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

Should you visit Nice or Rijeka?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Rijeka can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nice or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rijeka is known for its museums and big city activities. Nice is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Nice different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nice
Rijeka

Rijeka is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nice
Rijeka

Nice 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.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Nice
Rijeka

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

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Nice or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Nice
Rijeka

Nice is renowned for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.


Is Nice or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice
Rijeka

Nice is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Nice
Rijeka

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

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Nice
Rijeka

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Rijeka?

Nice
Rijeka

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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

Is Nice or Rijeka Better for Families?

Nice
Rijeka

Rijeka is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Nice
Rijeka

Nice 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, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice
Rijeka

Both Nice and Rijeka are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Is Nice or Rijeka Better for Students?

Nice
Rijeka

Rijeka is a town with good options for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice
Rijeka

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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


Is Nice or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Nice
Rijeka

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Nice?

How long in Nice or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nice or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nice 3-5 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Nice or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Rijeka. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Rijeka?

Nice 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.

Rijeka is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Nice or Rijeka?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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.

The coastal town of Rijeka offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Nice?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nice is €131, 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 Nice and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nice 59
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nice 118
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Nice and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Nice 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 Nice


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: Nice Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nice 25
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Transfer: Nice City Center to Côte d'Azur Airport(NCE): $40
  • Private Transfer from Nice City to Nice Airport: $43
  • Arrival Transfer from Côte d'Azur Airport NCE to Nice City in Private Car: $44
  • Monaco to Hercule Monte Carlo Port Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private transfer from Nice to Cannes: $47
  • Port de la Santé to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Private Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port to Nice hotels- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche Port to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Nice hotels- Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE) to Villefranche Port- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Nice hotels to Port de la Santé - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE) to Port de la Santé- Arrrival Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Nice 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
    Nice 49
    Rijeka 34
Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $192

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

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Vieux Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Ticket to Musée National du Sport: $6.42
  • Nice Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Nice's Old Town Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Navigating A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nice city tour: audio guide app in your smartphone: $7.49

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
    Nice 17
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

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

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $5.99
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Nice : Guided Pub / Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $21
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84


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


Which is Bigger, Nice or Rijeka?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nice or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Nice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Nice gets 108 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
    Nice 17°C (63°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nice or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Rijeka. The winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Nice is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nice 9°C (48°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Nice or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nice as well as Rijeka. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

Nice usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Nice

Nice Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)