If you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting Rijeka, here are some great things to do in Rijeka to help you make that choice!
While Rijeka is not your typical Croatian coastal spot like Dubrovnik or Split, this city also has its own charm, which you need to explore. Keep reading to find out if Rijeka is worth visiting, and what to do once you’re there!
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WHERE IS RIJEKA?
Rijeka is a coastal city in western Croatia, and it’s located in the Kvarner Gulf. In that same region you’ll also find Opatija, Krk, Losinj, and a few other popular spots. It’s about 130 km southwest of Zagreb, so it’s pretty easy to reach.
It’s actually Croatia’s third-largest city and also the country’s main seaport, which is why it definitely won’t feel as “picture-perfect” as some other coastal places. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting!
HOW TO REACH RIJEKA?
Since Rijeka is a pretty big and important city in Croatia, getting there is really easy no matter where you’re coming from. Here are a few ways you can reach it:
By Air
If you want to fly directly to Rijeka, you can do that by booking a flight to Rijeka Airport (RJK) which is located on Krk Island. It’s about 30 km from Rijeka and you can grab a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car there and reach Rijeka in half an hour.
Each summer, Rijeka is directly connected to cities like London, Frankfurt, Munich, Stockholm, and Warsaw, so if you’re coming from any of those, flying into Rijeka Airport is the best option. If you can’t find a direct flight, you can always fly into nearby airports like Zagreb, Pula, or even Trieste. All of them are about a 2-hour drive away from Rijeka, so it’s still pretty convenient.
By Bus
If you’re already in Croatia, you can easily reach Rijeka by bus. Rijeka is very well-connected by long-distance buses with cities such as Zagreb, Split, Pula, and Dubrovnik. If you’re not in Croatia, there are also a few cities which are connected to Rijeka internationally, such as Trieste, Ljubljana, Munich, and Belgrade. Buses arrive at the main bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor Rijeka) in the city center, and you can book your tickets on Arriva or Flixbus.
By Car
Coming by car is honestly the best option, especially if you want to explore the area around Rijeka a bit more. It takes about 2 hours to get here from Zagreb, 1.5 hours from Ljubljana, and around 4 hours from Split. The highways in both Croatia and Slovenia are great, so the drive is smooth and easy.
Plus, if you have a car, you can also check out places like Istria or Opatija while you’re here, which is a huge bonus when visiting Rijeka!
DO YOU NEED A CAR IN RIJEKA?
You don’t actually need a car to get around Rijeka. The city center is quite compact so most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance from each other. Even if you want to venture out of town, Rijeka has good public transportation which you can use.
Additionally, for some, it might even be better not to have a car. Traffic and parking in Rijeka aren’t always the easiest to deal with. Parking can get pretty expensive, and since most of the city center is pedestrian-only, having a car doesn’t really make much sense once you’re here. It’s a very walkable city, so you’ll be better off exploring on foot.
However, if you plan on taking day trips, that will be much easier with a car than a bus or a ferry for example. Make sure you plan out your trip well, and then decide whether you need a car or not.
IS RIJEKA WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Rijeka is definitely worth visiting. While it’s not the most exciting or the most beautiful city in Croatia, it still has a lot to offer. The city center is charming, and there are a few really nice beaches worth checking out. What makes Rijeka a great option is its location. It’s the perfect base if you want to explore the northern Adriatic islands or head into Istria, which I highly recommend.
As someone from Croatia who’s explored most of the country, I wouldn’t suggest picking Rijeka for a full-on 5-day beach holiday, but it’s absolutely lovely as a day trip or as a base for discovering the surrounding region.
WHERE TO STAY IN RIJEKA?
Since Rijeka is a big city, it has a lot of different types of accommodation to offer. Here are some of the best options:
Luxury & Beachfront Resorts
Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa // Hotel Ambasador – Liburnia (Opatija)
Central & Historic Hotels
Grand Hotel Bonavia // Hotel Continental
Budget-Friendly Options
Das Hostel Rijeka // HI Hostel Rijeka
BEST THINGS TO DO IN RIJEKA, CROATIA
Walk Along Korzo
Korzo is Rijeka’s main pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. If you want to experience the vibe of the city, do some shopping, or grab a drink, Korzo is a must-visit.
Visit the Maritime and History Museum
Since Rijeka is Croatia’s most important port, it’s no surprise that it has always played a big role as a maritime city. The Maritime and History Museum is housed in the beautiful former Governor’s Palace, which is worth seeing on its own. Tickets are 6 euros per person, and inside you’ll find exhibits covering Rijeka’s shipping, naval, and broader regional history.
Visit Trsat Castle
Trsat Castle is hands down my favorite attraction in Rijeka. It is situated outside the city center, on a hill overlooking Rijeka. It’s free to enter and it’s got some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. There’s a charming café right there in the fortress where you can grab a drink and enjoy a stunning sunset over the city.
Check Out the Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka
If you love theatre and gorgeous architecture, you’ll love the Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka. The theatre is located in an elegant 19th-century building and some of the most popular performances and plays include opera, ballet, and drama.
To catch a performance, you have to plan accordingly and buy tickets, but even if you don’t have time for that, at least come to see the stunning building.
Take a Day Trip
Rijeka is the perfect starting point for some really incredible northern Adriatic day trips. If you’d like a really easy, nearby destination, visit Opatija. It’s an incredibly calm and charming coastal town worth exploring.
If you want more of an adventure, go visit one of the islands. From Rijeka, you can easily reach Krk, Losinj, and Cres. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway surrounded by stunning nature and peaceful atmosphere.
Finally, one of the best day trips in Croatia, Plitvice Lakes, is not that far from Rijeka. It will take you around 2 hours by car to reach Plitvice Lakes, but trust me that absolutely worth it.
Visit the Port and Seafront Promenade
Whenever you’re near the sea, you have to take that charming seafront walk. In Rijeka, the Riva promenade is perfect for this! It runs right along the water and even has a long pier where you can stroll out with views of the city and mountains. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy in the scenery or just watch the ships come and go.
Go for a Swim at Sablicevo Beach
Rijeka isn’t famous for beaches, but there is one incredibly charming beach just outside of the city. Sablicevo Beach is an absolutely stunning beach with crystal-clear sea. It’s 5 minutes away by car, or 30 minutes on foot. There’s no natural shade or any amenities except toilets and showers, so make sure you bring everything you need with you. It does get a bit crowded during peak summer season, so arrive as early as possible to grab a spot!
