A Weekend in Dog-Friendly New York City

Posted by Erin Ballinger

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, New York City needs no introduction. However, most people don’t realize that the Big Apple is a dog-friendly destination. Manhattan is very pedestrian-friendly, but you may occasionally need a pet-friendly taxi or rideshare. Dogs that can be carried in a bag and are not a nuisance to other passengers may also ride MTA buses and subways for no additional fee. Enjoy our weekend itinerary with Fido, filled with walks in Central Park, dining in upscale restaurants with menus just for canines, and tours through the city with your pup. Pack your bags and start spreading the news that you’re spending the weekend in dog-friendly New York City!

Friday

Your four-legged friend will feel right at home at The Benjamin! Photo by @thebenjaminhotel

4 p.m. The Benjamin

Check in at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta in Midtown East for a fine pied-à-terre experience in NYC. While human guests enjoy luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service, pets are greeted with a PAWS (Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta) welcome letter, complimentary dog treats, and an assortment of welcome amenities, including a water dish, waterproof mat, and cozy bed. Briefly unpack and take in the view before hitting the town with your pup in tow!.

Play and pay tribute to a heroic pooch.Photo by @goldensummerpup

5 p.m. Sirius Dog Run and Battery Park

Let Fido stretch his legs off leash at Sirius Dog Run in Battery Park. The dog run is named in honor of K-9 Sirius, an explosive detection Labrador Retriever who lost his life during the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11. While your pup splashes in the built-in pool, strike up a conversation with one of the neighborhood dog owners who frequent the park. Before you leave, stroll along The Battery waterfront with your dog for amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

“Roasted sweet potatoes and a hamburger patty just for me, ole!”Photo by @lacontentanyc

7 p.m. La Contenta Oeste

Bring your furry friend to Greenwich Village for dinner at La Contenta Oeste. While you nosh on Mexican fare on the pet-friendly patio, Fido can order from the menu for “canine amigos.” Treat your pup to a chicken, beef, or vegetarian meal. Pair your own entrée with the El Mixteco cocktail made with hibiscus-infused mezcal, agave nectar and lemon juice.

Explore the supernatural side of Greenwich Village with your pooch. Photo by New York City Ghosts

8 p.m. New York City Ghosts

After dinner, hit up the Dog Run for a puppy potty break before meeting at the Arch in Washington Square Park for your reservation on the dog-friendly Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour with New York City Ghosts. Explore The Village's most haunted places while you hear about their spooky past and tragic tales. During the one-hour tour, you’ll walk about one mile and visit paranormal sites where the spirits of Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe and Aaron Burr may still linger.

Bar hoppin’...Photo by @kimchi_thedapple

10 p.m. d.b.a. east village

Continue your evening with a pint in the covered (and heated) back garden at d.b.a. east village with your best friend. This pet-friendly pub is one of the city’s first craft beer bars which now sells more than 100 different brews. If you’re not into beer, d.b.a. also has an impressive whiskey and bourbon selection.

Saturday

Morning playtime at Tompkins Square Dog Run. Photo by @little_harles

8 a.m. Tompkins Square Dog Run

Fido can start his day with some off-leash fun at Tompkins Square Dog Run, which features a state-of-the-art decomposed granite sand running surface, separate large and small dog runs, three swimming pools where he can splash, and picnic tables where you can sit. There’s even a bathing area where you can hose your hound before breakfast.

Visiting one of NYC’s most dog-friendly spots. Photo by BringFido/Ian

10 a.m. Boris & Horton

Break the fast at Boris & Horton, just two blocks from Tompkins Square Park. Order a coffee, cappuccino or chai tea latte with a croissant, cheese danish or avocado toast from the window or online. Then head inside this dog cafe where your furry friend is free to mix and mingle off leash. All pooches must be friendly and up to date on vaccinations.

Explore NYC on a bespoke tour. Photo by Michael Arthur

11 a.m. Z-Travel & Leisure Tours

Learn more about New York City on a pet-friendly tour with Z-Travel and Leisure Tours. Founders Art and Susan Zuckerman can customize the perfect excursion via van or by foot for you and your pup. Just be sure to mention you will be bringing a dog when you call to schedule a tour. Art and Susan offer over 80 different types of tours, including neighborhood, themed, ethnic and food tours.

Nothing like an ice cream on vacay!Photo by @ted_gram

2 p.m. Shake Shack Madison Square Park

Have a late lunch at Shake Shack Madison Square Park, the flagship location of this popular chain which now has locations around the world. In addition to pet-friendly outdoor tables, the burger joint also has two menu items just for canines: the Bag O’ Bones (five ShackBurger dog biscuits made by Bocce’s Bakery) and the Pooch-ini (vanilla custard topped with ShackBurger dog biscuits and peanut butter sauce).

“Can we be friends?”Photo by Kristi

3 p.m. Jemmy's Run at Madison Square Park

After lunch, let Fido burn off some steam and make new friends at Jemmy's Dog Run at Madison Square Park. There’s plenty of shaded seating for humans, water for pups and a double-gated entry to keep pets safe. The off-leash dog park isn’t very big but it’s very popular.

“Yes, I’m looking for treats.”Photo by @petcentralnyc

4 p.m. Pet Central

Pop into Pet Central with your pooch to peruse the store’s selection of healthy dog food, treats, collars, leashes and toys. Spoil Fido with a gift of the edible or non-edible variety. The store even offers same-day delivery if you’d like dog food delivered to the hotel. After you’ve done a little shopping, head back to your room to freshen up for dinner.

Pamper your Pomeranian with pan-roasted salmon and veggies at The Wilson.Photo by @dailypuffpuff

7 p.m. The Wilson

Dine with your canine companion on The Wilson’s year-round, pet-friendly covered and heated patio at the INNSiDE by Meliá New York NOMAD. In 2019, the restaurant launched its inaugural gourmet dog menu which features a 16-ounce grilled ribeye steak and vegetables with steak jus. The Wilson also offers pan-roasted salmon and veggies, grilled chicken breast with baby vegetables, sliced apples and heirloom carrots, and a bowl of mixed berries. Human guests will enjoy Northeastern coastal cuisine with global influences and seasonally inspired cocktails.

“I’ll have another water, please. Make it a double!” Photo by @blackdoornyc

9 p.m. Judy Z’s Sports Tavern & Kitchen

Before calling it a night, stop for a drink at Judy Z’s Sports Tavern & Kitchen, a neighborhood bar with a dog-friendly patio in the West Village. Fido can have an after-dinner Pooch Hooch, Dog-Pawrignon or Fetchme Grigio from Judy Z’s Furbaby Cafe doggie menu while you sip on a Brooklyn Lager. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, catch the big game on TV, or people-watch with your pooch while you enjoy a nightcap.

Sunday

Strike a pose with Balto and don’t forget to #bringfido. Photo by Jennifer Most

7 a.m. Central Park

No trip to Manhattan with your best friend would be complete without a visit to Central Park, but you’ll need to wake up early to make the most of your time. Between 6 and 9 a.m., dogs are allowed to be off leash in many areas of the park. Check the Central Park website for rules and off-leash locations. During your leisurely stroll with your pooch through this iconic New York landmark, be sure to check out at least a couple of the 15 fountains, and don’t miss the sculpture of Balto the sled dog, one of our favorite dog monuments.

Someone doesn’t like public displays of affection. Photo by @theblackswandiaries

9 a.m. Barking Dog Hell's Kitchen

At Barking Dog in Hell’s Kitchen, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast while sitting at one of the many sidewalk tables shaded by bright yellow awnings and umbrellas. First, order your pup something to nosh on from the dog menu. Fido would love the grilled chicken or hamburger patty served over rice and veggies. Among the tasty choices for pet parents are the Challah French Toast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict and Barking Dog Breakfast Special which consists of three eggs, home fries, fruit, biscuit and a choice of bacon, sausage or ham.

“Ah, the sights and smells of the city!”Photo by @tristan_frenchbulldog

10 a.m. Sightseeing In Midtown

Before you leave NYC, you must see the iconic sights in Midtown. Walk with your leashed dog through Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza and Broadway, and check out the window displays along Fifth Avenue.

“Dog tired and happy!” Photo by @tito_inthecity

12 p.m. One Last Meal at Boulton & Watt Before Departing NYC

Treat your good boy to one last meal in Manhattan at Boulton & Watt in the East Village. The dog menu features Peanut Butter Bones, Steak Tartare and Sweet Potato Jerky. You can even purchase Fido a snazzy bandana as a souvenir. Your canine companion will depart the big city with a full tummy, tired paws and a happy heart from all the quality time spent together exploring dog-friendly New York.