A walk through the old town, called Altstadt in German and centro storico in Italian, is probably the best way to describe this beautiful piece of earth. Especially in spring, when temperatures are still harsh elsewhere, Merano literally blossoms. The oldest part of Merano is also the liveliest: This is where people meet to stroll, shop or go to the theatre and have an aperitif in the evening. It stretches from the Passirio River with the Cure Promenade and its flowerbeds to important squares such as the Piazza del Grano, the Piazza Duomo and the proud Prince's Castle.

The Arcades of Merano are located right behind the Kurhaus, the most beautiful Art Nouveau building in the Alpine region: It is only a few steps from there to one end of the arcades, where the Parish Church of St. Nicholas stands on a small square in the old town. This is where the Via dei Portici road begins, with a length of 400 metres the longest arcades in Tyrol. The shops are located under the arches. Delicate oriels and archways adorn the buildings, which then spread out on the way west to the Piazza del Grano (Grain Square), where a small market takes place.

The centuries of history can be felt and seen everywhere, and forms a stimulating backdrop for the precious days of holiday. Historic buildings such as the Municipal Theatre, opened in 1900 in the presence of illustrious guests, and the Palais Mamming invite visitors to theatre visits, concerts and exhibitions even today. Numerous museums are located in the old town, including Kunst Meran - Merano Arte directly under the arcades, the Municipal Museum, one of the oldest museums in South Tyrol, and the Jewish Museum, a European memorial to the Holocaust. In winter, the Merano Christmas Market enchants the Cure Promenade with its lights and scents.