St Gallen is a city that packs a punch for visitors eager to explore Swiss culture, history, and scenery. Its compact center is perfect for walking tours, and the city’s UNESCO-listed Abbey Library draws architecture lovers, while the surrounding countryside offers incredible day trips like Mount Säntis. In our list, you’ll find options tailored to different interests—whether you want a quick insider introduction, a photography-focused walk, or a scenic adventure from Basel or Zurich. We especially like the St. Gallen: Express Walk with a Local for a quick, personalized glimpse, or the day trip to Mount Säntis for natural beauty and panoramic views.
What makes these tours standout? Some offer intimate small-group experiences, like the Capture the most Photogenic Spots with a local, while others provide a full day of exploration, combining scenic rides with historic sites. Plus, several tours focus on cultural highlights, such as the Public Old Town Tour with Cathedral and Abbey Library, giving you a deeper sense of St Gallen’s heritage. Whether you’re short on time or looking for an immersive experience, this list has options to match your travel style.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each tour, including what makes it special, practical considerations, and who it’s best suited for. Ready? Let’s explore the best tours in St Gallen.
1. St. Gallen: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
This tour packs a lot into an hour of your time. Led by a local guide, you’ll stroll through the city’s main sights, including the Abbey District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and get a taste of St Gallen’s vibrant culture. The guide shares personal insights and local tips, making it a perfect way to get oriented quickly. With a small group limited to 8 travelers, the experience feels intimate and tailored.
What stands out here is the focus on authenticity—your guide will point out the city’s true essence beyond the standard tourist spots. Although just 1-2 hours long, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time, or those who want a quick but meaningful introduction before exploring on your own. At $96 per person, it’s a good value for personalized attention and insider knowledge. Reviewers praise the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of local knowledge, calling it “highly recommend.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for a short, personalized orientation that hits the highlights and leaves you with local recommendations for cafes and bars.
2. St. Gallen: Public Old Town Tour with Cathedral and Abbey Library
At 1.5 hours, this classic tour dives into the heart of St Gallen’s Old Town, emphasizing its architectural beauty and spiritual heritage. Starting with the fantastic Abbey Library, where visitors often slip into felt slippers to explore the Rococo masterpiece, you’ll also visit the impressive cathedral with its stunning ceiling paintings. The tour provides a rundown of the city’s medieval layout and its importance as a trading hub.
This guided experience is especially valuable for history and architecture lovers who want a thorough understanding of the city’s roots. The guide shares engaging stories about the city’s development and its textile trade boom. It’s a well-paced tour that balances cultural highlights with fascinating anecdotes, making it accessible and enriching.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history buffs or first-time visitors who want a well-rounded overview of St Gallen’s historical sites.
3. St. Gallen: Capture the most Photogenic Spots with a Local
For photographers and Instagram enthusiasts, this 1.5-hour tour with a local is a gem. Your guide, Liz, leads you through the city’s most picturesque spots, sharing stories behind each landmark. The tour combines scenic architecture, charming streets, and vibrant courtyards, helping you craft a visual story of St Gallen.
What sets this tour apart is the personalized tips on best angles, lighting, and hidden corners. The small group size (max 8) allows for individual attention and spontaneous photo stops. The guide’s knowledge about local culture also adds depth to the experience, making your photos more meaningful. The $106 per person fee includes plenty of opportunities to practice your photography skills.
A reviewer states, “Liz was amazing. Always up to date and knows everything. We can recommend this tour.” So, if capturing your trip is a priority, this is an excellent pick.
Bottom Line: Ideal for photography lovers who want stunning visuals and a deeper appreciation of St Gallen’s charm.
4. From Basel: Mount Säntis, St. Gallen Old Town UNESCO Library
This full-day trip from Basel covers a lot of ground. It includes a cable car ride up Mount Säntis, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a chance to enjoy lunch at the summit. Afterward, you’ll explore St Gallen’s Old Town and visit its UNESCO-listed Abbey Library, a true Rococo masterpiece. The scenic train ride through the Appenzell region adds to the experience, showcasing Switzerland’s natural beauty.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. The journey is well-paced, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and enjoy local alpine scenery. The reviews highlight the panoramic vistas and the impressive library visit as standout moments.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those eager to combine mountain scenery with cultural treasures on a single, well-organized day trip.
5. From Zurich: Mt. Säntis, St. Gallen Old Town, UNESCO Library
A similar full-day adventure from Zurich, this tour offers the same highlights: the cable car ride to Mount Säntis, St Gallen’s Old Town, and the UNESCO Library. It’s perfect if you’re based in Zurich and want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning individual transport.
The scenic ride over dramatic cliffs, the historic old town, and the library’s Rococo interior make this trip a rich experience. It’s a longer day (about 11 hours), but the value lies in the convenience of an organized tour that includes transport, expert guidance, and time to explore.
Bottom Line: Ideal for Zurich visitors who want to maximize their Swiss experience with minimal planning.
6. St. Gallen: Public Guided Tour of the Old Town
This guided tour lasts about 75 minutes and is a lively introduction to St Gallen’s Old Town. Your guide shares stories about the city’s history, textile trade, and architecture while walking you through streets filled with colorful bay windows and hidden courtyards. It’s accessible and runs in all weather, making it a flexible option.
This tour is especially good for travelers who want to discover the city’s stories in a short amount of time. It’s suitable for all ages and offers insights into local life, trade, and culture. Though brief, the tour is packed with engaging anecdotes and surprising facts.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a quick, informative walk that captures the city’s lively spirit.
7. Christmas Tour in the City of Stars
During the festive season, this 1.5-hour Christmas tour offers a cozy way to experience St Gallen’s holiday spirit. Learn why Father Christmas wears a red coat, discover the meaning of Advent, and let yourself be guided by the stars through beautifully decorated streets.
This tour is perfect for families or anyone wanting to enjoy the city’s Christmas charm. The reviews are positive, noting the warm atmosphere and engaging storytelling. It runs only during the holiday season, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers visiting during Christmas, looking for a festive, story-rich experience.
8. Escape Room St. Gallen “Beer Factory”
For a different kind of adventure, this escape room offers a fun challenge. Your group must break into a brewery to steal the secret recipe in 60 minutes. The setting is immersive, with tricky puzzles that test your teamwork and ingenuity.
Priced at $126 for up to 2 people, it’s a great activity for friends or couples looking for some indoor fun. Children under 16 get a discount, making it family-friendly. Reviewers mention the puzzles’ difficulty and fun atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A lively, interactive experience ideal for groups wanting a break from sightseeing with some mental challenge.
9. Escape Room St. Gallen “Hannibal”
This horror-themed escape room is for those who love adrenaline and spooky stories. In just one hour, your team must solve gruesome puzzles to escape Hannibal Lecter’s imitator before time runs out. Suitable only for ages 16 and up, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Reviews highlight the scary moments and intense atmosphere. It promotes team spirit and is a good choice for thrill-seekers wanting to combine problem-solving with a scare.
Bottom Line: For adventurers who enjoy horror and suspense, this is an electrifying challenge.
10. Escape Room St. Gallen “Lost Island”
Imagine your plane hits a typhoon and you land on a mysterious island—this escape room brings that story to life. You’ll need to solve puzzles within 60 minutes to escape the island before time runs out. It’s a classic live escape with a tropical theme, ideal for teamwork and fun.
Children under 16 get a discount, making it approachable for families. The room’s design and puzzle variety are praised for their creativity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or groups seeking an immersive, story-driven puzzle adventure.
11. Escape Room St. Gallen “Mystic Temple 2: The Cursed Skull”
In this adventure, you face the ancient Mayan gods’ challenge to retrieve the legendary skull. The 75-minute escape game combines puzzles, story, and teamwork. Children under 16 receive a discount, and the experience is praised for its complexity and fun.
Fans of mythology and puzzles will enjoy the thematic setting and the challenge of solving intricate riddles before time expires.
Bottom Line: A great pick for puzzle enthusiasts and those interested in Mayan legends.
12. Escape Room St. Gallen “Prison Breakout”
This escape room is designed around breaking out of a supposedly impossible prison. It offers 60 minutes of puzzle-solving fun, testing your ingenuity and teamwork. The room is highly rated, with reviews highlighting its clever design and engaging puzzles.
Children under 16 receive a discount, making it family-friendly. It’s ideal for people looking for a challenging and rewarding indoor activity.
Bottom Line: For puzzle lovers and groups seeking a high-stakes challenge, this escape room delivers.
13. From Zurich: Private Tour to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein
This full-day private tour whisks you from Zurich to see Switzerland’s largest waterfall. You’ll take a boat ride to get close to the Rheinfalls and explore the medieval town of Stein am Rhein. The tour includes scenic drives through the Swiss countryside and personalized attention from your guide.
It’s great for history and nature lovers who want a flexible, comfortable experience. The review rating of 4.6/5 reflects its high quality. The tour is perfect if you prefer a bespoke itinerary with a small group or private transportation.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting private, scenic, and cultural exploration in one day.
14. Professional Photo Shoot in St. Gallen
If you want to capture your trip in style, this 45-minute professional photo shoot is a perfect way to get high-quality, natural photos in St Gallen’s most beautiful spots. Your photographer will help you find authentic settings that suit your personality, ensuring every shot feels relaxed and genuine.
Fast delivery of edited photos makes this a great option for social media or keepsakes. Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers wanting memories that stand out.
Bottom Line: For personalized, high-quality photos that capture your trip authentically, this tour is hard to beat.
15. St. Gallen: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local
This 2-hour tour combines chocolate tasting with a guided walk through St Gallen’s neighborhoods. Led by a local, you’ll sample chocolates from different chocolatiers, enjoy a hot chocolate or beverage, and learn about the city’s culinary scene. The tour includes visits to picturesque streets and the St. Gallen Cathedral.
It’s perfect for food lovers who want a relaxed, flavorful experience while discovering local stories. The reviews highlight the delicious samples and friendly guide, making it a sweet way to explore.
Bottom Line: Ideal for chocolate lovers and culture seekers wanting an indulgent, insider experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When choosing your ideal tour in St Gallen, consider your interest focus—are you after cultural highlights like the Abbey Library, scenic mountain views from Mount Säntis, or fun indoor activities like escape rooms? Budget and time are also key—shorter options like the Express Walk suit tight schedules, while full-day trips from Basel or Zurich provide a comprehensive experience.
If you’re into photography, the Photogenic Spots tour offers tailored advice, and families or groups wanting indoor fun may prefer the escape rooms. Planning ahead and booking early is always wise, especially for seasonal tours like the Christmas experience.
Final Thoughts
St Gallen offers a variety of tours suited to every interest, whether you’re after a quick local introduction or a full-day scenic adventure. The small-group walking tours and cultural excursions are perfect for history and architecture buffs, while the day trips to Mount Säntis or Rheinfalls provide a stunning natural backdrop. For families or groups seeking fun, escape rooms and photo shoots add a memorable touch.
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. Whether you want an insider’s look, a scenic escape, or a creative photo session, St Gallen’s diverse offerings won’t disappoint. We recommend booking early, especially for seasonal or popular activities, to make sure you get your top choices.
Enjoy your trip to St Gallen—there’s a little something for all in this Swiss city!
