Just outside the abbey grounds lies St. Gall's Old City, which grew up around the abbey over the centuries and is marked by the flourishing textil industry as one can see looking at the loveley decorated houses with their oriels.

Wander through the narrow, winding streets with tiny boutique shops, galleries and bakeries and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the Metropolis St. Gallen. Dine outdoors if weather permits or in one of the typical 1st floor restaurants , on cuisine as varied as Swiss, American, Spanish, Vietnamese and Thai, all within the shadow of one of Switzerland's most important abbeys.