Rijeka Beer Map

Rijeka is the gateway to Croatia’s big tourist attractions. West of here is the Istrian Peninsula, with its Roman ruins and relaxed Mediterranean vibes. East of here is Plitvicka Jezera, with its electric blue lakes and bridge trails. South of here stretch Dalmatia’s pebbly beaches and isolated islands.

Often, tourists skip Rijeka, since they see it as a rough industrial port city. Yet its large university and its position at the crossroads of Croatia foster a laidback, progressive alternative culture. I spent most of my time drinking with art students, punks and metalheads.

As is often the case with alternative culture, alternative beer follows. In Rijeka, there are more craft beer bar and breweries than in any city further south on the famous Dalmatian coast. Two of the city’s good beer bars are in the university district on Trsat Hill. Besides Zagreb, this is the best city for drinking craft beer in Croatia. And if you go just outside the center, you will find many beautiful isolated beaches to enjoy beer by the seaside.

If you have 24 hours to spend in Rijeka, click here for a suggested craft beer tour.

If you have more time to spend in Rijeka, here’s a list of the craft beer bars, brewpubs and breweries in the city. Below, is an interactive map with their locations.