Nikolina Demark

Rijeka

Spotter since 2019

About me

About me
I'm an art historian who has worked as a museum guide, freelance journalist and travel writer for the last ten years. I was born and raised in Rijeka, then moved to Zagreb to attend university. Eight years later, I moved back to my hometown because I missed the sea.

I'm an avid reader and an insatiable consumer of pop culture and gummy bears. I send postcards from every town I visit, and for the life of me, I still don't know how to walk on snow.

Why Rijeka
Rijeka is easy to love, but hard to put into words. A former industrial giant, a peculiar combination of Austro-Hungarian imperial grandeur and laid-back Mediterranean charm. These days, we're more laid-back than anything else. Nobody seems to mind - there is a prevailing sense of openness and hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.

Often called 'the city that flows', Rijeka is vibrant and lively with people coming and going, a quintessential trait of every harbour town. The city is perfectly sized - not big enough to feel overwhelming, not small enough for anyone to get bored too quickly.

Even if you do get bored, there's so much to do in less than a two-hour drive away. Depending on the weather and your personal interests, you can go explore the wine roads of Istria, go island hopping around the Northern Adriatic, visit the capital Zagreb or go skiing in the Gorski Kotar region!

My spots (19)

Grad Bar and Bistro

Eat, drink & mingle

"Grad Bar and Bistro" in Rijeka is a sleek, classy space for a g&t, a cheese plate or, my favorite, their heavenly desserts & the best ice cream in town!

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

The Beertija

Cold beer and good music

"The Beertija" is a lively, relaxed and informal mix of a bar and pub in Trsat in Rijeka. They currently have over 250 beers on their list!

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Bars
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Music

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

Cukarikafe Bar

Good vibes only

"Cukarikafe Bar" might be the sweetest place in Rijeka. The shady chic interior is a proper cabinet of curiosities and also has two open air terraces!

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Bars
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Coffee & tea

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

TunelRi

Underground tunnels

"TunelRi" is a 330-metre long tunnel from WWII below the centre of Rijeka. A great and surprisingly inviting way to escape from the roaming crowds above...

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Relaxing

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

Croatia in a Box

Authentic souvenirs

"Croatia in a Box" is not just any gift shop -- it's one that I'm very happy to have in Rijeka because it has real, quality Croatian products!

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Shopping

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

Molo Longo

Along the waterfront

The "Molo Longo" is Rijeka's iconic breakwater, the 'long pier'. It's 1.7km long and perfect for a walk along the seaside and the harbour...

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Relaxing

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

The Tea Square

Green urban oasis

"The Tea Square" in Rijeka is in one of the few green areas in the city, on Matija Vlačić Flacius Square. It was recently transformed into a living garden.

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Bars
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Coffee & tea

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

Bordel La Grotta

Brothel turned bar

Bistro-bar "Bordel La Grotta" once used to house the most popular brothel in Rijeka. The relevant decoration, like an old price list, goes back to 1944 ...

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Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
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Snacks

By

Nikolina

Demark

Feb 8, 2025

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