If you’re looking for the ultimate dog-friendly travel experience in Philadelphia, you’re in the right place. I just got back from an amazing pet-friendly trip to Philly and found the best spots where you and your human can have a great time together. Whether you’re here for history, food, or green spaces, this dog-friendly Philadelphia guide has you covered!
🐶 Things to do for dogs of all sizes!
🌦️ Great trip any time of the year, but outdoor dining gets pretty cold in the winter!
🗓️ Best for a long weekend
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has plenty of pet-friendly hotels, and I highly recommend staying near Rittenhouse Square. This charming neighborhood is packed with dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a perfect home base for exploring the City of Brotherly Love with your pup.
We stayed at Club Quarters Hotel on Chestnut St., a super convenient spot in the heart of Philly with everything we needed for a great weekend. Just a heads-up—the room doors are quite close together, so if you have noisy neighbors, you might hear them. But after a day of adventures, you’ll be too tired to notice!
Day 1: A Dog-Friendly Journey Through Philadelphia’s History
Brunch & a Stroll in Rittenhouse Square
We kicked off the day with brunch at Parc, a lovely French bistro with a great outdoor seating area—perfect for dog-friendly dining and some people (or pup) watching. Afterward, we took a stroll through Rittenhouse Square, one of the best dog-friendly parks in Philadelphia, where dogs can explore and socialize.
Historic Philadelphia with Your Dog
Next up, we headed over to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. While dogs aren’t allowed inside, there’s a designated spot where you can see the Liberty Bell through a window. Dogs are welcome throughout the surrounding park, so there’s still plenty to take in from the outside.
Old City Philadelphia is a fantastic area to explore with your pup—history is everywhere you look! From the Liberty Bell, we passed by Betsy Ross’s House before making our way to Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
Art & Relaxation at Dog-Friendly Spots
If you’re up for more exploring, stop by Cherry Street Pier to check out local artists and markets. You can see local artists at work in their shipping container studios, and there are often art events happening so check out the events calendar.
Now you’re definitely ready for a break and I have the perfect spot. A short walk away you’ll find Sunday Girl, , a fun and vibrant dog-friendly cafe with a bright pink front step you can’t miss! They even have cozy dog beds, so you can relax while your human enjoys a coffee. Mum said the Sunday Girl Special was delicious!
A Dog-Friendly Food Tour of South Philly
Once you’re rested up, it’s time to head over to South Philly. We hopped on the bus to E. Passyunk Ave (note: SEPTA requires dogs to be in a bag). This area is home to Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks, two of the most famous names in the Philly cheesesteak debate. Both spots have outdoor seating, making them excellent dog-friendly dining choices in Philadelphia. Not hungry yet? No worries—there’s another cheesesteak stop coming up!
After a short walk through the Italian Market on 9th Street, we arrived at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. This vibrant, mosaic-covered attraction is completely dog-friendly, making it one of the best pet-friendly places to visit in Philadelphia. The intricate artwork covering every inch of the space makes for an unforgettable experience.
For music lovers, a stroll down South Street is a must. Along the way, we stopped at Ishkabibbles, a beloved local spot for Philly cheesesteaks that came highly recommended by my Philly friends. They have multiple locations on South Street, but Ishkabibbles 1 has a convenient walk-up window, making it easy to grab a bite with your pup in tow.
Dinner & Dessert for You and Your Pup
Back in Rittenhouse Square, we enjoyed dinner at Pizzeria Vetri, known for its Neapolitan style pizza. But the best part in my opinion was desert at Salty Paws. Right next to Pizzeria Vertri is the best dog-friendly ice cream shop, where pups can enjoy their own frozen treats—complete with comfy dog beds at every table!
Day 2: Parks & Landmarks
Morning Fuel at a Pet-Friendly Cafe
We started the day at The Ground Rittenhouse, where my human enjoyed a coffee and pastry while I soaked up the morning sun. We spotted some intriguing bubble teas on the menu—Mum might have made the wrong choice!
Park Walks & Running the Rocky Steps
Fueled up, we made our way to Love Park to check out the famous LOVE statue, right next to City Hall. You can see the Philadelphia Museum of Art way off in the distance, which was where we were headed next.
It’s a nice walk up Benjamin Franklin Parkway, passing the Amor sculpture, the fountain at Logan Square, and the Rodin Museum. And if you’re not too tired, you can run up the steps of the Museum of Art like Rocky—and join the line to get a photo with him!
Riverside Stroll & Playtime at a Philly Dog Park
Since museums aren’t dog-friendly, we walked around to East Fairmount Park, a quiet spot by the river. Then, we walked south along the river to Schuylkill River Park, home to one of the best dog parks in Philadelphia.
You can see the dog park from the river, and there’s a footbridge right next to the dog park, so you can’t miss it. There was a dachshund meetup when I visited, and I had so much fun running around with my new friends!
A Relaxing Lunch in a Pet-Friendly Restaurant
It’s a lovely walk from the park back toward Rittenhouse Square with beautiful old buildings and quiet streets. To finish off our dog-friendly Philly weekend, we had Sunday Roast at The Dandelion, a British-style pub with a cozy dog-friendly patio. My British Mum has to warn that while this isn’t a super traditional roast dinner, it was still delicious—they even have Yorkshire Puddings! If you know, you know!
Philadelphia is full of dog-friendly attractions, restaurants, and parks, making it a great destination for pet-friendly travel. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, grabbing a bite at a dog-friendly restaurant in Philly, or relaxing in one of the many pet-friendly cafes, there’s something for every pup to enjoy. Philly’s dog-friendly charm awaits—your next adventure starts here!