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

Should you visit Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and world-class ski resort. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

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.

Kitzbuhel and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
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 Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kitzbuhel. Although Kitzbuhel and Rijeka are both popular with visitors, Kitzbuhel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kitzbuhel is more popular for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its museums, beaches, and big city activities. Kitzbuhel is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. It is also home to The Kitzbüheler Horn. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Kitzbuhel different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel is renowned for snow skiing. However, Rijeka is not a skiing destination.

Kitzbuhel is among the world's best ski destinations. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Rijeka is not a skiing destination.


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

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Rijeka is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Kitzbuhel is an experience not to be missed. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

The vibe at night is great in both Kitzbuhel and Rijeka.

Many people head to Kitzbuhel for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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.


Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Rijeka is adequate for the beache. However, Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is not a beach destination.

Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kitzbuhel specifically for its hiking. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kitzbuhel. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

Many visitors go to Rijeka to go shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Families?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kitzbuhel or Rijeka.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kitzbuhel is very family-friendly. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure 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.

Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Kitzbuhel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

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 Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kitzbuhel is a very popular ski resort for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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

Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka Better for Students?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Rijeka is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kitzbuhel is not popular with 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.

Kitzbuhel is not popular with students.

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

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

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

While Kitzbuhel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

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


Is Kitzbuhel or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Kitzbuhel
Rijeka

Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable destination. The town is small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Kitzbuhel?

How long in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kitzbuhel than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Kitzbuhel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kitzbuhel 4-7 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Rijeka. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rijeka has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Kitzbuhel 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Rijeka. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible town of Rijeka. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Kitzbuhel is a small town with plenty to do. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Kitzbuhel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kitzbuhel is €179, 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 Kitzbuhel and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kitzbuhel 89
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kitzbuhel 178
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Kitzbuhel and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel


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: Kitzbuhel Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 69
    Rijeka 16

Is it cheaper to fly into Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Kitzbuhel 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
    Kitzbuhel 48
    Rijeka 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 34
    Rijeka 8.89

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
    Kitzbuhel 11
    Rijeka 16


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


Which is Bigger, Kitzbuhel or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Kitzbuhel 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.