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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, 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.

Palermo and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Palermo different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palermo 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 Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Rijeka are superb when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 the Shopping Better in Palermo or Rijeka?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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

Is Palermo or Rijeka Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Rijeka are superb to visit with kids.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Rijeka are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

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 Palermo or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Rijeka are nice destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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

Is Palermo or Rijeka Better for Students?

Palermo and Rijeka are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Rijeka is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Palermo 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.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Rijeka?

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

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palermo or Rijeka?

Palermo 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 Palermo or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palermo or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Palermo and Rijeka, we can see that Rijeka 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 Palermo Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Rijeka?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo 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 Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, 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 the autumn, Palermo is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Rijeka. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, 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.

In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Rijeka in the Spring?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Palermo