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

Should you visit Rome 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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. 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.

Rome and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Rome or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its beaches. Rome is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome
Rijeka

Rome is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome
Rijeka

Rome 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.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rome
Rijeka

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

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Rijeka Better for Music?

Rome
Rijeka

Rome is renowned for its music scene. However, Rijeka is not a live music destination.

In Rome you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.


Is Rome or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rome
Rijeka

Rijeka is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Rijeka?

Rome
Rijeka

Rome is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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

Is Rome or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rome
Rijeka

Both Rome and Rijeka are superb to visit with kids.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Rome
Rijeka

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

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome
Rijeka

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

Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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

Is Rome or Rijeka Better for Students?

Rome
Rijeka

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome
Rijeka

Rome is renowned 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.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Rome or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Rome
Rijeka

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Rome?

How long in Rome or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rome or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rome than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Rome or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rome 3-7 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Rome or Rijeka?

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Rome or Rijeka?

Rome 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 Rome or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 coastal 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 Rome or Rijeka?

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Rome?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €170, 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 Rome and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rome 89
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rome 178
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Rome and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Rome 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 Rome


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: Rome Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rome 21
    Rijeka 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    15
  • Taxi to Airport
    45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport: $6.42
  • Bus Transfer Between Airport and Rome Termini Station: $6.42
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport: $7.49
  • Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $7.64
  • Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome center: $7.64
  • Transfer Rome center - Ciampino Airport: $7.64
  • Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $8.73
  • Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $11
  • Transfer from Termini Station to the Maximo Shopping Center: $15
  • Civitavecchia Port to/from Vatican City Bus Transfer: $16
  • Transfer between Fiumicino Airport and Rome Termini: $17
  • Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) to Rome - Arrival Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Rome 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
    Rome 47
    Rijeka 34
Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    32
  • Cheese and bread
    10
  • Espresso
    2.00
  • Dinner
    58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rome 36
    Rijeka 8.89
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    33
  • Roma Pass
    30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    20
  • Segway Tour
    75

Tours and Activities in Rome

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

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
  • Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $3.27
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.31
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.33
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.44
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99

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
    Rome 18
    Rijeka 16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    6.34
  • Beer
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Rome or Rijeka?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Rijeka. Many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, 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.

Rome is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 25°C (77°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 Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rome 25°C (77°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Rome or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rome as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music 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, Rome is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rome in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Rome often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rome 17°C (63°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Rome or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Rome 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, Rome is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 8°C (47°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Rome usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rome usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rome 8°C (47°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Rome or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Rome during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Rome is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. In the spring, Rome often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rome 14°C (57°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Rome

Rome Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 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 (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)