Frankie The Law Dog

Europe’s Main Port City Loves Dogs

Rotterdam is a lovely city located in the western part of The Netherlands.  The country’s second-largest city (after Amsterdam), Rotterdam boasts Europe’s busiest port.  A multicultural and exciting city, Rotterdam, like many European cities, is also very dog-friendly.

Dog-Friendly Parks and Gardens in Rotterdam

Dog-Friendly Parks and Gardens in Rotterdam

Het Park (or “The Park”) is a lush urban garden bordering the Nieuwe Maas.  It is located near the Maritime Quarter and the Park Quay.  Het Park is a public park, open year-round.  It is a perfect place to jog or walk with the dog, and many residents and visitors do just that.  Het Park is also the venue for many outdoor festivals throughout the year, including the incredible Zomercarnaval held each year at the end of July. 

Museumpark is a public sculpture garden surrounded by several museums, including the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Museum

Outdoor Art in Rotterdam

 Boijmans Van Beuningen, Chabot Museum, Kunsthal, Villa Sonneveld and Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam.  The park itself contains a number of quirky and interesting sculptures and makes for a pleasant summer stroll.  It is dog-friendly, but the museums are not.

Kralingse Wood is the largest public park in Rotterdam.  It surrounds Kralingse Lake, and is the perfect place for walking, jogging or skating with your pet.  Sailing on the lake offers views of the Rotterdam skyline.  Boats are for rent at the sailing center.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Rotterdam

There are several hotels in and around Rotterdam that allow dogs.  These include:

• Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam.  Called the “Grande Dame” of Rotterdam, the Bilderberg Parkhotel is located in the center of Rotterdam near Rotterdam Central Station.  They welcome pets.
• Grand Hotel Central Rotterdam.  Built in 1917, the Grand Hotel Central Rotterdam is still family owned.  Rotterdam Central Station is accessible by foot.  The Grand Hotel Central Rotterdam is a smoke-free, pet-friendly hotel.
• Campanile Rotterdam-Oost.  This small, cozy hotel boasts a “calm environment” and a location near the center of the city.  The hotel welcomes pets weighing less than 10 kg (approximately 22 pounds).

Taking Your Dog to the Netherlands

The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington, D.C., has provided information on traveling to the Netherlands with one’s pet.   A veterinary certificate is required, containing all the documentation on the dog, including the record of vaccinations.

Additional Resource:  Visit Dog-Friendly Gothenburg, Sweden