10 Amazing Things to Do in Rijeka, Croatia
Rijeka, Croatia is a city that has been overlooked for years. It’s overshadowed by the nearby Croatian cities of Zagreb and Pula, and by the southern cities of Split and Dubrovnik. However, it is a city that many people fall in love with upon their first visit, and there are so many wonderful things to do in Rijeka.
From the beautiful coastline and amazing beaches to the rich history and delicious cuisine of this coastal city, it’s no wonder it has been called the “most underrated tourist destination in Croatia”.
Rijeka offers visitors an authentic experience of both the culture and history of this Balkan gem. It’s perfect for travellers of all types and interests, whether you want to relax on the beach or enjoy some adrenaline-pumping activities – Rijeka has it all!
So, if you’re looking for an affordable and fun destination this summer then look no further than this hidden European gem.
My favourite travel resources for Rijeka
✅ Here’s the hotel we stayed at during our time there
✅ This is the best boat tour from Rijeka,
✅ To see the best of Croatia, I highly recommend hiring a car.
P.S. For another hidden gem in Croatia, I recommend Trogir.
How To Get to Rijeka
Despite being the country’s 3rd largest city, Rijeka isn’t as well connected as many other cities in Croatia. In fact, there are no direct flights to Rijeka from many major cities across Europe.
You can get a direct flight there from Zagreb, Split, Munich, Frankfurt, and a few others, but otherwise, you may have to get a connection in Zagreb. But, if you have plenty of time in Croatia, you could spend some time exploring Zagreb first, and then head to the coastal gem.
Alternatively, if you’re planning a Croatian road trip, this is a great stop. It’s easy to get in and out of Rijeka by car and it’s the perfect midway point between Zagreb and Pula.
If you’re coming from the east, take the A-13 highway that links Zagreb with Split (and then Dubrovnik). You can also head north into Slovenia or Austria via this route. We hired a car in Croatia and it was so much easier.
It’s easy enough to reach Rijeka via public transport, however, the journey is a pretty long one. You can take the train from Zagreb or Pula, Split, or many other destinations in Croatia.
From Zagreb or Pula, the journey takes around 2 hours, but from Split, you’re looking at a much longer 5-hour trip. But you will be rewarded with some of Croatia’s most stunning countryside along the way.
How To Get Around Rijeka
Once you’ve arrived in the city, you don’t really need a car. The city centre is small and compact. So, you can walk around most of the major attractions in Rijeka without too much trouble. Although be warned, some of the city is rather hilly!
If you do decide to get about by taxi (they’re not expensive) they’re pretty easy to flag down. Rijeka also has Uber which makes things even easier.
If you’re driving, it’s easy to find parking and walk the rest of the city on foot. There are also some great day trips you can take from Rijeka if you have your own transport.
For example, the beautiful city of Opatija is just to the north, and the historic city of Pula is to the south – both can be easily done as a day trip.
Is Rijeka Worth Visiting?
Yes, Rijeka is definitely worth visiting! It’s one of the most underrated cities in Europe, but it has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for culture and history, or some more relaxing time by the coast, Rijeka can provide both wonderfully.
The city also has several beautiful beaches that are perfect for a summer dip on hot days. If you’re heading to Istria, don’t miss Rijeka! It’s a wonderful city in its own right and perfect for some culture or relaxation by the sea.
The Best Things To Do In Rijeka
So, now that you’ve got a better idea of how to get there, and where you can go once you’re in the city – what are some things that make Rijeka worth visiting?
These are the top 10 things to do in Rijeka:
1. Visit Trsat Castle and the Church of Our Lady
This impressive castle is perched high up on a hill, and it’s one of the best things to do in Rijeka. It was once home to Croatia’s first king.
But it now functions as an art gallery and a cafe with some great exhibitions and collections woven into the ancient building!
When we were driving into Rijeka we stopped here to explore the castle and then had a delightful tapas lunch overlooking the city.
And let me tell you, the view was pretty amazing!
2. Admire Gradski Tower
Rijeka has a beautiful clock tower in the centre of town. It looks pretty much like it did when it was first built. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for things to do in Rijeka that are interesting but not too touristy.
This is a typical example of a circular tower access point, which led to the protected town. Nowadays, it’s located in the centre of one of the main shopping streets in the city, so it’s a good attraction to pair with a bite to eat and a bit of souvenir shopping.
3. Wander the Riva Promenade
This long stretch of road by the coast is where you’ll find some gorgeous restaurants and bars, as well as plenty of people out for a stroll. It’s one of the top things to do in Rijeka at night when it’s lit up with lights.
The city was once one of Croatia’s most important ports (which still shows today). So, there are plenty of historic buildings to admire around the Riva Promenade.
4. Explore Saint Vitus Cathedral
This impressive cathedral is one of the most notable buildings in Rijeka. In the Middle Ages, the modest and one-sided Romanesque Church of St. Vitus was merely a tiny church dedicated to the saint and protector of the city.
Today, it’s regarded as an architectural feat. It’s Croatia’s only Baroque-style rotunda and an important cultural monument.
Construction for Saint Vitus Cathedral began in 1638 – so it has some modernist influences mixed with its historic architecture. This makes it a fascinating place to explore, and it’s beautiful inside and out.
5. Stroll Around the Old Town
This is where you’ll find the majority of Rijeka’s historic buildings and architecture! The old town is a delight to explore.
Several streets have been preserved as they were when the city was first built – this means that there are a lot of historic buildings and ancient architecture.
6. Visit the Capuchin Church of Our Lady Lourdes
This church was built from 1904 until 1929 and is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture. It’s the most notable church in Rijeka and has some amazing stained glass windows inside.
The exterior is pretty spectacular too. The grand neo-gothic edifice in red and white brick is definitely one of the best things to see in Rijeka.
7. Climb the Petar Druzic Stairway
This historic stairway is what connects Rijeka’s Upper, Middle, and Lower Towns. It was part of the historically important pilgrimage path to the Church of Our Lady of Trsat and it’s definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Rijeka.
It isn’t the easiest of climbs, however, particularly in the heat. But it actually has some lovely views and buildings along the way that make it worthwhile.
As you can imagine there are plenty of beautiful churches and chapels for you to explore along this route. Perfect if you need a bit of rest!
They’re also ideal if you’re looking for places to visit in Rijeka that are a bit off the beaten track.
8. Visit the Maritime and Historical Museum of Rijeka
This was one of my favourite museums in Croatia. It’s a nice way to spend a couple of hours if you’re looking for things to do in Rijeka that are educational and interactive.
If you’ve got any interest or knowledge of maritime history, this is an incredibly interesting museum. There are plenty of artefacts from the Adriatic – including some amazing ship models and paintings that show Rijeka’s history.
There are also some interactive elements. You can send messages and will have the opportunity to pilot your own (virtual) ship through Rijeka.
It might sound strange, but it actually makes for an interesting experience (even if you don’t have any interest in maritime stuff).
9. Visit the Roman Arch
This Old Gateway was the main entrance to the heart of a Late Antique command compound of the Roman Tarsatica. It was on the ruins of this ancient town that the medieval Rijeka was built.
Located in the centre of the old city, it’s a great example of the Roman architecture that was once so important in Rijeka.
10. Explore the Rijeka War Tunnels
During World War II, Rijeka was under occupation by the Italians. This meant that the locals were forced to build a series of tunnels deep into the hills surrounding Rijeka.
They’re not as well known as some other war tunnels in Croatia (like those in Pula). But it’s an interesting experience and one of the best things to do in Rijeka if you’re interested in World War II history.
The tunnels themselves are pretty impressive – and it’s a bit of an adventure exploring them! It was also interesting learning about the people who spent time down there during the war.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Rijeka
Overall, Rijeka is a bit of a European hidden gem. Nonetheless, if you enjoy culture and history, there’s lots to do here and it’s a wonderful part of Croatia to explore.
Plus, it’s a great little introduction to the west of the country and a pretty great road trip stop if you’re looking to explore Istria. So, if you’re planning to explore Rijeka, I hope you have an amazing time!
👉 Planning on exploring more of Croatia? Here’s my guide to driving in Croatia and the best places to visit.
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is rijeka OK to visit in winter.. end if February? are restaurants open etc.
Hi Maria,
Yes, restaurants are open in winter and Feb is a much quieter time to visit Croatia. It’s also much cheaper, but the weather can be a little chilly, so wrap up warm!
If we fly into Ryjeka, how many days do you recommend and where do you go from there? 7 day trip.
Hey Lauren,
I would recommend spending 2 days in Rijeka and then exploring more of Croatian Istria.
Rovinj, Umag, and Porec are all beautiful and Pula has a great amphitheater. Cape Camenjak is also well worth a visit. It’s not too far to drive to Plitvice National Park either if you have a car 🙂
I hope this helps!
Alice xo