Pet Friendly Apartment in Vienna: Travel with Your Dog to the Austrian Capital

Vienna: A Surprisingly Dog-Friendly City

Vienna is one of the most pet-friendly capitals in Europe, and many visitors are pleasantly surprised by how warmly dogs are welcomed throughout the city. Austrian culture has a deep appreciation for animals, and this is reflected in the city's infrastructure. Dogs are allowed on all public transport in Vienna, including the U-Bahn metro, trams, and buses, as long as they wear a muzzle or are kept in a carrier. Many restaurants and traditional Viennese coffee houses welcome well-behaved dogs, and the city's abundant parks and green spaces make it an excellent destination for dog owners who want to combine city exploration with quality outdoor time.

The challenge for pet owners travelling to Vienna has traditionally been finding suitable accommodation. Most hotels either prohibit pets entirely or charge substantial daily surcharges that quickly add up. This is where Old Vienna Apartments stands apart. Our apartments at Herminengasse 12, 1020 Vienna, are genuinely pet-friendly, welcoming your dog as part of the family rather than treating them as an inconvenience.

Why Old Vienna Apartments Is Perfect for Pet Owners

Staying in a fully equipped apartment rather than a hotel room transforms the experience of travelling with a pet. At Old Vienna Apartments, your dog has space to move around, a comfortable floor area to rest, and the home-like environment that helps pets settle into a new place quickly. Unlike a cramped hotel room where your dog might feel anxious and confined, our apartments provide the kind of relaxed atmosphere that keeps both pets and owners stress-free.

The self check-in system is another significant advantage for pet owners. You do not have to navigate a busy hotel lobby with a dog, deal with judgemental looks from other guests, or wait at a reception desk while your pet grows restless. Simply arrive at your convenience, use the self check-in system, and settle into your apartment on your own terms.

Having a fully equipped kitchen means you can easily manage your dog's feeding routine. You can store their food, prepare meals at their usual times, and maintain the consistency that keeps pets comfortable when travelling. There is no need to hunt for pet-friendly restaurants for every single meal; instead, you can cook at home and enjoy relaxed dining while your dog rests nearby.

Parks and Walking Routes Near the Apartment

Augarten

The Augarten park is a short walk from Old Vienna Apartments and is one of the best dog-walking destinations in the second district. This expansive baroque park features wide gravel paths and large open lawns where dogs can enjoy a good run. There is a designated dog zone within the Augarten where dogs are permitted off-leash, which is a wonderful opportunity for your pet to socialise with local dogs and burn off energy. The park is particularly beautiful in the early morning and evening when local dog owners gather for their daily walks, creating a friendly community atmosphere.

Prater Green Spaces

The Prater, one of Vienna's largest public parks, is easily accessible from Schottenring via the U2 metro line. While the Wurstelprater amusement park area is not ideal for dogs, the vast green Prater beyond it is a paradise for four-legged companions. The Prater Hauptallee, a six-kilometre tree-lined avenue, is a wonderful route for long walks or jogs with your dog. The meadows on either side of the main avenue are open and spacious, and there are several off-leash dog areas scattered throughout the park. The Prater is especially lovely in autumn when the chestnut trees change colour and the paths are carpeted with golden leaves.

Danube Canal Promenade

The Danube Canal is just minutes from the apartment and offers a scenic urban walking route that dogs enjoy. The paved paths along the canal are perfect for morning and evening walks, and the area has a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere with street art, waterfront cafes, and views across the water to the first district. Several of the casual canal-side bars and cafes in summer are happy to welcome dogs, so you can enjoy a coffee or a Spritzer while your pet rests at your feet.

Donauinsel (Danube Island)

For longer excursions, Donauinsel is a narrow island between the Danube and the New Danube that stretches for over 21 kilometres. It is accessible via the U2 line and offers extensive paths for walking, running, and cycling with your dog. There are several designated dog beaches along the New Danube where your pet can swim and play in the water during warmer months. The island is never crowded outside of special events, making it a peaceful retreat for dogs who prefer quieter environments.

Pet-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants in Leopoldstadt

The Leopoldstadt district has a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and many establishments welcome dogs. The Karmelitermarkt area, a vibrant food market neighbourhood, has several cafes with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Traditional Viennese coffee houses in the area, which are an essential part of any visit to Vienna, often allow well-behaved dogs inside. Vienna has a long tradition of coffee house dogs, and many locals bring their pets along for their daily Melange. Restaurants along the Danube Canal are also typically dog-friendly, especially those with terrace seating during warmer months.

Practical Tips for Travelling to Vienna with Your Dog

Public transport rules: Dogs must wear a muzzle on all Wiener Linien public transport, or they must be carried in a closed transport bag. Small dogs in carriers travel free, while larger dogs require a half-price ticket. Make sure to have a muzzle available even if your dog does not usually wear one.

Leash laws: In Vienna, dogs must be kept on a leash in all public spaces unless you are in a designated off-leash dog zone, known as a Hundezone. These zones are clearly marked and available throughout the city. The fine for having an unleashed dog outside designated areas can be substantial.

Dog waste: Vienna is very clean, and dog owners are expected to clean up after their pets. Free dog waste bag dispensers, called Sackerl für Gackerl stations, are found throughout the city, particularly in parks and along popular walking routes.

Veterinary care: Vienna has excellent veterinary services. There are several veterinary clinics in the Leopoldstadt area, and the Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, the university veterinary clinic, is accessible by public transport for any emergencies.

Water and shade: In summer, Vienna can be quite warm. Many parks have drinking fountains, and some have special dog drinking stations. The tree-lined paths of the Augarten and Prater provide excellent shade during hot days.

Best Apartment Types for Pet Owners

Any of our apartment types can accommodate your pet, but we recommend considering the following based on your needs. The Duett apartment, starting from €45 per night, is suitable for a solo traveller or couple with a small dog. The Comfort apartment at 30 square metres and €60 per night offers more space for medium to large dogs who need room to stretch out. For those travelling with both family and pets, the Quartett at 40 square metres or the Superior at 60 square metres provide ample space for everyone, including the four-legged members of the family.

Why an Apartment Beats a Hotel When Travelling with Pets

Hotels that accept pets often restrict them to specific rooms, charge daily pet fees of €20 to €40, and may require you to leave your pet unattended during certain hours. At Old Vienna Apartments, there are no such restrictions. Your pet is welcome in the entire apartment, you maintain your usual routines, and you have the flexibility to come and go as you please. The kitchen means you can prepare your own meals without worrying about leaving your dog alone while you go to a restaurant. The self-contained apartment environment also means your dog will not be disturbed by hotel housekeeping knocking on the door or the sounds of other guests in the corridor. For many dogs, this calm, private environment significantly reduces travel anxiety and makes the entire trip more enjoyable for both pet and owner.

Book Your Pet-Friendly Apartment in Vienna

Stop compromising on accommodation when travelling with your pet. At Old Vienna Apartments, your dog is a welcome guest, not a tolerated nuisance. Book your stay today and discover why Vienna is one of Europe's best cities for dog owners.