8 best cities in Croatia to visit with your dog

With its idyllic islands, pristine beaches, and incredible national parks, Croatia is one of the best European destinations. If you add its ancient cities, Game of Thrones-like castles, and its wineries and olive oil, it is undeniably a bucket list destination. My husband and I loved exploring Croatia by car with our two traveller dogs. Here are the best cities in Croatia to visit with your dog.

The list doesn’t include any islands but it does include the best dog friendly activities in each city!

1. Split

Of course outside the old city, you can walk along the Riva sea promenade, or go to one of its many beautiful beaches, some of which are pet-friendly! We took our puppies to a beach in Marjan Park which was easily accessible by bus. It is also an ideal launching pad for islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. And if you are into Game of Thrones, the city of Mereen was filmed near in Klis Fortress. 

Don’t miss Split as it definitely was one of the best cities in Croatia to visit with dogs.

2. Dubrovnik

Of course Dubrovnik is on the list of must visit cities in Croatia with dogs. Maybe you know it because of Game of Thrones and King’s Landing. Dubrovnik doesn’t disappoint as it has that fantasy fortress feel with its limestone streets and medieval walls. 

For things to do you, can take a walk along Stradun Street in the old town or do a tour of Game of Thrones film locations. Even if you’re not a fan, you will get to see some of Dubrovnik’s most iconic sites, such as Lovrijenac Fort, West Pier, and the Jesuit Staircase. You can also walk along the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to take in the whole city and stay to watch the sunset. Walking the walls is also an activity that is pet-friendly in Dubrovnik. It does cost €40 to enter but it is worth. Maybe do a walking tour so you can learn more of the history ofDubrovnik. Or take the Dubrovnik cable car up to Mount Srd and have a drink at Panorama with a view of the city. 

If you are doing a roadtrip through Croatia, be aware that to get to and from Dubrovnik you need to go through a sliver of Bosnia and Herzegovina which is not part of Schengen and if you’re traveling with dogs you might need extra documentation! Despite this, Dubrovnik is definitely one of the best cities in Croatia to visit with your dog.

3. Pula

4. Bale

My husband and I loved this hidden gem of a city in Croatia. We kept passing the signs on the highway for Bale, until we decided to explore. We are so happy we did! Its medieval charm, incredible views, and absolutely delicious food, made this hillside Croatian city one of our favorites.  

You can visit it as a day-trip from Pula or stay at one of their boutique hotels. Try delicious Istrian dishes at La Grisa, either in their charming courtyard or their terrace with a view. You will not regret spending an afternoon strolling through the old medieval streets of Bale. Plus you will be away from the throng of tourists!

5. Rovinj

6. Zadar

Zadar’s old town was beautiful with Roman ruins, Romanesque cathedrals, and Byzantine churches. Walk through the Land Gate built by the Venetians to protect their marine port into the city. Walk around and be transported into the past inside one of Croatia’s best cities to visit with dogs. Go to the Church of St. Donatus, the largest pre-Romanesque structure in Croatia! You could listen to a music concert at the Roman Forum with the incredible church in the background!

I loved sitting and listening to one of its two unique attractions: Sea Organ by Nikola Bašić. You can sit and enjoy the breeze while waves create a unique sound. It is an ever playing instrument, as long as there are waves or boats. I think I stayed for an hour just listening to the ocean make music despite the heat! The Greeting to the Sun by Nikola Bašić is another unique installation with a light show powered by the sun. I loved how the city incorporated sensory art in a sustainable way! 

We also used Zadar as a base to visit Plitvice National Park as it was about a 2 hour drive. If you don’t have a car, take a tour with transportation! It is also close to some local farms where you can buy cheese or visit Trogir with its beautiful medieval castle, Kemerlengo Castle! 

7. Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia and because of its historical importance, museums, and important sites, it is a must visit city in Croatia with dogs. Don’t miss Ban Josip Jelačic Square or the Manduševac fountain. Legend says this fountain is where Zagreb got its name. See the elegant spires of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary adorning the city, the decorated tile roof of St. Mark’s Church, or visit the Dolac market for a taste of local foods.

Listen to the Grič cannon announce noon in one of the many parks like Bundek. Or take a break outside the city in Medvednica Nature Park to see Medvedgrad Palace or Veternica Cave. Take a stroll around Mirogoj cemetery or venture underground into Grič tunnel.

There are so many museums! These are some of the pet-friendly museums in Zagreb: Zagreb City Museum, Zagreb rocket Attacks Memorial Center, Typhological Museum, Galerija Mala (Small Gallery), Croatian Museum of Naîve Art, and the Zagreb Ethnographic Museum. If you’re an 80’s fan the Zagreb 80’s Museum or the Muzej Novog Vala highlighting this music genre from the 80’s are also dog friendly. Some unique museums are also pet-friendly like the Museum of Broken Relationships, and Museum of Hangovers.

You can also catch a concert at Tvornica Kulture or a show at Kazalište Ivan Goran Kovačić with your dog. The tram and funicular are also pet-friendly in Zagreb by following certain rules. Small pets should be in a carrier and don’t pay extra, while big dogs must wear a muzzle and leash and are charged an additional ticket. This page has information including vet clinics and pet-friendly hotels in Zagreb.

If you are sticking to the Adriatic Coast or islands, visiting Zagreb is hard as it is far inland. But don’t fret, add it to your must visit cities in Croatia with dogs for your next trip! 

8. Rastoke

Visit this unique city when you go to Plitvice Lakes, and you will not regret seeing a unique and less known city in Croatia.

Bonus: Plitvice Lakes

While Plitvice Lakes National Park is, obviously, not a city, no trip to Croatia is complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Its turquoise lakes (16!), hundreds of waterfalls, and incredible views is the best pet-friendly activity in Croatia.

Photographs don’t do Plitvice Lakes National Park justice, you have to see it with your own eyes. This is a full day trip if you do the complete hike, or a half day if you choose one of the shorter routes. There are also buses that help you get from one point to another, making it an accessible activity for different levels or even someone like me who has a dynamic disability. If you buy the full ticket, you can also get on a boat and enjoy a nice ride in one of the lakes. Their website has full information on the prices and routes.

It was definitely one of the highlights on our Croatia with our pups! That said, as someone with heat and orthostatic intolerance, the walk was tough. We got there as soon as they opened to beat the heat, I had my trusty neck fan and took lots of breaks. Thankfully, there were a lot of benches and some spots with shade. And of course I took the bus back to our starting point.

I was so happy we got to visit as it had been on my bucket list for the longest time!

We loved exploring Croatia and I hope this list of our favorite cities helps you plan your own trip! We mostly did a roadtrip and exploring on our own as some tours can be hard on me because of my dynamic disability. I don’t always know how much energy I have for the day or even the hour, but I would have loved to do some of these! I love walking tours and getting the history explained by a local!

For tips on traveling with your dogs check out my post on travel tips and take your dogs on your next adventure!