The Savinja River runs through Celje and the embankment on both sides of the river — particularly the stretch from the Old Bridge (Stari most) downstream toward the modern footbridges — is the city's most pleasant place for an evening walk. Cafés and bars line parts of the bank, and in summer the terraces fill with locals.
The river is clean and swift-moving; kayaking and swimming are popular a few kilometres upstream where the water widens. In town, the riverside promenade gives good views of the castle hill and the surrounding landscape. The Sunday market is sometimes held on the embankment, drawing producers from the Savinja Valley with cheese, honey, and seasonal vegetables.