In our recent survey, we asked participants what they miss the most when they go on holiday. Family was the most popular answer (63%); however, “pets” was the second most popular choice, with over one in four people (27%) saying they miss their furry friends. This scored higher than “friends” (18%) and “home comforts” (19%).
Pet-friendly holidays are at an all-time high in 2026. Google Trends data reveals a 325% increase in searches for “pet holidays” compared to five years ago. With that being said, if you’re thinking about taking your pet away with you, we have revealed the top destinations in Europe for a pet-friendly holiday.
Contents:
1. London, UK
- Number of pet-friendly restaurants: 1,127
- Number of parks: 240
- Number of pet-friendly hotels: 37
London takes first place as the best destination for a pet-friendly holiday, perfect for those looking for a staycation. The city has over 1,100 pet-friendly restaurants, making it easy to eat out with your furry friends. With 240 parks, around 20% of London is made up of green spaces (GOV. UK), perfect for dog walking in every corner of the city. Visitors will also find 37 dog-friendly hotels, catering from budget-friendly options to luxury stays.
Top pet-friendly activities in London:
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge encourages (well-behaved) dogs to explore their historic towers, requiring them to be accompanied by an adult and to be on lead at all times. As one of London’s most iconic landmarks, the bridge is often credited as being “London's only major dog-friendly attraction”. Dogs can join their owners on the glass-floor walkway and explore the engine room.
Rooftop Film Club
If you’re a film fan, you may be happy to know that there is an outdoor cinema that allows dogs. Rooftop Film Club in Peckham, south-east London, is fully dog-friendly, and your dog doesn’t even need a ticket. However, please note that the cinema is closed during winter, opening again in Spring 2026 and beyond.
Thames River Cruise
For a scenic boat tour of London’s most famous sights, try a dog-friendly tour on board the Thames River Cruise, offering views of landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
2. Paris, France
- Number of pet-friendly restaurants: 1,075
- Number of parks: 211
- Number of pet-friendly hotels: 130
The French capital is an excellent option for those searching for a pet-friendly adventure. Paris has plenty of pet-friendly hotels, with 130 in the city, as well as over 200 parks and over 1,000 pet-friendly restaurants.
Top pet-friendly activities in Paris:
Jardin du Luxembourg
One of Paris’s most popular parks, Jardin du Luxembourg, is a historic 25-hectare public park in Paris's 6th arrondissement, featuring both French and English-style gardens, over 100 statues, and the iconic Medici Fountain. Dogs are permitted in the park; however must be kept on leads at all times.
Eiffel Tower (park grounds)
While pets are not permitted inside the Eiffel Tower itself, many people argue that the best views and photo opportunities come from Champ de Mars, the large, public green space, located in the 7th arrondissement between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire. Here, you’ll be able to get all the best pictures of your pets with Paris’s most iconic landmark.
River Seine
With or without a dog, walking along the Seine is a fantastic leisurely way to take in the city. The areas between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame are particularly popular for strolling, and you’ll find cafes and restaurants along the way for a coffee or bite to eat.
3. Rome, Italy
- Number of pet-friendly restaurants: 1,114
- Number of parks: 113
- Number of pet-friendly hotels: 21
While Rome may have fewer pet-friendly hotels than Paris or London, it makes up for it with over 1,100 pet-friendly restaurants. The Italian capital also scored highly for the number of parks within the city, perfect for exploring with your pet.
Top pet-friendly activities in Rome:
Trevi Fountain
Rated by TripAdvisor as one of the best things to see in Rome, Trevi Fountain is completely dog-friendly, provided they are well-behaved and on a lead. Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening should be recommended if you’re bringing a pet, as it can get busy during peak daytime hours. From 2026, a ticket will also be required.
Villa Borghese
One of Rome’s largest parks, Villa Borghese, is famous for its blend of world-class art, expansive 17th-century gardens, and relaxing leisure activities. The park is a great place for your pets to have an adventure when visiting Rome.
Colosseum
Dogs are not permitted inside the Colosseum; however, depending on the size of your dog, you may be allowed to bring them into the Roman Forum, provided they are in a pet carrier. Dogs of all sizes are welcome outside the Colosseum, which still provides fantastic views of the amphitheatre.
4. Barcelona, Spain
- Number of pet-friendly restaurants: 607
- Number of parks: 87
- Number of pet-friendly hotels: 24
Barcelona, the vibrant coastal city in Catalonia, Spain, is another popular pet-friendly destination. There are plenty of restaurants, with 607 found in the city, 24 pet-friendly hotels around the city that allow pets, with the areas of Gràcia and Poblenou known for being particularly pet-friendly.
Top pet-friendly activities in Barcelona:
Park Guell
Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions, a renowned public park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century. Luckily, pets are allowed inside the park provided they are kept on a lead. Dogs are permitted throughout the grounds, making it a suitable spot to visit with a pet during your trip.
Casa Batlló
Another of Antoni Gaudí’s architectural marvels, Casa Batlló is a major tourist attraction, showcasing Gaudí's unique style with vibrant mosaics, flowing lines, and innovative architecture that transforms a conventional building into a fairy-tale work of art. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside of the building, as long as they are on a lead.
Bogatell Beach
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a trip to the beach. Bogatell Beach, located in the Sant Martí district of the city, welcomes dogs year-round. However, in summer, dogs need to stay on the lead.
5. Berlin, Germany
- Number of pet-friendly restaurants: 455
- Number of parks: 154
- Number of pet-friendly hotels: 61
The German capital, Berlin, is another European city that is considered extremely pet-friendly. Visitors will find 61 pet-friendly hotels, making accommodation easy to find. Pet-friendly restaurants are also in abundance, with 455 in total. Berlin is world-renowned as a vibrant hub of history and culture, making it a perfect trip for you and your pets.
Top pet-friendly activities in Berlin:
Spree River Cruise
The Spree River is the main river that flows through Berlin, and is a great way to explore the city and take in the sights. Many river cruise companies, such as Spree & Havelschiffahrt, allow dogs on board, making it the perfect pet-friendly activity.
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in central Berlin, serving as a premier national symbol of peace and unity. Dogs are permitted in the open plaza, surrounding Pariser Platz, and the adjacent Tiergarten park, making it ideal for a walk whilst exploring one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.
The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall sites, including the East Side Gallery and the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, are very dog-friendly. You can walk along this famous 1.3km painted section of the wall with your dog.
Book your next getaway with Iglu Cruise
If you're looking to take your dog on an adventure, why not consider bringing your four-legged friend on board a cruise ship? Cunard's Queen Mary 2 allows pets on their transatlantic crossing between New York City and Southampton, with pets staying in their very own kennels onboard the ship. Get in touch with us for more information on how we can help.
