Things To Do
in Sankt Gallen
St. Gallen is a compact Swiss city in eastern Switzerland known for its baroque cathedral and UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint Gall. Its well-preserved Old Town sits on a hill above the Rhine valley, blending medieval charm with modern cafés and galleries. The city serves as a gateway to Lake Constance and the Appenzell foothills, offering culture, markets, and scenic walks.
Expect a warm, efficient Swiss welcome and a refined, walkable city center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Abbey of Saint Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the intricate architecture and explore the vast library filled with ancient manuscripts. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic area.
Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, taking in the beautifully painted facades and vibrant murals. Visit the Textile Museum to learn about the city's rich textile history and its role in the Swiss textile industry. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, tasting traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue or rösti.
As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant for dinner, enjoying the local cuisine while reflecting on your day. Afterward, take a serene walk along the river, where the lights of the city begin to twinkle. End the night with a nightcap at a local bar, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Sankt Gallen.
Begin your day with a visit to the Kunstmuseum Sankt Gallen, where you can admire contemporary and classical art pieces. Spend time exploring the museum's rotating exhibitions, which often feature local Swiss artists. After your cultural immersion, grab a coffee at the museum café for a quick refreshment.
Head to the nearby St. Gallen Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. For lunch, try a traditional Swiss sausage at one of the market stalls, enjoying the bustling atmosphere.
In the evening, attend a performance at the Stadttheater St. Gallen, experiencing local theater or a concert. Enjoy a pre-show dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional dishes. After the performance, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of the city, soaking up the vibrant ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Hotel (mid-range per night) | $120-180 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $10-15 |
| 🧀Cheese or local specialty | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact city with UNESCO heritage site
- Excellent public transport and walkability
- Rich mix of culture, history and nature
- Can be pricey for meals and attractions
- Less nightlife compared to larger cities
- "Grüezi" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Sankt Gallen
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO-listed medieval library with ornate shelves, white vaulted ceiling, and book-lined galleries.
Impressive baroque cathedral and the surrounding square framed by historic buildings.
Panoramic views over the old town and river valley from a hilltop terrace.
Colorful, carved and painted façades create a quintessential Swiss architectural palette.
Scenic lakeside walk with views toward the Swiss and German shores, ideal for sunset photography.
Food in Sankt Gallen
Sankt Gallen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A plump sausage often served with rösti or a crusty bread roll; commonly found at markets and traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
A pungent Alpine cheese used on boards, melted into dishes, or folded into fondue variants.
Cheese dumplings with crispy onions, a staple in Appenzell and St. Gallen cooking.
Crispy fried potato cake that pairs well with eggs, cheese, or sausage.
A wholesome oats-and-apple breakfast widely available in cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market at Marktplatz with cheeses, breads, produce and local specialties.
Seasonal street food stalls near the old town offering pretzels, sausages, and light snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite Grüezi or Guten Tag when entering shops or meeting people; a handshake is common in formal settings.
Punctuality is valued; arrive on time for appointments and trains.
Respect personal space; queues are orderly and patiently observed.
Safety
Tipping in Sankt Gallen
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are usually included in bills; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common but not mandatory.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; cash (CHF) is still commonly used for small purchases. Some smaller places may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with occasional thunderstorms; carry a light jacket for cooler evenings and higher elevations.
Pleasant temperatures and autumn colors; ideal for hiking and outdoor markets.
Cold with possible snowfall; festive markets and indoor cultural events. Mountain trips to Säntis are popular but check snow conditions.
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; great for city walks and new-season pastries.
Sankt Gallen at Night
Hiking in Sankt Gallen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic hike or cable-car ascent to the Säntis peak for panoramic mountain views.
Clifftop walk with 360-degree views and a rotating restaurant, accessible by cable car.
Airports
How to reach Sankt Gallen by plane.
Close regional airport serving eastern Switzerland; easy access to St. Gallen by train or taxi.
Major international hub about 1-1.5 hours by train from St. Gallen.
Small airport near Lake Constance; convenient for certain European routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents of St. Gallen, including families and professionals.
Students from the University of St. Gallen and nearby institutions.
Visitors drawn to UNESCO sites, Lake Constance, and the Appenzell region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular spectator and participation sport in Switzerland.
Winter sports common in nearby Säntis and Appenzell regions.
Extensive trails in the hills around St. Gallen and Lake Constance.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sankt Gallen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available. Look for Käsknöpfli, Rösti with vegetables, mushroom dishes, and seasonal salads; many places can adapt plates on request.