Like most big Italian cities, Rome is very open and friendly to dogs in general and they are often allowed to enter historical sites, restaurants, bars and hotels. Many venues also offer them a special treatment, like a free bowl of water and even some food!
Embarking on an adventure with your canine companion in the eternal city of Rome is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. To make the most of your journey, you can always refer to our comprehensive collection of walking maps of Rome to help you and your furry friend explore the magnificent sights and hidden gems this ancient city has to offer. With these detailed guides, you will be able to effortlessly navigate the charming cobblestone streets, while discovering the perfect spots to relax and bond with your dog in the midst of Rome’s breathtaking beauty.
Where to stay in Rome with your dog
Rome has many hotels, B&Bs and residences allowing you to stay with your dog. There are pet-friendly accommodations in every area of the city so that you should have no problem in finding the perfect one for you and your friend! Some useful addresses:
- Hotel delle Muse in via Tommaso Salvini 18: here you can bring more than one pet and you can also take them with you for breakfast and inside the restaurant. A dog sitting service is also available upon request.
Website: https://www.hoteldellemuse.com/index.php/en/ - Grand Hotel Palatino in via Cavour 213: small and medium size dogs are allowed without any extra costs. You can bring your dog inside the restaurant on a leash but you cannot leave it alone in your room.
Website: https://www.fhhotelgroup.it/en/grand-hotel-palatino-roma/index - Fragrance Hotel St. Peter in Via di Monte del Gallo 36: this hotel has a private garden and some rooms with a private outdoor area especially conceived for people travelling with their pets. The staff will prepare a bowl and a cushion for your pet and will be available for dog and cat sitting upon request.
Website: https://www.fragrancestpeter.it/en/
If you prefer to do an online research to see all the pet-friendly accommodations in Rome, visit this specialized website: https://www.mypethotel.it/
Eating out with your dog in Rome
More and more restaurants and bars are becoming open and available to welcome pets, but it’s always best to check in advance before sitting at an indoor table. Anyway, outdoor tables are always accessible if you keep your dog on a leash.
Are you a cat lover?
Romeow Cat Bistrot in via Francesco Negri 15: maybe you cannot bring your cat with you as much as you do with your dog, but here you can enjoy the company of 6 cats “living” in this restaurant!
Sightseeing with your pet
The majority of museums, some tourist attractions like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and some churches like St Peter cannot be visited with your pet. Anyway, there are many interesting monuments and attractions you can admire by simply strolling in the streets of the city center. Some ideas?
- Trevi Fountain: throwing a coin and take some pictures are some simple things you can do even with a dog on a leash. It’s best to go there early in the morning to avoid bigger crowds that could scare or make your dog nervous!
- Navona Square: to see some beautiful fountains and works of art have a walk in this square. Admire the beautiful Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini. It is said that the statue representing the Nile River has its eyes covered not to see the church in front built by Borromini, who was Bernini’s historic rival!
- Spanish Steps: let your dog exercise by walking up and down the stairs, hen have a rest near Trinità dei Monti church and admire the beautiful Barcaccia fountain just in the middle of the square.
- Saint Peter’s Square: a huge square with plenty of room to walk around for you and your dog. Don’t go there on Sunday morning (because of the Mass and the Pope’s blessing) nor on Wednesday morning (because of the Blessing) unless you want to be squeezed by a large crowd.
- Venezia Square: have a walk in Venezia Square to see the iconic Altar of the Fatherland and take some pictures.
- Colosseum (outside): pets are not allowed to enter but you still can have a walk around its walls and admire it from the outside.
- Pantheon (outside): have a break in the nice little square in front of it and taste an ice cream or a coffee watching this beautiful building that looks like a Greek temple.
- The Mouth of Truth: reach Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church and put your hand into this famous marble mouth. It’s a marble mask that “bites” the liars’ hands according to a popular legend. Nearby you can also see the Arch of Argentari, the Arch of Janus, the Temple of Hercules and the Tritons Fountains in the middle of the square.
- Campo De’ Fiori: have an early walk to enjoy the market’s atmosphere or go there at night to immerse yourself in the local nightlife.
- Via del Corso: it’s one of the main shopping streets in Rome, so that you can stroll here with you dog and enjoy some window-shopping!
- Largo di Torre Argentina: cat lovers cannot miss it! It’s an important archeological park, but it’s also a feline colony managed by an association of volunteers. Here you can see dozens of cats freely wandering around the ruins.
Outdoor activities in Rome with your dog
Rome has many parks and green areas you can share with you fluffy friends. Enjoy a day in the open air with them! Where?
- Villa Chigi Park: it is located in via Villa Chigi in the Trieste district. It has a broad area for dogs where you can let them play without keeping them on a leash.
- Villa Doria Pamphili: there are two dog areas. One is located near the via Vitellia entrance, close to Largo Grigione, while the other one is near via via Anastasio II. Both areas are broad and equipped with picnic tables.
- Appia Antica Park: it is located in via Appia Antica 42 and dogs shall be kept on a leash. The park itself organizes many activities and guided tours and you are allowed to have a picnic or even a barbecue (only from October 1st to April 30th and during weekdays from May 1st to June 14th).
- Villa Borghese Park: it is located on the Pincio in Viale dell’Uccelliera 3. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Rome and it is a popular destination for taking pictures. Close to the bio park, there is a broad dog area.
- Villa Ada Park: it is located in via Panama 92 and it is the second largest park of Rome (after Villa Doria Pamphili). In the Southern part, you can find a fully equipped dog area.
- Villa Torlonia Park: it is located in via Nomentana 70 and it is full of historic buildings and museums. Small dogs can enter the museums if they are kept inside a carrier.
What about public transports?
- Bus: small and medium size dogs are allowed and shall be kept on a leash. They shall pay a regular ticket. Other pets (cats, rabbits etc.) shall be kept inside a carrier.
- Subway and tram: small and medium size dogs are allowed and shall be kept on a leash. They shall pay a regular ticket and stay in the first or in the last wagon. Large dogs are not allowed on these public transports.
Italian laws about pets in public areas
Dogs can stay anywhere outdoor if kept on a leash. As for indoor places and public transports. it depends from the city rules and from the owner of private places with public use (ex: restaurants). Anyway, in indoor places dogs shall be kept on a leash and you shall always bring a muzzle with you. Nowadays, more and more restaurants and bars are dog friendly, but if you choose to sit at an outdoor table you are always allowed to bring your dog.
