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

Should you visit Imperia or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Imperia 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.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Imperia or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rijeka. Although Imperia and Rijeka are popular destinations, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Imperia attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Rijeka is more touristy than Imperia and is known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Imperia different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Imperia
Rijeka

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Imperia or Rijeka.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance 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 Imperia or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Imperia
Rijeka

Both Imperia and Rijeka offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Imperia area. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

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 Imperia or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Imperia
Rijeka

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

Rijeka has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Imperia or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Imperia
Rijeka

Rijeka is a moderate town for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Imperia or Rijeka?

Imperia
Rijeka

Both Imperia and Rijeka are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Imperia to go shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

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

Is Imperia or Rijeka Better for Families?

Imperia
Rijeka

Rijeka is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is known to be 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Imperia or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Imperia
Rijeka

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

Imperia is a good town for couples to visit. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

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 Imperia or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Imperia
Rijeka

Both Imperia and Rijeka are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Is Imperia or Rijeka Better for Students?

Imperia
Rijeka

Rijeka is a popular place for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Rijeka is a good town to visit for students. 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Imperia
Rijeka

Both Imperia and Rijeka offer nice public transit options.

Imperia has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

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


Is Imperia or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Imperia
Rijeka

Imperia and Rijeka both are nice when exploring on foot.

Imperia is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Imperia?

How long in Imperia or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Imperia or Rijeka to fill your time. In our opinion, Rijeka has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rijeka than Imperia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rijeka than Imperia 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 Rijeka.


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

One day in Imperia or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. 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 Imperia or Rijeka?

Imperia 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 Imperia or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. 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 Imperia or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Imperia. This town 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 Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Imperia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Imperia is €108, 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 Imperia and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Imperia 51
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Imperia 102
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Imperia and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Imperia 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 Imperia


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: Imperia Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Imperia 36
    Rijeka 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Imperia or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Imperia 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
    Imperia 35
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Imperia 13
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Imperia

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

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

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
    Imperia 7.50
    Rijeka 16


When comparing the travel costs between Imperia and Rijeka, we can see that Imperia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Imperia or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Imperia 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 Imperia 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 Imperia or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Imperia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Imperia is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. Imperia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during summer. Imperia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Imperia usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Imperia gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Imperia 25°C (76°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Imperia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Imperia is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Imperia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Imperia often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Imperia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Imperia gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Imperia 19°C (66°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Imperia and Rijeka. Many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Imperia is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 11°C (51°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Imperia usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Imperia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Imperia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Imperia gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Imperia 11°C (51°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Imperia or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Imperia as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Imperia is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Imperia often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Imperia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Imperia gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Imperia 15°C (58°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Imperia

Imperia Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)