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Rijeka

Croatia’s third-largest city, Rijeka is a bustling blend of gritty 20th-century port and Italianate Habsburg grandeur. Most people speed through en route to the islands or Dalmatia, but those who pause will discover charm, culture, good nightlife, intriguing festivals and Croatia’s most colourful carnival.

Despite some regrettable architectural ventures in the outskirts, much of the centre is replete with ornate Austro-Hungarian–style buildings. It’s a surprisingly verdant city once you’ve left its concrete core, which contains Croatia’s largest port, with ships, cargo and cranes lining the waterfront.

Rijeka is a vital transport hub, but as there’s no real beach in the city, most people base themselves in nearby Opatija.

Explore Rijeka

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Rijeka.

  • Castle

    Trsat Castle

    High on a hill above the city, this semiruined 13th-century fortress offers magnificent vistas from its bastions and ramparts, looking down the Rječina…

  • Church

    Our Lady of Trsat Church

    According to legend, the angels carrying the house of Jesus' mother from Nazareth rested here in the late 13th century before moving it to Loreto across…

  • Cathedral

    St Vitus' Cathedral

    North of Rijeka's Roman Arch is this unusual round cathedral, built by the Jesuit order in 1638 on the site of an older church and dedicated to Rijeka’s…

  • Museum

    Maritime & History Museum

    The star of this museum is the building itself, the former palace of the Austro-Hungarian governor. It's a splendid showcase of Hungarian architecture,…

  • Museum

    Natural History Museum

    Located in a very grand 19th-century villa, this museum is devoted to the geology, botany and sea life of the Adriatic area. There’s a small aquarium,…

  • Observatory

    Astronomical Centre

    High on a hill east of the city, Croatia’s first astronomical centre is a striking modern complex encompassing an observatory, a planetarium and a study…

  • Tower

    City Tower

    One of the few buildings to have survived the 1750 earthquake, the distinctive yellow City Tower was originally a gate from the waterfront to the old town…

  • Christian Site

    Petar Kružić Stairway

    To follow in pilgrims’ footsteps to Our Lady of Trsat, climb this stairway from Titov trg, built in 1531 for the faithful on their way to the church. The…

  • Museum

    Rijeka City Museum

    Housed in a boxy 1970s structure, this small museum houses ever-changing themed exhibitions ranging from art to aspects of local history. It's not worth…

  • Church

    Our Lady of Lourdes Capuchin Church

    If you arrive by bus, you can't help but notice this imposing church towering over the station. Dating from 1904, its ornate neo-Gothic facade stands…

  • Gallery

    Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art

    On the 2nd floor of the university library, this small museum puts on high-quality rotating shows, from street photography to contemporary drawings and…

  • Gate

    Roman Arch

    This plain archway marks the former entrance to the Praetorium, an ancient military complex. Other Roman remains can be seen in a small excavation site…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Rijeka.

  • Activities