A Travel Price Comparison for Croatia Rijeka vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Rijeka or Hvar?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Rijeka and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rijeka or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Rijeka and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its big city activities. Hvar is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Rijeka different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rijeka. 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.

Hvar is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar is an experience not to be missed. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Rijeka or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Rijeka or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rijeka or Hvar Better for Beaches?

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

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

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 Rijeka or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rijeka or Hvar?

Both Rijeka and Hvar are good shopping destinations.

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hvar. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Rijeka or Hvar Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Rijeka or Hvar.

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.

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Rijeka or Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Rijeka or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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

Is Rijeka or Hvar Better for Students?

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

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Both Rijeka and Hvar offer good public transit options.

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

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Rijeka or Hvar a more walkable city?

Rijeka and Hvar both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Hvar is somewhat walkable. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Rijeka?

How long in Rijeka or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Rijeka or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rijeka, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Rijeka or Hvar?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Hvar. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Rijeka or Hvar?

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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Rijeka or Hvar?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Rijeka or Hvar?

The diverse 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Hvar. This island 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Croatia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Rijeka or Hvar?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Rijeka and Hvar, 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 Rijeka or Hvar?

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 Rijeka or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Rijeka are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rijeka is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Rijeka average around 24°C (75°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. Rijeka usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Rijeka gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rijeka usually receives more rain than Hvar. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rijeka or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Rijeka during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Rijeka is cooler than Hvar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Rijeka often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Rijeka gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Rijeka usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rijeka or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rijeka and Hvar. Most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Rijeka is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rijeka in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Hvar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Rijeka usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Rijeka gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Rijeka or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rijeka as well as Hvar. The spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In April, Rijeka is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Rijeka average around 13°C (56°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the spring, Rijeka often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Rijeka gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Rijeka usually gets more rain in April than Hvar. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Rijeka