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

Should you visit Valencia or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Rijeka, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Valencia

Valencia is a architectural, friendly, and coastal coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Valencia different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia 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 Valencia specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia 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.

Valencia has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Valencia is very good for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Valencia to enjoy the beach. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

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 Valencia or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Valencia is one of the most recognized in the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Rijeka?

Valencia 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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

Is Valencia or Rijeka Better for Families?

Valencia and Rijeka are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rijeka. 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 Valencia or Rijeka Better for Couples?

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

Valencia is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around 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 Valencia or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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

Is Valencia or Rijeka Better for Students?

Valencia 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 Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Rijeka.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Rijeka offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Valencia or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Rijeka?

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

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Rijeka?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Valencia or Rijeka?

Valencia 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 Valencia or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Valencia or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, 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 Valencia and Rijeka, we can see that Valencia 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 Valencia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Rijeka?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Rijeka. The autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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

Should I visit Valencia or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valencia is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Valencia during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. In the spring, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Valencia