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

Should you visit Zaragoza or Rijeka?

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

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

Zaragoza

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

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zaragoza and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zaragoza or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Zaragoza attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Zaragoza is famous for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Zaragoza different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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 Zaragoza or Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is an experience not to be missed. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

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 Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Rijeka has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a moderate town for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zaragoza or Rijeka?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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

Is Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is known to be 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for Couples?

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

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zaragoza and Rijeka are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

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

Is Zaragoza or Rijeka Better for Students?

Zaragoza and Rijeka are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for students. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. There are buses and trams around the city.

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

Is Zaragoza or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Zaragoza?

How long in Zaragoza or Rijeka?

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

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

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

One day in Zaragoza or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Zaragoza. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Zaragoza or Rijeka?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza or Rijeka?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Zaragoza. 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, 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 Zaragoza and Rijeka, we can see that Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zaragoza or Rijeka?

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

Both Rijeka and Zaragoza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zaragoza is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Zaragoza gets 344 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Zaragoza gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zaragoza or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Zaragoza during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the autumn, Zaragoza is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zaragoza in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Zaragoza gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Zaragoza usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Zaragoza gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zaragoza or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zaragoza and Rijeka. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Zaragoza is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Zaragoza average around 8°C (46°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Zaragoza gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Zaragoza gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zaragoza or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zaragoza as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Zaragoza is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza this time of the year. In the spring, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Zaragoza gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Zaragoza usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Zaragoza gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Zaragoza