A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Rijeka for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Rijeka?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Rijeka. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its beaches. Athens is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rijeka and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Rijeka?

Athens is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is adequate for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Rijeka?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Rijeka both offer plenty of nice spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Rijeka is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Families?

Both Athens and Rijeka are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Athens and Rijeka both nice destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Is Athens or Rijeka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Athens or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Athens is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Rijeka Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Athens?

How long in Athens or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Rijeka. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Athens than Rijeka. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Athens that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Rijeka if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Rijeka?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Rijeka?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Rijeka?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Rijeka, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Rijeka.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Rijeka?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Rijeka, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Rijeka?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Rijeka. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Athens is a little warmer than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Athens