Is Rijeka worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Rijeka, and it's a town that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic nightlife and spectacular museums and attractions.
Rijeka is a port city in Croatia that many consider to be a gateway to the country's islands. There are historical buildings and a range of activities in the area. Cruise ships and ferry boats also pass through the town.
6 Reasons to Visit Rijeka
1. Nightlife
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.
2. Museums and Attractions
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.
3. Food
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.
4. Shopping
There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.
5. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Rijeka might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Rijeka here or see if Rijeka is expensive here.
6. Authenticity
Rijeka has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Rijeka worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Rijeka, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (83°F).
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Rijeka
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 24°C (74°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| September | 20°C (68°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Is Rijeka worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Rijeka. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Rijeka
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (60°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 10°C (51°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| December | 6°C (44°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Is Rijeka worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Rijeka can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Rijeka is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Rijeka
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| February | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| March | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Is Rijeka worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Rijeka. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Rijeka
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (56°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| June | 22°C (71°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Rijeka
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Rijeka most famous for?
Rijeka is most famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. The town is very popular for its nightlife. Also, it's known for museums and attractions, food, and shopping. It is often described as slow-paced, coastal, accessible, and diverse.
What is the most famous sight in Rijeka?
The most popular sight in Rijeka is Trsat Castle. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Rijeka on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Trsat Castle and other attractions here.
How touristy is Rijeka? Is it a popular town to visit?
Rijeka is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $58
- Plitvice Lakes day tour from Rijeka, simple and safe: $85
- TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground: $85
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $135
- Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $250
- DISCOVERING THE UNKNOWN Extended WW2&UNDERGROUND tour: $74
- Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $130
- From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $99
How long should I spend in Rijeka?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Rijeka is one to two days. Since Rijeka has activities such as nightlife, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rijeka? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rijeka?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Croatia.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.