Rijeka

DESTINATIONS croatia rijeka

Rijeka

Rijeka is in an exceptional location, at the point where the Adriatic Sea washes over the European coast furthest inland, and that is why the rich history of this city is tied to the sea. Rijeka is the third largest town in the Republic of Croatia, and is the main town of Primorsko-Goranska County. Because of its openness towards the outside world, the city is known for its hospitality. The influences of numerous cultures and nations can be seen in the town, and Rijeka has to this day remained a town of tolerance and coexistence.

The City Top 10 Events Accommodations

The City

The town of Rijeka can trace its roots back to prehistoric times, through various centuries of conflicts, ruling dynasties and countries, and periods of architecture change. Today, many buildings from these periods can be found, especially around the Korzo and the Riva street in the heart of the town. It was known as Tarsattica city in Roman times, St. Vito's Reka in the 17th century, and, as Rijeka when it became a free port in 1719. During this time the city’s prosperity as a centre for industry and shipping grew. In the 19th century it became the eighth largest port in Europe. In 1970 Rijeka opened its first airport on the island of Krk, and its tourism, business sector and university flourished.

Top 10

A quick overview of ten Rijeka's highlights you shouldn’t miss.

Events

Accommodations

Rijeka offers several different kinds of accommodation. In addition to city hotels and hostels there is also a choice of staying in several private villas or apartments around the city.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Rijeka is a bustling, cosmopolitan town characterised by its vivid history, its cultural edge and its waterborne leisure. Check out what Rijeka's history, culture, heritage, nature have to offer… what is worth a visit while you're here and what you will remember Rijeka by.

Trsat Castle

The Trsat Castle represents a strategically embossed lookout on a hill 138 meters above sea level dominating Rijeka. Today the Trsat Castle has been enriched by new facilities and events – visual arts gallery, open-air summer concerts and theatre performances as well as fashion shows and literary evenings. Within the Trsat Castle you'll find the…

Korzo

Rijeka is reflected in Korzo, at Korzo you can read Rijeka. Anyone who, at least once, had a coffee at one of the terraces of numerous and picturesque café bars lined along this unusual promenade, would agree.

City Market

No supermarket can replace the charm of the personal contact with the vendor of the excitement of the unpredictable purchase at the main Rijeka market – Placa. The main City Market has been the place chosen by the people of Rijeka as the best place to dine since the 19th century. It developed next to…

The Old Gateway Roman Arch

The Old Gateway was the main entrance to the heart of the ancient Roman command Tarsatica, an ancient town on whose ruins the medieval Rijeka rose. The arch continues to be preserved today, albeit surrounded by modern structures.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus' Cathedral is the only Baroque rotunda of monumental proportions built on Croatian soil. The construction of this church, designed by the Jesuit architect G. Briano, began in 1638. It was made on the model of the famous Venetian church of Santa Maria della Salute.

Old Town

Experience the mysterious side of Rijeka, the one telling a story from times immemorial, the story about the old Romans who moved the Palaeolithic and Neolithic Rijeka from the edges of the today’s city closer to the sea, which means that from the main Rijeka's promenade – Korzo you step into the passage under the…

Astronomical Centre Rijeka

Up on the hill of Sveti Križ, the Astronomical Centre opened its doors in 2009 and nowadays is the only facility of its kind in Croatia. In addition to the observatory, inside you will find also a digital planetarium and a conference room, as well as a coffeehouse and the panoramic terrace at the roof…

The Rijeka Tunnel

The "TunelRi" as it is known in Croatian, served as a shelter for civilians from the aerial bombings during the endgame of Second War II, or during the Civil War. With its 330m, it stretches below the Old Town to the Dolac Primary School; the main gate is located right next to the Cathedral of…

Peek&Poke - Computer Museum / Childhood Museum

In Peek&Poke - Computer Museum, located a short walk from the city centre, you will find over 2,000 exhibits of worldwide and local computer history, and discover how the technology has changed, from the old calculators to video games. Unlike other museums, everything that is displayed can be touched. On-site you'll also find a library…

Petar Kružić Stairway

In the northwest corner of Titov Square stands a Baroque chapel with a relief of Madonna with the Child on its front. This passable chapel resembles a small triumphal arch and marks the beginning of the Petar Kružić Stairway that lead to the famous pilgrimage centre, the Franciscan monastery at Trsat. The steps were built…

The Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral Rijeka

The Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral is housed in what in the past was the residence of Hungarian reagents, who controlled Rijeka from 1869 until 1918. The museum hosts permanent exhibits like archaeological, maritime, cultural and art, and the original furniture of the Governor's Palace. The building itself is the first exhibit…

City Museum of Rijeka

We all know that a city without its own museum is not a city. Rijeka's City Museum awaits its visitors in the Governor’s Palace Park. The activity of this institution can be seen in various areas of activity, including collecting, treatment and restoration, research of the city’s (and not only the city’s) past and organising…

Natural History Museum Rijeka

This tiny museum was founded in 1876 and is known for being the first regional museum in Rijeka. The museum showcases the sea life of the Adriatic Sea and features the "Aquarium" multimedia centre, permanent exhibits on sharks, rays, and marine invertebrates. Besides the marine life there is also a geology wing.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

This modest museum displays a varied number of collections, ranging from artworks by national artists like Božidar Rašica, Romolo Venucci and Slavko Grčko, as well as collections of drawings, graphics, sculptures, posters, paintings, photographs and media art.

Memorial library and collection Mažuranić-Brlić-Ružić, Villa Ružić

Villa Ružić which takes its name from its owner Viktor Ružić, is important first for its architecture (projected by architect David Brunetta) but mainly because it stores a wide collection of 10,000 books which includes: Ivan Mažuranić’s library and his archive, the manuscript of Gundulić’s epic poem, Osman, from 1647, a gift from Petar Petrović…

Glagolitic alphabet exhibition

The Glagolitic alphabet was specially created in the 9th century by Costantine or Cyril and his older brother Methodius for the Slavic people to facilitate the introduction of Christianity. The Glagolitic alphabet exhibition is housed in the University Library and is a permanent exhibition with 127 items focused on the importance that this alphabet had…

Dining

Situated where the Mediterranean deeply indents the European continent, Rijeka boasts an exceptional geostrategic position, which is why many wanted and tried to conquer it. Rijeka’s and Opatija’s turbulent history has weaved into the local cuisine with recognisable influences – those Austrian, Italian, even French. Try some of this delicacies in various restaurants and experience the relaxed atmosphere of Rijeka’s and Opatija’s taverns.

À la carte Restaurant Kamov

The Kamov restaurant is located in the Grand Hotel Bonavia and is famous for its blend of traditional and modern gastronomic trends. It offers slow food meals as well as traditional meals from our grandmother’s cookbook.

Konoba Tarsa

The varied cuisine in Tarsa is based on homemade dishes that are often prepared according to their own recipes with lots of imagination. Dishes are prepared under the lid, and include boiled lamb, homemade gnocchi with game and “Zrinski” meat plate flambé.

Gardens Restaurant

The main attraction of the Gardens Restaurant, located on Rijeka’s waterfront, are its dishes grilled on a charcoal barbecue, grilled fish together with a varied daily menu, with a large choice of desserts, soups and pastas at very good prices.

Restaurant Morčić

Restaurant Morčić offers a combination of traditional coastal cuisine and a pleasant atmosphere, helpful staff and culinary delights.

Restaurant Botel Marina

Botel Marina Restaurant offers superb Mediterranean cuisine specialities, as well as traditional Croatian dishes.

Restaurant Trsatica

The restaurant is located in the heart of Trsat, elegant and spacious, with a visible spirit of history. Ideal for family gatherings, celebrations, birthdays, or anniversaries, in the warmer months, Trsatica offers a spacious terrace, and all the visitors can see what is happening with their meal as the restaurant has an open view of…

Conca d'oro

Conca d'oro, in the heart of Rijeka, offers fresh Adriatic seafood, like sardines and molluscs, transformed in delightful dishes by chef Andrej Barbieri. A wide range of wines by the glass, beers and spirits at a low price.

Restaurant Municipium

This restaurant-tavern with a long tradition in its original interior offers dishes made using fresh local ingredients, along with a large selection of local spirits (rakija) and wines made by Croatian producers. Prices of traditional brunches range from HRK 30.00 to 40.00, while the price of group menus is HRK 100.00 or more.

Hotel Continental Restaurant

The old hotel restaurant offers tastes of Mediterranean and continental cuisine combined. When season allows, you may enjoy your meal on a beautiful terrace that stretches to the river Rječina, in the shadow of centuries-old chestnuts. The gastronomic offer is rounded with the Sweetshop Cont, with its sweet and colourful dishes.

Restaurant Spagho

An Italian restaurant in the city centre offers pizzas and pasta prepared according to the original recipes, and fish and meat dishes in combination with local ingredients.

Restaurant Peking

This Chinese restaurant is on Kozala, a few minute drive from the city centre. It offers a rich choice of Chinese cuisine specialties from starters, to beverages and desserts – a taste of China in Rijeka.

Konoba Blato

A tavern with a Dalmatian spirit in Rijeka – as well as the meat dishes, try its fish specialities prepared using traditional Dalmatian recipes which will leave the smell of the sea on your plate.

Tavern Na kantunu

Tavern Na Kantunu receives rave reviews from both locals and travellers for its fresh seafood dishes and the delicious desserts. Don't miss out on their speciality (oven-baked fish served with olive oil and a special sauce).

Konoba Fiume

The tavern is located in Rijeka's market and is a good choice for a short break with delicious fish and meat dishes, game specialities and boiled lamb as one of the most sought after dishes.

Buffet Cocco

Chow down on some authentic Croatian dishes including fish and meat inside this modest eatery. Their home-made desserts are worth a try.

Bistro Mornar

The tavern, located on Rijeka’s waterfront by the city market, offers real homemade cuisine. Primarily serving tasty minestrone, soups, meat dishes and, of course fish.

Tavern Borik

The Borik tavern is located on Pećine in a pleasant area of a peaceful park, with an outdoor terrace and a sea view. You can enjoy Littoral and Istrian cuisine specialities here, as well as homemade bread and gnocchi, first-class fish, risottos, busaras, meat specialities and traditional dishes prepared under the lid.

Konoba Feral

Feral is located right in the city centre and mainly offers an excellent seafood menu, as well as meat and vegetarian specialities in the pleasant atmosphere of a Littoral tavern.

Pizzeria Lounge Boonker

This waterfront Italian restaurant specialises in Italian food (pizza is a must try here) combined with traditional Croatian food. Watching the sunset while sipping on a beer in the patio is just what the doctor ordered.

King's Caffé Food Pub

King's Caffé Food Pub offers a break from all the seafood serving classic pub food from all over the world. Burgers paired with french fries, sandwiches, spicy chicken wings are just few hits on the menu. Locally brewed craft beers fly out like hotcakes.

Bistro-pizzeria Maslina na Zelenom trgu

The pizza made in this cosy Italian bistro is famous throughout the entire neighbourhood – according to locals, it's the best pizza in downtown Rijeka. If the indoor tables are all busy, as they well might be, check out the outdoor seats and enjoy the view of Rijeka's clock tower.

Bistro Tifan

Located a short walk from the city centre, Bistro Tifan serves healthy vegetarian food – as well as desserts and a wide variety of drinks. The menu is egg-free, meat-free and fish-free.

Cafes

There are hundreds of bars and cafés across the town of Rijeka and it is easy to find a place to sit down and sip a cup of coffee or enjoy a glass of wine in the bustling city.

Phanas Pub

A pub located in the city centre, furnished in harmony with its location close to the sea. It is a place to drink an excellent coffee, to attend an “after work party” or to stay until the early morning hours with a rich choice of drinks, live performances and a variety of parties.

Club Boa

The club, located right in the city centre, offers relaxing entertainment with DJs where everyone can find their own 5 minutes of good music. During the day, this is a pleasant place to drink a coffee. When the weather is nice and hot, the entertainment is spread over the two terraces.

Fiorello Pub

A friendly and pleasant place on Korzo, which owes its name to the former New York Mayor, Fiorello La Guardia, who lived on the upper floor of the same building during his short diplomatic career in Rijeka. There is even a life-size statue of Fiorello who has recently found his table in this pub. By…

Café Filodrammatica

A catering facility located right in the city centre where guests can choose a coffee from the wide range on offer with geographical origins from all over the world. Besides the espresso, Italian gelato, yummy snacks and cakes are also a safe bet here.

Caffe Bar Kosi Toranj

Located close to Rijeka’s famous cultural monument – the Leaning tower, this coffee bar of the same name, in the heart of the old town centre, welcomes all generations.

Bonbonnière Kraš

On two traditional and elegantly furnished floors, as well as the standard Kraš assortment, it also includes a wide choice of original, handmade chocolate desserts, cocktails, ice-creams, chocolate fondue, cakes, and other pastries.

Gelateria Corso

Cakes, ice-creams, and a variety of hot and cold drinks right on Korzo, the best place to see and be seen.

Juice & Smoothie Bar Priroda i društvo

This health oasis is in the heart of the old town where you can have freshly squeezed fruit and vegetables juices every day as well as smoothies without additives, preservatives or concentrates.

King's Caffé Food Pub

Book caffe Dnevni boravak

Located in downtown Rijeka, Book Caffé Dnevni boravak with its unique aesthetic is the perfect place to sip a good coffee while listening to old vinyl records, watching old movies or reading an old book from their original collection. The adjacent small art gallery and occasional live music are just a plus and a great…

Vintage Cafe

Vintage Cafe, set inside one of the towers of Trsat Castle, offers stunning views of Rijeka's historic surroundings paired with top-notch coffee, teas along with desserts and a large selection of alcoholic drinks.

Bars & Nightlife

There are numerous bars and cafes across the town of Rijeka and it is easy to find a place to sit down and sip a cup of coffee or enjoy a glass of wine in the bustling city. Choose your location and watch the city run next to you and in the evening find your place for fun in one of the many clubs in the city - Rijeka has a lively urban culture that attracts many young people to its bar-come-nightclubs.

River Pub

The River Pub offers you the possibility of convincing yourself that the Celtic spirit has been preserved in Rijeka. A relaxing place with rich catering on offer and ever new entertainment contents.

Phanas Pub

Club Boa

Garçon Bar

Garçon Bar is located at the very centre of the city. In the morning and afternoon it is a perfect place to have a cup of coffee or some other favoured beverage, and in the evening it is a bar with a whole lot of good fun – live music, student nights, karaoke, and various…

Morski Prasac Beach Bar

This beach bar on Igralište beach in Kantrida is a gathering point for fans of alternative culture. By day the perfect place to refresh yourself after a swim, and in the evening it offers a variety of art and music programmes, often with free fried fish.

King's Cafe & Coffee Bar

This cafe/pub in the centre of the city, with its unique and cosy atmosphere, offers a standard and expanded range of coffees, teas, beers, and quality wines. Dogs are welcome and your electronic pets can be charged at any table. TV is on during Sundays which are reserved for sports, and chess lovers can ask…

Celtic Cafe Bard

Located right in the centre of the old town, the Celtic Cafe Bard offers enjoyment with an excellent choice of drinks, especially beer, accompanied by Celtic music and jazz...

Tunel Bar

Concerts, jam sessions, stand-up comedy, lectures, exhibits, parties, handicrafts fairs, chance encounters and more, all of that held beneath a railway with the sound of urban music in all of its variations, with predominantly live music followed by DJs.

Klub mladih Rijeka (Youth Club)

The Rijeka Youth Club is a non-profit club founded by a group of activists with the aim of providing young people with cultural, educational and entertainment events.

Pajol Bar

A lovely, unpretentious summer bar right on the beach, which during the day is an ideal place for drinking cold beverages in the shade of beach umbrellas whilst in the evening it often organises a variety of cultural and entertaining events.

Pommery

Pommery offers entertainment throughout the day with over twenty types of sparkling wines and champagnes served by the glass as well as other quality drinks. Located in Korzo, it is an inevitable place for all generations who like entertainment with the latest musical hits.

Nemo Pub

Slap bang in the heart of the city. This tiny café/pub serves, according to locals, one of the best coffees in the city and a large selection of bottled beers.

Rakhia Bar

This nightspot is a nice, easy-going hangout to have a shot of rakija (the local brandy) that comes in all kinds of flavours, from apple-cinnamon to olive and almond to lavender rakija.

Wine bar kod Zajca

A place where you can try more than 100 labels of Champagne, premium and sparkling wines, as well as the premium Illy coffee.

Sabrage Bar

The Sabrage Bar...cool people, quality wines and cocktails, Belgian beers, pleasant staff and good music – a place where the fun begins. Wooden interior and offbeat portraits adorning the walls contribute to creating an authentic atmosphere.

Gardens Bar

A small place for big fun – during the day this place offers relaxation on the terrace with natural shade and a view Rijeka's port; in the evening it turns into a perfect clubbing place.

Bar Bar

Bar Bar is a completely unique diner – everyone will find something to their liking here, whether it's coffee and a croissant, delicious cookies with almonds and jam or perhaps a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Fans of beer can choose from more than thirty different brands of their favourite drink, those who prefer wine…

Bačva Pub

The Bačva pub is located near the centre of the city, next to the Bonavia Hotel. Every day acoustic concerts are held at the pub, which offers a wine card with a variety of wines, cocktails made in accordance with special recipes, a wide variety of whiskeys, smoothies, fresh juices, and great quality coffee with…

Cukarikafe Bar

A meeting point for young people and all those looking to have fun. It works with the same intensity during the day and during the evening. It is special for its creative furnishings, relaxing music and atmosphere which also moves onto two terraces during the warmer weather.

The Beertija Klub

A pub on Trsat offering over 120 types of beer. On the floor beneath is a club with live performances by local and foreign punk/rock/indie/stoner bands.

Boat Marina

After a career as a passenger vessel, probably with the longest active sailing period in the world (1936-2006), the boat Marina is now anchored in the port of Rijeka and continues its life as a bar and a place for good times.

Galileo Bar

Located in an attractive location within the Rijeka Astronomy Centre, the Galileo Bar can boast a spectacular view over Rijeka. It is also known as the hedonism epicentre.

Fiorello Pub

Flumen Pub

A pleasant space, close to the city centre, which as well as a large selection of beers also offers Flumen beer, from its own brewery.

Karolina bar

A coffee bar located by the sea with a large terrace from which you can welcome and wave goodbye to the boats in the Port of Rijeka during the day and have fun in the evening hours with music and dancing.

Pizzeria Lounge Boonker

Boonker is known in the whole neighbourhood for its stunning view of the pier and for its large portions of food at low prices. Soak up the atmosphere of Rijeka while enjoying a drink or a hearty dinner.

King's Caffé Food pub

King's Caffe Food pub is an English pub in a Mediterranean fashion. Speciality coffee, a wide range of beer both on tap and bottled.

Teatro Lounge Bar

Teatro Lounge Bar is a famous gathering place for the artists of the nearby theatre. This café/bar serves delightful coffee along with one-of-a kind cocktails. Seating also spills out onto the terrace – the best place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Book caffe Dnevni boravak

Located in downtown Rijeka, Book Caffé Dnevni boravak with its unique aesthetic is the perfect place to sip a good coffee while listening to old vinyl records, watching old movies, or reading an old book from their original collection. The adjacent small art gallery and occasional live music are just a plus and a great…

Shopping

Rijeka has an eclectic mix of specialist little shops where everything from jewellery and haute couture fashions to antiques, items for the home and crafts such as locally made ceramics and paintings can be found. It has lively markets selling household goods, clothing and hardware items, along with fresh local cheeses, hams, fruit and vegetables that are a magnet for local residents who like to catch up with friends as well as shop. Rijeka also has few shopping centres, especially around the pedestrianised Korzo and two large shopping malls on both sides of the city. All of them attract trendy local buyers as well as visitors to the city.