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

Should you visit Rijeka or Kotor?

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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rijeka and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rijeka or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rijeka than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rijeka is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. Also, Rijeka is famous for Trsat Castle. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Rijeka different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Rijeka is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Rijeka or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Rijeka or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rijeka or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

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 Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Rijeka or Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rijeka or Kotor?

Rijeka is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rijeka is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rijeka or Kotor Better for Families?

Rijeka is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Rijeka or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal 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 Rijeka or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor 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.

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Rijeka is very good for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Rijeka is popular with 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Rijeka is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Rijeka or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Rijeka?

How long in Rijeka or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Rijeka or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rijeka, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Rijeka or Kotor?

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor 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.

A weekend in Rijeka or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor 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.

Five days in Rijeka or Kotor?

Rijeka is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rijeka. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Rijeka. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Rijeka or Kotor?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Rijeka and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rijeka and Kotor. The summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the summer, Rijeka is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rijeka in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rijeka usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Rijeka gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rijeka usually receives more rain than Kotor. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rijeka or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rijeka as well as Kotor. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Rijeka often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Rijeka gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Rijeka usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rijeka or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Rijeka are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

Rijeka is cooler than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Rijeka averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Rijeka usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Rijeka gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Rijeka usually receives less rain than Kotor. Rijeka gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rijeka or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Rijeka during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Rijeka is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rijeka in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Rijeka often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Rijeka gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rijeka usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Rijeka gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Rijeka