A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Rijeka for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Montpellier or Rijeka?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Rijeka. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Montpellier and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Montpellier or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. 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 Montpellier different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier 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 Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Montpellier
Rijeka

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Montpellier area. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

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 Montpellier or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Rijeka is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Rijeka know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. 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.


Is Montpellier or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Rijeka

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

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Rijeka?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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

Is Montpellier or Rijeka Better for Families?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Rijeka is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.


Is Montpellier or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Rijeka

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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

Is Montpellier or Rijeka Better for Students?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Montpellier or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Rijeka

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Rijeka?

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

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

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


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

One day in Montpellier or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible town of Rijeka. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Montpellier or Rijeka?

Montpellier 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The coastal town of Rijeka offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Montpellier?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier is €118, 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 Montpellier and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier 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 Montpellier


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Montpellier 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
    Montpellier 31
    Rijeka 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

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
    Montpellier 15
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Rijeka?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°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 Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Montpellier is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Montpellier gets 72 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
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Montpellier during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Montpellier

Montpellier Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)