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

Should you visit Sarajevo or Rijeka?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarajevo and Rijeka. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a overlooked, quaint, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its nightlife and beaches. Rijeka is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Sarajevo different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarajevo is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Sarajevo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rijeka is very family-friendly. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Rijeka is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Rijeka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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

Is Sarajevo or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Sarajevo and Rijeka are good when it comes to walkability.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Sarajevo?

How long in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

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

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

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

One day in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The town of Rijeka offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

Sarajevo 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.

Rijeka is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rijeka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

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

Rijeka is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarajevo or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Sarajevo. This city 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.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Rijeka, we can see that Rijeka is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Rijeka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rijeka than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Rijeka?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In October, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Sarajevo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Rijeka. The spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

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

Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Sarajevo