A bird's eye view of a city and a body of water

Rijeka

Go to Rijeka for Trsat Castle, the Korzo promenade and Croatia's biggest carnival, held each year before Lent.

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Rijeka is Croatia's main seaport and its third-largest city, on the northern shore of Kvarner Bay about 131 km south-west of Zagreb. Mountains rise close behind the city on three sides. The city is the seat of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and is known for its port, its shipbuilding and a cultural scene that shared the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020 with Galway in Ireland. The Old Town on the right bank of the Rječina keeps the historic core, including a Roman-era gate and old walls.

Trsat Castle, a 13th-century fortress above the city, gives wide views down the Rječina valley to the docks and the Kvarner Gulf. The 561-step Petar Kružić staircase climbs from downtown to Trsat and was built for pilgrims. The Korzo, the central main street, has the Gradski toranj clock tower at its middle, a common meeting point. Ferries and fast boats leave for Krk, Rab, Pag and Lošinj. The carnival takes place each year before Lent, between late January and early March, and is Croatia's biggest.

Rijeka in five

Climb to Trsat CastleThe castle stands 138 m above sea level and was first mentioned as a parish center in 1288. Take bus line 2 from the center, or walk up the Trsat Stairs; the nearest bus stop is at the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat.
Time the trip around the carnivalThe tourist board promotes the Rijeka Carnival as a major annual event and already lists the 2027 edition. Book rooms early if your dates fall in carnival season, and check dates on the official page.
Use Rijeka as the island gatewayFrom Rijeka's harbor, catamarans serve Rab and Novalja on Pag without a car, while drivers use the Valbiska or Stinica ferries instead.Rab Island
Buy city bus tickets at kiosksThe tourist board says bus tickets are sold at kiosks, are valid for two trips and must be validated in the machine. Check the public transport plan before you set out.
Pair Rijeka with OpatijaOpatija is the quieter seaside resort next door, a short bus ride from the center. Split nights between them if you want both city energy and a promenade.Opatija

Things to do in Rijeka

See all attractions in Rijeka

a body of water surrounded by trees and buildings

Church · RijekaShrine of Mary of God of Trsat

Castle · RijekaTrsat CastleGo in late afternoon or for sunset, when the light over the bay is at its best.

Historic site · RijekaPetar Kružić Stairway

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to RijekaPut the places you like in Rijeka on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Rijeka (RJK) on Krk island; Pula and Trieste are alternatives
Getting there: Road from Zagreb and Istria; Pula is 102 km away
Getting around: On foot in the center; city buses, with line 2 to Trsat
Best base: Central Rijeka near the Korzo, for ferries
Time needed: 1 night; 2 with Opatija

Weather by month

Rainy days
Snowy days
Festival

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryRain14 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh7°Low1°Cold, quiet
FebruaryRain14 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh9°Low2°Carnival season
MarchRain14 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh11°Low4°Cool, carnival
AprilPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh15°Low8°Spring, fresh
MayRain16 rainy daysHigh19°Low12°Warm, calm
JunePartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh25°Low17°Warm sea
JulyPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh28°Low19°Hot, busiest
AugustClear8 rainy daysHigh28°Low19°Hot, busiest
SeptemberRain12 rainy daysHigh22°Low15°Warm sea, calmer
OctoberRain12 rainy daysHigh17°Low11°Mild, quieter
NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh12°Low6°Wet, quiet
DecemberRain14 rainy daysHigh8°Low3°Cold, Advent

Average daily high and low in Rijeka, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Festivals: Feb Rijeka Carnival

Right now in Rijeka

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 5°
Humidity: 73%
Wind: 19 km/h
Chance of rain: 23%

Rijeka

09:40 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+1

Today15°12°23%Monday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 23%.
Tue14°12°5%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 5%.
Wed14°7°13%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 13%.
Thu14°6°0%Thursday: Clear. High 14°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri15°5°2%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 15°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 2%.
Sat12°9°18%Saturday: Rain. High 12°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 18%.
Sun14°11°34%Sunday: Rain. High 14°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 34%.

Updated 07:16 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

Converted to

EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Rijeka

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

FebRijeka CarnivalRijeka

Day trips by train

Before you go to Rijeka

Stays in central RijekaWalk to the Korzo and the harborCheck availability

Rental car for Kvarner and IstriaLink Opatija, Krk and Istria by roadCompare car hire

eSIM for RijekaFerry and bus apps on arrivalRead the guide

Insurance for RijekaCover for ferry changes on island tripsRead the guide

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Rules for Rijeka, checked

Trsat Castle stands 138 m above sea level, first mentioned in 1288; reach it by bus line 2 or on foot via the Trsat Stairs.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source
Rijeka city bus tickets are sold at kiosks, are valid for two trips and are validated in the ticket machine.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source

Plan around Rijeka

Opatija

Seaside resort and the Lungomare promenade

Read the guide Kvarner

Krk, Cres and Lošinj by bridge and ferry

Read the guide Rab Island

Four bell towers and Lopar sand

Read the guide Krk Island

Bridge-linked island with Rijeka's airport

Read the guide Pula

Roman Arena in southern Istria

Read the guide Zagreb

Croatia's capital, inland by road

Read the guide All of Croatia

Coast, islands, Zagreb and entry rules

Read the guide

Rijeka FAQ

Is Rijeka worth visiting?

Yes for a working port city with a castle, a carnival and good transport links, though it has fewer postcard views than Opatija or Rovinj. One night is a fair test.

How many days do you need in Rijeka?

One night covers Trsat Castle, the Korzo and the harbor. Two nights add Opatija or an island day. Many travelers use it only as a transport stop.

How do you get from Rijeka to Rab?

A catamaran line runs from Rijeka via Rab to Novalja, according to Rab's and Novalja's tourist boards. A car can use the Stinica to Mišnjak ferry on the mainland coast instead.

How do you get to Trsat Castle?

Take bus line 2 from the center to the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat, then follow signs, or climb the Trsat Stairs on foot. The castle sits 138 m above sea level.

Is Rijeka or Opatija better to stay in?

Rijeka for ferries, buses and city life; Opatija for a promenade, parks and a quieter evening. They are close enough to split a stay between them.