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

Should you visit Florence or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence or Rijeka, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Florence or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Florence different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence
Rijeka

Florence 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 Florence on the map. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence
Rijeka

Florence 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.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Florence
Rijeka

Rijeka is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Rijeka has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Florence or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Florence
Rijeka

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

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.


Is Florence or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Florence
Rijeka

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

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Rijeka?

Florence
Rijeka

Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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

Is Florence or Rijeka Better for Families?

Florence
Rijeka

Rijeka is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rijeka is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.


Is Florence or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Florence
Rijeka

Florence is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence
Rijeka

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

Florence is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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

Is Florence or Rijeka Better for Students?

Florence
Rijeka

Florence is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Florence
Rijeka

Florence and Rijeka both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Florence or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Florence
Rijeka

Florence is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Florence?

How long in Florence or Rijeka?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Florence or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Florence 2-7 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Florence or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. 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.

The town of Rijeka offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Florence or Rijeka?

Florence 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.

Rijeka is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rijeka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Florence or Rijeka?

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

Rijeka is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Florence or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. 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.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Florence?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Florence is €154, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Florence and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florence 87
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florence 174
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Florence and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Florence or Rijeka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Florence


Hotels in Rijeka


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Florence Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florence 22
    Rijeka 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From The Mall Firenze Shuttle Transfer: $15
  • Shared Bus Transfer to/from Pisa Airport: $16
  • Florence hotels to Florence Airport (FLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51
  • From La Spezia: Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Florence: $52
  • Private Florence Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
  • From Round Trip Transfer to Cinque Terre: $63
  • Private Transfer: Florence City Center to Peretola Airport (FLR): $63
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Florence or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Florence change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Florence 36
    Rijeka 34
Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florence 30
    Rijeka 8.89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
  • Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.67
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
  • Sunset Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.27
  • Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.27
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
  • The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.44
  • Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florence 18
    Rijeka 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florence and Rijeka, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florence or Rijeka?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Florence during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Florence is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florence in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Florence. In the summer, Florence often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Florence gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Florence 25°C (77°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Florence or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Rijeka. The autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Florence is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 16°C (61°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Florence usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during autumn. Florence gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Florence usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Florence 16°C (61°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Florence or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Florence as well as Rijeka. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Florence is a little warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Florence often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Florence gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Florence usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Florence 7°C (45°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Florence or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Florence is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florence in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Florence usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Florence gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Florence usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Florence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Florence 14°C (57°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Florence

Florence Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)