Rijeka is a very important city in Croatia. It is the largest Croatian port and the third-largest city in Croatia with 120,000 people. It is located on the northern coast of Rijeka Bay, at the mouth of river Rječina into the Adriatic Sea. Rijeka is known for its rich cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and beautiful beaches. The name of the city originates from that river
Why Visit Rijeka
There are several compelling reasons to visit Rijeka, including its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, festivals and events, and easy access to nearby attractions.
History, Culture and Leisure
For those interested in history and culture, Rijeka offers museums, galleries, and historic landmarks to explore. The city’s beaches are also a major draw, with several picturesque spots for swimming and sunbathing. In the evening, visitors can enjoy Rijeka’s lively nightlife scene, which includes a range of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Festivals
Rijeka is also known for its many festivals and events, such as the Rijeka Carnival, the International Jazz Festival, and the Trsat Castle Summer Nights festival. These events provide a unique opportunity to experience the city’s culture and meet locals.
Finally, Rijeka is an excellent base for exploring other popular destinations in Croatia, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Istrian Peninsula, and the island of Krk.
Things to do in Rijeka
If you want to fit in with the people of Rijeka, you have to spend some time in Korzo, the main street in Rijeka. You can take a coffee in some of the numerous cafe bars or simply sit on one of the benches placed at Korzo precisely for this purpose.
Korzo and Trsat
Rijeka’s citizens are loyal to Korzo in both their winter coats and fluttering summer dresses. The only rule is to enjoy! The other must-see place in Rijeka is Trsat, a part of the city situated on the hills above Rijeka that offers a spectacular view of the entire Kvarner. It is an ideal place for a walk, for having a coffee and sightseeing.
Museums
If you are a science lover, the Natural History Museum is the best place for you. It is oriented toward marine research and has a specialized library in the field of biology, geology and palaeontology. Visitors can enjoy the rich collections and permanent exhibition representing the geological past of the Adriatic, oceanographic research, minerals, marine invertebrates, sharks and rays, the “Aquarium” multimedia centre and reptiles and amphibians from the Rijeka area. “Krepat, ma ne molat!” (Die but never give up) – is the motto that summarizes all the best that Rijeka Carnival represents.
Festivals
Here you can be whoever you want and enjoy in cheerful, stubborn, uncontrollable Carnival spirit that shows no tiredness but thrives from year to year. For every rock lover, there is the Ri Rock Festival which has become Rijeka’s musical trademark. It is the central event of Rijeka’s alternative scene. There is another festival that you should visit, the Hartera festival, one of the most famous Croatian music events.
Sport and Adrenaline
Rijeka and its surrounding have a rich sports offer. You can go hiking in Učka Nature Park, windsurfing in Preluk, diving in the sea, skiing in Platak ski resort or enjoy in Grobnik Automotodrom. If you just want to take a walk, Rijeka has many parks and promenades where you can enjoy this type of recreation. Some of them are Theatre Park, Mlaka Park, Nikola Host Park, Vladimir Nazor Park, and they are all beautiful.
For every shopping fan, there are two large shopping malls and the city centre where you can find anything you want or need. If you want to party all night, Rijeka is a perfect place for it. The city is crowded with people that love to party and there are numerous places for it, Rijeka is known as a party destination!
Attractions and things to see in Rijeka
Churches and Art
There are so many things to see in Rijeka, so let’s start with important monuments. The church of St. Jerome and the area of today’s Dominican monastery belongs to the large Augustinian monastery complex that you can not miss. Church of Our Lady of Lourdes built in the neo-Gothic style and the Capuchin monastery is other attractions.
The Cathedral of St. Vitus is the only Baroque rotunda of monumental dimensions built on Croatian soil, and its interior is a true Baroque “Gesamtkunstwerk “, the unity of style.
With the announcement, you can see a collection of paintings, goldsmiths, mass vestments, rare books, prints and other religious works of art that decorated the gallery of the cathedral. Be sure to visit it because there is a portrait of St. Francis Xavier, patron of tourists. Church of St. Fabian and St. Sebastian is a small building, but with a very long biography.
It is all-important, first of all, for the history of Rijeka’s health culture, since it is dedicated to the protector against the plague. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one more church to visit and admire in Rijeka. The Synagogue in Rijeka is the only purpose-built synagogue in Croatia. It is protected as an immovable cultural heritage.
Historic Building
The former Governor’s palace is a neo-Renaissance complex with a French park and two fountains. Today we have the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral in it. The Old Gateway or Roman Arch is not a Roman triumphal arch, as once was presumed, but a representative main entrance to the center of the Late Antique command compound of the Roman Tarsatica, an ancient town on whose ruins the medieval Rijeka was built. Then there is the Palace of Justice built in mainly Art Nouveau style.
Modern Sights
City Tower is a symbol of Rijeka and a good example of a typical round tower access-point, which leads into the fortified town. Today it dominates the central part of Korzo, the main street in Rijeka, although during its lifetime it was overtopped by more recently constructed buildings. Since 1700 the Riječka rezolucija Square has already served as a playground for the children of the patricians, and here is where Stendarac is located, a stone flagpole which was raised by the Emperor Maximilian in memory of the city’s loyalty during the Venetian occupation in 1508 and as confirmation of the political rights of the city.
Where to stay in Rijeka – accommodation
There are several accommodation options available in Rijeka, including hotels, hostels, and apartments. The choice of accommodation largely depends on your preferences and budget. Here are a few options:
1.) Hotels: There are several hotels in Rijeka that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some popular hotels include Hotel Bonavia Plava Laguna, Grand Hotel Bonavia, and Hotel Jadran Rijeka.
2.) Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, there are several hostels in Rijeka that offer affordable accommodation. Some popular hostels include Hostel Rijeka, Hostel Kosy, and Youth Hostel Rijeka.
3.) Apartments: Renting an apartment can be a great option if you’re looking for more space and privacy. There are several apartments available for rent in Rijeka, either through Airbnb or local rental agencies.
4.) Bed and Breakfasts: There are also several bed and breakfast options in Rijeka, which offer a more personalized experience. Some popular B&Bs in the city include B&B Riva Rooms, Bed & Breakfast Villa Flora, and Bed and Breakfast Morski.
It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season (June to September) to ensure availability and get the best deals.
Is Rijeka Expensive?
Rijeka is generally considered to be an affordable destination for tourists, especially when compared to other popular tourist destinations in Europe. However, the cost of your trip will largely depend on your travel style, preferences, and budget.
Accommodation in Rijeka can be quite affordable, with options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Dining out is also reasonably priced, with many restaurants offering affordable local cuisine.
One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of tourist activities, such as guided tours or entry to museums, can add up quickly. However, there are also many free or low-cost things to do in Rijeka, such as exploring the city’s historic landmarks, visiting the local markets, and enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Overall, Rijeka is an affordable destination for tourists, with plenty of options to suit different budgets and preferences. With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a wonderful trip to Rijeka without breaking the bank.
Nightlife in Rijeka – Cafes, Night clubs and Bars
1.) Cafe Bar Nad Urom – A popular cafe bar located in the heart of Rijeka, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of coffee, tea, and other beverages.
2.) Stereo Bar – A trendy bar located in the city center, with a wide selection of cocktails, craft beers, and wines. The bar also hosts live music events and DJ performances.
3.) Club Crkva – One of the best nightclubs in Rijeka, known for its lively atmosphere and dance music. The club hosts a variety of events, including live concerts and DJ sets.
4.) Pločnik – A cozy bar located in the historic part of Rijeka, offering a great selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The bar also serves light snacks and has a lovely outdoor terrace.
5.) Palach – A popular student hangout, known for its cheap drinks and lively atmosphere. The bar hosts live music events, DJ performances, and other cultural events.
6.) Botel Marina – A unique floating hotel and bar, located in the Rijeka harbor. The bar offers a beautiful view of the sea and the city, and serves a variety of drinks and snacks.
Food and Restaurants in Rijeka
1.) Scampi and squid risotto – A classic Croatian seafood dish that you can try at many local restaurants in Rijeka, such as Konoba Nebuloza or Restoran Kukuriku.
2.) Peka – A traditional Croatian meat dish that is cooked under a bell-shaped lid. You can try this dish at Konoba Tarsa, a rustic restaurant located in a historic building in the city center.
3.) Čevapčići – A popular Balkan dish consisting of grilled minced meat, often served with ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread) and fresh bread. You can try this dish at restaurants such as Kod Luce or Grill House Rijeka.
4.) Truffles – Rijeka is located near the Istrian peninsula, which is known for its truffles. Fun fact, the biggest truffle in the world comes exactly from this region.
Beaches in Rijeka
1.) Ploče Beach: This is a pebble beach located in the eastern part of Rijeka, near the Kantrida district. It offers a beautiful view of Kvarner Bay and has a promenade with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
2.) Sablićevo Beach: This is a sandy beach located in the western part of Rijeka, near the Pećine district. It is popular with families and has a playground, showers, and changing rooms.
3.) Kostanj Beach: This is a secluded beach located in a cove near the village of Kostanj, about 20 km south of Rijeka. It is a pebble beach surrounded by cliffs and trees, and is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
4.) Medveja Beach: This is a long pebble beach located about 15 km south of Rijeka, near the village of Medveja. It is surrounded by mountains and has crystal clear water, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Public Transportation in Rijeka
You can reach Rijeka by plane (the airport is located on the island of Krk, 30 km far from Rijeka), by bus (Rijeka is connected to larger Croatian and European cities by regular international and national bus lines), by train (the central railway station is located close to the city centre), by boat (the boat harbour is located in the city centre), or by car (the extraordinary quality of Croatian motorways will ensure a pleasant trip).
You can use public transport to go around Rijeka. It includes the city and suburban bus lines. You can also use a taxi, it will not cost a lot because the taxi service in Rijeka is one of the most affordable in Croatia. If you want to have a guided tour around Rijeka, you can always take a Tourist Bus. There is rent–a car service as well.
Parking in Rijeka
Rijeka Plus offers more than 6000 parking spots divided into open parking locations (street parking), garages and parking locations under ramps. All info can be found on the official website of the city of Rijeka www.rijeka-plus.hr
Rijekas History
The oldest traces of human existence in today’s Rijeka area date back to the Palaeolithic and Neolithic, and the remains of prehistoric forts (Solin, Trsat Hill and Veli Vrh) from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Such a settlement dominated the Rijeka Bay and secured the port in the time of the Illyrian tribes (Liburnia). The Romans relocated the town centre closer to the sea, as the evidence for this we have numerous archaeological founds. Such location on gentle slopes and a narrow coastal zone, rich in freshwater springs, secluded by a bay with a natural port, this city had the potential to develop into an important port and trading city. This prompted the newly arrived Slavic nation – the Croats – to start building a new village.