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

Should you visit Verona or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Verona or Rijeka? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Verona

Verona is a romantic, cultural, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

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

Verona and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Verona or Rijeka?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rijeka than Verona. While Verona is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Verona is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Verona is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also home to Trsat Castle.

How is Verona different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Verona 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 Verona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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 Verona or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Verona is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Rijeka has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Verona or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is adequate for the beache. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Verona or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Verona is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Verona or Rijeka?

If you're looking to go shopping, Verona and Rijeka both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Verona. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Many visitors go to Rijeka to go shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Verona or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Verona or Rijeka Better for Couples?

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

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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 Verona or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Verona and Rijeka are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Rijeka is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Verona or Rijeka Better for Students?

For students, both Verona and Rijeka are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Rijeka is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Verona and Rijeka both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Verona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. ATV operates buses through the city.

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

Is Verona or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Verona 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.

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Verona?

How long in Verona or Rijeka?

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

Families should spend more time in Rijeka than Verona. 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.

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

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

One day in Verona or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Verona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Verona or Rijeka?

Verona 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 Verona or Rijeka?

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

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 Verona or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Verona. This 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the slow-paced 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Verona and Rijeka, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Verona Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Verona or Rijeka?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Verona during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Verona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Verona. In the summer, Verona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Verona gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Verona usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Verona gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Verona or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Verona and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Verona for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Verona is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Verona average around 14°C (57°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Verona usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Verona gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Verona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Verona gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Verona or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Verona as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Verona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Verona can get quite cold in the winter. Verona is much colder than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Verona averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Verona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Verona gets 98 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Verona usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Verona gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Verona or Rijeka in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Verona is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Verona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Verona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during spring. Verona gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Verona usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Verona gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Verona