. You should always check the rules for each rail company. Plus, do not forget to bring a muzzle. Some cities like Prague or Vienna require them on public transport.
I am going to count down my top five picks for the most dog friendly cities in europe. These are the places where Luna and I felt the most welcome.
1. Berlin, Germany: The Artsy Park Haven
I arrived in Berlin and immediately felt the relaxed vibe. This city is a paradise for people who want to bring their dog everywhere. Berlin is the cool friend who never leaves their pet at home. I stayed in a hotel that cost about €65 per night. Food and beer are very affordable here.
I spent a Sunday afternoon at the Tiergarten. It is a massive green space in the middle of the capital. It covers 520 hectares. That is bigger than Central Park in New York! Luna ran off-leash for two hours through the trees. Later, we went to a local biergarten. Dogs are allowed to sit right at the tables with you. On top of that, dogs are welcome inside most restaurants and even some shops.
Berlin scored an 8.7 out of 10 on my ranking. It is one of the most dog friendly places in europe to visit if you love nature and city life mixed together. However, you should avoid the city in the winter. It is very cold and brutal. But in the spring? Pure magic.
2. London, United Kingdom: A Nation of Dog Lovers
I took a ferry to reach the UK because the Eurostar train does not allow pet dogs. I was surprised by how much Londoners love dogs. Luna received more compliments here than almost anywhere else. The people in London are truly obsessed with pets.
The parks in London are world-class. I visited Hyde Park on a crisp morning. Luna actually swam in the Serpentine Lake. This is allowed and very popular for local dogs. After our walk, we went to a dog-friendly pub for a Sunday roast. The bartender even brought her a “puppuccino” made of whipped cream. Additionally, dogs ride for free on the Tube and buses in London. This makes it very easy to get around the city.
London earned a score of 8.9 out of 10. It is expensive. Hotels can cost between €120 and €200 per night. Therefore, it is a better choice for travelers with a larger budget. Still, the quality of the parks is a perfect 10/10. It is easily one of the most dog friendly places in europe to live if you can afford the rent.
3. Munich, Germany: Mountains and Pretzels
I traveled south to Munich next. If Berlin is the artsy friend, Munich is the outdoorsy one. This city is perfect for active dogs and their owners. It is the gateway to the Alps.
I took Luna to the Englischer Garten. It is one of the largest urban parks in the entire world. It has 900 acres of green fields and rivers. Luna swam in the Eisbach River while surfers practiced nearby. We also visited the Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm. In Bavaria, it is actually the law that dogs are allowed in beer gardens. A waiter even brought Luna her own pretzel. He said, “Für den Hund!” which means “For the dog!”.
Munich scored a 9.0 out of 10. It feels very safe and clean. Public transport costs only €1.50 for a dog ticket. Plus, you can take a one-hour train ride to reach beautiful hiking trails in the mountains. Gradually, I realized that Munich offers the best balance of city comfort and wild nature.
4. Paris, France: The City of Dog Royalty
I walked through the streets and felt like Luna was a VIP. We had croissants at Café de Flore. The waiters brought her water before I even asked. Parisians are very polite to dogs in cafes. Also, the city is very affordable if you know where to go. I spent about €120 per day including my hotel. We visited Sacré-Cœur at sunset. Everyone stopped to pet Luna and give her compliments.
Paris scored a 9.3 out of 10. It is almost perfect. However, the Metro can be very crowded during rush hour. This was stressful with a 30kg Golden Retriever. Similarly, some luxury hotels might charge extra pet fees. Therefore, you should check the fine print before you book. Despite this, it remains one of the Top 10 most dog friendly places in europe.
5. Zurich, Switzerland: The Ultimate Winner
I did not expect Zurich to be the number one spot. I thought Paris or London would win. But Zurich is not just dog-friendly. It is dog-perfect. It achieved the highest overall score of 9.5 out of 10.
I took Luna to Strandbad Mythenquai. This is a public swimming area on Lake Zurich. Dogs are allowed to swim freely in the crystal-clear alpine water. They swim right alongside the humans and the swans. The views of the Alps are stunning. Additionally, the public transport is the best I have ever seen. Dogs are allowed on all trains, trams, buses, and even boats. A day pass for your dog costs only about 3.40 CHF.
Zurich is immaculate. The streets are spotless. You will find dog poop bags on every corner. The Swiss people take a lot of pride in picking up after their pets. Plus, you can reach incredible mountain hikes like Uetliberg in only thirty minutes. It is expensive, though. I spent about €180 per day. But you get what you pay for. It is the best place in the world for an active dog.most dog friendly places in europe
Beyond these top five, there are many other great cities to consider. Prague is the best choice if you are on a tight budget. It is very affordable and has beautiful parks like Letná Park. However, you must use a muzzle on the Metro there. Lisbon is the top pick for dogs who love the beach. The train to Cascais only takes twenty minutes. Then your dog can play in the Atlantic Ocean. Rome is a must-visit for food lovers. Italians treat dogs like family. One restaurant owner even gave Luna a plate of prosciutto for free.
Gradually, you will see that Europe has a very high standard for pet travel. Most cafes and restaurants will welcome you with open arms. On top of that, the park systems are often much larger than what we have in other parts of the world. Finally, the ease of taking a dog on a train makes it possible to see the whole continent without a car.
I have a few final tips for your journey. First of all, always carry a water bowl. The weather can change fast in the mountains. I used a simple test to check if Luna was hydrated. I pressed my finger on her gums. The color should come back instantly. Later, remember to give your dog a toilet break as soon as you get off a long train ride. Also, do not let your dog sit directly on the seats of a train. This is usually against the rules. Use a blanket if you want them to be close to you.
Travel is better with a dog. I saw more of the local life because I had to visit the parks. I talked to more people because they wanted to meet Luna. Europe is waiting for you and your best friend. Pack your bags and get that pet passport. You will not regret it.
Traveling with a dog is like having a key to the city. People smile more. You find hidden parks. You slow down and enjoy the view. It is the best way to see the world.
FAQ
Where is the most dog-friendly place in Europe?
Zurich, Switzerland, is ranked as the most dog-friendly destination in Europe, achieving a score of 9.5 out of 10. It is highly regarded for its perfect balance of city life and nature, its impeccable cleanliness, and a culture that allows dogs to swim in public areas alongside humans.
What is the most dog-friendly city?
Based on comprehensive testing of major European hubs, Zurich is the top city. It scored a perfect 10/10 in categories such as parks, public transport, and general pet culture.
Is Italy or Spain more dog-friendly?
According to the rankings, Italy (specifically Rome) is slightly more dog-friendly with a score of 8.3 compared to Spain (Barcelona) at 8.2. Rome is noted for having a perfect pet culture where locals are “obsessed” with dogs and restaurant owners often treat pets like family. Additionally, Spain has historically had stricter restrictions for large dogs on high-speed trains, whereas Italy is generally more lax.
Is Portugal dog-friendly?
Yes, Portugal is considered very dog-friendly, with Lisbon scoring 7.8 out of 10. The local population is described as adoring dogs, and pet owners can easily take their dogs to Atlantic beaches like Cascais via train. Larger dogs are also permitted on most Portuguese trains.
Concluding Words
The most dog-friendly destinations in Europe, led by Zurich, Paris, and Munich, offer an exceptional blend of accessible public transport, expansive green spaces, and welcoming café cultures. While cities like London and Berlin provide world-class urban parks and relaxed atmospheres, travelers should always prepare for local regulations such as required muzzles on certain metros or specific pet tickets for train travel. Whether you seek alpine adventures in Switzerland or refined coffee houses in Vienna, Europe’s top-tier cities ensure that your four-legged companion is treated as a valued member of the family.
