Croatia's third-largest city and major Adriatic port. Home to the lively Korzo street and waterfront promenade. Popular student hub with active nightlife and nearby beaches.
Rijeka, Croatia's main seaport and third-largest city, sits on Kvarner Bay along the northern Adriatic coast. This industrial port city has a rich history influenced by various cultures over the centuries. You'll find Habsburg-era buildings alongside socialist-era apartment blocks as you explore the city. Visit Trsat Castle for a view of the city, walk down the active Korzo promenade, or use Rijeka as a starting point to discover the nearby islands.
Exploring Rijeka's City Center
The heart of Rijeka is the Korzo, a wide pedestrian street where you'll find cafes, shops, and some of the city's most important buildings. As you walk down the Korzo, look for the yellow City Clock Tower, which marks the entrance to the old town. Further along, you'll see the ornate Croatian National Theatre, built in 1885. For a taste of everyday Rijeka, visit the City Market where local vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, and seafood from the Adriatic.
Climb to Trsat Castle
For a view over Rijeka and the Kvarner Gulf, head up to Trsat Castle. This 13th-century fortress sits atop a steep hill overlooking the city. You can climb the 538 steps of the Petar Kružić Stairway or take a bus to reach the castle. At the top, you can explore the fortress ruins and visit the nearby Church of Our Lady of Trsat, an important pilgrimage site. In summer, the castle grounds become a venue for concerts and events.
Maritime Heritage
As Croatia's busiest port, Rijeka has a long seafaring tradition. Learn about the city's maritime past at the Maritime and History Museum housed in the former Governor's Palace. The museum displays model ships, navigational instruments, and other nautical artifacts. For a more hands-on experience, tour the Galeb, formerly used as Tito's yacht and now docked in Rijeka's harbor as a museum ship. You can explore the luxurious cabins and see how Yugoslavia's leader lived aboard this floating residence.
Rijeka's Cultural Scene
Rijeka has an active arts community. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art showcases Croatian and international artists in a converted factory space. If you visit in February, you can experience the Rijeka Carnival, Croatia's largest pre-Lenten celebration. Join the crowds lining the Korzo to watch parades and masked revelers during this festival that draws over 100,000 visitors annually.
