St Gallen is a city that offers more than just its famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Abbey of St. Gall. It’s a place where history, culture, and local traditions blend seamlessly, making it ideal for a variety of guided tours. Whether you’re drawn to festive holiday experiences, exploring medieval towns, or learning about local textiles, this city has something for every traveler. We especially enjoy the Christmas tour in the city of stars, where the festive spirit shines brightly, and the Old Town walking tour with the textile museum, which offers a deep dive into St Gallen’s rich textile heritage. Plus, the private day trip to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein is perfect for those wanting a scenic escape. Each of these experiences highlights what makes St Gallen special and provides a different way to connect with the city.
If you’re planning your visit, this guide will help you choose from the best tours available, whether you’re after holiday cheer or culture. We’ve included options for different interests, budgets, and timeframes, so you can find just the right experience.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a broad range of guided experiences in St Gallen, from festive Christmas tours to in-depth cultural walks and scenic day trips. Highlights include the Christmas tour in the city of stars (see more), which is perfect for holiday visitors, and the Old Town walking tour with textile museum (see more), ideal for history and textile lovers. For a memorable day outside the city, the private tour to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein (see more) offers a scenic river adventure and medieval charm. Finally, for those interested in local culture and cuisine, the Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour (see more) combines sweet treats with insider knowledge.
Now, let’s explore each of these outstanding tours in detail.
1. Christmas Tour in the City of Stars
At number 1 on our list, the Christmas tour in the city of stars offers a festive stroll through St Gallen during the holiday season. This 1.5-hour experience is perfect if you want to soak up the holiday atmosphere while learning some fun facts about Christmas traditions. The tour is highly rated at 4.7 out of 5, reflecting its popularity with visitors.
The tour’s highlights include learning why Father Christmas wears a red coat, which ties into the history of Santa Claus, and discovering what the word “Advent” really means—a theme that resonates with the city’s festive spirit. The guiding experience is magical, with the stars illuminating the streets and creating a cozy, enchanting vibe. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who help you see the city through a holiday lens, making it especially memorable for families and those who love Christmas markets and traditions.
This experience is well suited for visitors wanting a short, atmospheric tour that combines storytelling with scenic views. Since availability varies, it’s best to check in advance. The rating of 4.7/5 indicates that most find it charming and well worth the time.
Bottom line: A delightful way to enjoy St Gallen’s Christmas charm, especially if you’re visiting during the holiday season.
2. From Zurich: Private Tour to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein
For around $1,194 per group up to 6 people, the private day tour from Zurich to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein offers a flexible, personalized experience. This tour is ideal if you want to explore Switzerland’s natural beauty and medieval towns without the hassle of public transport or self-driving.
The trip begins with pickup in Zurich, and within about an hour, you arrive at Europe’s largest waterfall, Rheinfalls. Here, you can take a boat ride to get up close to the thundering water—a thrilling experience that makes the power of nature come alive. Afterward, you’ll visit Stein am Rhein, a picture-perfect medieval town famous for its well-preserved architecture, frescoed buildings, and charming streets. The guided commentary enriches your understanding of the region’s history and geology, making the day both scenic and educational.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip with a private guide, giving you the flexibility to explore at your pace. Reviews highlight the comfortable transportation and expert guidance. The all-day itinerary offers a great value for those looking to combine nature and history in a single outing.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for small groups eager to experience Switzerland’s natural wonders and medieval charm with minimal planning.
3. Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen with Textile Museum
Rated perfectly at 5 out of 5, the Old Town walking tour with the textile museum is a must-do for lovers of history, architecture, and textile arts. For just $30 per person, this 1.5-hour tour explores the narrow streets and spacious squares of St Gallen’s historic core, revealing its evolution from the year 612 to today.
The tour dives into the significance of the oriels, the protruding windows typical of the city’s merchant houses, explaining how they reflect the city’s prosperous trading past. You’ll visit the Textile Museum, which showcases St Gallen’s world-famous embroidery and fabric industry that dates back centuries. The guides are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing stories behind the city’s textile dominance and how it shaped the local economy.
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in architecture, textiles, or those wishing for an authentic walk through the city’s history. The small-group format and high ratings make it a favorite among visitors.
Bottom line: A highly recommended in-depth exploration of St Gallen’s heritage, perfect for history buffs and craft enthusiasts alike.
4. St. Gallen: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local
For two hours of sweet discovery, the Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a local offers a delightful blend of local charm and Swiss confectionery. Although the exact price isn’t listed, the tour’s value lies in its intimate experience and insider tips.
Starting at Löwen Apotheke, the tour takes you through picturesque neighborhoods where your local guide shares stories about St Gallen’s hidden corners. Along the way, you’ll sample chocolates from different chocolatiers, savor a hot chocolate or similar beverage at a cozy café, and learn about the city’s culinary traditions. The tour is rated 4.4 out of 5, and visitors particularly enjoy the insider tips on the best cafes and local eats.
This experience is perfect for foodies who want to indulge their sweet tooth while discovering charming streets. The relaxed pace makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and it provides a flavorful introduction to St Gallen’s neighborhoods.
Bottom line: A tasty and personable tour, great for anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with Swiss chocolate and local stories.
5. St. Gallen: Guided University Art Tour
At number 5, the Guided University Art Tour offers a fascinating look inside one of Switzerland’s most respected universities. For $169 per person, this 2-hour walk explores the university’s impressive collection of art and its historic campus.
The tour highlights include discovering the university’s artistic treasures and learning about its long-standing reputation as an academic hub. The guide shares stories of the university’s formation and its role in shaping the city. Visitors get to see notable artworks, sculptures, and the architecture that makes the campus unique. It’s an enriching experience for art lovers and those curious about academic institutions.
Rated 4.4 out of 5, this tour appeals to visitors interested in combining cultural art viewing with a walk through the university’s vibrant environment. It’s a great way to add an educational component to your visit.
Bottom line: Perfect for art and culture enthusiasts wanting a behind-the-scenes look at one of Switzerland’s leading universities.
6. St. Gallen: Private Guided City Tour
The least highly rated but still valuable, the Private Guided City Tour offers a personalized introduction to St Gallen’s highlights. Lasting 2 hours, it covers key sights like the UNESCO Abbey of St Gall and the Abbey Library, renowned for its historic manuscripts.
The tour focuses on the city’s history and architecture, including Renaissance and Baroque bay windows and other historic buildings. The private nature allows for tailored questions and a flexible pace, making it suitable for visitors who prefer a custom experience. However, with a rating of 1.6 out of 5, reviews suggest that some guides may need to improve their storytelling or engagement.
Despite that, the tour remains a solid option for those looking for a private, flexible way to see the city’s main sights, especially if you want to avoid crowds or have specific interests in history and architecture.
Bottom line: A customizable option for travelers willing to prioritize privacy and flexibility, but check recent reviews for guide quality.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting your ideal tour in St Gallen, consider your interests and schedule. If you love festive traditions, the Christmas tour in the city of stars is a seasonal must. For those wanting a scenic escape, the day trip to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein offers a memorable outing. History buffs will appreciate the Old Town walking tour with textile museum, which combines architecture and textile craft.
For food lovers, the Chocolate Tasting Tour is perfect, and if you’re interested in art and academia, the University Art Tour fits the bill. The private city tour offers flexibility but check recent reviews before booking.
Timing your visit is also key—holiday tours are best during winter, while day trips are ideal in spring or summer when landscapes are at their best.
Final Thoughts
St Gallen’s diverse tour options mean you can tailor your experience to your interests, whether that’s festive cheer, natural beauty, or cultural insights. The Christmas tour offers a magical holiday experience, while the Rheinfalls day trip guarantees a scenic adventure. For deep culture, the Old Town walk and textile museum combo is unbeatable. And for a personal touch, the private guided city tour can be adapted to your preferences.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or summer. Whichever experiences you choose, you’re sure to leave with a richer appreciation for this charming Swiss city.