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city and settlement in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia
Europe > Balkans > Croatia > Kvarner > Rijeka

Rijeka (literally "River" in the Croatian language) is a city in Kvarner Bay, a northern inlet of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is the principal seaport of the country. It had about 129,000 inhabitants in 2011, with the greater city area reaching up to 200,000, and is Croatia's third largest city. In 2020 Rijeka was the European Capital of Culture with the motto Port of Diversity.

Understand

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Panorama of Rijeka with river Rječina

The city of Rijeka is a unique cosmopolitan city with a turbulent history, most notably during the 20th century. For instance, Rijeka was ruled by eight different countries between 1918 and 1991, so a citizen of Rijeka born in 1917 could have had eight different passports without ever leaving the city limits. Such rapid changes of events led to a strong local identity for the city.

Rijeka is a major Croatian port, in the very heart of Kvarner Gulf. Because of its location, Rijeka is a crossroads of land and sea routes, connected with the rest of the world by air, bus, train and ship lines. Despite often being described as a predominantly industrial and port city, Rijeka is an interesting city with beautiful architecture of mostly secession style, a good choice of museums and quality night-life.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Rijeka was one of the main European ports and had a weekly passenger service to and from New York. The famous ship Carpathia, which saved most of the survivors from the Titanic, was heading from New York to Rijeka, and most of the crew on the ship was Croatian. Thanks to that, one of life-belts from the Titanic is preserved in the Rijeka Naval Museum.

Rijeka was also the first proto-fascist state in the world (elaborately described in the film "Fiume City State: Free Love, Drugs and Proto Fascism", available on YouTube), before Mussolini's Italy or Hitler's German Reich. A mixture of fascism, anarchism and elements of futurism, dadaism and Orientalism was the basis for the constitution of Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro (Italian Regency of Kvarner), a short-lived state created in 1919, after a coup d'etat of Italian war veterans led by Gabriele D'Annunzio, often called the pioneer of fascism. To make it more awkward, this unusual state was the first international state that recognized Lenin's USSR, as well as tolerant to nudism and non-normative sexuality and gender expressions mostly thanks to Guido Keller, D'Annunzio's closest collaborator.

On the bright side, from 1920 to 1924, Rijeka was an independent neutral state. A status very similar to the later status of Gdansk provided Rijeka with independence and neutrality. The official languages in the Free State of Rijeka were Croatian, Italian and Hungarian, in order to provide maximum care for all minorities in the city.

Square on the bridge over the river Rječina

Woodrow Wilson, President of United States, recommended Rijeka in 1919 as a head of the League of Nations. After the Second World War, Rijeka was one of the candidates for hosting the headquarters of the United Nations. The idea was to reintroduce an Independent State of Rijeka as a special United Nations neutral state.

Modern Rijeka is made from two former cities that were separated by river Rječina. On the west was Fiume or Rijeka and on the east Sušak, the rival counterpart of Rijeka mostly inhabited by Croatians and most of the 19th and early 20th century under Yugoslavian or Croatian administrative rule. Those two cities were merged in 1945. To symbolically connect the city, a wide pedestrian bridge was built in front of Hotel Kontinental which was turned into a square. Most of the people are not aware that there is a river under this wide square. It is a popular place for meeting and socializing, especially for the younger generations.

With coming to Rijeka, you are joining to the list of people together with Che Guevara, James Joyce, Franz Liszt, Dora Maar, Enrico Caruso, Benito Mussolini, Gabriele D'Annunzio, Josip Jelačić, Bobby Fischer, Saddam Husein, Gamal Abdel Nasser, Johnny Weissmueller, Pope John Paul II and many others that have been in Rijeka before.

Rijeka airport terminal

Get in

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By car

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Travellers heading from Zagreb (165 km (103 mi)) should take the A1 to Bosiljevo and then take the A6 to Rijeka. The A6 is a 4-6 lane motorway over hilly terrain with many tunnels, bridges and viaducts.

Travellers from Trieste (76 km (47 mi)) should take A7 upon entering Croatia at Pasjak or Rupa border crossing.

Travellers from Split (380 km (240 mi)) can take A1 to Žuta Lokva and then proceed via Senj and Crikvenica to Rijeka, or A1 north to Bosiljevo and then A6 to Rijeka.

By plane

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There is an official bus shuttle from Rijeka Airport to city for €15 one-way (June 2024). See schedule here. Tickets are bought inside the bus in euro and only in cash. The 2 airport bus stop in the city is at Jelačićev trg 3, Kraljevica. Unofficial buses to the airport stop at the crossroads in front of the airport 2 km away from the terminal. The official bus also goes from the airport to Kraljevica for €5.50 and Omišalj for €4. (updated Aug 2022)

There are regular bus services from Rijeka into Zagreb Airport for connections there. The Croatia Airlines website has more information.

From the airport to the city it is possible to come with official Rijeka Airport Taxi Transfer Service. All information you can take on the official website.

By train

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Rijeka has been an important railhead since its early days as one of the major ports of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and is connected with direct services to the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, from where you can take direct trains to other major cities in Croatia. There are also twice daily services to Ljubljana in Slovenia, with the evening train continuing to Munich and one train via Zagreb each day to Budapest. During the summer there is also a connection to Budapest through Ljubljana. Services to Pula by train are possible, though as the two cities are not connected in Croatia by rail (the connection is now in Slovenia), a designated bus is timed to take you that part of the journey. There are no direct connections to southern Croatia, but it is possible to get to Split From Rijeka with changing the train in Ogulin. Journey is long (around 11 hours) but since there is possibility for overnight train, it is not bad option as well. It is possible to travel to Pula by train, with a bus connection from train station to Lupoglav, from where you take a train to Pula. Bus service is provided by Croatian Railways and you need to buy just one ticket.

From 2024, a direct train runs daily between Rijeka and Trieste of Italy through Slovenia during the summer months.

A night train runs daily between Rijeka and Munich in Germany, but sleeper cars are only available on peak season (until 7 January, between 26 March and 2 April, between 25 May and 29 September 2020). The rest of the year, only seating accommodation is offered.

From Prague a train takes 14 hours nightly via Pardubice, Brno, Břeclav, Bratislava and Csorna. It's run by Regiojet, single €25-90, booking essential.

The 3 railway station is in Krešimirova Street, at the northern edge of the town area. It is 5 minutes' walk from bus station. Information on rail services is available on the information counter, or on the telephone ☏ +385 60 333-44-44. You can buy tickets or make reservations at the station ticket-office (☏ +385 51 21-33-33). The railway station has a luggage lockers open from 09:00 to 21:00, and cost €2. There is also a tourism information office in the station building, but is open odd hours,- although there is a large map at the front of the station building. There is also an ATM at the station.

The Croatian Railways website contains good information on train times and prices, and there is also some information for travel Rijeka-Ljubljana on the Slovenian Railways[dead link] site.

By bus

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Rijeka is connected by bus with bigger cities in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and elsewhere in Europe. The busy 4 bus terminal is in the city center at the foot of the imposing Capuchin church, on Trg Žabica. You can find good information on timetable and fares at the Autotrans website or in their office (which also sells tickets), at Žabica 1 or by telephone ☏ +385 60 30-20-10. Tickets purchased through company's website are 5% cheaper. There is a left-luggage office next to the newspaper and cigarette stand, open from 05:30 till 22:30 (the latest of all the transport modes in Rijeka). Luggage safekeeping costs €1.50. Eurobusways operates a direct Budapest-Rijeka Bus line.

By ship

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As one of the largest ports of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and the largest port in Croatia, ships play an important role in the life of Rijeka.

Of best use to travellers from Rijeka is the Jadrolinija ferry service. The state-owned company operates small fast vessels to the nearby islands. Car-carrying ferries down the Adriatic Coast to Split and Dubrovnik have been cancelled. The passenger terminal is in the city center, and on the waterfront just near the Jadrolinija office building (where one buys tickets on the ground floor) is a left-luggage office.

Get around

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By foot

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Most of Rijeka is accessible on foot, and traffic is banned on Korzo in the heart of the city.

By public transport

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For those that are further away from the city or tired, an efficient local bus network operates operating in a single-direction, circular movement around the central city area, and fanning out in all directions. Buses #2 and #8, to Trsat, are probably the most useful for tourists, and a good alternative to the 561-stair climb to the top of the hill. You can find routes and schedules using journey planner.

Single tickets can be bought at the bus driver (cash only). Double tickets and day tickets (€3.19 as of 2023) can be bought from Tisak and iNovine kiosks and weekly tickets are available at Autotrolej, directly in the city center of Rijeka.

By taxi

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Rijeka has a cheap and well organized taxi service that will get you anywhere in the city for approximately €10 or less. In the centre of the town there are three taxi terminals, at the Bus station, ☏ +385 51 335 138; in the Matije Gupca Street, ☏ +385 51 335 417, at the railway station, +385 51 332 893 and there is also a taxi van available.

Talk

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Besides Croatian, Italian is de facto semi-official and featured on many signs in the city. Most natives of Rijeka understand it well and some speak it fluently. Older native citizens speak their own dialect of Italian language - Fiumani, named after the Italian name for the city - Fiume. English is widely understood and spoken by younger people and hotel/restaurant staff. Some people also know some German.

The best way to see Rijeka’s cultural and historical monuments is to follow the tourist path that gathers all of the most important sights for this town and its history. Most of them are accessible by foot, as they are mostly located in or near the city centre, but to see Trsat Castle you will need to take a short car/bus ride. Other option, the more adventurous one, is to climb 561 Trsat stairs that lead from city centre to Trsat. The Trsat Castle is worth the effort. Also, a helpful travel companion is free AdriaGuide Rijeka mobile application, for smart phones and GPS navigation.

  • 1 Trsat Castle. It represents a strategically embossed gazebo on a hill 138 meters above sea level that dominates Rijeka. As a parochial centre it was mentioned for the first time in 1288. Trsat Castle is one of the oldest fortifications on the Croatian Coast, where the characteristics of the early medieval town construction have been preserved. Today Trsat Castle, beside the souvenir shop and the coffee shop, is enriched with new facilities – gallery space where art exhibitions are held as well as open-air summer concerts and theatre performances, fashion shows and literary evenings. Trsat Castle (Q4795731) on Wikidata Trsat Castle on Wikipedia 
Yellow cock on city tower and palace Wohinz on Korzo street
  • 2 City Tower (Gradski Toranj). 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 and is often used as a meeting place for local people. Rijeka City Tower (Q4493719) on Wikidata 
  • 3 Our Lady of Trsat's Sanctuary. This is the largest centre of pilgrimage in western Croatia. It is famous for its numerous concessions and for the pilgrimages by numerous believers throughout the year, and especially on the Assumption of Mary holiday. 
  • 4 Rijeka Tunnel, Grivica ul.. The tunnel open for visitors has an entrance next to the Cathedral of St. Vitus and extends under Rijeka's Old Town to the courtyard of the Dolac Elementary School. It was dug by the Italian army in the living rock in a length of 330 metr3s in the period from 1939 to 1942. This was done for the purpose of protecting the civilian population from aerial bombardment, going down in places to a depth of ten meters. It is about four meters wide and an average height of 2.5 metres. The main tunnel tube has two branches, one leading to the building of the former city municipality and the other towards St. Vitus Cathedral. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 5 Marina, Ul. Riva Boduli. Here you can see yachts. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Rijeka Main Market, No supermarket can replace the charm of the personal contact with the vendor or the excitement of the unpredictable purchase at the main City market – Placa. The harmonious compound of two pavilions and a Fish market building where, in the morning hours, the real Rijeka can be experienced.
  • 6 Torpedo – launching ramp, Ul. Milutina Barača 56a. The launching ramp from 1930s is an item belonging to the closed torpedo production factory. It is proof of the technical inventive of Rijeka during this period and at the same time is an important world landmark of industrial heritage. (updated Aug 2022)
  • The Governor's Palace
  • St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Molo Longo
  • The Old Gateway
  • Roman Arch
  • Capuchin church of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • 7 Petar Kružić staircase, Trsatske stube Petra Kružića. Petar Kružić staircase (Q4259970) on Wikidata Petar Kružić staircase on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2022)
Theatre of Ivan pl. Zajc

Museums, collections and exhibitions

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Rijeka is a city with an unusual, turbulent past. The best places to discover the whole story on Rijeka are its museums, among its rich collections and exhibitions.

  • 8 Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Coast, Trg Riccarda Zanelle 1. Located in the beautiful Governor’s Palace building, it preserves a large part of Rijeka's history and maritime tradition. Besides its continuous ethnographic exhibition, visit our collection of furniture and portraits of people from Rijeka’s public life. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Natural History Museum. Besides the botanical garden, the museum is a multimedia centre with an aquarium containing species from the Adriatic Sea. Besides fish, sharks and sea rays, the museum also conserves species of insects, reptiles, birds and amphibians. Ideal entertainment for both children and adults. 
  • Rijeka City Museum The museum includes eleven collections: fine arts, arts & crafts, numismatics, valuable objects, medals, arms from the Second World War and from the Croatian War of Independence, a collection of theatre and film material, philately, photography, press and technical collections.
  • Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, Krešimirova 26. Tu–F 11:00–20:00, Sa Su 11:00–18:00. The museum collects works of art by Rijeka artists from 19th century and Croatian and foreign artists from 20th and 21st century. (updated Feb 2019)
  • 9 Peek & Poke - "Museum" of old computers, Ul. Ivana Grohovca 2. One of the few permanent displays of vintage computing technology in Europe. Features also bulky keyboards and handheld video games. 
  • The St. Vitus Cathedral Sacral Collection The collection is located in an attractive location, in a gallery above the internal part and above the church's altar, whilst the thesaurus is located in the atrium of the cathedral’s locale. The sacral “Jesuits' heritage” collection includes some very rare exponents.
  • Thesaurus and Gallery of Our Lady of Trsat’s Sanctuary. The monastery treasury holds works of extraordinary esthetic and material value, paintings, reliquaries, lamps, chalices, ecclesiastical robes, while the Chapel of Votive Gifts houses gifts since the 19th century. 
  • Memorial Library and the Mažuranić-Brlić-Ružić Collection. The library and Mažuranić-Brlić-Ružić collection are at Pećine, in Rijeka inside the villa of the famous Rijeka's family, Ružić. 
  • Permanent Glagolitic Alphabet Exhibition. A permanent exhibition has been collocated in the Rijeka University Library known as “Glagoljica” in which the Glagolitic written and printed heritage has been presented, especially that of the north Adriatic area where the first Croatian (Glagolitic) books were printed. 
Korzo, main pedestrian street in Rijeka
  • Theatres: You can choose from those suitable for adults or for children, go either at the Croatian National theatre or at one of Rijeka’s smaller independent theatres. When it comes to cinema, in Rijeka you can find art cinema and multiplex.
  • Kantrida pools. Complex of five pools by the sea with an amazing view over the nearby islands and Istria. 
  • Diving around the coast of Rijeka. The Adriatic has one of the most indented coasts in Europe and its northern part is especially attractive for divers who like to dive on the underwater cliffs. The area offers various diving conditions both for beginners and for advanced divers. Besides the extremely clear sea and wealth of underwater life, underwater cliffs with gorgonian corals and caves can be found here as well as ship wrecks.
  • Auto-moto track Grobnik 10 km from town is where you can try your riding skills or watch how the professionals do it.
  • Football: HNK Rijeka play soccer in Prva HNL, the top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Rujevica (capacity 8000) 2 km northwest of downtown, while their former Stadion Kantrida is being rebuilt.
  • Astronomical Centre Rijeka. Learn about the stars in this unique astronomy centre both in Croatia and abroad. Besides sky objects, from Sveti Križ hill, where it is located, a beautiful view extends over the Rijeka Bay and mountain hinterland. 
  • Rijeka’s beaches. Rijeka has the beach for everyone’s taste and thanks to the Mediterranean climate, the bathing season begins in spring and lasts until late autumn. With regard to the city location, Rijeka’s beaches are located to the far east and to the far western parts of the city, and you can choose your favourite: large and noisy or small and secluded, pebbly, concrete, rocky, hidden. City buses drive to all beaches and there is free car parking close to all of them. 
    • 2 Plaža Sablićevo. One of the nicest beaches close to Rijeka. On the beach, there is the abandoned „Park Hotel“ which offers a great spot for hanging around. (updated Jul 2022)
  • Parks and promenades. Nature lovers and more active visitors can discover the city in a different way, by researching Rijeka’s promenades by the sea, urban or forest areas, and for those less active, parks are the best option for taking a break during a walk around Rijeka. 
  • 1 Rijeka’s main market – Placa, Trninina ul. 3. No supermarket can replace the charm of the personal contact with the vendor or the excitement of the unpredictable purchase at the main Rijeka market – Placa. The harmonious compound of two pavilions and a Fish market building where, in the morning hours, the real Rijeka can be experienced. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Shopping in the city centre: most shops are open from 08:00 until 20:00-21:00, Sundays vary. If you need cigarettes or newspapers after 20:00 they can be bought at the kiosk that works all night, at the main bus station, Žabica. You can purchase all that you need in one of the larger commercial centers in Rijeka, the biggest one is Tower Center Rijeka[dead link], while Zapadni Trgovački Centar[dead link] is the newest.
  • Souvenir shops: authentic souvenirs can be bought at the Tourist Information Centre, two Rijeka’s galleries that have received the “Authentic from Rijeka” and “Special quality” labels – Mala galerija Bruketa and Galerija Art, Zeleno i plavo (Green and Blue) – indigenous products shop, La Mamma Delicije on Trsat, and Bazilisk Souvenir Shop located in the very centre of Trsat Castle. Rijeka also has an online souvenir web shop.
  • Restaurants. There are numerous restaurants offering domestic and international food. Try some of their local fish specialties and also meat and vegetarian dishes as well as exotic specialties. If you didn’t walk into one of the more exclusive restraints in Rijeka, such as Zlatna školjka, Kamov or Municipium, you will find the prices to be mostly moderate. 
  • Taverns. Experience the relaxed atmosphere of Rijeka’s taverns which in a typical local environment will offer you their specialties at moderate prices. 
  • Pizzerias and fast food: there are also many fast-food restaurants, some of them open 24 hours, such as Žabica on the main bus station Žabica

Budget

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In the city centre

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  • 1 Makrovega, Ul. Matije Gupca 7. (updated May 2022)
  • 2 Buffet Nostalgija, Ciottina ul. 10B. (updated Aug 2022)
  • McDonalds on Korzo
  • Burger King across McDonalds also on Korzo

Near the city centre

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  • 3 Index, Krešimirova ul. 18. (updated May 2022)
  • McDonalds in Tower Center, 5th floor

Mid-range

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  • 4 Restaurant Capote y Ole., Verdijeva ul. 6. Spanish cuisine (updated Aug 2022)
  • 5 Taiyo, Verdijeva ul. 19A. Sushi (updated Aug 2022)
  • 6 Konoba Fiume, Ul. Vatroslava Lisinskog 12. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 7 Priroda i društvo, dvorišna strana iza Hg Spot-a, Užarska ul. 14. Vegetarian restaurant (updated Aug 2022)
  • 8 King’s Caffe food pub, Verdijeva ul. 7B, 51000. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 9 GRAD eat,drink&mingle, Ul. Riva Boduli 7b. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 10 Maslina, Trg Ivana Koblera bb. Italian restaurant (updated Aug 2022)
  • 11 Submarine Burger Rijeka, Ul. Marka Marulića 4. (updated Aug 2022)

Splurge

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Delivery

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Drink

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Wherever you go in Rijeka, you will find a place to drink and relax. There are hundreds of bars and cafes across the city. There are three ships docked in the harbour (city centre) with bars, casino, and a night club – Arca Fiumana, Marina club and Club Nina2.

  • Club Palach One of the oldest clubs in Rijeka, with 3 bars, 4 floors, one small free cinema room, gallery for young artists and comic book store, it's also one of the most interesting cafés/clubs in Rijeka.
  • Stereo dvorana The centre of Rijeka’s urban culture. The program includes and bonds urban life and multiculturalism with maybe the best conditions in Croatia for concerts and events.
  • Cukarikafe bar – 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 on two terraces during the warmer weather.
  • Pepe Rosso Bar is a tavern, but not a totally conventional one with tango and salsa nights, a variety of promotions – from wine to books, exhibitions and performances, entertainment with DJs or live music.
  • Café bar Nad urom is on the last floor of the Korzo shopping centre, with a view over Rijeka’s rooftops and the Korzo, during the day offers refreshments and relaxation after shopping and during the weekend there is live music.
  • Cacao offers drinks and very good desserts on Riva and in Tower center
  • complete list of coffee shops and clubs. Can be found on Rijeka Tourist Board web page. 

Sleep

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Budget

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  • 1 Hi Hostel Rijeka, Šetalište XIII divizije 23. Around a hundred metres from the sea, in one of the most beautiful locations of the city, at Pećine, 5 minutes by bus from the city centre (it will take you 15 minutes on foot). €28. (updated Sep 2023)
  • 2 Ivan Goran Kovačić Student Dormitories. A well-connected complex of multiple student dormitories. Quite cheap, even in the summer season. It is connected with two bus stops which are being served by the bus lines 6, 7, 7A, 20, 21. Half an hour away from the city centre on foot. (updated Jul 2022)
  • 3 Kantrida hostelery. 5 km from the centre of Rijeka, on the main road leading to Opatija. It belongs to the semi-opened category type. It is mainly used by the employees and subcontractors of the 3. Maj shipyard and vacant rooms are also offered to passers-by. (updated Jul 2012)

Mid-range

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  • Grand Hotel Bonavia. The 125-year-old and completely refurbished 4-star hotel in the heart of Rijeka. First class accommodation consists of 114 air-conditioned rooms, six suites and a presidential suite and has its own car park and garage. 
  • Hotel Jadran. A four-star establishment by the sea. It was reopened in December 2005 after thorough reconstruction. It has 66 single and double bedrooms. Every room is air-conditioned, and has a satellite TV and radio, direct telephone line, Internet connection, safe and mini-bar. 
  • Hotel Continental. A three-star hotel built in 1888 with 37 double bedrooms, 1 single bedroom and 4 hotel suites on two floors. All rooms are equipped with a TV and a direct telephone line, while the access to the Internet is possible via modem, using the telephone connection port in the room. From €57. (updated Sep 2023)
  • Hotel Neboder. Renovated in 2007, this 14-storey hotel is part of the complex of the Croatian Cultural Centre. The best part about the hotel is the amazing view of the eastern part of the Istrian peninsula and Učka, Opatija, Rijeka, the small towns of Kostrena and Kraljevica and the island of Krk. 

Luxury

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Connect

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As of Aug. 2024, Rijeka and the coastal highway have 4G and 5G coverage by all 3 ISPs.

Wifi is widely available in public places, cafes and restaurants.

Go next

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  • Opatija, once the secluded seaside resort of the rich and famous, is a 20-minute bus ride along the coast from Rijeka. Bus #32 departs frequently. It is a great place to go swimming. There are many fine restaurants and hotels (both of which seem to be lacking in Rijeka). Try to get a table at Le Mandrac in Volosko harbour, it is one of the finest restaurants in Croatia.
  • Until 2014, Jadrolinija Ferry travelled to Dubrovnik, Split, Stari Grad, Korčula, and Bari in Italy. Since there are rumours about reintroducing this line, it's worth finding out if this wonderful option for trans-Croatian coastline journey is operating again.
  • Islands of Rab, Pag, Losinj, Cres, Susak, Unije and Ilovik also can be reached by daily catamarans, which leave Rijeka at afternoon. One-way prices for adults are up to €8, depending on destination.
  • Buses are available to:
  • Trains are available to:
This city travel guide to Rijeka is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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