In short: in Rijeka it is worth seeing the Korzo, the Trsat fortress with the Petar Kružić staircase (561 steps) and the Cathedral of St Vitus; Rijeka was European Capital of Culture in 2020.
Rijeka is the third-largest city in Croatia, the country’s largest port and one of the most interesting towns of the Kvarner — with a rich culture, an industrial heritage and a view over the bay. Here is what to see in Rijeka and why it is worth a visit, along with the door-to-door Belgrade to Rijeka minibus transfer.
Why visit Rijeka
Rijeka lies at the mouth of the Rječina river into the Kvarner bay and is Croatia’s main port. In 2020 it was European Capital of Culture, together with Galway in Ireland, which brought the town renovated museums, galleries and cultural spaces. Rijeka is also a natural gateway to the Kvarner islands — Krk, Cres and Lošinj — and an excellent base for a city break at any time of year.
What to see in Rijeka and nearby
The Korzo — the heart of the town
The Korzo is the town’s main promenade and meeting place, with cafés, shops and the City Tower as the recognisable entrance to the old core. It is the easiest place to begin exploring the town, and the locals say there is no better spot for a morning coffee and watching the bustle.
The Trsat fortress and the Petar Kružić staircase
Above the town rises the Trsat Castle, a medieval fortress on the site of a former Illyrian-Roman stronghold, with a view of Rijeka and the bay. Beside it is the shrine of Our Lady of Trsat, one of the oldest Marian sanctuaries in Croatia. Up to Trsat leads the famous Petar Kružić staircase — today 561 steps, whose construction began in 1531 for pilgrims (it was built by Petar Kružić, captain of Klis, by a vow).
St Vitus Cathedral and the old core
St Vitus Cathedral, dedicated to the town’s patron, is a Baroque church built by the Jesuits in the 17th century and one of the recognisable buildings of the old core, with the surrounding lanes and squares.
The Governor’s Palace and the Maritime Museum
The stately Governor’s Palace from 1896 (the work of the Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann, from the time when Rijeka was under Hungarian rule) today houses the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Littoral — with maritime, cultural-historical and archaeological collections, surrounded by a park above the centre. See also what to visit in Opatija, just some fifteen kilometres away.
The Rijeka Carnival
Rijeka is known for the Rijeka Carnival, the largest carnival in Croatia, which every winter (late January and through February) gathers thousands of masked participants and visitors. It is one of the main reasons to visit outside the summer season.
Beaches in Rijeka and nearby
The beaches are pebbly and landscaped, with a clear sea. Standing out are Ploče and Kostanj — both with a Blue Flag and access for people with disabilities — while Preluk, on the way to Opatija, is a favourite among sailors and windsurfing enthusiasts. The sea is warmest from June to September.
Where to eat and go out in Rijeka
Along the Korzo and the old core are cafés, restaurants and taverns with coastal cuisine — fresh fish, seafood and Kvarner shellfish, accompanied by local Istrian and coastal wines. Evening life revolves around the Korzo and the waterfront, and during the carnival the town is alive around the clock. For a quiet break by the sea, many choose nearby Opatija (Belgrade to Opatija transfer).
Belgrade to Rijeka minibus transfer
We drive from your address in Belgrade straight to your accommodation in Rijeka, with no changeovers — as part of the regular minibus transfer from Serbia to Croatia, with Belgrade as the starting point for travellers from across Serbia. Departure is at night at 23:00h, the Batrovci – Bajakovo border, and the journey takes roughly 7–8 hours (about 552 km). The price is from €75 per person one way — see the Belgrade to Rijeka minibus transfer page and the price for Rijeka.
The whole region is covered by the Kvarner (Belgrade to Kvarner transfer) (and the guide the Kvarner 2026), and the full offer for Croatia (Belgrade to Croatia transfer) and all the prices can be found in the price list. Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras too.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the journey from Belgrade to Rijeka?
About 7–8 hours (about 552 km), with a night departure at 23:00h via the Batrovci – Bajakovo border. You sleep through most of the journey and arrive in the morning.
How much does the minibus transfer to Rijeka cost?
From €75 per person one way. You can see the exact amount (one way and return) on the price for Rijeka and in the price list.
Do I need a passport for Rijeka?
Yes — Croatia is in the Schengen Area, so a valid biometric passport is required (an ID card is not enough). From April 2026 the EU EES system also operates (photo and fingerprints). More in the guide documents for the coast.
What to see in Rijeka?
The Korzo promenade, the Trsat fortress above the town, the Petar Kružić staircase (561 steps), St Vitus Cathedral and the Governor’s Palace with the Maritime Museum; Rijeka was European Capital of Culture 2020.
What to see around Rijeka?
Opatija with its Lungomare (about 15 km), the fortress and shrine of Trsat above the town, and the Kvarner islands — Krk, Cres and Lošinj, to which Rijeka is a natural gateway.
Is Rijeka worth visiting out of season?
It is — Rijeka is a town for all seasons, and in winter there is the Rijeka Carnival, the largest in Croatia, with parades on the Korzo in late January and through February.
