Amsterdam—the city of canals, bicycles, and little moments of pleasure—is one of Europe's most charming cities. But did you know that the Dutch capital is also ideal for a vacation with your dog ? Between historic building facades, lively neighborhoods, and expansive parks, you'll find a city perfectly suited to four-legged friends.
Whether for a weekend or a longer break, Amsterdam not only offers numerous dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, but also walking paths that lead directly along the canals, past boats, markets, and fragrant cafés. The relaxed mentality of the Dutch ensures that you quickly feel welcome—and so will your dog.
In this article, we'll show you how to make your holiday with your dog in Amsterdam a stylish yet stress-free experience—from exclusive accommodations to the most beautiful dog-walking routes and tips for living with your dog in the city.
Table of Contents
- Holiday with dog in Amsterdam – Why the trip is worth it
- Traveling to Amsterdam with your dog – stress-free travel to the canal city
- Dog-friendly accommodations in Amsterdam
- Walks and parks in Amsterdam – The most beautiful places for your holiday with your dog
- Activities and cafes in Amsterdam – What you can experience on holiday with your dog
- Rules, leash requirements and behavior – What you should consider when vacationing with your dog in Amsterdam
- Conclusion: City flair, freedom and shared experiences
Key take-aways
- Amsterdam is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe – the city, green spaces, and water offer a variety of options for both humans and four-legged friends.
- Important requirements for entering the country with a dog are an EU pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination and a microchip – it is also worth planning your journey and mobility on site.
- High-quality, dog-friendly accommodations are available in Amsterdam, including luxury hotels specifically designed for guests with dogs.
- Numerous parks, riverside paths, and even beaches allow for shared walks—plus dog-friendly cafes and activities in the city.
- There are clear rules for behaving with dogs in Amsterdam (e.g., dogs must be kept on a leash, littering must be avoided) – with a little preparation, a holiday with your dog in Amsterdam will be a relaxing city break.
Holiday with dog in Amsterdam – Why the trip is worth it
If you decide to spend your vacation with your dog in Amsterdam, you're making an excellent choice. The Dutch capital combines urban elegance with plenty of greenery, water, and a relaxed atmosphere – not just for humans, but also specifically for four-legged friends. The city's relatively compact structure, numerous parks and riverside paths, and a welcoming atmosphere towards dogs make Amsterdam an ideal destination for dog owners. It's no coincidence that Amsterdam is at the top of many plans for city trips with dogs.
The combination of city flair and access to nature is particularly appealing: You can stroll leisurely through the canals in the morning, play or relax in one of the large parks in the afternoon, and relax together in a dog-friendly café in the evening. This makes a vacation with your dog in Amsterdam not a compromise, but an experience.
Traveling to Amsterdam with your dog – stress-free travel to the canal city
You should prepare well for your trip to Amsterdam with your dog so that your vacation with your dog in Amsterdam starts off relaxed from the very beginning. First, you must observe the entry regulations for dogs in the Netherlands: an EU pet passport, microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination are mandatory – without exception. Even though Amsterdam is very dog-friendly, there are checks upon entry.
If you're traveling by car, we recommend a route with ample breaks and a safe place for your dog in the vehicle. Parking can be challenging once you arrive in the city, so it's worth reserving a dog-friendly parking space or underground garage in advance. Those arriving by train will find good infrastructure in Amsterdam—public transport often allows dogs. Please note the regulations: Smaller dogs can travel free of charge, while larger dogs may require a ticket or a "Dog Day Pass." The best way to get around is on foot or by renting a bike or scooter, which can also be combined to make it dog-friendly.
To ensure your vacation with your dog in Amsterdam goes smoothly from the start, pack a first-aid kit, favorite toys, treats, and a foldable water bowl for your dog. Make sure to inform your hotel well in advance—many accommodations require you to register your arrival with your dog so that certain rooms or areas can be prepared.
Dog-friendly accommodations in Amsterdam
If you're planning a city trip with your dog, you certainly don't have to forgo comfort and style in Amsterdam. The Dutch capital offers a remarkable selection of exclusive hotels that expressly welcome dogs – from elegant boutiques to iconic five-star palaces on the canal. Many hotels not only focus on a luxurious ambiance but also offer thoughtful services for four-legged friends: from a welcome package with treats to a concierge who can recommend the next walking route.
Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the city center to enjoy spontaneous strolls along the canals or prefer a more peaceful stay in the countryside, Amsterdam has the perfect accommodation for your vacation with your dog . Especially if you have high standards, it's worth asking specifically about "pet-friendly rooms" in advance. We present the best options here:
Exclusive hotels for your holiday with dog in Amsterdam
| Hotel name & category | Location & Style | Dog policy & fees | Special features for dogs and owners | Website / Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam ★★★★★ | Directly on the Herengracht, historic palaces with garden & spa | Dogs up to 34 kg welcome, fee approx. € 75 per stay, advance registration required | Large private garden, concierge organizes walking service & veterinary contact | waldorfastoria.com |
| Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam ★★★★★ | Centrally located near the main train station, trendy boutique design hotel | Pets of any size at no extra charge , no limit | Dog bed, bowls & treats; welcome card with walking tips | ihg.com |
| Pulitzer Amsterdam ★★★★★ | Ensemble of 25 canal houses on Prinsen- & Keizersgracht | 1 dog up to 10 kg allowed, approx. € 50 per night | Access to Pulitzer Garden, quiet courtyards for short walks | pulitzeramsterdam.com |
| Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht ★★★★★ | Design hotel by Marcel Wanders on the Prinsengracht | Dogs welcome, approx. € 50 per stay, please state when booking | Designer interior, bowls & cribs in the room, near Vondelpark | hyatt.com |
| Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park ★★★★★ | Next to the Oosterpark, elegant boutique hotel with rooftop bar | 1 dog up to 6 kg allowed, approx. € 75 per night | Access to “The Living” & “Spring Café Brasserie”, walks in the adjacent park | pillowshotels.com |
💡 Tip: Plan your stay well in advance – many premium hotels in Amsterdam have only a few designated "Pet-Friendly Rooms." When booking, it's worth mentioning something like "Traveling with Dog." This way, the team can prepare everything – from a dog blanket and a bowl to a small welcome treat from the hotel kitchen.
Walks and parks in Amsterdam – The most beautiful places for your holiday with your dog
One of the biggest advantages of vacationing with your dog in Amsterdam is the diverse range of green spaces and open spaces, ideal for walks together. This makes your stay equally enriching for you and your dog.
Recommended places for dog walks:
-
Vondelpark: Amsterdam's most famous city park offers wide paths, meadows, and many shady spots—perfect for a relaxing walk with your dog.
-
Amsterdamse Bos: Located a little further out, but with forest, lakeshores, and open-air areas – ideal if you want to give your dog more exercise.
-
Riverside paths along the Amstel or the small canals: Easily accessible from the city center, they offer an atmospheric backdrop for walks on holiday with your dog in Amsterdam.
Tip: If you're looking for something quieter off the beaten track, a trip to the beach at Zandvoort or Bloemendaal aan Zee is worthwhile – dogs are often welcome there during the off-season, and you can enjoy sea air instead of the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Activities and cafes in Amsterdam – What you can experience on holiday with your dog
Beyond just walks, there are plenty of ways to make your vacation with your dog in Amsterdam more enjoyable. Amsterdam offers dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, and leisure activities where your four-legged friend can join in the fun.
For example, in the "Nine Streets" district (De Negen Straatjes), there are numerous small boutiques and cafés that welcome dogs—ideal for a shopping break with your dog by your side. Or you can enjoy a leisurely canal cruise while your dog relaxes beside you in a spacious barge.
Important: Before visiting a restaurant, check whether dogs are allowed—especially if you're looking for fine dining. Many restaurants with a terrace or outdoor area expressly welcome dogs.
Rules, leash requirements and behavior – What you should consider when vacationing with your dog in Amsterdam
To ensure that your holiday with your dog in Amsterdam is pleasant for both you and other guests, you should know some basic rules and behaviors.
-
Leash requirement: Many parks and green spaces require dogs to be kept on a leash, or at least partially. Please observe the regulations posted on site.
-
Dog waste disposal: Cleanliness is very important in Amsterdam – carry bags and dispose of waste properly to avoid conflicts.
-
Public transport: If you plan to travel by bus or tram with your dog, check in advance for the permitted conditions—for example, whether dogs are required to wear a muzzle on the train or whether tickets are required for larger dogs.
-
Respect for other people: Not everyone is a dog lover – so be considerate, especially in busy areas like markets or subway stations.
If you follow these tips, your holiday with your dog in Amsterdam will be a harmonious and relaxing experience.
Conclusion: Holiday with dog in Amsterdam
In summary, a vacation with your dog in Amsterdam offers you and your four-legged friend a wonderful combination of urban lifestyle, plenty of greenery, and dog-friendly amenities. High-quality accommodations, numerous walking and excursion options, and a welcoming atmosphere towards dogs make your stay an experience—not a burden.
Invest a little time in preparation—from arrival to accommodation to the respective rules of conduct—and you'll find that your vacation with your dog in Amsterdam can not only be a success, but can even enrich your trip. Enjoy the canals, parks, and stylish moments of this unique city together.
