St Gallen is a city that packs surprises. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abbey District and centuries-old textile industry, it offers more than just historic sights. Whether you’re eager to walk with a local, capture stunning photos, or challenge your puzzle-solving skills, St Gallen has something special. We’re particularly fond of the St. Gallen: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes, which offers a quick yet intimate glimpse into the city’s soul—perfect if your time is limited. For those wanting to see the city through a camera lens, the Capture the most Photogenic Spots with a Local provides insider tips and picturesque moments. And if you’re traveling with family or friends looking for fun and challenge, the Escape Room “Prison Breakout” is a lively way to bond over puzzles.
Quick Overview
St Gallen’s best experiences include city walking tours, photo shoots, outdoor escape games, and day trips. You can explore its historic old town and textile museum, take part in a Christmas-themed tour, or venture outside to see the Rhein Falls on a private day trip from Zurich. For a taste of local culture, a guided university art tour might appeal, while thrill-seekers will love the outdoor escape games. Now, let’s look at each experience in detail.
1. St. Gallen: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
Whether you’re arriving for a quick visit or want an overview, this 60-minute walk with a local is a smart choice. It’s designed to give you a heartfelt introduction to the city’s core, including the Abbey District, which is the highlight of St Gallen’s cultural landscape. The guide shares local tips on the best cafes, bars, and small shops, making your short visit more authentic. The small group size—maximum of 8 travelers—ensures a personal experience.
The tour is highly rated with 5/5 from four reviews, praising the guide’s knowledge and fun approach. It’s ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who want to get the most out of their limited time while discovering St Gallen’s true essence.
Bottom line: This walk offers great value for a quick, insightful peek into St Gallen, especially if you love walking and local stories.
2. St. Gallen: Capture the most Photogenic Spots with a Local
If your camera or smartphone is your favorite travel companion, this photography-focused tour is perfect. Over 1.5 hours, a local guide takes you through St Gallen’s most picturesque spots, sharing stories behind the landmarks. This experience is especially good for those wanting to improve their photos while gaining cultural insights.
Rated 4.5/5 with two reviews, travelers praise guide Liz for her expertise and the tour’s well-chosen locations. The small group size again ensures personalized attention. It’s a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with photography, making your memories more vivid and share-worthy.
Bottom line: A great choice for travelers who want both aesthetic shots and local stories in a brief, lively outing.
3. Christmas Tour in the City of Stars
During the festive season, St Gallen’s Christmas tour in the city of stars offers a unique seasonal experience. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it introduces you to why Father Christmas wears red and the meaning of Advent, all while being guided by stars — a poetic touch.
While the reviews are positive (4.7/5), specifics about the tour content are limited. Still, it’s a cozy way to experience St Gallen’s holiday spirit, with a focus on tradition and storytelling. If you enjoy seasonal festivities and learning about cultural symbols, this tour suits those seeking a warm, meaningful experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for winter visitors wanting a festive, educational walk with a magical twist.
4. Escape Room St. Gallen “Prison Breakout”
Looking for a fun and interactive challenge? This escape room experience boasts a perfect 5/5 rating. It’s set in a “classic live escape room” environment where your team has just 60 minutes to break out from a high-security prison.
The theme offers tricky puzzles and a cool room setting, fostering team spirit and laughter. It’s particularly appealing for families with children under 16, who get a CHF 10 discount on-site. This is a lively, energetic alternative to traditional sightseeing, turning puzzle-solving into a memorable team activity.
Bottom line: A top pick for groups wanting to bond over puzzles and test their wits in a fun, well-reviewed environment.
5. From Zurich: Private Tour to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein
This private day trip offers a luxurious escape from Zurich, exploring Europe’s largest waterfall, Rheinfalls, and the medieval charm of Stein am Rhein. For around $1,194 per group up to 6 people, it’s excellent value considering the personalized service.
The boat ride at Rheinfalls provides an up-close view of the thundering water, while the stroll through the well-preserved town reveals centuries-old architecture. The drive through scenic Swiss countryside is a bonus. Perfect for those who want a flexible, private experience with comfort and detail.
Guests love its “powerful” waterfalls and leisurely lunch in the town.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or couples seeking a scenic, hassle-free day trip with a private guide.
6. Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen with Textile Museum
For a budget-friendly yet enriching experience, this 1.5-hour walk combines exploring St Gallen’s narrow streets with its famous textile heritage. The tour includes a visit to the Textile Museum, which showcases the city’s historic role in fabric production.
Rated 5/5, visitors find it informative and charming, especially when learning about merchants and oriels in the city’s architecture. It’s perfect for history buffs and those curious about how St Gallen’s textile legacy shaped its identity.
Bottom line: An affordable way to learn about local craft traditions while strolling through a beautiful old town.
7. Professional Photo Shoot in St. Gallen
Capture your trip with an expert photo shoot around St Gallen’s most iconic and picturesque spots. In just 45 minutes, a professional photographer helps you get natural, relaxed, and high-quality photos.
This experience is perfect for travelers wanting authentic memories or social media-ready shots. The quick turnaround on editing ensures you’ll have your images soon after the shoot. It’s particularly appealing for couples, families, or solo travelers who want to remember their visit in style.
Bottom line: A worthwhile splurge for anyone who values professional, relaxed photos of their journey.
8. St. Gallen: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local
Sweet tooth? This 2-hour tour blends chocolate tasting with a guided walk through charming neighborhoods. Your local guide introduces you to Swiss chocolates from different chocolatiers, sampling treats along the way.
Rated 4.4/5, it’s a tasty way to learn about local cuisine and explore St Gallen’s scenic streets. Plus, you’ll get insider tips for cafés and other culinary delights. An ideal choice if you want a relaxed, indulgent experience that combines sightseeing and flavors.
Bottom line: Perfect for chocolate lovers and those wanting a laid-back, delicious intro to the city.
9. St. Gallen: Guided University Art Tour
Culture meets academia in this 2-hour guided tour of St Gallen University, home to an impressive art collection. The guide shares stories about the university’s long history and its art treasures.
Rated 4.4/5, it’s well-suited for art enthusiasts or curious travelers interested in university life and local architecture. The university campus itself is a beautiful setting, and exploring it offers a different perspective on the city’s intellectual side.
Bottom line: Great for those who appreciate art and architecture, and want to learn about local education.
10. St. Gallen: Magic Portal Outdoor Escape Game
For a sherlock-worthy adventure, this outdoor escape game combines puzzle-solving with sightseeing. The Magic Portal story involves saving the world from monsters by collecting crystals and solving riddles.
Rated 5/5, it appeals to families, groups, and puzzle enthusiasts. You can choose between classic or duel mode, making it versatile for different group sizes and preferences. The game lasts about 2.5 hours, ending with an aperitif at a bar.
Bottom line: An exciting, interactive way to explore St Gallen while testing your wits.
11. St. Gallen: Private Guided City Tour
This 2-hour private tour covers St Gallen’s top sights, including the UNESCO Abbey of St Gall and its historic library. Personal guidance helps you uncover hidden stories behind the city’s architecture and history.
Rated 1.6/5, it’s worth considering whether private tours are suited to your style, as reviews are mixed. Still, if you prefer a tailored experience with a local, this offers a deep dive into the city’s Renaissance and Baroque influences.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a customizable, in-depth city experience.
12. Escape Room St. Gallen “Beer Factory”
Beer lovers will enjoy this “Beer Factory” escape room, where you break into a brewery to steal the secret recipe. The 1-hour puzzle challenge is creative and fun, promoting teamwork and humor.
Rated 4/5, it’s ideal for small groups who want a light-hearted, interactive experience. It’s also suitable for families with children under 16, who get discounts.
Bottom line: A playful, themed escape room perfect for beer fans and puzzle enthusiasts.
13. Escape Room St. Gallen “Lost Island”
This adventure-themed escape room sends you to a mysterious island after an emergency plane landing. With rich puzzles and a cool setting, it’s designed for team play and fun.
Rated up to 5/5, it’s a good pick for groups ready for a story-driven challenge. The 1-hour game promises plenty of tricky puzzles and laughs. Children under 16 get a $10 discount on-site.
Bottom line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and puzzle lovers wanting an immersive experience.
14. Escape Room St. Gallen “Mystic Temple 2: The Cursed Skull”
This 75-minute escape game takes you deep into an ancient Mayan temple. Solving puzzles related to the cursed skull is the goal before time runs out. The cool room setting and the team spirit it fosters make for an engaging experience.
Rated without a specific score, but consistent with other escape rooms, it’s suitable for groups of up to 2 people, especially those interested in ancient legends and puzzles. Children under 16 get a discount.
Bottom line: An adventurous choice for those who love mythology and puzzle challenges.
How to Choose Your Ideal Tour in St Gallen
When deciding between these options, consider your interest area—whether it’s history, photography, active puzzles, or scenic day trips. For a quick yet meaningful introduction, the Express Walk fits well. Want to capture stunning photos? The Photogenic Spots is perfect. For families or puzzle fans, the escape rooms or Magic Portal provide lively, interactive fun.
Budget-wise, the Textile Museum tour offers great value, while private tours or day trips suit travelers looking for comfort and flexibility. Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure availability.
In summary, St Gallen offers a surprisingly diverse array of tours and experiences for all interests and ages. Whether you prefer a short city walk, a creative photo session, or a scenic day trip, the options here won’t disappoint. For family fun, puzzle lovers, or cultural explorers, there’s a perfect fit. Remember to book in advance during busy times, and don’t be shy to combine a few experiences for an even richer visit. Happy exploring!