RIJEKA
A bit rough around the edges, Rijeka is a vibrant and modern city, so come visit before the crowds wash away all of the authentic charm.
Korzo
The main Korzo runs parallel to the embankment Riva. A few baroque facades fade behind modern shops and cafes. Short walk to the west is the Main Bus Station, near the Capuchin Church on two levels. Train station is a bit more to the west. To the east, Korzo ends at the local bus station towards Opatija and the so called Dead Cannal, surrounded by a nice pedestrian area. If you want to check your fitness, run up the 538 steps of Stube Petra Kružića to Trsat or take the bus up and walk down.
A town full of history
Often looked over by holidaymakers, Rijeka has a fascinating history, great bars and restaurants and a kicking nightlife. As one of the few spots on the entire Croatian coast that does not really cater to tourists, Rijeka is the place to go out drinking and dining with the locals. Founded by the Romans, then spruced up by the Habsburg in the 1400s, Rijeka fell under Hungarian control in the 1700s. Landlocke Magyars used it as their primary harbour, along with the Baroque buildings and sundry industries. First torpedo ever was built in Rijeka by Giovanni Biagio Luppis von Rammer (or just Ivan Vukić) a Croatian born officer of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.
Trsat Castle
Trsat Castle is worth visiting for the panoramic view alone, best enjoyed from the pleasant Gradina terrace cafe set beneath a mausoleum dedicated to a naval commander Laval Nugent who fought Napoleon and bought this fortress from the Frankopan family.
St. Vitus Church
Only 5 minutes on foot from Gran Hotel Bonavia, you'll find a round Baroque cathedral built in 1638 based on the Venetian Santa Maria della Salute and raised on a spot of an older, smaller church famous for a wooden cross that bled after certain Petar Lončarić threw a stone at it, angry because of a gambling debt.
Peek and Poke Museum
Dedicated to retro computing, this privately run museum is fun for kids and adults, as it displays still working ZX Spectrums, C64, some of the first gaming consoles and a lot of fun things to play with. Touching the exhibits is a must!
Dining
Filled with working men's konobas and simple, honest grub, Rijeka's gastro scene is just starting to come together, as more ambitious cooking happens up and down the coast in Opatija or Volosko, but there are a few worthy exceptions near the Korzo or atop panoramic Trsat. Depending on your choice, best talk to a member of the staff at Bonavia’s front desk for the latest gastro news and hot spots.
Modern & Contemporary Art Museum
Recently opened in a refurbished tobacco warehouse, MCAM offers works by prominent young Croatian artists as well as community oriented projects. The story of the building is a curious one, as the architects were forced to redo the derelict warehouse in stages, due to the lack of funds which took them to Venice Biennale of Architecture.
Nightlife
Dubbed the City of Rock by the locals, Rijeka has a lively punk, rock and electronic music, partially due to famous bands from the 80s that originated from Rijeka (most of them are still alive and playing), and in part due to a special Rijeka mentality. Noteworthy clubs at the time of writing were: Život (Life); Crkva (Church) and a few others, but Palach is the first one and still a favored among the older rockers.
