St. Gallen offers diverse events every week – from electronic nights at Palace to concerts at Grabenhalle. WasGoht shows you all parties, concerts and cultural events in the city with the famous Abbey Library.
St. Gallen – Cultural Capital of Eastern Switzerland
The city at the foot of the Appenzell hills combines 1400 years of history with modern nightlife. The UNESCO World Heritage Abbey Library attracts culture enthusiasts by day, while the compact city center comes alive at night with clubs, bars and live music.
Clubs & Nightlife in St. Gallen
The club scene is concentrated in the city center:
- Palace St. Gallen – The legendary club in the heart of the city. Electronic music, house and regular international DJs for over 30 years.
- Grabenhalle – Cultural center with concerts, club nights and alternative culture. From rock to techno.
- Kellerbühne – Small, fine venue for live music and club nights. Jazz, singer-songwriters and electronic music.
- Lokremise – Cultural center in a converted locomotive depot. Theater, concerts and special events.
- Südbar – Relaxed bar atmosphere with DJ sets and drinks in stylish surroundings.
The Old Town with its winding alleys is the center of nightlife. Compact, authentic and with short distances between venues.
Culture & Events in St. Gallen
St. Gallen is more than just the famous Abbey Library:
- Abbey District – UNESCO World Heritage Site with the spectacular Baroque library
- Textile Museum – The history of St. Gallen embroidery, once world-famous
- Theater St. Gallen – Opera, drama and dance at a high level
- Art Museum – Swiss art from the Middle Ages to the present
- Tonhalle – Concerts by the St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra
The St. Gallen Open Air in summer and the St. Gallen Festival attract visitors from all over Switzerland. The city is also known for its vibrant indie and alternative scene.
Popular Districts for Going Out
Old Town: The historic center with magnificent oriel windows. Here you'll find most bars and clubs within walking distance. Compact, cozy and authentically Eastern Swiss.
St. Leonhard: The district south of the Old Town. Quieter, but with hidden bars and small live music venues.
Brühl: The district around the station. Multicultural, more urban and with affordable bars and restaurants.
Lachen: On the shore of Mannenweiher pond. In summer, the meeting point for outdoor drinks and barbecues.
What Makes St. Gallen Special?
St. Gallen is manageable, authentic and surprisingly diverse. The city has around 75,000 inhabitants, but thanks to the university and its central location in Eastern Switzerland, a young, international audience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and textile history shape the cultural identity. The proximity to Appenzell, Lake Constance and Austria gives the city its own character – Eastern Swiss serenity meets student energy. The compact size means: you can visit several venues in one evening without ever getting in a taxi.