St Gallen is a city that packs a punch despite its modest size. Known for its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site Abbey District, intricate textile heritage, and lively local scenes, it offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. We especially enjoy the St. Gallen: Express Walk with a Local for its quick, authentic immersion—perfect if you’re short on time but want a true taste of the city. And for those who love a little adventure and puzzles, the Escape Rooms (like the Beer Factory or Mystic Temple) bring a fun, interactive element to your trip. Plus, if you’re into photography, the Professional Photo Shoot guarantees stunning keepsakes.
St Gallen’s tours are a great way to explore its hidden corners, cultural landmarks, and local flavors. Whether you’re after a brief overview or a deep dive into its history and traditions, there’s something here for every traveler.
Quick Overview
This list covers a wide range of guided walks, cultural tours, escape rooms, and special experiences. For example, you can stroll through the Old Town and textile museum (Old Town Walking Tour) or experience the city’s most photogenic spots (Capture the Most Photogenic Spots). For a day trip, there’s the Private Tour to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein (from Zurich). For fun and challenge, the Escape Rooms (Beer Factory, Lost Island) offer tricky puzzles in immersive settings. Want local insights? The City Walk with a Local (Express Walk) and Chocolate Tasting Tour (Chocolate Tour) are perfect choices.
1. St. Gallen: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
In just an hour, this tour offers a crash course in what makes St Gallen special. Led by a local, you’ll see key landmarks like the Abbey District and get insider tips on the city’s best cafes and bars. The tour emphasizes authentic insight over tourist fluff, making it perfect if you’re tight on time but want a genuine feel for the city’s spiritual heritage and local vibe. With a small group capped at 8, it remains intimate and personalized. The guide’s knowledge and humor shine through, as one review notes, “The guide was so knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend!”
Bottom line: If your schedule is packed but you want an authentic, friendly introduction to St Gallen, this is your best bet.
2. St. Gallen: Capture the most Photogenic Spots with a Local
For around 90 minutes, this tour combines photo opportunities with cultural storytelling. Led by a local who knows all the hidden angles and best lighting, you’ll visit St Gallen’s most picturesque landmarks and learn the stories behind them. The tour’s highlight is helping you capture stunning photos while discovering lesser-known corners of the city. The small group setting keeps things personal, and recent reviews praise guide Liz for her up-to-date knowledge and excellent tips.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers eager to take home beautiful photos and learn local stories in a relaxed setting.
3. Christmas Tour in the City of Stars
During the Christmas season, this 90-minute tour shines a light on local traditions and the city’s festive decorations. Learn why Father Christmas wears red and the meaning behind Advent, all while wandering the beautifully decorated streets. The tour offers a magical atmosphere that’s hard to find when visiting outside the holiday period. If you love Christmas markets and seasonal stories, this tour provides a cozy, informative experience in the heart of St Gallen.
Bottom line: A delightful option if you’re visiting during winter and want a festive, cultural experience.
4. Escape Room St. Gallen “Beer Factory”
For those seeking interactive fun, this escape room drops you into a brewery-themed challenge. With a focus on teamwork and puzzles, you have 60 minutes to crack the code and steal the secret recipe. The cool room setting and tricky puzzles make it ideal for friends or family who enjoy problem-solving. The price is $126 per group (up to 2 people), making it a perfect date night or small group activity. Children under 16 get a CHF 10 discount, which adds value.
Bottom line: Great for puzzle lovers and groups who enjoy immersive, story-driven challenges.
$126 per group up to 2
5. Escape Room St. Gallen “Lost Island”
This adventure immerses your group in a mysterious island scenario after an emergency plane landing. Combining puzzle-solving with storytelling, it’s perfect for adventure-seekers who want a narrative twist. The 60-minute game promotes team cooperation and humor, with a special discount for children under 16. The setting’s vivid theme offers a fun escape from the ordinary and a chance to test your wits against the clock.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or groups looking for a lively challenge with a story-driven edge.
$126 per group up to 2
6. Escape Room St. Gallen “Mystic Temple 2: The Cursed Skull”
This 75-minute escape pushes you deeper into Mayan mythology, where you must retrieve an ancient skull before the gods punish you. The puzzles are tricky, and the room setting immerses you in the Mayan priests’ world. It’s a good pick for history buffs or puzzle enthusiasts willing to pay a bit more at $148 for up to 2 players. Discounts are available for kids under 16.
Bottom line: Best suited for families and puzzle fans who appreciate a mythological twist.
$148 per group up to 2
7. Escape Room St. Gallen “Prison Breakout”
This is a classic escape room experience that challenges your team to break out of a high-security prison in 60 minutes. With tricky puzzles and a cool setting, it’s perfect for teams of friends or colleagues wanting a quick, fun challenge. The tour’s high rating (5/5) speaks to its entertaining nature and well-designed puzzles. Children under 16 get a CHF 10 discount, making it accessible for families.
Bottom line: If you’re after a straightforward, exciting escape game, this is a top choice.
8. From Zurich: Private Tour to Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein
This full-day private tour offers a personalized experience of Switzerland’s famous Rheinfalls and the medieval town of Stein am Rhein. Starting from Zurich, you’ll enjoy a boat ride to the falls, explore charming streets, and have time for a relaxed lunch. The private guide and driver mean you control the pace and focus on your interests. At $1,194 for up to 6 people, it’s an investment but offers exceptional value for customized sightseeing.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a luxurious, flexible day trip with stress-free logistics.
$1,194 per group up to 6
9. Old Town Walking Tour in St. Gallen with Textile Museum
This 1.5-hour walking tour is a fantastic introduction to St Gallen’s historic core and its textile heritage. You’ll stroll through narrow streets and spacious squares, visiting landmarks and the Textile Museum to understand how the city became a textile powerhouse. The tour is priced affordably at $30 per person and receives top reviews for its engaging storytelling. The museum visit adds a layer of cultural depth for those interested in the city’s industrial past.
Bottom line: Great for history and textile lovers, or anyone wanting a short, insightful walk.
$30 per person
10. Professional Photo Shoot in St. Gallen
Capture your trip in style with a professional photo session around St Gallen’s most beautiful spots. The 45-minute tour offers natural, relaxed photos and fast editing, so you leave with stunning memories. Perfect if you want high-quality, personalized images without worrying about your photography skills. The reviews praise the exclusivity of spots and quick turnaround.
Bottom line: An ideal treat for travelers wanting professional photos to remember their trip.
11. St. Gallen: Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local
For 2 hours, enjoy chocolate sampling alongside local sightseeing. Led by a local, you’ll visit chocolatiers and scenic neighborhoods, ending at the St. Gallen Cathedral. The tour combines sweet tasting with cultural insights and insider tips on where to find the best chocolates and cafes. The reviews note the delicious samples and warm guidance.
Bottom line: Perfect for sweet tooth travelers who want a delicious cultural walk.
12. St. Gallen: Guided University Art Tour
Explore the art collection and architecture of St Gallen University in this 2-hour guided tour. The university’s art pieces and history are highlighted by a passionate guide, giving you an inside look at one of Switzerland’s most renowned institutions. The tour is priced at $169 per person and appeals to art lovers and academics.
Bottom line: A good choice for those interested in university culture and art.
$169 per person
13. St. Gallen: Magic Portal Outdoor Escape Game
This outdoor game blends puzzle solving with sightseeing over 2.5 hours. You’ll follow clues, save the world from monsters, and discover magical stories as you explore the city. Designed for teams, the game includes collecting crystals and finishing with an aperitif at the bar. The interactive and playful approach makes it a hit with families and groups alike.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a story-driven, active experience with a lighthearted twist.
$61 per person
14. UNESCO World Heritage Site and Old Town Tour
This 1.5-hour tour takes you through St Gallen’s iconic UNESCO sites: the cathedral, abbey library, and old town. Entry to the library is limited to slippers, adding a special touch, and the cathedral’s ceiling paintings are a highlight. It’s a classic overview perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the best of the city’s cultural treasures.
Bottom line: An excellent, straightforward introduction to St Gallen’s UNESCO-listed sites.
$42 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour in St Gallen
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and personal interests. If you’re in a rush, the Express Walk offers a quick but authentic experience, while full-day private trips (Rheinfalls and Stein am Rhein) suit those wanting a comprehensive day out.
If you’re keen on culture and history, the Old Town Walking Tour or the University Art Tour (see details) are excellent. For fun and puzzle enthusiasts, the escape rooms (Beer Factory) and Mystic Temple (see details) offer lively challenges.
Travelers with a sweet tooth should not miss the Chocolate Tour (link), while those wanting personal photos can indulge in a professional shoot (link).
Final Thoughts
St Gallen offers a diversity of tours that cater to history buffs, adventure lovers, culture seekers, and even those looking for fun challenges. For a quick, authentic intro, the Express Walk with a Local is a solid pick. If you want a memorable photo session, the Professional Photo Shoot stands out. For those craving interactive fun, the escape rooms are a memorable choice. And for a day trip, the private Rheinfalls tour promises a scenic and relaxed experience.
Book early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred slot. No matter your interests, these tours are great ways to get under the skin of St Gallen and leave with more than just photos — you’ll take home authentic moments and stories.
Happy exploring!