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

Should you visit Cologne or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Rijeka? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun 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 accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its beaches. Cologne is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cologne and Rijeka can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cologne area. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

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 Cologne or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cologne and Rijeka.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Many people head to Rijeka for the nightlife scene. 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 Cologne or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Cologne 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.

Cologne is not a beach destination.

Is Cologne or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Cologne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Cologne offers a nice historic old town area. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Rijeka?

Cologne is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Cologne or Rijeka Better for Christmas?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Rijeka does not offer Christmas activities.

Cologne is a world class destination during the Christmas season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Rijeka does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Rijeka Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is renowned for its Christmas markets. However, Rijeka does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to Cologne specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Rijeka does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Rijeka Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Rijeka.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Cologne or Rijeka Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Rijeka make for a nice place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne and Rijeka are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Rijeka is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cologne or Rijeka Better for Students?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne is renowned 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.

Cologne has a great public transit system. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Cologne or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Rijeka?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cologne 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 Cologne.

One day in Cologne or Rijeka?

Cologne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cologne or Rijeka?

Cologne 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.

In Rijeka, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rijeka has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. 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.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cologne or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Cologne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, 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 Cologne and Rijeka, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Rijeka?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne or Rijeka?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cologne or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Rijeka. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cologne is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cologne is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Cologne