City in Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia
Rijeka
Working port city with Habsburg boulevards, a hilltop castle, cheaper rent and a big Carnival, 30 minutes from Opatija and the Kvarner islands. Relaxed and affordable; little polish, rainy autumns and few beaches in town.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,800–2,590Comfortable, one person · €1,600–2,300Details
- Value for money46/100Better value than 45% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, SepWarmest: Jul, 28°CDetails
- Air quality7.6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet93 MbpsFixed broadband, Croatia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and good; refill at city fountains.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted in most restaurants and shops; cash for the market, buses and small bakeries.Details
Where to stay in Rijeka
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Center and Korzo | Cafés, markets and trains; best base for visitors |
| Trsat | Hilltop castle area, quieter and cheaper, steps from center |
| Pećine and Kantrida | Seaside promenades, swimming spots and cheaper flats |
Apps that work in Rijeka
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Works in Rijeka; cheaper than street taxis |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Jadrolinija: Ferry and catamaran tickets and timetables
- FlixBus: Intercity and international bus tickets
- Taxis: Metered taxis are fine if the meter runs; use Bolt late at night and for the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Croatia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted in most restaurants and shops; cash for the market, buses and small bakeries.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Avoid standalone Euronet ATMs with high fees; use bank ATMs and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: round up or leave about 10% for good restaurant service, ideally in cash so staff get it.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted, which is nearly everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES on entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Your accommodation must register you with police within 48 hours; hotels do it. Staying privately, register at a police station.
Emergency numbers
Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. Prepaid SIMs are sold in operator shops and Tisak kiosks; about €10–20 buys a month of generous data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Croatia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.