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

Should you visit Vienna or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. 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.

Vienna and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Vienna or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Rijeka, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna 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 Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches 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 Vienna or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna 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 Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Rijeka

Rijeka is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Rijeka Better for Music?

Vienna
Rijeka

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

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Rijeka is not a live music destination.


Is Vienna or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Vienna
Rijeka

Rijeka is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Rijeka

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

The old town of Vienna is one of the most recognized in the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Rijeka?

Vienna
Rijeka

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

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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


Is Vienna or Rijeka Better for Families?

Vienna
Rijeka

Rijeka is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Vienna or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna 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, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna and Rijeka are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Rijeka is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.


Is Vienna or Rijeka Better for Students?

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a great public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Vienna
Rijeka

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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


  • How many days in Vienna or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Vienna or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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 Vienna or Rijeka?

Vienna 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 Vienna or Rijeka?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ritzy destination of Vienna. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Vienna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €151, 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 Vienna and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Vienna 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 Vienna


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: Vienna Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Rijeka 16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.52
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna Airport: $12
  • CAT Transfer: Vienna Airport – Wien Mitte: $16
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Viena Airport(VIE)-Viena City : $35
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Viena City - Viena Airport (VIE): $35
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport (VIE) to Vienna City Center: $44
  • Private Transfer from Vienna City Center to Vienna Airport (VIE): $44
  • Private One Way Transfer from Vienna Hotels to Vienna Airport: $44
  • Vienna International Airport (VIE) to Vienna Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Vienna Downtown to Vienna Intl Airport (VIE) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
  • Private Transfer from Vienna Airport to Hotel in Vienna: $49
  • Transfer in Private Minivan Viena Airport (VIE)-Viena City : $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Vienna 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
    Vienna 33
    Rijeka 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna

For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Vienna

For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.87
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $8.02
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $8.02
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.56
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80
  • Walking Around Hofburg Palace In-App Audio Tour (EN): $8.80
  • Capuchins Crypt Entrance Ticket: $9.09

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $39
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91


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


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Rijeka?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vienna is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°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 Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vienna 23°C (73°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Vienna is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vienna 12°C (54°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vienna 2°C (36°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Vienna or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vienna 13°C (55°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Vienna

Vienna Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)