Summary
Croatia’s third-largest city, Rijeka is a somewhat understated destination compared to more frequented cities like Dubrovnik and Split, which enhances its authentic character.
Rijeka offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Croatian daily life: Engage with locals over coffee, dine, or enjoy a night out on Korzo, Rijeka’s bustling promenade, or shop like a true local at the vibrant central market.
Although adjacent to the Adriatic Sea, Rijeka bears a closer resemblance to a Central European city such as Budapest or Prague, characterized by its impressive neoclassical palaces and theaters. For relaxation, Blue Flag beaches with their azure waters are only a short distance away.
Now, let us explore the premier activities to enjoy in Rijeka:
1. Trsat Castle
Merely standing at the summit of this steep hill adjacent to the Rjecina Gorge reveals its historical significance as a lookout point in ancient times.
A watchtower or stronghold has existed at this elevated site since the era of the Ilyrians, who dominated much of the Balkans prior to the arrival of the Romans.
The castle changed ownership between the Venetians and the Habsburg Empire in the 1500s but fell into obscurity until the 19th century when it became the residence of Field Marshall Nugent, an Irish commander in the Austrian forces during that complex era.
Today, the summit displays romantic enhancements made by Nugent in the late 1800s.
2. Central Market
For those unfamiliar with a city, visiting its markets provides an excellent introduction to local customs.
Rijeka’s Fish Hall is a stunning exemplar of metal and glass art-nouveau architecture, constructed in 1916 on the site of a prior neoclassical structure, of which the grand entrance still remains.
Adjacent to this hall are two smaller pavilions showcasing meat and dairy, while an array of stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and street food are located at the forefront.
For visitors in self-catering accommodations, this market is a must-visit not only for the experience but also for procuring fresh produce.
3. Korzo
This promenade is indispensable for those wishing to grasp daily life in Rijeka. Korzo is a broad avenue lined with upscale shops and cafes.
One could simply sit at a table enjoying a cup of coffee while observing the city’s rhythm. As dusk approaches, Korzo transforms into a vibrant locale, where couples dine out and bars transition into nightclubs.
The architecture along the street deserves attention as well, primarily dating back to the 19th century, featuring magnificent neoclassical designs.
4. City Tower
Midway along Korzo, one will encounter the baroque City Tower, arguably the city’s most recognizable structure.
The front façade is embellished with a stone relief of Rijeka’s double-headed eagle coat of arms, awarded to the city by Habsburg Emperor Leopold I.
For those with keen eyesight, the eagle is depicted grasping an overflowing urn, symbolizing the city’s unwavering loyalty to the Austrian emperor.
Above the coat of arms is the clock-face that has remained unchanged since the 1600s.
5. Kastav
Situated ten kilometers along the coast from Rijeka, this quaint stone settlement rests at an elevation of 365 meters above sea level.
The streets of its 16th-century core offer a delightful escape from Rijeka; indeed, many residents retreat to Kastav during summer for its numerous concerts and festivals.
Events include a blues festival, a guitar festival, and the Kastav Summer of Culture, held throughout the season. It is advisable to check local listings for events during your visit.
During your stay, you may also enjoy the expansive views reaching out to the islands of Krk and Cres, as well as down towards Rijeka.
6. Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc
This opulent neoclassical structure would fit seamlessly into one of the renowned Central European cities. It is noteworthy that its construction was initiated by a Viennese studio in the 1880s.
The theatre bears a somewhat lengthy official name derived from the Croatian composer Ivan Zajc, often regarded as the Croatian Verdi and a key figure in the nation’s cultural landscape during the late 19th century.
The National Theatre serves as a multifaceted venue, showcasing ballet, concerts, opera, and dramatic productions. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to review the schedule for events during their stay.
7. Peek & Poke Computer Museum
This interactive attraction is ideal for those fascinated by vintage computer hardware, and even those new to the subject will find it engaging.
Peek & Poke boasts an extensive collection of game consoles and personal computers dating back to the 1960s, thereby appealing to different age groups, from the Nintendo Wii to the Sinclair Spectrum.
Visitors will appreciate the opportunity to see the history of home computing up close, with many of these computers still functioning.
Guests are also welcome to experience some of the devices firsthand, making it challenging to leave!
8. Torpedo Factory
Rijeka proudly claims its history as the birthplace of the torpedo. The narrative indicates that Ivan Lepps, a retired naval officer, was contemplating defenses for Rijeka’s coastline.
During a moment of inspiration, he conceived the self-propelling “Coastal Saviour” and collaborated with Robert Whitehead to develop a prototype.
By the 20th century, the factory on Rijeka’s waterfront was producing hundreds of torpedoes monthly, though it eventually faced bankruptcy, leaving only remnants of the original structure.
The city is currently deliberating various plans to restore the site and honor its legacy.
9. Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral
This museum is housed in one of Rijeka’s most splendid buildings, a bright white neoclassical palace from the late 19th century constructed for the Hungarian governor Lajos Batthyány.
Founded in the 1960s, the museum encompasses several departments: archaeology, ethnography, cultural history, and maritime exhibits.
Visitors will find numerous displays, ranging from historic coins and maps to coats of arms, antique weapons, navigational tools, toys, and even postage stamps.
10. Modello Palace
Another of Rijeka’s ornate Austro-Hungarian edifices, Palace Modello was designed by the Fellner & Helmer studio, famous for numerous constructions across the empire.
This building is notable for its intricate stucco façade and was originally established as a savings bank, part of the same project that brought the National Theatre to the city.
Inside, a gala hall serves as the meeting place for Rijeka’s Italian Cultural Club, while the ground floor accommodates Rijeka’s public library.
11. Astronomical Centre Rijeka
The only facility in Croatia that merges a planetarium and an observatory, Rijeka’s Astronomy Centre is situated on Sveti Križ hill in the city’s eastern suburbs.
This relatively new attraction opened in 2001, transforming a World War II military fortress into a center marking the most significant investment in Croatia’s technological culture.
Thus far, two variable stars have been discovered through the observatory. For international visitors, the ideal time for a visit is on Wednesday evenings during the summer when the state-of-the-art planetarium screens films in several languages.
12. Roman Arch
For centuries, locals have perceived this archway in the center of Rijeka as a relic of a Roman triumphal arch; however, it actually served as part of the gateway to the ancient compound of Tarsatica.
This site was the late-Roman military fort upon which Rijeka would later be established. Regardless, it stands as the oldest piece of heritage in modern Rijeka, integrated between the buildings along Ulica Stara vrata between Korzo and the cathedral.
13. Beaches
This stretch of coastline features 11 beaches, two of which have been awarded the Blue Flag, recognized as Europe’s premier beaches meeting specific criteria related to hygiene and services.
The beaches, Ploce and Kostanj, comprise shingle bays with the clear, smooth waters that visitors relish about Croatia’s coastline.
Croatia is renowned for its sports enthusiasm, and all beaches are equipped with volleyball courts and facilities for water basketball, ensuring a fun experience in the shallow waters.
14. Opatija
Located 20 minutes west along the coast from Rijeka, this resort town allows visitors to trace the steps of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor and nobility, who established Opatija as a spa destination for their winter retreats.
A glance at the townspeople and architecture readily conveys why it was dubbed the “Nice of the Adriatic” during the 19th century, with unmistakable Austrian influence evident.
Opatija boasts grand structures dating back to Franz Joseph I’s rule. Notable locations include Villa Angiolina, an opulent palace featuring formal French gardens, and the Lungomare, a seaside promenade inaugurated in the 1880s.
15. Local Gastronomy
As a functioning city with a less tourist-driven character, Rijeka serves as an excellent venue to sample Croatian specialties as they are enjoyed by locals.
The culinary offerings are reflective of a region that has transitioned between Italian, Austrian, and even fleeting French influences, resulting in a diverse array of flavors. One can observe Italian characteristics in dishes such as cuttlefish risotto and squid stuffed with prosciutto.
A refreshing summer option is Tuna Tartare, featuring a combination of tuna and capers, enhanced with lemon zest, cherry tomatoes, and wild samphire.
