Rijeka is a beautiful city in Croatia that offers many things to do for visitors. Whether you are interested in culture, history, nature, or nightlife, you will find something to suit your taste in Rijeka. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best tourist attractions in Rijeka and give you some tips on how to enjoy them. Things to do in Rijeka include visiting museums, castles, churches, parks, beaches, and more. You can also explore the nearby islands and national parks by boat or car. Rijeka is a vibrant and diverse city that will surprise you with its charm and hospitality. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Rijeka that you should not miss. Things to do in Rijeka are waiting for you!
Looking for things to do in Rijeka? Discover the best tourist attractions in Rijeka:
- Trsat Castle: A 13th-century castle on a hill overlooking the city and the sea. It has a courtyard, a café, and hosts events and concerts .
- The Computer Museum PEEK&POKE: A museum dedicated to the history of computing and technology, with over 1000 exhibits of vintage computers, games, and gadgets.
- Cathedral of St. Vid: A baroque cathedral with a distinctive round shape and a bell tower. It is the seat of the Rijeka archdiocese and contains several artworks and relics.
- Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre: A neoclassical theatre building with a richly decorated interior and a statue of the composer Ivan Zajc in front. It hosts opera, ballet, drama, and musical performances.
- Church of Our Lady of Lourdes: A neo-Gothic church with a tall spire and stained glass windows. It was built in the late 19th century as a votive gift for the protection from cholera.
- City Clock Tower: A landmark tower at the entrance of the Old Town. It was built in the 17th century and features a clock, a relief of an eagle, and a statue of Emperor Leopold I.
- Church of Mary of God of Trsat: A pilgrimage church near Trsat Castle. It is one of the oldest Marian shrines in Croatia and houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.
- Seafood & Local Produce Markets: A place to buy fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, and other local products. The markets are located near the waterfront and are open every day except Sunday.
- Visit the Ferry Dock: A spot to watch the boats and ferries coming and going from Rijeka. You can also catch a ferry to some of the nearby islands, such as Krk, Cres, or Rab.
- Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: A museum that showcases works by Croatian and international artists from the 19th century to the present day. It has a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
- Korzo: The main pedestrian street in Rijeka. It is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. It is also a popular place for socializing and entertainment.
- Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral: A museum that displays exhibits related to the maritime and cultural history of Rijeka and the region. It is housed in an impressive former palace of the Hungarian governor.
- Astronomical Centre Rijeka: A centre that offers educational and recreational activities related to astronomy and space exploration. It has an observatory, a planetarium, a digital cinema, and a café.
- Stadion Kantrida: A stadium that hosts football matches and other sports events. It is located by the sea and has a unique rocky backdrop.
- Old Town Gate: A gate that marks the entrance to the Old Town from Korzo. It was built in the 18th century and features a relief of St. Vitus, the patron saint of Rijeka.
- Natural History Museum Rijeka: A museum that exhibits specimens of animals, plants, minerals, fossils, and other natural phenomena from Croatia and beyond.
- Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes: A church that belongs to the Capuchin order of friars. It has a simple exterior and a richly decorated interior with paintings, sculptures, and frescoes.
- Rijeka Tunnel: A tunnel that runs under the city centre and connects Korzo with Žabica Square. It was built during World War II as an air raid shelter and later used as a storage space.
- Palace Modello: A palace that was built in 1885 as a residence for a wealthy merchant family. It has a striking façade with sculptures, balconies, and a clock tower.
- Rijeka City Museum: A museum that covers the history, culture, and identity of Rijeka and its people. It has a permanent exhibition and a library.
- The Governor’s Palace: A palace that was built in 1896 as the residence of the Hungarian governor of Rijeka. It has a neoclassical style and a large park with fountains and statues.
- Peek & Poke Computer Museum: A museum that displays over 1000 exhibits of vintage computers, games, and gadgets. It is located in the basement of a former factory and offers interactive and educational activities.
- Rijeka Carnival: A carnival that takes place every year in February or March. It is one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors. It features parades, concerts, parties, and costumes.
- The Breakwater: A breakwater that protects the port of Rijeka from the waves and currents. It is a popular place for walking, fishing, and enjoying the views of the sea and the city.
- The Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat: A shrine that is one of the oldest Marian shrines in Croatia. It houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary that was brought from Nazareth in the 13th century.
- The Croatian National Theatre Ivan pl. Zajc: A theatre that was built in 1885 and named after the composer Ivan Zajc. It hosts opera, ballet, drama, and musical performances.
- The City Tower: A tower that was built in the 17th century and features a clock, a relief of an eagle, and a statue of Emperor Leopold I. It marks the entrance to the Old Town from Korzo.
- The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: A museum that showcases works by Croatian and international artists from the 19th century to the present day. It has a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
- The Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral: A museum that displays exhibits related to the maritime and cultural history of Rijeka and the region. It is housed in an impressive former palace of the Hungarian governor.
- The Astronomical Centre Rijeka: A centre that offers educational and recreational activities related to astronomy and space exploration. It has an observatory, a planetarium, a digital cinema, and a café.
- The Stadion Kantrida: A stadium that hosts football matches and other sports events. It is located by the sea and has a unique rocky backdrop.
- The Old Town Gate: A gate that marks the entrance to the Old Town from Korzo. It was built in the 18th century and features a relief of St. Vitus, the patron saint of Rijeka.
- The Natural History Museum Rijeka: A museum that exhibits specimens of animals, plants, minerals, fossils, and other natural phenomena from Croatia and beyond.
- The Capuchin Church of Our Lady of Lourdes: A church that belongs to the Capuchin order of friars. It has a simple exterior and a richly decorated interior with paintings, sculptures, and frescoes.
- The Rijeka Tunnel: A tunnel that runs under the city centre and connects Korzo with Žabica Square. It was built during World War II as an air raid shelter and later used as a storage space.
- The Palace Modello: A palace that was built in 1885 as a residence for a wealthy merchant family. It has a striking façade with sculptures, balconies, and a clock tower.
- The Rijeka City Museum: A museum that covers the history, culture, and identity of Rijeka and its people. It has a permanent exhibition and a library.
- The Governor’s Palace: A palace that was built in 1896 as the residence of the Hungarian governor of Rijeka. It has a neoclassical style and a large park with fountains and statues.
- The Peek & Poke Computer Museum: A museum that displays over 1000 exhibits of vintage computers, games, and gadgets. It is located in the basement of a former factory and offers interactive and educational activities.
- The Rijeka Carnival: A carnival that takes place every year in February or March. It is one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors. It features parades, concerts, parties, and costumes.
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