Dog Friendly Spots in Rome

Dog Friendly Spots in Rome

The Roman’s have held dogs almost sacredly since ancient times. There is even an entire room at the Vatican museum dedicated to dog sculptures that were created centuries ago and preserved through history.

As a result, there aren’t many places in Rome where you can’t take a furry friend. Even in spaces that actually restrict dogs from entering (like certain supermarkets) will turn a blind eye so long as your pup is well behaved and not invasive to the establishment’s operation.

Let’s delve a bit deeper.

Any Cafe or Restaurant in Rome

Rome is known for having great summers and mild winters, compared to the extreme temperatures that the rest of the country faces. As a result, almost all of the cafes and restaurants in the city are able to offer some sort of street seating year round.

Even in the winter, restaurants in Italy will simply light up outdoor heaters between tables, making the space perfect for dining regardless of the air temperature.

All cafes and restaurants in Rome with outdoor seating permit dogs at any time. So long as you’re happy to sit outside with your fur friend, they will serve you both with a smile.

by Ross Sokolovski – Unsplash

In the winter months, try remember to bring along a small blanket or towel that your dog can rest on while you dine. The air might not be freezing, but the cold concrete won’t be pleasant for them to lay on below the tables.

There are instances where restaurants in the city center, particularly near tourist hotspots or guided walking tour hubs, that will allow dogs inside upon request. They do not advertise it but you can simply as at the door.

(Almost) All Archeological Sites in Rome…

…with exceptions.

Italy is widely known by dog owners as one of the most easy breezy destinations in which to travel with one’s dog. Almost every archaeological sight and monument around the country permits dogs to enter provided they are on a leash. It is only Rome where things get slightly technical.

The city center of Rome holds many of the most important historic sights that are imperative to ancient Rome. Unfortunately due to overwhelming popularity, some of the bigger ones have had to close their doors to dogs, even those on a leash or in a carrier.

Rome – by Theo Leconte – Unsplash

The archaeological sights in Rome that you cannot visit with your dog are the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill and the Forum. Security is heavy, so don’t even think about trying to sneak one in either.

The rest of Rome is your playground. You can visit the rest of the ruins, the ancient city and any of the monuments with your dog on a leash.

How to get to these spots? Easy. Dogs are permitted on all Roman public transport. Carriers and leashes are recommended where possible. On international trains between Italian cities your dog can ride for the price of half of a ticket.

You’ll find public drinking fountains all over Rome, usually with dog bowls at the base. Carrying a plastic bowl around just incase is also a good idea. Note, however, that dogs sometimes react their first time trying foreign water; their gut isn’t used to it and can become upset. Bottled water is recommend for dogs in Rome.

Bau Beach near Rome

Not many people know that if you continue west out of Rome you’ll eventually hit the coastline and a bunch of beaches. While spending your touring time in the city, exploring ruins and taking guided walking tours, is a sufficient Roman experience, adding a beach trip to your days is a must if you can!

Bau Beach is near Rome’s international airport. It’s sort of famous around Europe for being one of the best dog-beaches available.

It was Italy’s first official dog beach. You’ll pay a small entry fee for you and your pooch which gives you access to the beach and all of the amenities it offers; I must say, it is a highly impressive space.

Baubeach Village – by Baubeach Village – Sourced from their website

Bau Beach has been in operation for almost twenty years now. Once inside, you’ll find a spot on the sand where your dog will be given adequate shading to keep them cool throughout the day. Fresh bowls of water are available at all times, as are doggy treats.

There are vegan and vegetarian snack tables, and beverages for sale.

Dogs that are not yet comfortable in water are provided with life jackets. Before leaving the beach you can make use of the doggy wash and dry facilities at the exit.

Airbnb in Rome

You might be worrying about where you’ll stay while visiting Rome with your dog. Since the city is so dog-friendly, the hotels around Rome have had little choice but to follow suite.

Since it’s 2019, hotel living is being quickly out shined by the Airbnb platform. Airbnb’s give you more freedom than a hotel during your vacation, and are generally more spacious, which is ideal if you’re bringing a dog along.

Airbnb in Rome – by Airbnb – Sourced from their website

It will differ between hosts, but most of Rome’s Airbnbs have an open door policy for travelers with pets. This is a filter on the platform that can be adjusted to show you apartment options that only allow dogs to say, hiding all the rest.

Any of the Piazzas in Rome

When you need somewhere outdoors to venture with your dog, but the nearest park is two trains and a bus away, then Rome’s piazzas are the perfect solution.

There are piazzas throughout the Italian capital, and dogs are permitted to roam freely through them all. Leashes are not a requirement once inside a piazza; dogs can play and laze about just as they would a public park.

Piazza di San Pietro – by Diliff – Wikimedia Commons

The Piazza di San Pietro in the city center is a favorite amongst fur babies; there are always hoards of pigeons lingering around just begging to be chased.