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Top things to do in Rijeka

Attractions, tours, and activities in Rijeka

About Rijeka

Including tips for the best time to visit Rijeka

Rijeka, located on the coast of the northern Adriatic Sea, is Croatia's third-largest city and biggest port. The city is a hub of local industry, though its lack of beaches means most visitors pass in and out on their way to nearby islands. If you stick around, however, you'll find Austro-Hungarian architecture, unique cathedrals and charm to spare.

Some of Rijeka's most popular attractions are also its oldest. Trsat Castle sits on 13th-century medieval ruins, though much of the current structure was built during the 1800s. Pay a visit to take in views of the Kvarner Gulf from its open-air café or attend a summer concert. The City Tower, formerly a gate to the Old Town, is another notable landmark, with its bright yellow facade and clock, as is the Stara Vrata or Roman arch.

Architecture enthusiasts should check out Rijeka's St Vitus Cathedral for its unique rotunda and separate bell tower, as well as Our Lady of Trsat Church – a pilgrimage site whose baroque chapel is filled with gold, jewels and other votive gifts. Alternatively, catch a show at the neoclassical Croatian National Theatre, which features an auditorium home to ceiling paintings by Austrian master Gustav Klimt.

Strolls through the older parts of Rijeka will help you adjust to the local lifestyle, especially along Korzo – a pedestrian-only street lined with shops and restaurants. While exploring, don't miss the main city market, where vendors sell fresh meats, cheeses and fish inside a trio of turn-of-the-century pavilions.

Tonight

From $110 per night

This weekend

From $152 per night

Next weekend

From $128 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.07
Language Croatian
Average weekend price $103 per night
Average weekday price $92 per night
Average stay 1 night

Rijeka reviews

What other travelers say about Rijeka

8.0

It's a great city with pedestrian friendly streets.

November 25, 2023

It's a great city with pedestrian friendly streets. I mostly enjoyed Trsat Castle, Sablićevo beach and Submarine burger restaurant. One of the central city locations - Mrtvi kanal - smells bad. But I think I spent too much time here and I wish I spent more time in Rovinj which was even more amazing.

Intars
Intars Latvia
8.0

Dinner at Bistro Molnar was good.

September 22, 2023

Dinner at Bistro Molnar was good. Location of apartment in relation to public transport also good. Apartment was excellent value as long as you're prepared for the 130 plus stairs up and then down again,

Larisa
Larisa Australia
10

Accomodation is brilliant.

August 30, 2023

Accomodation is brilliant. Close to the city centre where you can find everything. Beach is also very close if you without a car you can always take a bus and it takes just few minutes to get there... very satisfied. The flat is clean with every supplier you need. Emma is great 🙂 Thanks for a great accomodation through our stay in Rijeka 👍😉

Anonymous Czech Republic
10

A great historical city with an old town, many restaurants...

August 22, 2023

A great historical city with an old town, many restaurants and cafes, and an active cultural life. Excellent opportunities to travel around the area, accessible by public transport: castles, resort towns with excellent beaches and their infrastructure. I recommend taking a boat tour to the nearest islands. Although cards work well, many places only accept cash. I recommend visiting the market, especially in the morning, and if you have the opportunity to cook, buy fresh fish.

Dalia
Dalia
10

Rijeka is a working port so its not the prettiest of places...

August 18, 2023

Rijeka is a working port so its not the prettiest of places in Croatia. We had a blissful time as we just wanted to read and relax without the hustle and bustle of tourists. We had a hotel right on the water and it was spectacular. Food was cheap and eating out was very reasonable. The town was a real joy and very easy to get around. A great place to commence your journey through beautiful Croatia.

julie
julie Australia
10

Rijeka is a really good destination for a couple of days.

August 14, 2023

Rijeka is a really good destination for a couple of days. The centre is walkable and has plenty to show. It's easy to get around what had been Rijeka in history. However it's not so easy to get around what had been Sušak in the period between two world wars. When you come up to Trsat you may dine at Caracca Restaurant. It is also good to eat at the restaurant across the park that separates the Croatian National Theater Ivan pl. Zajc and the market. Prices in Rijeka are reasonable as far as I could see.

Boris
Boris Croatia

Popular places to stay in Rijeka

Stay in some of the best accommodations Rijeka has to offer

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