Switzerland · 2026 guide
Things to Do in St. Gallen
Everything you need to explore St. Gallen — top attractions, local dining, insider tips and transport.
Cultural in St. Gallen
The entire pedestrianised old town, with covered walkways (Lauben) on both sides of the main street. Erker (bay windows) carved in stone mark former merchants' houses.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Walk the stretch between Marktplatz and Bohl for the densest concentration of Erker; look up for the bear with a bunch of grapes on Haus zur Waage.
Hotels near Museumstrasse & Old Town arcades →Landmark in St. Gallen
Baroque twin-towered cathedral with ornate stucco work and frescoes, part of the Unesco abbey complex. The crypt contains remnants of the original 9th-century church.
🕐 Mon-Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-18:00
💡 The choir stalls have carved misericords showing daily medieval life—look for the baker, cooper and musician. Free guided tour on Saturdays at 2pm.
Hotels near St. Gallen Cathedral (Abbey Cathedral) →Park in St. Gallen
A cluster of three small lakes in woodland uphill from the city, originally built to supply water to textile mills. Now a local swimming spot with views over St. Gallen.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Take the Mühleggbahn funicular from town to save the steep walk; the middle lake has a grassy sunbathing area, the lower one a wooden jetty.
Hotels near Drei Weieren →Museum in St. Gallen
Unesco-listed library inside the abbey complex, housing medieval manuscripts and century-old books. The rococo hall alone is worth the modest entry fee.
🕐 Mon-Sun 10:00-17:00
💡 Buy a combined ticket with the Abbey Cathedral for a discount; avoid lunchtime crowds by arriving right at 10am opening.
Hotels near Abbey of Saint Gall Library →Exhibits on St. Gallen's embroidery and textile industry, with vintage lace samples, embroidery machines and design archives. Small but dense with detail.
🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mon
💡 Entry is cheap (around 8 CHF) and free on the first Sunday of each month. The shop sells high-quality patterned cloth offcuts for a few francs.
Hotels near Textile Museum (Stickereimuseum) →Where to Eat in St. Gallen
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in St. Gallen?
The top attractions include Museumstrasse & Old Town arcades, St. Gallen Cathedral (Abbey Cathedral), Drei Weieren, Abbey of Saint Gall Library, Textile Museum (Stickereimuseum).
How many days do you need in St. Gallen?
Most visitors spend 2–4 days to see the main highlights. Three days is ideal for a first visit — see our St. Gallen 3-day itinerary for a day-by-day plan.
What is St. Gallen famous for?
St. Gallen is known for its history, culture and distinctive character. Visitors come for the landmarks, food scene and local atmosphere.
Where should I eat in St. Gallen?
Top options include Al Covo, Segreto, Testarossa, Scheitlinsbüchel.