Florence, Italy
Dog Friendly Florence
Where To Walk, Eat And Stay With Your Dog In Florence
Florence is a walkable Renaissance city where a well-behaved dog on a lead is a normal sight in the piazzas and the parks. Cross the Arno for the shady sprawl of the Cascine, climb the ramps of the Poggi up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the view over the rooftops, and few cafes will wave a quiet dog off the terrace. This is our working guide to the green spaces worth seeking out, and the certified hotels that genuinely welcome your dog.
Where to walk
Dog Friendly Parks, Trails and Walks in Florence
The parks and gardens across the Arno where Florentines walk their dogs, away from the crowded centre. Tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
Parco delle Cascine
The city's big park, North bank, one of Florence's reliable spots to get the dog out into the open air.
Giardino dell'Orticoltura
Hillside gardens, Rifredi, one of Florence's reliable spots to get the dog out into the open air.
Parco dell'Anconella
Riverside park, South bank, and a favourite with Florence dog owners for an hour out on four legs.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Viewpoint climb, out in Oltrarno, with room for a proper dog walk and a welcome for well-behaved dogs.
Le Rampe del Poggi
Terraced ramps, Oltrarno, one of Florence's reliable spots to get the dog out into the open air.
Parco di Villa Il Ventaglio
Wooded estate over in North East, a dependable choice when the dog needs a proper walk outdoors.
Where to eat and drink
Dog Friendly Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in Florence
Not just tolerated under the table, genuinely welcome: a water bowl, a spot by the fire, and no eyebrow raised when you walk in with a dog.
Il Santo Bevitore
Restaurant in Oltrarno where dogs are welcome as standard, an easy stop for a meal while you explore Florence.
Rifrullo
A dog friendly bistro in San Niccolò where the dog is part of the plan, not left outside during a meal.
Mercato Centrale Firenze
Food hall in San Lorenzo, and reliably dog friendly, a go-to in Florence when you have the dog with you.
Ditta Artigianale
Cafe in Oltrarno where dogs are welcome as standard, an easy stop for a coffee while you explore Florence.
ZEB Gastronomia
Restaurant in San Niccolò where dogs are welcome as standard, an easy stop for a meal while you explore Florence.
Gusta Pizza
Pizzeria in Santo Spirito, and reliably dog friendly, a go-to in Florence when you have the dog with you.
Osteria Santo Spirito
Osteria in Santo Spirito, and reliably dog friendly, a go-to in Florence when you have the dog with you.
La Beppa Fioraia
A dog friendly restaurant in San Niccolò where the dog is part of the plan, not left outside during a meal.
Le Murate
Cafe in Santa Croce, and reliably dog friendly, a go-to in Florence when you have the dog with you.
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Where to stay
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels In Florence
Every hotel here has been inspected and ranked against the Dog Friendly Standard. No pay to play, no vague pet friendly badge, just the ones that earned their place, best first.
Dog Friendly Florence · Good To Know
Is Florence a good city to visit with a dog?
Florence is one of the most dog friendly cities in Italy, helped by a 2008 law that lets dogs into many public places, including some restaurants and galleries. The historic centre is walkable and dogs are a normal sight in cafes and shops. The main limits are a few major sights and the summer heat on the stone streets.
Can I take my dog on public transport in Florence?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Florence's buses and the tram as long as they are on a lead and wearing a muzzle. On Trenitalia regional trains you buy a dog ticket at half the adult fare. Assistance dogs travel freely without these conditions.
Are dogs allowed in Florence's museums and gardens?
Some are dog friendly, including the historic Santa Maria Novella pharmacy and the botanical garden, though rules vary by site. The Boboli Gardens do not allow dogs, apart from assistance dogs, and the Uffizi offers a dog-sitting service for visitors. Always check the individual attraction before you go.
Are dogs allowed in Florence restaurants and cafes?
Generally yes, as many bars, cafes and restaurants welcome dogs unless a sign says otherwise. Dogs are also allowed at the Mercato Centrale food market. It is polite to keep your dog close and to check at the door if you are unsure.
Where can I walk my dog in Florence?
Parco delle Cascine is the largest park in the city, with long riverside walks on the lead and a fenced area where dogs can run free. The Oltrarno streets and the climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo also make for good outings. Off-leash is limited to the dedicated dog areas.
What dog friendly things can I do in Florence?
Dogs can join you across much of the historic centre, from the piazzas and bridges to the markets and many cafes. The walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo rewards you both with the classic view over the city. The big-name museums are mostly off limits, but plenty of the city is open to dogs.
Is Florence too hot for a dog?
Florence gets very hot in summer, and the stone and paving hold the heat well into the evening. Walk in the early morning or after sunset, carry water and keep to the shade. Spring and autumn are far more comfortable for exploring with a dog.
What are the rules for dogs in Florence?
Dogs should be kept on a lead in public, with a muzzle carried for public transport and required on board. You must clean up after your dog, and off-leash is only allowed in designated dog areas. Carry the lead and muzzle with you, as they can be asked for.