The centre of all trade and business activity is still the Laubengasse, Meran's arcades.
While Meran was the capital of Tyrol (especially in the 13th and 14th centuries), artisans’ workshops could be found under the arcades, and important markets were held there.

Meanwhile the business area has extended and now covers the entire town centre, Freiheitsstraße, Rennweg as well as the surrounding streets and lanes. This picturesque, bustling centre, where everyone meets for business and pleasure, has a special atmosphere.

The Laubengasse is a sight in its own right, on account of its rich and varied architecture from various eras ranging from the Middle Ages to the present, the structure of the vaulted arcades, and its eventful history.