When the water taxi turned off the main channel and into the Grand Canal for the first time, I actually stopped breathing for a second. There it was. Venice. The buildings rising straight out of the water, the light bouncing off everything, gondolas bobbing by the banks. I looked down at Daisy in her carrier and whispered, “We made it.” She was just happy the waters were calm as it got a tad bumpy along the way in open waters.
We had three nights in Venice over the winter, and I went in with one big question. Is Venice actually dog-friendly, or is it one of those cities that says it is but makes it difficult at every turn? Honestly, Venice might be the most naturally dog-friendly city I’ve visited in Europe. Locals walk their dogs off-leash through the narrow streets, restaurants welcome them inside without hesitation, and Daisy was treated like a celebrity from the moment we arrived to the moment we left.
It does take some planning though. But after three full days of exploring, a day trip to the Dolomites, and more gelato than I should probably admit to, it was one of the best trips we’ve done together. So here’s our honest dog-friendly Venice guide, covering everything from restaurants and transport to a day trip you won’t want to miss.
Getting to Venice with Your Dog
We flew into Marco Polo Airport, and Daisy was thrilled to discover the entire arrivals hall is carpeted. After hours in her carrier, she was running around like she owned the place. If you’re planning your flight, our pet-friendly flight search engine makes comparing airline pet policies across Europe so much easier.
For the transfer into Venice, we booked a shared water taxi through Crazy Daisy Travels for €36 through our own pet friendly travel agency, Crazy Daisy Travels. Worth every cent. Three groups shared the boat, and because our hotel was right on the canal, the driver was able to drop us directly at the door. No dragging luggage over bridges, no figuring out where to go. The water taxi experience alone is something else. Once you hit the open water, the boats are moving at a fair speed and the wake from passing boats had the taxi rocking. Daisy wasn’t thrilled with that part. But the second we entered the canal and slowed down, it was pure movie magic. If you want the full breakdown of every transfer option including costs and our return by semi-private bus, I’ve written a complete guide to getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice with a dog.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Palazzo Barocci, right on the Grand Canal at the S. Angelo water bus stop. From the moment we walked in, Daisy got the kind of welcome that makes you forget you’ve been travelling all day. Every member of staff greeted her, fussed over her, and made her feel completely at home. We were served Prosecco while we checked in, which Daisy immediately tried to knock out of my hand. I managed to save most of it.
We were upgraded to a canal-view room with enormous windows, easily ten feet tall, looking directly onto the water. The location is hard to beat. There’s a market square right around the corner with cafes and restaurants, and Rialto Bridge is a ten-minute walk away. On Daisy’s rating scale, I gave it 8.5 out of 10 for dog-friendliness, only because there were no dedicated dog amenities in the room like a bed or treats. But the warmth from staff more than made up for it.
Read a full review of Palazzo Barocci here.
Day One in Venice with Daisy
Our first day started around 10am, but Venice in winter doesn’t punish you for that. The streets were calm, the canals were quiet, and there was no rush to be anywhere.
We walked from the hotel to Rialto Bridge, which took about ten minutes, and had the bridge almost to ourselves. Being able to stop in the middle, take photos, and just look out over the canal without being pushed along by crowds was exactly what I’d hoped for. This is why I’ll always say visit Venice in the off-season.
From Rialto, we stopped at Antico Caffè Saraceno for lunch. I had the burrata salad and it was incredible. Anything with fresh tomatoes and good cheese and I’m in my element. Daisy settled in for a nap on my lap because she was exhausted from the early flight, and I sat there with a glass of wine thinking this is exactly why we do this.
After lunch, we walked across to the Accademia Bridge, which gave us our first proper view of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Those domes rising up from the waterline are something else. We didn’t get the chance to go up and see it properly, which I do regret, but time wasn’t on our side. If you have four nights instead of three, definitely add that to your list.
I’d been hoping to find a Venice Christmas market on Day One, and I did look. But there wasn’t really a market to find. What Venice does instead is string lights through the narrow streets, and honestly, that was enough. Walking through those little alleyways in the evening with the lights overhead and Daisy trotting beside me felt properly magical without needing a formal market.
For dinner, we went to a gluten-free restaurant since my friend has dietary restrictions. I didn’t take note of the name, and to be honest, the food was fine but nothing I’d specifically recommend. The service was excellent though, and we sat outside, which in winter Venice means you basically have the whole terrace to yourself. Wine was good, conversation was better.
A Note on Leather Bags
This is a complete side note but I have to mention it. Venice has some gorgeous leather shops selling high-quality Hermes-inspired bags at prices that would make you cry happy tears. I saw beautiful mid-sized bags for around €130 and thought, I’ll come back for that tomorrow. Everything was closed. I’m still annoyed. If you see a bag you love in Venice, buy it on the spot. Don’t make my mistake.
Day Two in Venice and Burano with Daisy
Day two started early at the Rialto Market, which turned out to be one of the most authentic experiences of the entire trip. First thing in the morning, the market was full of locals picking up fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood. It felt very real and very Venetian. There were also clothing stalls mixed in, very much a traditional European market vibe.
The market sits right beside the water, and the ground around the fish stalls was wet and slippery. I carried Daisy through this part. The last thing I needed at eight in the morning was smelly fish paws for the rest of the day.
After the market, we walked through a part of Venice we hadn’t explored yet, heading toward the vaporetto stop. We had breakfast at Il Caffè Gelato, which is right beside the water bus departure point. Full American-style breakfast, Daisy was allowed to sit inside, and the location meant we could time the boat perfectly without any rushing. If you’re heading to Burano, this is a smart place to eat first.
Burano with Daisy
Here’s the thing about Burano. I preferred it to Venice. I know that’s a bold statement, but Burano felt like magic boxed up. The brightly coloured houses, the wide canals, the little bridges everywhere. It was so picturesque that every single photo looked like a postcard without even trying.
We bought a €25 day ticket for the vaporetto from Platform A, and Daisy travelled for free. The ride over was relaxed and we had no trouble getting seats. Burano has plenty of space to walk with a dog, lots of cafes to sit at, and the pace is so much calmer than Venice itself.
We stopped for wine at Trattoria Da Primo, and the experience completely surprised us. It felt high-end, the service was impeccable, and we were honestly shocked at how affordable it was for the quality. We only had drinks, but it’s somewhere I’d go back to for a full meal in a heartbeat.
After that, gelato. Made the traditional Italian way. Pure, simple, and absolutely delicious. No need for a shop name on this one because half the island seems to sell it and it’s all good.
Later, we walked to the west side of Burano to watch the sunset, and this might be my favourite moment of the entire Venice trip. The sky turned every shade of pink and orange, the lagoon stretched out in front of us, and it felt like being on a Greek island. Not what you expect from a trip to Venice. If you visit Burano, don’t leave before sunset.
The boat back was a completely different story. Packed. Standing room only. Daisy went straight into her bag and stayed there for the full 45-minute ride. If you can position yourself near the edge of the boat, the views of the sunset sky are worth standing for. But mentally prepare for crowds, especially at that hour.
Evening in Castello
Back in Venice, we wandered through the Castello district, which was quieter and more residential than the areas around Rialto and San Marco. Every church we passed with an open door, we went in and had a look. No plan, just exploring.
Dinner was at a gluten-free restaurant in Castello, and while I can’t remember the name and wouldn’t necessarily recommend the food, what happened with Daisy made it one of the most memorable meals of the trip. We ordered her a grilled chicken breast, and when the waiter brought it out, he came singing and dancing and cheering for her. Full performance. At one point I was worried he was going to give Daisy both our chicken breasts because the portion was so generous. Throughout the whole dinner, this waiter kept coming back to say hello to Daisy, giving her hugs and kisses and doing a full bum wiggle. She was absolutely the star of their evening. And that honestly sums up Venice with a dog. You go for the food and the canals, but it’s the people who make it unforgettable.
A Day Trip to Bolzano from Venice
Because our stay was unexpectedly extended from two nights to three after an airline schedule change, we decided to use the extra day for a day trip to Bolzano in the Dolomites. All of our Venice sightseeing was already done, so this felt like the perfect chance to add something completely different.
Getting to Bolzano by Train
We booked the trains ourselves. Venice to Verona, then Verona to Bolzano. We got first class on the main train for about €15 extra, and it was hands down one of the highlights of the entire trip. Reclining seats, a proper table, complimentary water, biscuits, sandwiches, and your choice of drink. Wine, champagne, whatever you want. No bar car, no queues, no extra charge. Daisy sat happily on my lap in the one-by-one configuration. I’d rate the first class Italian train experience 10 out of 10 and I’ll never travel any other way on that route.
The 08:18 train left bang on time. These Italian trains don’t wait, so give yourself at least ten minutes of buffer. We had a 30-minute layover in Verona before the second train, which was second class and packed. Board early and grab a seat because this train fills up fast. Daisy had her own seat for most of this leg, lying on my coat, completely relaxed. The second train takes about an hour and 44 minutes, and this is where the scenery gets spectacular. Mountains, valleys, and wide open landscapes start appearing, and this is the leg worth staying awake for.
We arrived in Bolzano around 11:30 with a return train at 18:30. I wouldn’t recommend leaving Venice any later than 09:30 or you’ll seriously limit your time. Read about our day in Bolzano here.
Exploring Bolzano with Daisy
Despite the weather saying it was 13 degrees, warmer than Venice, it felt noticeably colder in Bolzano. There was a breeze and a chill that the sunshine didn’t take the edge off. Bring your hat and gloves even if the forecast looks mild.
We started in the Old Town and headed for the Christmas market, which was already very busy at midday. Daisy went straight into her bag because there was no way she could walk through those crowds safely. If you have a small dog, just plan on carrying them through the market areas.
The Cable Car
The cable car up to the Ritten Plateau was pure magic and the highlight of the Bolzano day. We bought the combi ticket at the machine for €20, with Daisy’s ticket costing €2. There’s signage about dogs needing a muzzle. Nobody challenged us on it and no one mentioned it, but I did see a golden retriever being questioned at the counter, so be aware if you have a larger breed.
The cable car isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s relatively small, probably fits about 20 people, fully automated with no driver, and it climbs high with a noticeable sway when it passes over the supports. Daisy was completely unbothered and made a new best friend in the cabin who hugged and kissed her the entire way up. I suspect that was more for emotional support than pure affection.
At the top, the views were spectacular. Lightly snow-capped mountains, open sky, and a completely different world from Venice. We went straight to Bar Café Fink, which is right at the cable car station. Dog-friendly inside, panoramic views, but it was uncomfortably hot from the glass and sun. They didn’t have wine, so Hugo Spritzers it was, and Daisy enjoyed her leftover grilled chicken from the night before. They were happy to give her water.
There are hiking trails and a tram at the top, included in the ticket, but we just walked alongside it instead. The area is full of hikers and very outdoor-friendly. We stopped for lunch at Antigo Pizzeria Food and Drink, and the food was really tasty. The patio views are insane, and it’s completely dog-friendly. You could bring your dog inside too, but sitting outside with those mountain views was the obvious choice.
Back in Bolzano
After heading back down, we continued exploring the town on foot. We passed by the Ötzi Iceman Museum but didn’t go in since it’s not pet-friendly. We wandered through another local market, then returned to the Christmas market in the early evening when it was quieter and beautifully lit. We finished with wine at a bar with outdoor fire heaters, which was exactly the right way to warm up as the temperature dropped.
Side note. If you’re into leather bags, Bolzano has gorgeous high-quality shops selling Hermes-inspired styles at very reasonable prices. I saw beautiful mid-sized bags for around €130 and didn’t buy one. We went back later that night and everything was closed. I’m still annoyed about it. Buy the bag when you see it. That’s my tip.
The Return Train
The first class train back was the perfect ending. Warm carriage, champagne, sandwiches, and biscuits while Daisy slept. We arrived back in Venice around half nine, walked through eerily quiet streets, grabbed one final gelato from the only shop still open, and packed our bags ready for the morning flight.
Dog-Friendly Venice Restaurants
Every single restaurant we visited in Venice welcomed Daisy without hesitation. Here’s where we ate and what stood out.
Antico Caffè Saraceno near Rialto Bridge is where we had lunch on Day One. The burrata salad was a 10 out of 10 for me. Great spot for a relaxed sit-down meal after crossing Rialto.
Il Caffè Gelato near the Burano vaporetto stop is the ideal breakfast stop before catching the boat. Full American-style breakfast, Daisy was welcome inside, and the location couldn’t be more convenient.
Trattoria Da Primo in Burano was an unexpected standout. We only went for drinks, but the service and atmosphere felt high-end while the prices stayed very reasonable. If I go back to Burano, I’m eating here properly.
Antigo Pizzeria Food and Drink in Bolzano had tasty food and an incredible patio with mountain views. Super dog-friendly and a perfect lunch stop during the day trip.
Bar Café Fink at the top of the Bolzano cable car is worth a stop for the views alone. Dog-friendly inside, though it runs very hot from the glass. Go for cocktails since they didn’t have wine when we visited.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Venice
Google Maps is not optional. I can’t stress this enough. Every street looks the same, directions don’t make intuitive sense, and finding your way by instinct is almost impossible. If you don’t have mobile data on your phone, you’re going to have a very hard time getting anywhere. Google Maps will try to route you by water, which is fine when services are running, but always check the walking route too.
Walking is the safest option if you’re short on time. We were there during a vaporetto strike, which meant water buses were unreliable. Even without a strike, there are only a few bridges over the Grand Canal, which makes simple-looking routes surprisingly complicated. If you have a specific time to be somewhere, walk.
Venice is incredibly dog-friendly. Locals walk their dogs off-leash, shops welcome dogs inside, and restaurants didn’t blink at Daisy sitting with us. I was honestly surprised by how natural it felt. On the one busier Saturday though, the narrow streets got crowded enough that I had to carry Daisy more often to keep her safe underfoot.
Visit in winter. I’m not just saying this. If you’re travelling with a dog, the slower pace, the empty restaurants, the walkable streets, it all makes such a difference. I wouldn’t want to do this trip in peak summer with a small dog.
Budget for vaporetto day tickets. A 24-hour ticket costs €25 and covers unlimited rides. Dogs travel free on the vaporetto, which is a nice bonus. If you’re planning a Burano trip, this is your best value.
Pack for the cold and for the wet. Venice in winter means cold mornings, damp ground, and the chance of acqua alta. Bring waterproof shoes, warm layers, and something to keep your dog’s paws dry if they’re fussy about wet surfaces like Daisy is.
Our Three-Day Venice Itinerary with Daisy
Day One. We arrived via shared water taxi from Marco Polo Airport, checked into Palazzo Barocci, and had Prosecco while Daisy charmed the entire staff. After settling in, we walked to Rialto Bridge, had an incredible burrata salad at Antico Caffè Saraceno, then continued to Accademia Bridge where we took in the views of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The evening was spent wandering the side streets under Christmas lights and having dinner at a quiet restaurant.
Day Two. Early start at the Rialto Market, soaking up the local atmosphere and keeping Daisy away from the fish. Breakfast at Il Caffè Gelato before catching the vaporetto to Burano, which turned out to be the highlight of the whole trip. Drinks at Trattoria Da Primo, gelato, a spectacular sunset on the west side of the island, then a packed boat back. The evening was spent exploring Castello and watching Daisy receive a full musical performance with her chicken at dinner.
Day Three. First class train to Bolzano via Verona. Christmas markets, a cable car up to the Ritten Plateau with drinks and hiking at the top, pizza with mountain views, then wine by the fire back in town. First class champagne on the train home, a final gelato in Venice, and bags packed for the morning.
If you’re planning a Venice trip with your dog, three nights was enough but four would have been perfect. An extra day would have let us explore at an even more relaxed pace and actually use the hotel facilities. I’d also love to go back and properly visit the Basilica up close.
Final Thoughts
Venice surprised me. I expected a beautiful city that merely tolerates dogs. What I found was a city where dogs are part of the fabric of daily life. From the first water taxi ride to the last gelato run at ten o’clock at night, Daisy was welcomed everywhere with real warmth.
It’s not perfect. Navigation is a headache, the vaporetto system can be unreliable, and on busier days the narrow streets are a lot for a small dog. But those imperfections are part of what makes Venice feel real, and they’re easy to manage with some planning.
If you’re thinking about Venice with your dog, do it in winter. Bring a comfortable carrier for the boats and the markets. Give yourself enough time to get lost in the back streets. And definitely don’t skip Burano.
If you need help planning a dog-friendly trip to Venice or anywhere else in Europe, get in touch with us at Crazy Daisy Travels or take our dog-friendly hotel quiz for personalised recommendations. And if you’re still figuring out how to fly with your dog, our guide to choosing the right airline-approved carrier is a good place to start.
Venice isn’t just dog-friendly. It’s dog-loving. And Daisy would like you to know she approves.
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