What to Do in St. Gallen Switzerland – A Local City Guide

St. Gallen might just be the most beautiful city in Switzerland. Okay, I admit I’m biased — I grew up in the area. But even if the majestic cathedral doesn’t stir a sense of home in you, St. Gallen still deserves a spot on your Swiss itinerary, especially if you’re travelling on a budget.

Here’s my guide to 21 free or affordable things to do if you have a day or two in town.

Things to Do in St Gallen:

1. Wander the Abbey District

At the heart of St. Gallen lies the UNESCO-listed Abbey District. Its stunning baroque cathedral, dating back to the 18th century, is open year-round and free to visit.

Don’t miss the Abbey Library next door, home to over 170,000 books — some handwritten and more than a thousand years old. Even if ancient texts aren’t your thing, the Rococo Hall alone is worth seeing. Entry costs 12 CHF unless you have a Swiss Travel Pass, in which case it’s free.

2. Climb St. Laurence Church Tower

For a panoramic view of St. Gallen, climb the 186 steps of St. Laurence Church’s tower. Open from March to November, it offers a stunning vantage point over the Abbey District and beyond. Entry costs 5 CHF.

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3. Chill at Gallus Square

Gallus Square, just beside the Abbey District, is a perfect place to relax and watch city life unfold. Grab a treat from Chocolaterie Kölbener nearby and savour the calm atmosphere.

4. Swim at Drei Weieren

St. Gallen might lack a river or lake, but it’s compensated by the serene ponds of Drei Weieren. Originally built as water reserves, this hillside oasis now offers scenic views and refreshing swimming spots. The Mannenweier (men’s pond) is free to swim in, while the Frauenweier (women’s pond) costs 5.50 CHF but provides extra amenities.

5. Ride the Mühleggbahn

Hop on the Mühleggbahn, a historic inclined lift climbing the Mühlegg Gorge. A single ride costs 2.40 CHF unless you already have a zone ticket. From the top, it’s just a short walk to Drei Weieren.

6. Discover the Mühlenenschlucht Waterfall

Instead of taking the Mühleggbahn, hike the steep Mülenenschlucht trail and find St. Gallen’s very own waterfall halfway up. It’s an unexpected splash of wilderness right in the city.

7. Conquer St. Gallen’s Stairs

St. Gallen is a city of stairs — over 13,000 of them! If you’re up for a challenge (and sore calves), they’re an excellent way to explore hidden corners and panoramic viewpoints.

8. Go for a Hike

Nature is never far away in St. Gallen. Two of my favourite walks:

• Up Mülenenschlucht to St. Georgen, then right to Falkenburg Restaurant and Bernegg Forest.
• Up Mülenenschlucht, left past Drei Weieren, to Notkersegg Monastery. Check out the local farmers’ stalls for fresh milk, cheese, berries, or apple juice.

9. Walk the Trail of Bridges

This scenic two-hour walk along the River Sitter crosses 18 bridges, including Switzerland’s tallest railway bridge, the Sitter-Viaduct. Pack a picnic and swimsuit for a budget-friendly half-day adventure.

10. Visit Peter & Paul Wildlife Park

Meet deer, lynx, ibex, and adorable marmots at Peter & Paul Wildlife Park, a free park on a hill in St. Gallen’s northeast. On clear days, you’ll see the stunning Alpstein mountains in the distance.

11. Explore the Botanical Garden

Another free gem is the botanical garden, home to over 8,000 native and exotic plant species. It’s a great indoor alternative on rainy days.

12. Check Out the Museums

Even if museums aren’t your thing, St. Gallen has some worth considering:

• Textilmuseum – celebrates St. Gallen’s textile heritage (12 CHF)
• Naturmuseum – all about natural history (12 CHF)
• Kunstmuseum – for art lovers (12 CHF)
• Historisches und Völkerkundemuseum – covering history and ethnology (12 CHF)
• Abbey Library – unmissable if you see only one museum (12 CHF)

All are free with a Swiss Travel Pass.

13. Hunt Down Bay Windows

St. Gallen is famous for its 111 intricately decorated bay windows. Look up as you stroll through the Old Town — you’ll spot them everywhere.

14. Admire the Fountains

The city boasts over 100 fountains, perfect for a quick photo or a sip of fresh water. Don’t miss Broderbrunnen near the Textile Museum or the fountain in Gallus Square.

15. Eat at the City Wall Restaurant

Only a small section of St. Gallen’s old city wall remains, now home to Restaurant Zeughaus. It’s the perfect place to try Swiss dishes — they serve an excellent cordon bleu!

16. Grab a Lunch Deal

Dining out in Switzerland can be pricey, but lunch deals are often affordable. Expect prices around 12–20 CHF. My favourite budget spot is Rice & More, where delicious meals cost as little as 6–10 CHF.

17. Relax in the City Lounge

Known as the “red carpet of St. Gallen,” this quirky city lounge is a modern art installation covering 4,600 sqm with red granulate. It’s an ideal spot to take a break.

18. Join the Local Festivities

St. Gallen loves a good party, from Fasnacht (Carnival) in February to Buskers Festival in May, New Orleans Festival in June, and the St. Gallerfest in August. Check the Swiss Events app for updates.

19. Borrow a Bicycle

Free bike rentals are available at the train station’s “Velostation,” making it easy to explore more of the city — though be warned, St. Gallen’s hills are no joke!

20. Explore the Weekly Markets

Every Saturday from May to November, Marktplatz fills with stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and more. Smaller markets also run year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

21. Read the Binary Clock

Near the train station, look for St. Gallen’s quirky binary clock — a fun techy landmark to puzzle over during your visit.

St. Gallen might not be on every traveller’s radar, but it’s full of hidden gems, scenic views, and affordable adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just after good food and free activities, this city has plenty to keep you busy.

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