Church spires soar high above centuries-old merchant houses, which themselves house cafés, museums and shops, in this historic island district.

A walk around Luebeck Old Town (Luebeck Altstadt) is a window into the absorbing past of Luebeck. Set on an island flanked by arms of the Trave River, Luebeck Old Town was once a strategic center of the Hanseatic League trading activities. Medieval Gothic-style landmarks stand proud on elegant avenues, some in their original form and others meticulously rebuilt after bomb raids devastated the city in 1942. An absorbing charm and grandiose architecture has earned the area UNESCO World Heritage status.

Enter the district via one of the two last-surviving gates of the old city walls. Burgtor marks the northern entrance and leads into the former castle hill. Holstentor, on the western perimeter, leads to what was once the lively merchant quarters. Inside the gate, the Holstentor Museum provides a great introduction to the city.

Architectural monuments are found at the turn of every corner. Visit the five churches that make up the Sieben Türme, which is an ensemble of seven grandiose spires: Dom, Marienkirche, Petrikirche, St. Aegidien Church and St. Jakobi Church. Tour the three gabled houses that form the town hall, Rathaus. Stall holders hawk their wares at craft fairs and farmers markets held in Town Hall Square just as merchants did in medieval times.

Educate yourself about the Hanseatic League at the European Hansemuseum. The Willy Brandt House and Buddenbrook House honor politician Willy Brandt and writer Thomas Mann, who are two of the city’s most famous sons. See examples of puppets from around the world at Luebeck Museum of Theatre Puppets.

Be sure to go shopping on Breite Strasse and Koenigstrasse. Catch a show at performing arts venues such as Theater Luebeck and Theater Partout. Enjoy a well-earned break at sidewalk cafés. Or, take a leisurely stroll on a riverside trail, see boats and houses reflect perfectly in the water and watch as the sun drifts down behind the towers.

Luebeck Old Town is easy to reach on foot and by bus from the city’s central train station. The best way to get around is on foot and rented bike.