Are you dreaming of travelling around Europe but hate the thought of leaving your beloved pet at home? Well, with just a bit of preparation you can take your dog with you. As a matter of fact, lots of European cities are positively pet friendly and we’ve put together a handy guide to the most welcoming cities for dog friendly breaks.
Best Dog Friendly Breaks in Europe
Bringing your dog on board with P&O Ferries is a really easy way to travel with a pet. You just need to remember to check with your vet beforehand and book a pet pass before travelling. Once you’ve got reservations for yourself and your pet, you can start packing everything you’ll need. If you’re not sure what to bring with you for your pet-friendly break, have a read of the most common things pet owners need for their journey.
Paris
Choosing a location for your dog friendly weekend break can be tricky, but we believe Paris isn’t just the city of love, it’s also a pet owner’s paradise. Thanks to its range of hotels, apartments and restaurants that all welcome dogs, you can travel with your mind at ease.
A recent ruling also means that the city’s parks are now fully open to dogs, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Paris is one of the most dog friendly cities and has lots of incredible green spaces like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Jardin des Tuileries.
If you’re planning a trip to the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries is worth wandering in as you can see many stunning statues and water fountains. Surrounded by all this beauty, you and your pet pal will definitely have a terrific time roaming this popular Parisian park.
Tired out from all that sightseeing? You’ll be glad to know most Parisian restaurants allow you to bring dogs. If in doubt, many non-dog friendly spots will have a sign saying “chiens interdits” so steer clear with your pooch.
Driving to Paris from Calais port takes 3 and a half hours, so if you’re taking your pet on a road trip this could be your next stop!
Berlin
Our next destination was voted the top dog friendly city in Germany in 2011, making it one of the best locations to explore with a pet pal.
For a weekend break with your dog, make sure to visit Hauptstadhund on Hufelandstraße. This pet supply store carries everything a dog lover could want, from treats and accessories to professional photoshoots so you can capture your canine companion on holiday and even make unforgettable souvenirs like keychains or postcards out of the shots!
Looking to spoil your companion? Then head to Ally & Dotty in 5 Pariser Strasse, where you can snag some delicious dog biscuits and all sorts of other treats.
You might also want to explore Berlin via a river cruise for a relaxing and memorable way to spot the city’s sights – book with Stern und Kreisschiffahrt who welcome dogs on board. Alternatively, you can always explore the city by foot, making sure to walk through some of Berlin’s biggest parks like Tiergarten or Tempelhofer.
Amsterdam
Just like all of our other European cities in this guide, Amsterdam is great for pet friendly breaks and definitely worth exploring. There are dog friendly hotels such as the Postillion Hotel and even dog friendly hostels such as a&o Amsterdam Zuidoost, so you can choose based on your budget.
Amsterdam is famous for its love of cycling, so why not try exploring the city on two wheels with your dog in a basket? Hiring bikes is really easy and dogs love travelling with the wind blowing through their fur, so we suggest you give this one a spin in this iconic Dutch city.
If cycling is not your thing, fret not! Amsterdam’s many sights can also be explored by foot, simply meander through the city’s many picturesque canals and don’t forget to stop off for a drink in one of the many dog friendly cafés and bars.
If you’re arriving via Rotterdam port, you can drive to Amsterdam in just over an hour via the A4. This handy location makes Amsterdam a great location to explore on your next dog road trip.
Brighton and Hove
Looking for a dog friendly weekend break in the UK? Then explore Brighton & Hove and its beautiful stretches of dog friendly beaches.
Dogs are allowed on the beach from the beginning of October to the end of April, so make sure to plan your holiday during these months to make the most of the amazing seashore. If you’re travelling during the summer months, make sure to check guides for suitable beaches and always remember to clean up after your dog.
Beyond Brighton’s beautiful beaches, this dog friendly travel destination also caters for holidaymakers in search for dog friendly cafés, pubs and restaurants. Visit the Railway Inn for a refreshing pint and a fresh bowl of water for fido! Venues like Brighton Music Hall also welcome our four-legged friends and this restored Victorian space has the biggest heated beach terrace in Brighton, making it a great spot to hang out in year-round. You can also explore the Royal Pavilion Garden with your dog on a lead so it’s another great place to visit.
You can reach Brighton & Hove in just under a 2 hour drive from Dover port via the M20.
Wallonia
Finding pet friendly hotels can be a challenge, but not in Wallonia! With its impressive 1300 options to choose from, it is one of the best dog friendly travel destinations you can visit.
Southern Belgium is full of fantastic forests and walks through the Ardennes region. With its stunning natural landscapes and picturesque towns, Wallonia is a dog’s paradise. So, make the most of all the great outdoor activities you and your dog can explore.
From Brussels, you can drive to Wallonia in just over an hour via the E19 and E420 so it’s a convenient way to see even more of Belgium’s beautiful countryside and coast.
Excited to explore Europe with your pooch? Book your P&O Ferry trip now and start dreaming about your dog friendly holiday!
