Things To Do
in Rijeka
Rijeka is a historic port city on the Kvarner Bay where Austro-Hungarian, Italian and Croatian influences meet in its architecture and cuisine. It has a working harbor, a lively waterfront (Korzo) and a compact old town anchored by Trsat hill and its castle. Rijeka is known for its maritime history, industrial heritage and one of Europe's liveliest carnivals.
The city makes a convenient base for island hopping, coastal drives and mountain hikes in the nearby Gorski Kotar and Učka ranges.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a slow stroll along Korzo, sipping a coffee as the sunrise paints the red roofs of Rijeka.
Roam the narrow old-town alleys, catching the scent of fresh pastries and sea breeze.
Dine at a waterfront Riva restaurant and watch the harbor lights twinkle at dusk.
Set out from the harbor at dawn and follow the scents of fresh pastries toward the colorful market.
Browse stalls, sample local treats, and climb a gentle promenade for sweeping sea views.
Toast with a glass of wine at a seaside tavern as the sun sinks toward the horizon.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (cafe) | $2-3 |
| 🍷Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $45-70 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / private room (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🚍Local bus ticket / short ferry | $1.50-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic port-city atmosphere with maritime history and multicultural architecture
- Great base for island hopping, coastal drives and nearby mountain hikes
- Excellent seafood and regional cuisine with lively markets
- Compact city center that’s easy to explore on foot
- Can be windy (bora) and weather can change quickly, especially in winter
- Tourist season brings crowds and limited parking, especially on weekends
- Smaller city with fewer luxury amenities than larger Croatian tourist hubs
- Some restaurants and shops close between lunch and evening in off-season
- "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Gdje je ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Račun, molim" - The bill, please
- "Bez mesa" - Without meat
Places to Visit in Rijeka
Visit one of these nice places.
The lively main pedestrian street with historic facades, people, street cafes and seasonal events — great for street and architecture shots.
Panoramic viewpoints over Rijeka, the bay and islands; golden-hour shots from the castle walls are especially striking.
Dramatic coastal cliffs and the unique stadium seaside setting make for moody landscapes and sports photography.
Working port scenes with ferries, moored boats and industrial silhouettes — excellent for urban maritime images, especially at dawn.
Narrow streets, stone stairways, the Cathedral of St. Vitus and historic details offer charming close-up and architectural compositions.
Food in Rijeka
Rijeka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Adriatic fish stew served with polenta — you'll find excellent versions at harborside konobas and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Whole grilled fish, squid and shellfish simply seasoned with olive oil and lemon — ubiquitous on menus along the Riva and in Kostrena.
Small fried doughnuts often dusted with powdered sugar; sold at markets and street stalls, especially around festivals.
Handmade pasta served with truffle, mushroom or meat sauces — available in many regional restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market offering fresh seafood, vegetables, cheeses and local specialties — great for sampling olives, cheeses and seasonal fruit.
During summer and carnival events you'll find temporary stands selling grilled fish, fritule, burek and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are common for first meetings; use 'Dobar dan' (Good day) when entering shops or greeting people.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and be respectful of silent areas; photography may be restricted in some interiors.
Respect queues and personal space; being polite and patient goes a long way with local staff and vendors.
Approach political or wartime topics with sensitivity; local history can be complex and personal.
Smoking is still fairly common outdoors and in some bars; indoor smoking rules have tightened but check venues if sensitive to smoke.
Safety
Tipping in Rijeka
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — round up small bills at cafes, and leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi drivers may not expect tips but rounding up the fare is common.
Euro is the official currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops in Rijeka. Carry some cash for markets, small konobas and island ferries; ATMs are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot weather with busy tourist crowds, lively festivals, boat trips and beach time; expect crowded cafes and limited parking on peak days. Sea temperatures are pleasant for swimming; book accommodation early.
Mild temperatures, fewer tourists and great conditions for hiking, wine tasting and photography; autumn storms can bring rain and stronger winds at times.
Cooler, wetter weather with occasional strong bora winds; the city is quieter but comes alive for the Rijeka Carnival (usually in Jan–Feb) with large public events. Mountain areas may see snow.
Mild and blossoming — ideal for walking, early-season island visits and outdoor dining. Weather can be changeable so layer up for cooler mornings and evenings.
Rijeka at Night
Hiking in Rijeka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Dominant mountain ridge overlooking the Kvarner Bay with marked trails and panoramic views across the Adriatic and islands; Vojak is the highest point with accessible routes.
Dense beech and fir forests in Gorski Kotar offering well-marked trails, wildlife spotting and alpine scenery; a great day trip for more rugged hiking.
A short drive from Rijeka, Platak has hiking and mountain-bike trails, rope parks and winter facilities — suitable for families and day trips.
Trails on nearby Krk lead to viewpoints such as Obzova, passing through Mediterranean landscapes and offering coastal panoramas.
Shorter seaside trails around Kantrida and Kostrena provide scenic cliffside walks and photo opportunities close to the city.
Airports
How to reach Rijeka by plane.
The closest airport on the island of Krk (~30–40 km by road). Seasonal flights peak in summer; bus shuttles and car transfers connect to Rijeka (allow extra time for traffic and ferry/bridge approaches).
Croatia's largest airport, about 160–180 km by road (2–3 hours). Good national and international connections; buses and trains link Zagreb to Rijeka.
About 100 km northwest (1.5–2 hours) with cross-border road options — an alternative for low-cost carriers and additional connections; passport/entry requirements apply.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, with strong local identity tied to maritime and industrial heritage.
Rijeka hosts the University of Rijeka, contributing to a visible student population and vibrant cultural life.
Historic Italian and Slovenian communities and other regional minorities contribute to the multicultural character of the city.
Longer-established residents linked to port industries and traditional trades; more visible in certain neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
HNK Rijeka has a passionate local following and matches at the stadium draw enthusiastic crowds; football is the most popular spectator sport.
Sailing, kayaking, rowing and swimming are common thanks to the coastal location and many marinas and clubs.
Nearby mountains support hiking, trail running and in winter some skiing/snowboarding activities on higher slopes like Platak.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rijeka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (pasta, salads, grilled vegetables), especially in modern bistros and larger restaurants; market stalls offer fresh produce and cheeses. Ask for 'bez mesa' (without meat) and be specific about fish if you avoid it.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited; look for salads, grilled vegetables, bean dishes and some specialty cafes in the city center. Carry a phrase or app to explain 'bez mliječnih proizvoda' (without dairy) and 'bez jaja' (without eggs).
Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; many restaurants can adapt dishes but bakeries and street food often contain wheat. Request 'bez glutena' and confirm cross-contamination for celiac needs.
Carry translations of key allergens and notify staff when ordering — seafood is common, so clarify if you have shellfish or fish allergies.