Ærøskøbing's houses and streets are delicately restored to retain the character of the olden days.

In the old part of the town are many fine examples of the work of skilled bricklayers, carpenters, and blacksmiths.

A fire in 1629 destroyed a large number of houses, but afterward, the town experienced a renaissance.

[citation needed] The Prior's house from 1690 is one of the town's oldest dated buildings.

The Ærøskøbing Association helped with its restoration in 2001, and now again it serves its original purpose as a place where yachtsmen can prepare food.