Rome is a popular tourist destination, known for its timeless beauty and proximity to historical sites. As a result, it attracts people from all over the world who are looking to explore the city and its culture. However, many of these visitors come with their furry friends in tow, so the question arises: is Rome really dog friendly? This blog post aims to answer that question, providing information on the various dog-friendly attractions and activities in Rome, as well as the best areas to stay in if you plan to bring your pet. From dog-friendly parks and beaches to pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, Rome has a lot to offer for animal lovers. We’ll also take a look at the regulations that are in place to ensure that both humans and animals have a great time in the city. So, if you’re planning a trip to Rome with your furry companion, this blog post will provide you with all the information you need to have an enjoyable and safe stay.
Accommodation: finding a place to stay with your dog
There are three options for accommodations in Rome that welcome dogs:
In Rome, there are many pet-friendly Airbnbs, many of which are close to the action. When searching for a pet-friendly rental, be sure to consider the distance to attractions since walkability is important when traveling with a dog.
Some of the best pet-friendly Airbnbs in Rome have amenities like air conditioning and outdoor balcony space, as well as treats, food, and toys for your pet.
For the VIP treatment, you can’t beat the Rome Cavalieri resort. Your dog will get a five-star experience, including a dedicated dog menu, leisurely walking paths, and a personalized shopping experience at their BAUtique so you can both look great while traveling.
There is plenty of space to stroll and unwind because the resort is situated on fifteen acres of parkland. Additionally, the hotel has a spa where you and your pet can both get massages and hair treatments.
You probably don’t think of camping when picturing Rome, but there are some fantastic campsites that welcome dogs. There are campsites near Rome, like the Fabulous Village just outside the Decima Malafede Nature Reserve, for something off the beaten track.
The resort has a pool, a lot of open space, and family-friendly cabins. The resorts are more reasonably priced than staying in the city, and Rome is only a short train ride away.
Some things to watch out for
Like any large city, Rome’s streets can be filthy; when walking your dog, it can be difficult to avoid feeling revolting because trash and litter seem to be everywhere. Human urine is quite noticeable in the squalor, which is particularly bad in the mornings. I don’t mind dog urine as a dog, but human urine? GRR, a big pawblem for me! My human also finds it particularly repulsive when she sees human urine on the street because, unlike dogs, who must use the outdoors to go potty, humans these days have their own indoor, private toilets.
On a different note, a lot of Europeans, including Italians, do not usually neuter or spay their dogs. WOOF, just a warning bark that there may be a lot of growling and back feet kicking! So, if you have an alpha dog like myself, be ready to ask if they’re “mascu” (male) before socializing and pull your dog back if necessary!
BEST Dog-Friendly “Tourist” Attractions in Rome (Photo Opportunities)
Dogs are NOT permitted inside the Colosseum (tickets are required for human visitors), but they are permitted to explore the magnificent grounds of this oval amphitheatre by paw. Colosseum (Colosseo) – First-time visitors to Rome simply cannot leave without seeing the magnificent Colosseum! Of course, that includes furry visitors! This enormous Roman masterpiece, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in the Celio neighborhood. The Colosseum is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world and the largest ancient amphitheatre ever. It was built of travertine limestone, volcanic rock, and brick-faced concrete. WOOF, bark about TOP DOG status!.
Capitoline Hill, also known as Campidoglio, was one of the renowned Seven Hills on which Rome was first established. This hill, which is situated between the Forum and Campus Martius, has a lengthy history dating back to B C. and medieval times. Piazza del Campidoglio, a well-known public square from the Renaissance era that surrounds the hill, was also created by Michelangelo. Fun Top Dog Information: According to a legend, Capitol Hill in Washington, C. I enjoy marching around the busy square, hopping up and down the charming staircase, or simply posting up to people- and dog-watch (I was actually named after Capitoline Hill)
Like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) is a MUST-SNIFF. The Forum is a historically significant gathering place with ancient government buildings where people first start gathering publicly, with a literal translation from Latin of “public place outdoors.” Like the Colosseum, you must buy a ticket in order to enter the Forum. Sadly, dogs are also NOT allowed inside this ARF-mazing site. Dogs are permitted outside the gates, though, so you can take lots of photos of your pet with the more than 2,000-year-old Forum in the background.
Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) – WOOF, this historical Roman chariot-racing stadium is, indeed, dog-friendly. I may be against horse racing in any form (any animal racing or sledding, that is), but I was intrigued to sniff out and mark up ancient Rome’s first and largest stadium. Since Circus Maximus is now a public park, I can roam up and down the ginormous, rectangular green space (2,037 ft by 387 ft). My jaws dropped to fathom that this former stadium once held over 150,000 spectators! Watch me roam around Circus Maximus HERE.
Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant’Angelo): Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the Castle of the Holy Angel later served as a fortress and a castle. It was once the tallest building in Rome. Resting near Vatican City, it now operates as a museum. However, my human and I enjoy crossing the bridge to get closer to this amazing cylinder architecture, especially in the evening when the pedestrian traffic has subsided and the building is illuminated. Dogs are once again not permitted inside museums in Italy. Overlooking the Tiber River (Fiume Tevere), it is worth taking a few selfies.
Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) – The grand 135-step Spanish staircase leads to the magnificent Piazza di Spagna at the bottom from the late Renaissance Trinità dei Monti church at the top. I exercise my alpha leg muscles by running up the stairs until I get tired, at which point I’ll look at my human and demand that she pick me up. This only happens when kids and tourists aren’t swarming these famous stairs (the best times to visit are late at night or early in the morning). Unfortunately, although enforcement may be spotty, sitting on the stairs is technically “illegal.” BUT heed the warning—the fines are significant (hundreds of dollars)!
The Piazza del Popolo, Villa Medici, and the city of Rome are all visible from the Pincian Hill (Pincio Promenade), which is close to the Spanish Steps. Pincian Hill may not be one of the original Seven Hills that gave rise to Rome, but it certainly draws lots of tourists, even those who love animals like me. This hill is so beautiful and boasts some breathtaking views. Also nearby is a cute cafe called Caffè del Pincio, where I can lick my chops to tiramisu and cappuccinos (but expect to pay more for the view).
Vatican City – Although Vatican City is technically a city-state on its own, Rome completely encircles it. Vatican City is a MUST-SNIFF whether or not you are Catholic, as it is the smallest country in the world, covering just over 100 acres and home to about 800 people. ARF, who doesn’t want to visit St. I know I love visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and my god, the first pope’s tomb, but dogs are sadly not permitted at these renowned tourist destinations. GRRR. However, I can still meander these sacred grounds of St. Peter’s Square on four legs while admiring the stunning buildings just outside the gate.
Altar of the Fatherland (Mole del Vittoriano) – I usually make my way to the nearby Altar of the Fatherland after taking a break at Capitoline Hill. WOOF, as the alpha dog and pack leader, I can relate to the feeling of having a cohesive pack as this neoclassical national monument was constructed in the late 1800s to commemorate Victor Emmanuel II, the first king to unify the country.
Pantheon (Pantheum) – Completed in 125 A. D. one of the most well-preserved structures from ancient Rome is this former temple. Heck, PAWS DOWN, it’s one of the most amazing architecture websites I’ve ever discovered. The dome itself is amazing and showcases the brilliance of Roman design. It continues to be the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Dogs are not permitted inside the museum, but I still had a blast exploring the over 2,000-year history outside. You can find tombs of the Italian monarchy inside the Pantheon if you want to leave your dog at home for a few hours. Although admission is free, I advise making online reservations in advance.
*Your dogs prefer NOT to remain still during lengthy, staged photo shoots while you fiddle with your expensive Nikon or iPhone to get the right angle and lighting. My human LOVES to take pictures of me, but she only arranges brief (10 to 45 second) photo shoots and “pays” me with lots of delicious treats before and after. She favors candid photos more because they capture me in my natural state and are just more entertaining and memorable. Therefore, capture your dog’s real Roman experience moment with candids.
While canines are not permitted in museums or other indoor tourist attractions in Rome, they are always welcome to hang out with their owners at any of the city’s numerous public fountains and squares. While these Roman fountains are stunning during the day, they are even more captivating when illuminated at night. The best times to take your dog to these fountains are frequently late at night or early in the morning when the crowds of people are lighter and the experience is more pleasant for everyone. GRR, please don’t step on my little paws!
The Piazza Navona was constructed as a stadium in the first century AD. It’s interesting to note that the Romans once viewed “agones” here, which are competitions or games. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, also known as the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, is a magnificent work of art that features gods from the four major rivers of the world: the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe, and the Rio de la Plata in America. I like to post there.
The most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain, is located in the Piazza di Trevi. The Trevi Fountain is a special place because it is one of Rome’s oldest sources of water. Dating back to 19 B. C. This beautiful fountain supplied the city’s Roman baths and fountains with water (as if this ancient city wasn’t already old enough). People frequently toss coins into the fountain in hopes of finding love or returning to this ARF-so-dreamy location.
The square at the base of the Spanish Steps, known as Piazza di Spagna, has a unique appearance that causes me to incline my head because of its butterfly-shaped design with two triangles crossing at the top. I detected the residence of renowned English poet John Keats at the square’s right-hand corner. A museum honoring his life has been created in his former home. Pretty pawsome, isn’t it?.
Not only is Piazza Venezia close to all the major tourist destinations (such as the Forum and Capitoline Hill), but it is also where important intersections, such as Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via del Corso, come together, making it the epicenter of Rome. We like to stop for water and paw rests close to the Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy monument. However, due to the popularity of this location, you can expect a lot of activity, including honking cars, tour buses, swift scooters, a large number of tourists, as well as locals and their dogs.
Piazza del Popolo, also known as “the people’s square,” is enormous—to put it mildly, bigger than a pack of chubby Yorkies. The Egyptian obelisk in the center of the square, which towers magnificently, is my favorite feature. Of course, I can’t leave out Giovanni Ceccarini’s sculptures, including the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno).
Just south of Piazza Navona, in Campo de’ Fiori, there is a neighborhood open-air market where you can buy fruit, fish, vegetables, and flowers, to name a few things. This square, which is surrounded by Palazzo Orsini, served as the location of numerous public executions during the Roman era.
Whether you want to eat indoors or outdoors, you should be able to do so with your canine companion next to you because the majority of restaurants and eating establishments (if not all) are very dog-friendly. Since dining with your dog is very common in Italy, you shouldn’t encounter any unpleasant or disgusting looks from the wait staff. Instead, they are either smitten with your dog or completely uninterested in it. Dogs are almost always welcome in bakeries, pizzerias, trattorias, and gelaterias. No matter how upscale or affordable the location is, I entered wearing my tail upright as if I belonged. Unlike the U. S. Dogs are essentially welcome at the majority of eating and drinking establishments in Italy, unlike in Canada, where only service animals are permitted indoors. Out of all of my lengthy stays in Italy over the past few years, I was only ever turned away from a touristy, moderately expensive restaurant in Rome (I won’t mention the name).
It’s time to serve up a traditional 5-course Italian meal to ARF and fill up my Yorkie belly:
Antipasto – Appetizer, “before the meal”
Secondo – Meat or Fish, “second course” (my favorite course!)
Contorno – Vegetables, “side dish” (more for my humans)
FAQ
Can I take my dog to Rome?
So long as they possess the following documents, cats and dogs can travel from the United States to Italy: A valid Veterinary Certificate (stating the animal’s owner information, a description of the animal, and information about its identification and vaccinations); A valid rabies vaccination
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Italy?
One of the nations in the world where pets are most welcome is Italy. Pets are welcome in public spaces, restaurants, retail establishments, and transportation Compared to the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the authorities are much friendlier to cats and dogs.
Is Colosseum dog friendly?
Dogs are not permitted inside the Colosseum but are permitted to roam the grounds outside the amphitheater, so you can still enjoy the sights.
Is it easy to travel in Italy with a dog?
Italy is a very dog-friendly country once you get there, and there are a lot more places than there are in the U S. This applies to the majority of hotels, dining patios, and onboard trains and ferries.