Zagreb Leisure
Zagreb has plenty of recreational activities to enjoy including the usual sports such as golf, tennis and swimming as well as more strenuous pursuits like skiing, sailing or waterskiing. Sitting at an outdoor café at one of the old city squares is perfect for relaxing while indulging in a spot of people-watching, while plenty of shops offer the chance for some retail therapy.
Football
The city has one quality football team, Dinamo Zagreb, which is based at the spacious Maksimir Stadium in the northeast part of Zagreb. The club has a large number of fanatical fans called the Bad Blues Boys, which liven up every game. The atmosphere is electric and the team is a regular trophy winner in domestic competitions, thereby gaining routes to Europe’s top championships. There is usually no problem getting a ticket, meaning lovers of football can time their visit for when Dinamo Zagreb plays one of the more famous European clubs.
Skiing
Zagreb prides itself on being the only capital city to host an annual World Cup skiing event. This provides a great spectacle and also boosts the popularity of the sport locally. The mountains to the north of Zagreb have some excellent piste and off-piste courses, catering to a full range of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.
Lake Jarun
This large body of water is used for a wide variety of sports and outdoor activities. Around the edges of the lake are great trails, perfect for cycling and jogging, and there are also a few shingle beaches that are quite pleasant. On the water, you can enjoy sailing, swimming, waterskiing and windsurfing, while on-land activities include beach volleyball, football, tennis and mini-golf. Lake Jarun has several good restaurants and even a lively discotheque.
People-watching
The Kaptol and Gradec districts have many ancient town squares with great fountains that are surrounded by lovely old buildings. There are also many street side cafés, which are perfect for sipping a refreshing beverage while observing locals and tourists alike, offering intriguing insights into this cosmopolitan city. The best place for people-watching is the magnificent Ban Josip Jelacic Square.
Shopping
Zagreb has some great shopping districts where browsers can purchase popular local items such as crystal, china, pottery and wicker ware. Croatian wines are surprisingly tasty and great value, while foodstuffs such as cottage cheese and pasta are also available. Many of the best shops for local goods are located in the Lower Town district, while there are plenty of modern boutiques and shopping malls in New Zagreb.