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

Should you visit Venice or Rijeka?

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 Venice and Rijeka can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. 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 museums, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Rijeka. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rijeka attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Venice different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice 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 Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Venice and Rijeka both to be nice destinations.

Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Rijeka offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Venice or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Rijeka for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is adequate for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Rijeka?

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

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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

Is Venice or Rijeka Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Rijeka.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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.

Is Venice or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Venice is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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

Is Venice or Rijeka Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Venice or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Venice?

How long in Venice or Rijeka?

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

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

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

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

One day in Venice or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Venice or Rijeka?

Venice 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 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.

Five days in Venice or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. 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 Venice or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Rijeka. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 Venice and Rijeka, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Venice or Rijeka?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice 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 Venice or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Venice during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Venice is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Venice. In the summer, Venice often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Rijeka. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Venice is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Venice usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Venice or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Venice as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. In January, Venice is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Venice often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Venice is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Venice