Visiting Prague with a Dog: A Complete and Detailed Guide

Prague, the popular Czech capital located heart of Europe, is a city steeped in history and culture, boasting stunning architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and a rich culinary scene. No wonder it attracts thousands of visitors each year and no wonder we’ve selected it to celebrate my birthday there this year. 🙂

However, what makes Prague – in hinsight – even more special is its dog-friendly atmosphere. We were amazed how well everything went with our little Chihuahua Ruby who was, of course, part of the Birthday Squad and who felt right at home in this city.

So if you’re also planning to visit this lovely city with your furry friend then keep on reading. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide when travelling to Prague with your dog to help you make the most of your time.

Why Visit Prague with Your Dog?

Prague is not just a feast for the eyes (and your liver one might add – thanks to the big beer-culture!) but also a haven for dog lovers.

The city offers numerous parks, dog-friendly restaurants, and welcoming public spaces, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with their pets.

Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of the Old Town or relaxing by the Vltava River, Prague is sure to charm both you and your four-legged friend.

Getting to Prague with Your Dog

By Car

Traveling to Prague by car offers flexibility and convenience, especially for those coming from nearby countries like Germany. We drove from Germany, a mere 1.5-hour journey, allowing us to bring all the necessities for our dog without worrying about space or time restrictions.

Tips for travelling by car to Prague:

• Parking: Finding parking in Prague can be challenging and expensive. Look for hotels with car parking on-site or with parking garages and be prepared to pay around 30 EUR per day.
• Route Planning: To ensure an enjoyable drive for you and your dog, avoid busy times especially around rush hour when you might get stucked in traffic on your way in or out of the city.

By Train

Prague is well-connected by train, with excellent services from various European cities. When traveling with Deutsche Bahn, small dogs (like our Chihuahua) can travel for free.

Advantages of Train Travel:

• Central Location: Prague Main Train Station is located close to the Old Town, making it easy to walk to your hotel if you’re staying centrally. Also public transport with the many tram lines is good and cheap so you’ll find it fairly easy to get around and can avoid the hassle to find a parking spot for your car.
• Cost: No extra cost for small dogs on Deutsche Bahn. (if travelling in a suitable pet carrier)

By Bus

Unfortunately, most bus services, including Flixbus, do not allow dogs on board. Therefore, if you’re considering public transport to get to Prague with your dog, trains are the better option.

Dining Out with Your Dog

Prague boasts numerous dog-friendly cafes, bars, and restaurants, especially during the summer when outdoor seating is abundant.

Our favorite (and dog-friendly) spots to eat & drink:

• • Cathedral Café: Beautiful little patio, perfect for a relaxed meal with your dog.
  • Certovka Restaurant: Big terrace by the river with amazing views of Charles Bridge.
  • Café Mánes: Great views of the river and castle, ideal for a drink or coffee break.
  • Létna Lookout Beer Garden: Enjoy a cold beer with a panoramic view of the city.
  • Vegan’s Prague: Delicious vegan/vegetarian options with a small rooftop terrace. (Dogs are also allowed inside) – Note: be prepared! You have to climb a lot of stairs to get to the restaurant!

   

This is just a very small selection. Most places were very accommodating, welcoming our dog warmly and offering water bowls.

Dog-Friendly Activities in Prague

Exploring the Old Town

Walking through Prague’s old town with its historical landmarks is a must. However, it can get crowded, so it’s best to visit during off-peak times. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Key Spots:

• Old Town Square: Home to the famous astronomical clock.
• Charles Bridge: Enjoy a stroll across this iconic bridge.

Prague Castle Grounds

While dogs are not allowed inside the buildings or gardens, they can explore the castle grounds on a leash. Entry to the grounds is free.

Parks and Green Spaces

Prague is home to numerous parks where dogs can run and play.

Top Dog-Friendly Parks:

• Vítkov Park: Dogs can be off-leash.
• Petřín Hill: Offers stunning views and expansive green areas.
• Kampa Island: Perfect for a leisurely walk.
• Letna Park: Another great spot with panoramic views.

River Cruise

Some smaller boat operators allow dogs on board. We enjoyed a 1-hour cruise with views of the castle and Charles Bridge.

Recommended Operators:

• Paroplavba: Small and medium-sized dogs allowed.
• Prague Boats: Dogs allowed on sightseeing cruises (not on gastronomic cruises).

General Tips for Dog Owners

Water Bowls / Dog Bars:

Walking around town we noticed that many shops and restaurants provide these free water bowls called dog bars which are usually right at the entrance, ensuring your pet always stays hydrated. Luckily this one here was located on our way up to the castle so Ruby could take a sip before climbing all the stairs.

In addition, most restasurants will offer your dog something to drink once you are seated.

Paper Poo Bags:

Honestly, that was a frist! Available throughout the city, you can find these free Poo Bag dispensers. The bags are made of paper and come with a little shuffle (which you need to fold as per the instructions provided), making it easy to clean up after your dog.

Additional Information for Visiting Prague

Key Attractions

Prague is brimming with attractions that you and your dog can enjoy. Besides the old town and castle, consider visiting:

• Lesser Town: Picturesque streets and charming squares.
• Jewish Quarter: Rich history and stunning architecture.
• Dancing House: Modern architectural marvel.

Money and ATMs

Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places. It’s advisable to have some cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Beer Culture

Prague is famous for its beer. The city offers countless beer gardens and breweries where you can enjoy local brews. Remember to check if they are dog-friendly but many of them welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas.

Language

Czech is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Czech phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

Final Thoughts

Prague is a fantastic city to explore with your dog, offering a wealth of dog-friendly activities, accommodations, and dining options. Whether you’re strolling through historic streets, relaxing in a park, or enjoying a river cruise, Prague warmly welcomes you and your furry friend.

By incorporating these tips and suggestions, you and your four-legged companion are sure to have an unforgettable trip to Prague. Happy travels!

As a small reminder the following links are affiliate links as well, which means that if you book a stay through these links, we’ll get a small commission. Don’t worry–the price is still the same for you.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Prague

INNSiDE Prague Old Town

Compfy rooms with free Minibar

We stayed at the 4-star INNSiDE Prague Old Town, part of the Meliá Hotel chain, renowned for its excellent service and dog-friendly policies. Located centrally, the hotel provided us with a goodie bag for our dog upon check-in, and even allowed our dog in the breakfast area.

Why we loved to stair at the INNSiDE Prague Old Town with our dog:

Goodie Bag for Dogs: Includes toys and food for your dog.
Dining: Dogs were allowed in the breakfast area and patio.
Location: Close proximity to a large green area for walks, and centrally located for easy sightseeing on foot.
Accessibility: Near Florenc Bus and Metro Station (500m) and a short walk from the train station.