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

Should you visit Hamburg or Rijeka?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Rijeka can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Hamburg and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Hamburg or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Hamburg attracts visitors for its museums, music, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Hamburg different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg
Rijeka

Hamburg 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 Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hamburg
Rijeka

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Hamburg and Rijeka.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hamburg area. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

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 Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Hamburg
Rijeka

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

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Music?

Hamburg
Rijeka

Hamburg is renowned for its music scene. However, Rijeka is not a live music destination.

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.


Is Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Hamburg
Rijeka

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

Hamburg is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Rijeka?

Hamburg
Rijeka

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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

Is Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Families?

Hamburg
Rijeka

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Rijeka.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Hamburg
Rijeka

Both Hamburg and Rijeka are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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 Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg
Rijeka

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

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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

Is Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Students?

Hamburg
Rijeka

Hamburg and Rijeka are nice places to visit for students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to 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 Hamburg or Rijeka Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hamburg
Rijeka

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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

Is Hamburg or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Hamburg
Rijeka

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hamburg or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hamburg 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 Hamburg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hamburg or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hamburg 1-3 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Hamburg or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. 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 Hamburg or Rijeka?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Hamburg. This port 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Hamburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hamburg is €117, 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 Hamburg and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hamburg 54
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hamburg 108
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Hamburg and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Hamburg 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 Hamburg


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: Hamburg Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hamburg 29
    Rijeka 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Hamburg Cruise Port: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Hamburg or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Hamburg 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
    Hamburg 35
    Rijeka 34
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    15
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    5.00
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    6.00
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    15
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    4.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    6.00
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    3.50
  • Coffee and Donut
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hamburg 39
    Rijeka 8.89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    3.50

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hamburg 17
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Rijeka?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Rijeka. The summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Hamburg is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°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. In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Rijeka. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hamburg is much colder than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Hamburg or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Hamburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Hamburg is much colder than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Hamburg

Hamburg Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)