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3 Days in St. Gallen: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

18 July 2026

Discover St. Gallen in 3 Days – Your Perfect Travel Itinerary

St. Gallen is one of the most beautiful cities in eastern Switzerland, and yet it remains undiscovered by many travellers. Between its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, medieval alleyways, vibrant markets and its proximity to Lake Constance, the city of Gallus has everything you need for an unforgettable city break. First-time visitors to St. Gallen will quickly realise: three days are the ideal introduction – and barely enough to see it all. This travel itinerary will help you make the most of your stay.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

Start your first day with the heart of the city – St. Gallen's picturesque Old Town. Wander through the narrow alleyways and admire the famous oriel houses that make St. Gallen an architectural gem. Nowhere else in Switzerland has so many of these intricately decorated wooden bay windows.

  • Abbey Church and Abbey Library: Begin your tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey District. The baroque Abbey Church is breathtakingly beautiful – and the Abbey Library is one of the oldest and most precious in the world. An absolute must!
  • Marktgasse and Multergasse: Stroll through the pedestrian zones and discover local boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
  • Dinner in the Old Town: Enjoy traditional Appenzell cuisine at one of the cosy restaurants around Gallusplatz.

After an eventful first day, you'll understand why it's worth staying right in the city centre. A private rental apartment in a central location gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace – without the hustle and bustle of a hotel.

Day 2: Nature, Culture and a Day Trip to the Appenzell Region

The second day is dedicated to the green surroundings of St. Gallen. The Appenzell Innerrhoden region is just a short drive away and offers a stunning Alpine backdrop.

Morning: Dreilinden and City Park

Start at a leisurely pace with a morning stroll through the City Park or up to the Dreilinden viewing terrace. From here you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city, and on a clear day all the way to Lake Constance and the Alps. Perfect for early risers and photography enthusiasts.

Midday: Day Trip to Appenzell

The charming village of Appenzell is reachable by train in around 30 minutes. Here you can look forward to:

  • The colourful village centre with traditionally painted façades
  • Local specialities such as Appenzeller cheese, Mostbröckli and Biber (a gingerbread pastry)
  • The Appenzell Museum of Folk Culture for an insight into Swiss culture
  • Hiking trails with breathtaking panoramic views

Evening: Back in St. Gallen

Return to St. Gallen in the evening and visit one of the many bars or wine bars in the city centre. The lively nightlife around Broderbrunnen and Schmiedgasse comes as a pleasant surprise to many first-time visitors.

Day 3: Lake Constance and Final Highlights

On the third day, a trip to Lake Constance is well worth it – just around 20 kilometres from St. Gallen. The small town of Rorschach on the lakeshore is easily reachable by train and offers a relaxed conclusion to your trip.

  • Rorschach Lakeside Promenade: Stroll along the shore, enjoy a coffee with a view of the lake and unwind from the bustle of the city.
  • Kornhaus Rorschach: The historic granary right on the lake is one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in the region.
  • Return to St. Gallen: Use the afternoon for one last browse through the Old Town or a visit to the Kunstmuseum St. Gallen with its impressive contemporary collection.

Before you leave, be sure to take home a souvenir: St. Gallen is world-famous for its lace and embroidery. A high-quality accessory made from authentic St. Gallen lace is the perfect memento.

Your Accommodation in St. Gallen – Comfortable and Central

To ensure your stay is truly enjoyable from start to finish, choosing the right accommodation is essential. Our private holiday apartments in St. Gallen offer everything you need for a relaxed city break: fully equipped kitchens, a central location and the privacy you simply won't find in a hotel. You'll have flexibility, independence and will immediately feel at home like a local.

Book your accommodation directly through our website – with no agency fees and personalised service. Not only will you save money, but you'll also receive local insider tips straight from us. We look forward to making your stay in St. Gallen truly unforgettable!

Practical Travel Tips for St. Gallen

  • Getting There: St. Gallen is located directly on the rail line and can be reached from Zurich in approximately 70 minutes.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal – the city is at its most beautiful during this time.
  • St. Gallen Card: Make use of the guest card for free rides on public transport and discounts on attractions.
  • Language: German and Swiss German – English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

St. Gallen is waiting for you – pack your bags and experience one of Switzerland's most charming cities!