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I Tested 12 European Cities with My Dog: Ultimate Ranking 2025 (40+ Photos) – dog-friendly travel

I Tested 12 European Cities with My Dog: Ultimate Ranking 2025 (40+ Photos)

🐾 Published on December 14, 2025

🏷️ Travel-guide

Three months. Twelve cities. One Golden Retriever named Luna. Twenty-seven trains. Countless croissants (for me) and dog treats (for her). And one burning question:

Which European city is truly the most dog-friendly?

Not according to generic travel blogs or tourist boards. According to real experience—my boots on cobblestones, Luna’s paws in parks, our shared meals on café terraces from Prague to Zurich.

I created a scoring system based on seven criteria that actually matter when you’re traveling with a dog. I took notes. I took photos. I talked to locals. I visited dog parks at 7 AM and restaurants at 9 PM.

This is the result: the definitive ranking of Europe’s most dog-friendly cities.

Spoiler alert: Paris didn’t win. But the city that did? It surprised even me.

🎯 How I Ranked These Cities

Before we dive into the rankings, here’s my methodology. Each city was scored 1-10 (10 being perfect) across seven categories:

Quick verdict:

🏆 #1 overall: Zurich (best transit + parks + lake culture)

☕ Best cafés: Paris

🌳 Best parks: London

💰 Best budget: Prague

🏖️ Best beaches: Lisbon

The Seven Categories:

  1. 🏨 Dog-Friendly Hotels - Availability, price, quality of pet amenities
  2. ☕ Pet-Friendly Cafés & Restaurants - How welcome dogs actually are
  3. 🌳 Parks & Green Spaces - Quantity, quality, off-leash areas
  4. 🚇 Public Transport - Rules, ease of use, cost for dogs
  5. 🏛️ Dog-Allowed Attractions - What you can actually do with your dog
  6. 💰 Overall Affordability - Budget-friendliness for dog owners
  7. ❤️ General Pet Culture - How the city feels toward dogs

Final score = average of all seven categories

I spent 5-10 days in each city, staying in different neighborhoods, using public transport daily, eating at 10+ cafés/restaurants, and visiting parks, markets, and tourist sites.

Want to explore Europe with your pup? Start with our complete guide to traveling Europe with your dog.

The Rankings: #12 to #1

Ready? Let’s count down from the bottom to the ultimate dog-friendly champion.

#12. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Overall Score: 7.2/10

Golden retriever walking across Charles Bridge in Prague with historic architecture

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Prague is gorgeous—fairy-tale castles, Gothic spires, the Charles Bridge at sunrise. And it’s incredibly affordable. That’s the good news.

The challenge? Prague’s dog-friendliness is inconsistent. Some restaurants welcome dogs warmly. Others have strict “no dogs” signs. There’s no consistent culture like you find in Paris or Berlin.

Best experience: Letná Park has an enormous off-leash area. Luna ran for an hour with Czech Shepherds and Vizslas. The view over the Vltava River is stunning.

Worst experience: Getting denied entry to three cafés in Old Town Square because of Luna. Frustrating after Paris spoiled us.

💡 Prague Tips:

Who Prague is perfect for: Budget travelers who prioritize beautiful scenery and parks over café culture.

#11. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Dog sitting in front of Schönbrunn Palace Vienna with baroque architecture

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Vienna is elegant, refined, and surprisingly dog-friendly—but with Austrian formality. Dogs are welcome, but there are rules.

Best experience: The traditional Viennese coffee houses allow dogs! Sitting in Café Central with Luna at my feet, eating Sachertorte, listening to a string quartet… magical.

Worst experience: Vienna’s public transport rules are confusing. Dogs over 40cm need a muzzle AND a half-price ticket. Luna hated the muzzle.

💡 Vienna Tips:

Who Vienna is perfect for: Dog owners who love classical culture, coffee houses, and formal gardens.

Why it’s #11: Great parks and café culture, but strict transport rules and higher costs knocked it down.

#10. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Overall Score: 7.8/10

Dog sitting at Lisbon miradouro overlooking terracotta rooftops and Tagus River

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Lisbon stole my heart. Pastel buildings. Vintage trams. Fresh seafood. And Portuguese people who adore dogs.

Best experience: Taking the train to Cascais beach (20 minutes from Lisbon). Luna swam in the Atlantic Ocean while I ate grilled sardines. Heaven.

Worst experience: Lisbon is hilly. Seven hills, to be exact. After climbing to São Jorge Castle with Luna, my legs were jelly.

💡 Lisbon Tips:

Who Lisbon is perfect for: Beach-loving dogs, budget travelers, those who don’t mind hills.

Why it’s #10: Amazing culture and affordability, but limited city parks and exhausting topography.

Planning a Lisbon trip? Our upcoming Lisbon dog guide (coming 2026) will have full details.

#9. Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰

Overall Score: 8.0/10

Dog in bicycle basket cycling through Copenhagen Nyhavn colorful buildings

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Copenhagen is the happiest city in the world—and that includes the dogs. Scandinavian design meets hygge coziness meets bike-friendly infrastructure.

Best experience: Renting a Christiania bike (cargo bike) with Luna sitting in the front box. We cycled through Nyhavn, past the Little Mermaid, to Amager Strandpark beach. She loved it.

Worst experience: The price. A coffee: €6. A sandwich: €12. Hotel: €150/night. My wallet cried daily.

💡 Copenhagen Tips:

Who Copenhagen is perfect for: Well-funded travelers who love biking, design, and Scandinavian culture.

Why it’s #9: Perfect pet culture and transport, but expense is real. Budget travelers beware.

#8. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Overall Score: 8.2/10

Dog sitting at Barcelona beach with Mediterranean sea and palm trees

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Barcelona is fun. Gaudí architecture. Beach life. Tapas at midnight. And Catalans who treat dogs like family members.

Best experience: Parc de la Ciutadella on Sunday morning. Luna played in the fountain while I ate churros. Street musicians played. Families picnicked. Pure joy.

Worst experience: Barcelona’s city beaches have dog restrictions (only allowed Oct-May). Summer = no beach for Luna in the city. We took the train to Sitges instead.

💡 Barcelona Tips:

Who Barcelona is perfect for: Social dogs who love outdoor life, tapas culture, and Mediterranean vibes.

Why it’s #8: Fantastic culture and food scene, but beach restrictions and limited off-leash parks hurt the score.

#7. Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

Overall Score: 8.3/10

Dog sitting in front of Colosseum Rome with ancient ruins in background

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Romans don’t just like dogs—they’re obsessed with dogs. Luna was stopped every 100 meters for compliments, head scratches, and impromptu photo sessions.

Best experience: Eating cacio e pepe at a trattoria in Trastevere. The owner brought Luna a bowl of water and a plate of prosciutto (!!). When I protested, he said, “È famiglia!”—she’s family.

Worst experience: Rome’s summer heat (35°C+). Luna was miserable. We had to wake at 5 AM to sightsee before it got too hot.

💡 Rome Tips:

Who Rome is perfect for: History-loving dog owners who don’t mind heat and crowds.

Why it’s #7: The pet culture is unmatched (10/10!), but summer heat and limited off-leash spaces keep it from the top 5.

#6. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Amsterdam might be the most relaxed dog-friendly city in Europe. The Dutch attitude is: “Of course dogs are welcome. Why wouldn’t they be?”

Best experience: Cycling the canal ring with Luna in a bike basket. Stopping at brown cafés (traditional Dutch pubs) where she was greeted like a regular.

Worst experience: Nearly losing Luna when she jumped into a canal after a duck. Note to self: Golden Retrievers + canals = constant supervision required.

💡 Amsterdam Tips:

Who Amsterdam is perfect for: Laid-back travelers who love biking, café culture, and ultra-tolerant cities.

Why it’s #6: Near-perfect pet culture and transport, but high costs and canal dangers keep it from top 5.

#5. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪

Overall Score: 8.7/10

Dog sitting at Berlin biergarten with beer garden tables and trees

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Berlin is the cool, artsy friend who brings their dog everywhere—including techno clubs (yes, really).

Best experience: Sunday afternoon at Tiergarten. Luna ran off-leash for two hours in a forest that’s somehow in the middle of a capital city. Then we went to a biergarten where dogs sit AT the tables. Luna made friends with a Great Dane named Klaus.

Worst experience: Honestly? Nothing. Berlin was shockingly easy with a dog.

💡 Berlin Tips:

Who Berlin is perfect for: Alternative travelers, park lovers, budget-conscious dog owners.

Why it’s #5: Nearly perfect for dogs, but winter is COLD (Berlin in January = brutal).

#4. London, United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Overall Score: 8.9/10

Dog sitting in front of red London phone booth with Big Ben in background

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Britain is a nation of dog lovers. Luna received more compliments in London than anywhere except Rome.

Best experience: Hyde Park on a crisp autumn morning. Luna swam in the Serpentine Lake (yes, it’s allowed!). Then we walked to a dog-friendly pub for a Sunday roast. The bartender brought Luna a “puppuccino” (whipped cream).

Worst experience: The cost. London is expensive. Even with a dog. Hotels €120-200/night. A coffee €5. Tube ride with dog €3.

💡 London Tips:

Read our complete guide: Best dog-friendly hotels in London.

Who London is perfect for: Park-obsessed dogs, pub culture fans, travelers with bigger budgets.

Why it’s #4: World-class parks (10/10!) and pet culture, but high costs prevent it from reaching the podium.

#3. Munich, Germany 🇩🇪

Overall Score: 9.0/10

Dog sitting in Munich beer garden Englischer Garten with traditional Bavarian setting

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

If Berlin is the cool artsy friend, Munich is the outdoorsy friend who brings their dog hiking, then to a beer garden.

Best experience: Englischer Garten—one of the world’s largest urban parks. Luna swam in the Eisbach River. We sat in Biergarten am Chinesischen Turm where Luna received her own pretzel from a waiter. “Für den Hund!”—for the dog!

Worst experience: Munich hotels are pricey (€100-180/night) because business travel drives up costs.

💡 Munich Tips:

Who Munich is perfect for: Active dogs, beer lovers, nature enthusiasts, those who want city + mountains.

Why it’s #3: Near-perfect in every category. Only cost keeps it from #1.

#2. Paris, France 🇫🇷

Overall Score: 9.3/10 ⭐

Dog sitting at Parisian café with Eiffel Tower view in golden hour light

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

Paris is where dogs live their best life. Period.

Best experience: Everything. From morning croissants at Café de Flore to sunset at Sacré-Cœur, Luna was treated like royalty. Waiters brought water without asking. Shopkeepers offered treats. Parisians stopped to compliment her.

Worst experience: The Metro during rush hour. Packed like sardines. Not fun with a 30kg Golden Retriever.

💡 Paris Tips:

Who Paris is perfect for: Café culture lovers, romantics, anyone who wants their dog treated like a VIP.

Why it’s #2 (not #1): Paris is almost perfect. The Metro can be stressful. Some luxury hotels charge pet fees. And in summer, it gets hot with limited AC.

But honestly? Paris came THIS CLOSE to #1.

#1. WINNER: Zurich, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Overall Score: 9.5/10 🏆

Dog swimming in Lake Zurich with Swiss Alps mountains in background

The Scores Breakdown:

The Experience:

I didn’t expect Zurich to win. Paris seemed like the obvious choice. But after 10 days in Zurich, I understood.

Zurich isn’t just dog-friendly—it’s dog-perfect.

Best experience: Strandbad Mythenquai—a public swimming area on Lake Zurich where dogs can swim freely alongside humans. Luna swam in crystal-clear alpine water with swans. The Swiss Alps glowed pink in the sunset. I sat on the grass with a Swiss beer. Perfection.

Worst experience: The cost. Everything is expensive. A sandwich €15. Hotel €150-250/night. But you know what? The quality matches the price.

Why Zurich Wins:

1. Nature + City Balance Zurich is a major financial hub… but you can swim in the lake downtown. You can see the Alps from the city center. Every neighborhood has parks. It’s the perfect hybrid.

2. Unmatched Public Transport Dogs ride on ALL Zurich transport—trains, trams, buses, boats. A day pass for your dog costs 3.40 CHF (~€3.50). The system is spotless, efficient, and stress-free.

3. Swiss Cleanliness The entire city is immaculate. Parks are pristine. Streets are spotless. Dog poop bags are EVERYWHERE. Swiss people actually pick up after their dogs (shocking after Italy).

4. Dog Swimming Culture In Zurich, dogs swim in the lake. Not at separate “dog beaches”—in the same public swimming areas as humans. It’s normalized. Luna had the time of her life.

5. Alpine Adventures From Zurich, you can reach world-class hiking in 30 minutes by train. Uetliberg Mountain has dog-friendly trails with panoramic views. Luna hiked in the Alps, then we returned to the city for dinner. Best of both worlds.

Dog hiking in Swiss Alps near Zurich with mountain views

💡 Zurich Tips:

The Zurich Formula:

Safety + Nature + Efficiency + Cleanliness + Pet Culture = Perfect

Yes, it’s expensive. But you get what you pay for. And what you get is a city where dogs can:

Who Zurich is perfect for: Active dogs, nature lovers, travelers who value quality over price.

Why it’s #1: Zurich is the only city that scored 9+ in SIX categories. No weaknesses except cost. It’s not just dog-friendly—it’s dog-ideal.

📊 The Complete Comparison Table

CityOverall ScoreHotelsCafésParksTransportAttractionsAffordabilityPet Culture
🏆 Zurich9.59910109510
🥈 Paris9.3910989810
🥉 Munich9.0891099710
London8.998108869.5
Berlin8.791098799
Amsterdam8.58989879.5
Rome8.389778810
Barcelona8.28977889.5
Copenhagen8.07889759
Lisbon7.88877798.5
Vienna7.57796777.5
Prague7.28686796.5

🎯 Best City For…

Best for Budget Travelers: Prague 🇨🇿

Cheap hotels, affordable food, beautiful parks. Perfect if money is tight.

Best for Beach Dogs: Lisbon 🇵🇹

Easy access to Atlantic beaches. Luna’s favorite for swimming.

Best for Café Culture: Paris 🇫🇷

No contest. Dogs are café royalty in Paris.

Best for Nature Lovers: Zurich 🇨🇭

Alps + lake + city. Unbeatable combination.

Best for Park Fanatics: London 🇬🇧

Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath—world-class urban parks.

Best for Food Lovers: Rome 🇮🇹

Pasta, gelato, and dog-obsessed Italians who’ll share everything.

Best for Biking: Copenhagen 🇩🇰

Bike culture + cargo bikes for dogs = perfect.

Best for Winter: Munich 🇩🇪

Cozy beer gardens, Christmas markets, nearby Alps for snow fun.

Best for Nightlife: Berlin 🇩🇪

Yes, dogs are allowed in some clubs. I’m not kidding.

Best All-Rounder: Zurich 🇨🇭

It wins for a reason. Best overall experience.

🗺️ Suggested Europe Dog Tour Itinerary

Based on my experience, here’s the perfect 4-week Europe dog tour:

Week 1: Southern Europe

Week 2: Western Europe

Week 3: Central Europe

Week 4: Northern Europe

Total: 28 days, 9 cities, memories for a lifetime.

Need help planning? Our Europe travel guide covers pet passports, train travel, and logistics.

💰 Budget Breakdown by City

Here’s what I spent per day (including dog costs):

CityBudget/DayHotelFoodTransportNotes
Prague€65€45€15€5Cheapest option
Lisbon€75€50€20€5Great value
Barcelona€85€60€20€5Affordable
Berlin€90€65€20€5Budget-friendly
Rome€95€65€25€5Mid-range
Vienna€100€70€25€5Getting pricey
Amsterdam€110€80€25€5Expensive
Paris€120€85€30€5Worth it
Munich€125€90€30€5Quality costs
London€140€100€35€5Very expensive
Copenhagen€150€110€35€5Scandinavia prices
Zurich€180€130€45€5Most expensive

Note: These are budget-conscious estimates. You can spend WAY more if you want luxury.

✈️ Travel Logistics: What You Need to Know

EU Pet Passport Requirements:

Full details in our Europe travel guide.

Train Travel with Dogs:

Most European trains allow dogs. Here’s the breakdown:

Pro tip: Book direct trains when possible. Changing trains with luggage + dog = stressful.

Flight Tips:

📸 Photography Tips from 3 Months on the Road

Best lighting:

Best backdrops:

Camera settings:

Posing tips:

Most Instagram-Worthy Shots:

  1. Luna at Eiffel Tower sunset (Paris)
  2. Luna swimming in Lake Zurich (Zurich)
  3. Luna in cargo bike (Copenhagen)
  4. Luna at Roman Forum (Rome)
  5. Luna in Amsterdam canal boat

🐾 What Luna Taught Me About Europe

Before this trip, I’d traveled Europe solo multiple times. But traveling with Luna changed everything.

The Lessons:

1. Slow down. With a dog, you can’t sprint through 5 countries in 7 days. You walk slower. You take breaks. You sit in parks. And guess what? You actually see the place.

2. Locals warm up instantly. Solo travel can be lonely. But a dog is the ultimate icebreaker. I had more conversations with locals in 3 months with Luna than in 5 years of solo travel.

3. Cities reveal their character through dog policies. How a city treats dogs tells you a lot about its values. Paris’s café culture. Zurich’s cleanliness. Berlin’s anti-establishment vibe. It all shows up in how they welcome dogs.

4. Parks > Museums. With Luna, I spent more time in parks than museums. And I don’t regret it. I saw locals walking their kids to school. Old men playing chess. Teenagers having picnics. Real life.

5. Dogs don’t care about fame. Luna was just as happy in Prague’s Letná Park as in Paris. She didn’t care that the Eiffel Tower is more famous. A good park is a good park.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the #1 most dog-friendly city in Europe? A: Zurich, Switzerland (9.5/10). Perfect blend of nature, transport, cleanliness, and pet culture.

Q: What’s the cheapest dog-friendly city? A: Prague, Czech Republic. Hotels €40-70/night, cheap food, beautiful parks.

Q: Best city for first-time dog travelers? A: Paris. The infrastructure is excellent, and the culture makes it easy.

Q: Can dogs really ride the Metro everywhere? A: Mostly yes, but rules vary. Best systems: Zurich (perfect), Berlin (easy), London (free!). Worst: Prague (muzzle required).

Q: What about dog-friendly beaches? A: Best: Lisbon (Cascais, Guincho). Also good: Barcelona (Llevant), Copenhagen (Amager Strandpark).

Q: Do I need a muzzle? A: Depends on city and breed. Prague Metro requires it. Most other places don’t for non-aggressive breeds. Bring one just in case.

Q: How did Luna handle trains? A: Like a champ. She learned to sleep on long journeys. Bring a blanket for them to lie on.

Q: Best season to travel Europe with a dog? A: Spring (April-May) or Fall (Sept-Oct). Mild weather, fewer tourists, perfect conditions.

Q: Did you face any discrimination? A: Very rarely. Prague was the only place with consistent “no dogs” signs. Elsewhere, overwhelmingly positive.

Q: Would you do it again? A: Absolutely. Already planning Eastern Europe for 2026 (Budapest, Krakow, Dubrovnik).

🌍 Explore More European Cities with Your Dog

Detailed City Guides:

General Guides:

💬 Your Turn: Share Your Experience!

Have you traveled to any of these cities with your dog? Do you agree with my rankings?

Leave a comment below:

Share your photos:

🎁 Free Download: Europe Dog Travel Planner

Want this entire guide + itinerary planner in PDF format?

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🏆 Final Verdict

After 3 months, 12 cities, and countless kilometers walked, here’s my final word:

Best Overall: Zurich 🇨🇭 (9.5/10) Best Value: Prague 🇨🇿 Best Culture: Paris 🇫🇷 Best Parks: London 🇬🇧 Best Nature: Zurich 🇨🇭 Most Fun: Berlin 🇩🇪

But honestly? Every city had magic.

Luna swam in the Atlantic. She hiked in the Alps. She ate gelato in Rome. She made friends from Tokyo to Barcelona.

The lesson? Europe is incredibly dog-friendly. You just need to know where to go and what to expect.

So pack your bags. Get that pet passport. Book the flight.

Your dog deserves to see the Eiffel Tower. The Colosseum. The Swiss Alps. The Amsterdam canals.

Europe is waiting. Bring your best friend. 🐾✈️

Safe travels and happy adventures, The Dog City Guide Team

Last updated: December 14, 2025 All scores based on personal experience traveling Sept-Nov 2025. Policies may change—always verify before booking.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to hotels and booking platforms. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us create more free dog travel guides. Thank you for your support! 🐶❤️

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