St. Gallen
Switzerland
Why St. Gallen is a great destination
Crowd-light yet culture-rich, St. Gallen delivers UNESCO grandeur, lived-in Swiss traditions and a lively university pulse—without the queues.
- Essence: Studious affluence meets provincial charm in a clean, safe, walkable city where the UNESCO-listed Stiftsbezirk and Rococo Abbey Library set a contemplative tone, balanced by café chatter from HSG students.
- Why it’s different: Swap packed old towns for cobbled lanes with ornate Erker bay windows; hear church bells, not megaphones; even headline sights feel unhurried and easy to explore.
- Authenticity & value: Join market mornings on Marktplatz, eat a St. Galler Bratwurst ohne Senf with a Bürli, linger in wood-panelled Erststockbeizli—and enjoy Swiss quality at gentler prices than the big-name hubs.
- Hooks: Cool off at Drei Weieren, catch indie culture at Lokremise, wander the Sittertobel trails, time a visit for OLMA’s agricultural festivities, and tap into the Rosenberg campus buzz for an international edge.
Who should go to St. Gallen?
St. Gallen is ideal for travellers who love substance over spectacle—where monastic calm meets a quietly ambitious university buzz. If you prefer intimate streets, thoughtful culture and easy access to nature over crowds and queues, you’ll feel at home here. Think of it as a polished yet personal alternative to Zurich.
- History lovers: Wander the UNESCO-listed Stiftsbezirk and its Rococo Abbey Library (slippers and all), then admire ornate Erker windows that whisper the city’s discreet textile wealth.
- Scenery seekers: Swim at the hillside Drei Weieren with city-and-Alp views, amble the Sittertobel gorge, and day-trip into the nearby Appenzell hills for gentle hikes.
- Foodies: Bite into the famous St. Galler bratwurst ohne Senf with a Bürli, browse the Marktplatz markets, and toast Schützengarten brews in cosy Erststockbeizen.
- Culture & design fans: Mix baroque splendour with contemporary cool at Lokremise, the red “City Lounge,” and HSG’s SQUARE—proof that St. Gallen marries tradition with bold ideas.
- City‑breakers: Enjoy a compact, spotless centre, fast trains (about 1 hour) from Zurich, and better value than Zurich or Lucerne for a low‑stress weekend.
- Festival goers: Time your visit for OLMA (bratwurst, livestock and lively Swiss-German cheer) or OpenAir St. Gallen to watch the city switch from studious calm to full‑on revelry.
Who should go to St. Gallen?
St. Gallen is ideal for travellers who love substance over spectacle—where monastic calm meets a quietly ambitious university buzz. If you prefer intimate streets, thoughtful culture and easy access to nature over crowds and queues, you’ll feel at home here. Think of it as a polished yet personal alternative to Zurich.
- History lovers: Wander the UNESCO-listed Stiftsbezirk and its Rococo Abbey Library (slippers and all), then admire ornate Erker windows that whisper the city’s discreet textile wealth.
- Scenery seekers: Swim at the hillside Drei Weieren with city-and-Alp views, amble the Sittertobel gorge, and day-trip into the nearby Appenzell hills for gentle hikes.
- Foodies: Bite into the famous St. Galler bratwurst ohne Senf with a Bürli, browse the Marktplatz markets, and toast Schützengarten brews in cosy Erststockbeizen.
- Culture & design fans: Mix baroque splendour with contemporary cool at Lokremise, the red “City Lounge,” and HSG’s SQUARE—proof that St. Gallen marries tradition with bold ideas.
- City‑breakers: Enjoy a compact, spotless centre, fast trains (about 1 hour) from Zurich, and better value than Zurich or Lucerne for a low‑stress weekend.
- Festival goers: Time your visit for OLMA (bratwurst, livestock and lively Swiss-German cheer) or OpenAir St. Gallen to watch the city switch from studious calm to full‑on revelry.
Top things to do in St. Gallen
These are the unmissable highlights of St. Gallen. Follow them to feel the city’s blend of contemplative heritage and studious ambition in a single day.
- Walk the UNESCO-listed Abbey District and its Rococo Abbey Library in soft slippers amid thousand-year-old manuscripts.
- Explore the cobbled Altstadt, admiring ornate Erker bay windows and slipping into cosy Erststockbeizen.
- Visit HSG’s SQUARE and Brutalist campus on Rosenberg to feel the city’s ambitious, international heartbeat.
- Take a summer dip at the Drei Weieren, the leafy hillside ponds with wide city views.
- Hike the Sittertobel gorge paths for a quick hit of “tamed wilderness” minutes from the centre.
Experience St. Gallen differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Top things to do in St. Gallen
These are the unmissable highlights of St. Gallen. Follow them to feel the city’s blend of contemplative heritage and studious ambition in a single day.
- Walk the UNESCO-listed Abbey District and its Rococo Abbey Library in soft slippers amid thousand-year-old manuscripts.
- Explore the cobbled Altstadt, admiring ornate Erker bay windows and slipping into cosy Erststockbeizen.
- Visit HSG’s SQUARE and Brutalist campus on Rosenberg to feel the city’s ambitious, international heartbeat.
- Take a summer dip at the Drei Weieren, the leafy hillside ponds with wide city views.
- Hike the Sittertobel gorge paths for a quick hit of “tamed wilderness” minutes from the centre.
Experience St. Gallen differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
3-day St. Gallen itinerary
Day 1: Abbey District, Old Town and embroidery heritage
Begin with the city’s contemplative core and its centuries of quiet prosperity. You’ll feel the shift from hushed monastic gravitas to mercantile detail as you wander the lanes and look up at ornate bay windows.
- Morning: Step into the Abbey District for the cathedral and the Abbey Library; pre-book the library and arrive at opening to enjoy the Rococo hall in near-silence (you’ll wear soft slippers). Grab a coffee and a Gipfeli nearby and remember a polite Grüezi when entering small shops.
- Midday: Drift through Gallusstrasse, Spisergasse and Marktgasse; keep looking up at the Erker. Lunch on a St. Galler Bratwurst with a Bürli at a market stand—without mustard—especially lively on Tue/Fri/Sat market mornings on Marktplatz.
- Afternoon: Connect with the city’s textile past at the Textile Museum, then detour to the City Lounge (the “red carpet”) in the Bleicheli quarter for a playful contemporary counterpoint. If there are works around Marktplatz-Bohl, allow a few extra minutes for diversions.
- Evening: Ease into apéro on an Old Town terrace, then dine in an Erststockbeiz such as Schlössli or Neubad for cosy wood-panelling and traditional dishes. In October, swap the Beiz for OLMA halls and fairground cheer; in winter, lean into the heimelig vibe with a lingering digestif.
Day 2: University energy and the city’s green edge
Today contrasts the ambitious academic current with nature at arm’s reach. Expect laptops and macroeconomics in the morning, mirror-still ponds and birdsong by afternoon.
- Morning: Walk the University of St. Gallen campus on Rosenberg; slip into the SQUARE learning centre and nurse a coffee at AdHoc while overhearing three languages at once (the campus is quieter outside term). Casual smart attire blends in; keep voices low in study zones.
- Midday: Ride the Mühleggbahn up to Drei Weieren for a picnic with city views; in summer, join locals for a swim, and in colder months try the hilltop sauna (book ahead, bring flip-flops). Respect quiet bathing areas and pack a towel.
- Afternoon: Ramble along the forested paths towards St. Georgen or extend to the Sittertobel riverside trails for a wilder feel; sturdy shoes recommended after rain. If it’s wet, pivot to Lokremise for an art-house film or exhibition.
- Evening: Dine at Lokremise’s restaurant, then catch theatre or cinema before a gentle stroll back through the Altstadt. Public transport is punctual and calm—keep phones on silent and conversations soft.
Day 3: Markets, makers and modern quarters
Close with a day that feels very local: produce stalls, creative spaces and easy-going neighbourhood rhythm. You’ll sense how tradition and innovation share the same streets.
- Morning: If it’s Tue/Fri/Sat, browse the Marktplatz market from early, chatting with producers and sampling cheese and bread; otherwise start with a Sittertobel walk when the gorge is quietest. Bring a reusable bag and small change for market nibbles.
- Midday: Head to the Lattich area by the old freight station for lunch at Wilde Möhre—fresh, colourful plates and a relaxed terrace when it’s warm. Explore the surrounding studios and containers that host pop-ups and community projects.
- Afternoon: Tour (or taste at) the Schützengarten brewery, Switzerland’s oldest, to tap into local beer culture; check tour slots in advance. Alternatively, slow-shop the Old Town’s boutiques and follow a self-guided “oriel window” loop from the tourist office.
- Evening: Savour a final apéro at a wine bar on Goliathgasse, then choose contemporary Swiss or international cuisine for dinner. In June, plan for OpenAir St. Gallen evenings down in Sittertobel; in winter, retreat to a Beiz and order something warming while the Föhn wind rustles outside.
Share St. Gallen with friends and start planning your trip together.
Food and drink in St. Gallen
St. Gallen’s food culture is proudly traditional and low-key, built on craftsmanship and ritual. Expect market-fresh produce, cosy first-floor taverns, and the city’s famous bratwurst etiquette. It’s quality over fuss, best enjoyed at a beiz, a bar terrace, or the morning market.
- St. Galler Bratwurst (ohne Senf) – Protected veal sausage eaten plain, ideally with a crusty Bürli; adding mustard is a no‑go. Best from grill stands or during OLMA, savoured as you wander the market.
- Schützengarten Landbier/Klosterbräu – Clean, malty local beers from Switzerland’s oldest brewery. Perfect for an unhurried apéro on Old Town bar terraces or in a cosy beiz.
- Erststockbeizli (first‑floor taverns) – Wood‑panelled rooms serving hearty Swiss classics in intimate, low‑ceilinged spaces. A hushed, candlelit atmosphere that’s all about comfort and conversation.
- Marktplatz Farmers’ Market – Seasonal cheeses, breads and produce that showcase regional quality. Buzzing Tuesday/Friday/Saturday mornings, with nearby cafés for a warm-up coffee between stalls.
Eat like a local: Discover St. Gallen top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Food and drink in St. Gallen
St. Gallen’s food culture is proudly traditional and low-key, built on craftsmanship and ritual. Expect market-fresh produce, cosy first-floor taverns, and the city’s famous bratwurst etiquette. It’s quality over fuss, best enjoyed at a beiz, a bar terrace, or the morning market.
- St. Galler Bratwurst (ohne Senf) – Protected veal sausage eaten plain, ideally with a crusty Bürli; adding mustard is a no‑go. Best from grill stands or during OLMA, savoured as you wander the market.
- Schützengarten Landbier/Klosterbräu – Clean, malty local beers from Switzerland’s oldest brewery. Perfect for an unhurried apéro on Old Town bar terraces or in a cosy beiz.
- Erststockbeizli (first‑floor taverns) – Wood‑panelled rooms serving hearty Swiss classics in intimate, low‑ceilinged spaces. A hushed, candlelit atmosphere that’s all about comfort and conversation.
- Marktplatz Farmers’ Market – Seasonal cheeses, breads and produce that showcase regional quality. Buzzing Tuesday/Friday/Saturday mornings, with nearby cafés for a warm-up coffee between stalls.
Eat like a local: Discover St. Gallen top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in St. Gallen
Choosing the right area in St. Gallen shapes your stay—each neighbourhood has a distinct rhythm. Pick a base for the vibe you want, not a specific hotel. Here’s where to look.
- Altstadt & Stiftsbezirk — cobbled lanes, Rococo Abbey Library and ornate oriels; quiet at night; perfect for history lovers and walkers who want charm on the doorstep.
- Rosenberg/Rotmonten (HSG) — academic hill with SQUARE and buzzy cafés; smart, international weekday energy; ideal for conference-goers and ambitious travellers.
- St. Georgen & Drei Weieren — leafy, village feel by the swimming ponds; trails and sunset views; great for families, runners and anyone seeking calm.
- Bahnhof & Bleicheli — ultra-convenient for trains, shops and the red “City Lounge”; lively, practical base for short stays and nightlife.
Find places to stay in St. Gallen on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Where to stay in St. Gallen
Choosing the right area in St. Gallen shapes your stay—each neighbourhood has a distinct rhythm. Pick a base for the vibe you want, not a specific hotel. Here’s where to look.
- Altstadt & Stiftsbezirk — cobbled lanes, Rococo Abbey Library and ornate oriels; quiet at night; perfect for history lovers and walkers who want charm on the doorstep.
- Rosenberg/Rotmonten (HSG) — academic hill with SQUARE and buzzy cafés; smart, international weekday energy; ideal for conference-goers and ambitious travellers.
- St. Georgen & Drei Weieren — leafy, village feel by the swimming ponds; trails and sunset views; great for families, runners and anyone seeking calm.
- Bahnhof & Bleicheli — ultra-convenient for trains, shops and the red “City Lounge”; lively, practical base for short stays and nightlife.
Find places to stay in St. Gallen on Booking.com
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Explore other great dupe destinations based on your interest
Good to know before you go to St. Gallen
Travel to and around St. Gallen is straightforward thanks to its compact centre and excellent Swiss transport links. A few local quirks and seasonal rhythms, though, will help you plan smoothly and save some francs.
- Affordability: Switzerland is pricey but St. Gallen is gentler than Zurich; budget CHF 25–40 for a casual meal, CHF 5–6 for coffee, and roughly CHF 140–220 per night for mid‑range hotels (hostels from about CHF 40–70).
- Transport: The old town is walkable, with frequent VBSG buses and Swiss trains for local and regional travel; easy day trips include Appenzell, Säntis, and Lake Constance (ferries via nearby Rorschach), and a car is optional unless you’re chasing remote hikes.
- Language: Swiss‑German (St. Galler dialect) is spoken, High German is understood, and English is widely used in tourism and around the university.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and friendly for families and solo travellers; just watch for pickpockets at the station or festivals, note many shops close on Sundays, and expect tap‑and‑go payments to work almost everywhere.
- Crowds: Generally calm, with spikes during OLMA in October, OpenAir St. Gallen in early summer and the Christmas market; it’s quieter during university breaks (mid‑June to mid‑September and over Christmas).
Good to know before you go to St. Gallen
Travel to and around St. Gallen is straightforward thanks to its compact centre and excellent Swiss transport links. A few local quirks and seasonal rhythms, though, will help you plan smoothly and save some francs.
- Affordability: Switzerland is pricey but St. Gallen is gentler than Zurich; budget CHF 25–40 for a casual meal, CHF 5–6 for coffee, and roughly CHF 140–220 per night for mid‑range hotels (hostels from about CHF 40–70).
- Transport: The old town is walkable, with frequent VBSG buses and Swiss trains for local and regional travel; easy day trips include Appenzell, Säntis, and Lake Constance (ferries via nearby Rorschach), and a car is optional unless you’re chasing remote hikes.
- Language: Swiss‑German (St. Galler dialect) is spoken, High German is understood, and English is widely used in tourism and around the university.
- Safety & comfort: Very safe and friendly for families and solo travellers; just watch for pickpockets at the station or festivals, note many shops close on Sundays, and expect tap‑and‑go payments to work almost everywhere.
- Crowds: Generally calm, with spikes during OLMA in October, OpenAir St. Gallen in early summer and the Christmas market; it’s quieter during university breaks (mid‑June to mid‑September and over Christmas).
Best time to go to St. Gallen
Seasonality in St. Gallen tracks both the weather and the university calendar. Summer is relaxed and outdoorsy, autumn peaks with OLMA and the semester restart, while spring is a gentle shoulder with fewer visitors and a contemplative old-town feel.
- Spring (Apr–May): Mild and fresh; lighter crowds; contemplative, historic vibe with markets and HSG in session lending a studious buzz.
- High Summer (mid‑Jun–Aug): Warm and sunny; busiest outdoors but fewer students due to break; relaxed, communal energy around Drei Weieren and terrace bars.
- Autumn/OLMA (Sep–Oct): Crisp and clear; crowds swell for OLMA and uni restart; lively mix of rustic festival spirit and multilingual academic bustle.
Best time to go to St. Gallen
Seasonality in St. Gallen tracks both the weather and the university calendar. Summer is relaxed and outdoorsy, autumn peaks with OLMA and the semester restart, while spring is a gentle shoulder with fewer visitors and a contemplative old-town feel.
- Spring (Apr–May): Mild and fresh; lighter crowds; contemplative, historic vibe with markets and HSG in session lending a studious buzz.
- High Summer (mid‑Jun–Aug): Warm and sunny; busiest outdoors but fewer students due to break; relaxed, communal energy around Drei Weieren and terrace bars.
- Autumn/OLMA (Sep–Oct): Crisp and clear; crowds swell for OLMA and uni restart; lively mix of rustic festival spirit and multilingual academic bustle.
Share St. Gallen with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to St. Gallen
By Air
- Zurich Airport (ZRH): Largest and best-connected gateway. Direct trains to St. Gallen run every 30 minutes; 1h–1h15 to St. Gallen Hauptbahnhof.
- St. Gallen–Altenrhein (ACH): 20 km from the city; limited regional flights. Bus to Rorschach then train; 30–45 mins total. Taxi/car about 20–30 mins.
- Friedrichshafen (FDH), Germany: Ferry Friedrichshafen–Romanshorn (≈45 mins) + train to St. Gallen (≈35 mins); about 1h30 total. Rail via Bregenz/Lindau ≈2h.
- Memmingen (FMM), Germany: Low-cost carriers. Train ≈2–2h30 (via Bregenz/Lindau); car ≈1h30.
- EuroAirport Basel (BSL/MLH): Bus to Basel SBB + IC to St. Gallen; ≈2–2h30.
- Munich (MUC): Train ≈3h30–4h (via München Hbf/Lindau–Bregenz).
By Train
- Main hub: St. Gallen Hauptbahnhof (central; SBB and regional services).
- Zurich HB: IC/IR up to 4×/hour; ≈1h–1h10.
- Zurich Airport: Direct IC/IR 2×/hour; ≈1h–1h15.
- Bern: Usually 1 change in Zurich; ≈2h10–2h20.
- Lausanne/Geneva: 1 change in Zurich; ≈3h40–4h30.
- Lucerne: Voralpen-Express direct hourly; ≈2h15.
- Chur: IR direct hourly; ≈1h40.
- Munich: EC direct several times daily; ≈3h–3h15.
- Konstanz: Regional via Weinfelden/Kreuzlingen; ≈1h.
- Appenzell: Appenzeller Bahnen; ≈1h.
By Car
- Motorway A1 runs through St. Gallen (to Zurich ≈1h; Winterthur ≈45 mins; Bern ≈2h15; Basel ≈2h15–2h30). A13 connection via Sargans to Chur ≈1h15.
- Cross-border drives: Bregenz (Austria) ≈45 mins; Konstanz (Germany) ≈1h.
- Swiss motorway vignette required. Old town is largely pedestrian; use central car parks (e.g., Bahnhof, Burggraben, Spisertor) or Park+Ride.
Get to St. Gallen: Compare smart flight options with Skyscanner
Affiliate links help keep Savler free, at no extra cost to you.
Have a great tip for St. Gallen or another alternative to popular destinations?
Share your thoughts on St. Gallen or suggest another authentic alternative to popular destinations. Your tips help others rediscover their love of travelling - while giving popular destinations a little room to breathe.
Book your trip
Find the best St. Gallen hotels
Browse top-rated stays and deals on Booking.com
Compare cheap flights to St. Gallen
Search live fares and save with Skyscanner
Browse St. Gallen tours & experiences
Skip-the-line tickets and research activities on GetYourGuide
Discover St. Gallen’s top restaurants
Find authentic dining spots with Tripadvisor reviews
Please help us keep all core features free to use by using these affiliate links!