akko israel tour

Old Akko City Walk

Old akko is full of surprises. historical landmarks, hidden alleys, fantastic sea views, underground tunnels, markets, and street food. our self-guided walking tour will take you on a magical journey between all of them, main landmarks on the tour:.

• Treasures in the Wall Museum.
• The eastern wall
• White Market
• El Jazzar Mosque
• Hammam el Basha
• Turkish Bazar
• Humus Said and the Market Street
• The “Khans” (Caravanserais)
• The Ports (Old and New)
• Templar Tunnel
• St. George Church
• Bahai House
• El Shazliya Mosque
• Underground prisoners Museum
• Knights Halls underground complex

WALKING TUOR MAP

The tour is circular. It starts and ends in the Old Akko information center . There are several parking lots nearby (Paid), and excellent public transportation. If you are arriving by train, take bus #3 from the train station. If you are coming for a day-trip from Haifa, you can also use the boat service and start/end the tour at the port. Some minor streets do not appear on GoogleMaps. For smooth navigation, follow the track on Viewranger , or use our map. If you plan to enter several of the landmarks along the walk, consider purchasing a combination ticket .

The Old City of Acre has a unique atmosphere. The natural bay that protected it from the storms has made Acre the central port city in the land of Israel for thousands of years and attracted many rulers over the centuries. Akko is one of the oldest cities in the country. It was founded about 4,000 years ago, but until the Crusader period, it remained a small fishing town.

During the Crusaders era, the city grew substantially, thanks to the Europeans, who exploited its enormous potential as a port city. The Third Crusade (Lead by Richard Lionheart ) made the city the capital of the kingdom after they failed to conquer Jerusalem. When the Crusader kingdom collapsed, Acre was destroyed, and only about 200 years later, during the Ottoman period, it was rebuilt and flourished again. The fortifications we see today were built around 1750 by Sheikh Dahar al-Omar , a local Bedouin who was granted by the Ottomans with the title ” Sheikh of Acre, Amir of Nazareth, Tiberias, Safed, and Sheikh of all Galilee”. In 1799 following his successful campaign in Egypt, Napoleon marched north into the land of Israel. His journey north was smooth until he encountered the massive fortifications of Akko. Following a failed siege to take over Akko , Napoleon withdrew, leaving many dead and wounded.

Acre is an ancient port city, full of fascinating archeological finds and important historical sites. But On the other hand, Acre is also a modern city, blessed with lovely beaches and a colorful oriental market with a variety of goods: seafood, fruits, vegetables, fabrics, clothes, and various souvenirs.

HISTORY Of AKKO

OLD CITY SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR

“Treasures in the Walls” is a small and charming Ethnographic Museum displaying objects and lifestyles from the 19th & 20th centuries in the Galilee Region. Items on display include furniture, kitchenware, tools, and clocks, as well as reconstruction of old market stores and craft workshops typical to the region. Everything is beautifully displayed in a historic fort built inside the old city walls. A must visit!

The city walls you are walking on were built around 1750 by Daher al Omar on earlier crusader walls. These are the walls that Napoleon could not pass during the siege of 1799. Walking on the walls rewards you with fantastic views of old Akko and the Mediterranean Sea. The most scenic spot is the southern tip. There is no way down from the tip, and you will need to retrace your steps a hundred meters to the wide staircase that descends from the wall.

The white market was established during the 18 th century. It was built on foundations of an earlier market that was destroyed by fire in 1816. The large market then numbered 64 stores and was the largest shopping center in the area. It is named “White Market” because of its white painted walls and the large windows that enable the sunlight to penetrate inside. During the British mandate, it’s importance declined, and the building remained as a remnant of the glorious history of the Ottoman Empire. The building stayed in ruins until it was renovated several years ago and became a compound of small cafés and restaurants.

El Jazar Mosque is one of the most famous buildings in Old Akko. It dominates the city’s skyline, and Its green dome is seen from afar. It is the largest mosque in the country outside of Jerusalem. The mosque was built in 1781 by Al-Jazar, who was the ruler of Acre and northern Israel. It is considered one of the most magnificent buildings that were built in the Land of Israel during the Ottoman period. The mosque is active and holds five daily prayers. It also provides religious classes and other activities.

At the entrance to the mosque stands a magnificent circular fountain built from marble and covered with a beautiful dome. The courtyard has a lovely garden with a marble stone clock.

Tours inside the mosque compound can be prearranged by phone +97249913039 .

El Jazar built the Hammam in 1795 in a traditional oriental style typical to the Turkish Empire in the 18 th -19 th centuries. The entrance to the Hammam serves as a dressing room, the center of which is a marble fountain. This room leads to a row of warm halls. The biggest and fanciest one is octagon-shaped, and the ceiling is a marble dome standing on marble pillars. The bathhouse structure is magnificent and decorated with marble floors and ceramic tiles. It is recommended to watch the spectacular audiovisual show.

The Turkish Bazar Admission: Free. Opening: Daily 10:00-18:00 Location: Richard Lev Ari St. Direction: From the Hamam, turn left and after a few meters, the entrance will be on your left.

The Turkish bazaar of Acre was built in the late 18th century on top of a crusader period compound. During this period, quite a few public buildings were built, and, among other things, the Bazar was established. The purpose of the market was to provide a workplace for various craftsmen who worked in small shops along the small streets. The market was abandoned in 1948 when the IDF conquered Acre. It reopened In 2012, following a restoration project. It is now a vibrant compound filled with Small souvenir shops, art galleries, cafes, and gourmet restaurants.

The main market street of Akko is a delight for street shopping. Fresh products such as fish, fruits, and vegetables. Traditional Arab street food like Falafel, Baklawa, and Humus. And other small shops of all kinds. One of the most famous spots in the street is Hummus Said, who is rated by many as the best Hummus in Israel. Traditionally, Hummus is a breakfast dish that the hard-working class used to eat before heading out to work. This tradition is well reflected by the unique opening hours of this restaurant, 05:00 AM – 2:30 PM. People from the area arrive very early in the morning to buy fresh Hummus. (The fresher, the better!), and it is not uncommon to find a long line of people outside the restaurant’s door.

The main reason to visit the port is the fantastic view it gives towards the city. The best spot is at the very end of the breakwater.

What you see here, are remnants of the Crusader period port from 800 years ago. ( Further Reading )

The Templars were a military religious order nominated by the Pope. Their task was to help pilgrims who came from Europe to visit the holy places. They first resided in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, hence their name. Following the conquest of Jerusalem by Saladin in 1187, the Templars established their seat in Acre and began to build their district in the southwestern part of the city. Here, at the western end of the tunnel, stood their central citadel (Now sunk underwater).

In 1994, construction workers accidentally discovered the tunnel. The 350-meter tunnel probably served as a strategic underground passageway between the citadel and the town. After extensive excavations, the tunnel was opened to the public in 1999. The bottom is hewn in natural rock, while the upper part is built from stones creating an arched ceiling. The walk in the tunnel is a great experience.

END THE WALKING TOUR HERE OR CONTINUE?

The exit from the tunnel is at the backside of Han Al Umdan, near the port and the market street. You can end your tour here and continue to ramble in the market and the port. Or continue with the walking tour.

Until now, we moved between the famous landmarks of old Akko, along the main streets and with very short walking distances. The 2 nd half of the tour has a different character. It involves more walking and takes you into the less touristic parts of the old town. You will walk in narrow stone arched alleys and visits smaller and lesser-known landmarks.

The Greek Orthodox Church is very modest and can be missed easily. It is considered the first Christian place of worship established in Akko, during the Ottoman period. The church was built in 1545 and has since served as a gathering place for Greek-Orthodox Christian residents and tourists. In 1631, the monk Eugene Roja, who visited the city of Acre, wrote about the Greek Orthodox Church, which is why it is believed to be one of the oldest churches in the town.

Bahai House Admission: Free. Opening: The house is under preservation work and can be seen only from outside. Location: Zalman Hazoref St. Direction: Continue on the same street for a few meters until you arrive at a large plaza. Just after the plaza, the house will be on your right.

Allah lived for seven years in a room in this building after he was released from the Acre prison. Here he wrote the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the central book of the Bahá?í Faith) in 1873, and his son’s wedding was held in this building. The building is now (2020) going through and extensive preservation project. Hopefully, it will be open to visitors in the future.

Nur a-Din El Yashruti, established the Sufi order (Islamic mystic sect) in Akko. He arrived at the city from Tunis in 1849 and established here their word center. In 1862 he opened up the El Shazliya as a Zawayia (A type of Islamic school). It is not possible to visit inside, but you should come here for the delightful sight of the Blue dome of the Zawayia with the White dome of Hamam el Basha peaking behind it.

The Acre Fort was built during the Ottoman period on the foundations of a 12th century Crusader fortress. It served as the governer’s office, and later also as a prison. During the British Mandate, the fortress served as the central prison in northern Israel. Several Jewish resistance organizations struggled the Mandatory government to establish a Jewish state in the land of Israel. The first prisoner was Ze’ev Jabotinsky , the Jewish Defense Commander in Jerusalem. He was arrested in 1920, together with nineteen members of the city’s protectors. Until 1948 hundreds of resistance fighters were imprisoned here, and 9 were executed by hanging. On May 4 th, 1947, a group of resistance fighters broke through the prison walls and freed 27 prisoners. Read more about it here .

Knight’s Hall underground complex Admission: 21 NIS. Opening: Daily 08:30-17:00 Location:  Old Akko information center Direction: Walk east past the museum until you reach a wide stone staircase on your right. Go down the stairs and arrive at the visitor center (Where the walk started)

Under the area of the fortress (Now the underground prisoners’ museum), The remains of a Crusader Hospitaller Citadel are found and archaeologists had gradually unearthed the citadel for decades. Visiting the huge halls takes you to the stories of Akko during the Crusader period. It is One of the most impressive sites in the city.

Written by Erez Speiser

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Akko, Acre, the Crusader City

September 13th 2010

 Akko (also called Acco or Acre), a city that dates back over 4,000 years, is located about 14 miles north of the city of Haifa. Today, the sleepy and picturesque city provides a great opportunity to encounter the many eras of the region’s history. It is one of the most toured cities in Israel and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Akko is home to archaeological and architectural sites of interest.

Remains of the Crusader city can be seen underneath modern Akko’s streets. The most important Crusader building is the  refectory   hall  of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem. This order was concerned with the welfare of pilgrims who came to the Holy Land. Their hall is a fine example of Crusader architecture and contains an ancient underground passage discovered and maintained by the order.

The Jezzar Pasha Mosque (also called the White Mosque) is the largest Israeli mosque outside of Jerusalem and a prime example of Ottoman architecture. It was built by the Ottoman governor, Jezzar Pasha, in 1799.

Akko also houses the largest British Mandate-era prison, recently repurposed into the Museum of the Underground Prisoners. Arabs who revolted against the British, and Jews who fought in the underground organizations of  Hagana ,  Lehi , and  Irgun , were incarcerated here. Criminals and illegal immigrants were also detained in this prison. In 1947, Etzel fighters broke into the prison and freed 41 of their members.

Visitors looking for something a bit more relaxing can take a boat ride around the walls of the ancient city or walk around the Old City walls. A stroll through the city’s market is a great way to absorb the sights and sounds of this charming port city.

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Rosh Hanikra, Akko, Caesaria Tour

Drive along the brilliant Mediterranean coastline to the lush green slopes of Mt. Carmel. This stirring tour visits majestic mountain slopes, breathtaking beaches and inspiring holy sites. Travel the land of Eliyahu HaNavi and Rabbi Akiva to experience the extraordinary!

• Visit the ancient Roman Aqueduct at Caesaria – built by King Herod, renovated by King Hadrian, and repaired by the Crusaders!

• Drive by the Roman Amphitheater of Caesaria where Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Yehuda ben Bava and others of the Aseret Harugei Malchus were executed.

• See the beautiful Mt. Carmel – the mountain range on which Eliyahu HaNavi challenged the followers of the Ba’al to bring fire down from heaven.

• View the bustling port city of Haifa. (Time permitting)

• Drive through Akko, a city with little known but rich Jewish history.

• Visit the Tunisian Synagogue in Akko, known as one of the most beautiful Synagogues in the world. Biblical scenes are depicted in the mosaics on the walls, floor and ceiling!

• Visit Rosh HaNikrah – accessible by cable car. Descend the sheer cliff face to sea level to see the incredible wonders of cavernous tunnels formed by the sea.

Time: 8.45am to 8:15pm.

Fee: $130  (A minimum of 18 participants for this price and to include some entrance fees.)

What to Bring: A packed lunch, snacks, hat and plenty of water.

Online booking is available below for selected dates, or you can call the office in Israel on 718-701-3690 or 02-587-1718 to book all dates (within 15 hours of tour: 0522-40-90-30) .

Click here to book selected dates, for all other dates please contact us

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Akko (Acre) Israel

Tour guide | Tzur Tours

Akko (Acre) Israel is an old city with a natural port at the northern tip of Haifa Bay. This natural port, standing at the end of the mainland route linking the wealth of the east with the Mediterranean Sea,

has made Akko strategically important for thousands of years. As you wander through the old city, you are surrounded by buildings, tunnels, and walls, all from different periods in history.

Book a private tour of Akko !

Akko old city

Akko goes all the way back to the Canaanite period, the Bible mentions that Akko resisted the Israelite conquest for many years. All the major rulers of ancient history lent importance to Akko King Solomon, King Herod, Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Claudius and more. The early Moslem rulers built up the fortifications of the town but this did not prevent the crusaders under King Baldwin I from capturing the town albeit after four years of siege. Under the Crusaders, Akko was second in importance only to Jerusalem. Indeed in the latter crusades, Akko became the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and was the last town to fall to the Mamluk forces.

Under Ottoman rule Acre was the center of political intrigue. With a succession of local rulers, but the city continued to flourish as an important port linked to the Hejaz railway.

The British conquered Palestine and removed the Turks towards the end of WWI. During British rule Acre is best remembered for the conversion of the historic fort into a prison. This was the prison in which Zionist partizans were held and some were executed. The Zionist underground movements staged a daring raid on the fort in 1947 freeing many prisoners.

Akko is now a thriving city of about 50,000 inhabitants, Jews, Moslems, Christians, and Bahai believers.

Akko things to do

Akko, especially the old city, is blessed with many attractions including the Inn of columns, the Knights Hospitaller wholes, The ancient fortifications, a colorful market and much more.

Akko Market

Os fabulous local market with the charm of an old city, don’t miss ou the excellent baklava sweets shop at the market!

Akko knights halls

Across from the mosque, you can walk down several levels and see how the Turks built many levels over the Crusaders city. The Knights’ Hall is the most beautiful of all, which was used by the Crusaders for ceremonies. Today the main hall is used for concerts.

The Templar Tunnel

The Poor Knights of Christ known as the Templars built this tunnel in the second half of the 12th Century. It was discovered in 1994 and it’s open to the public.

Khan El Umdan

Meaning in English Inn of the Pillars is an 18th-century meeting place for caravans bringing grain from the Galilee. The structure has Herodian Pillars brought from Caesarea. The clock was added later in honor of Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid.

Museum of the Underground Prisoners

Built on the ruins of the citadel of Dahr El Omar of the Byzantine times was later rebuilt by Ahmad Pasha El Jazzar. When the British conquered the city in 1918 they converted to a prison.

Pasha’s Turkish Bathhouse built with Turkish tiles and a domed roof with glass circles and marble floors was magnificent in its time.

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Tzur Tours, a company with a family atmosphere, was founded by Eliyahu Tzur, based on his vast experience as a qualified tour guide. Our expertise is in Private tours and organized tours for small and medium-sized groups. Our aim is to connect you to this wonderful country, to maximize your experience, and this with good quality service and at competitive prices.

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9 Awesome Things to Do in Akko, Israel (Including a One-Day Itinerary)

Traveling to Israel and wondering whether Akko should be in your trip itinerary? We've been to Akko (aka Acre) many times and I can assure you it should be. Let me walk you through this amazing ancient city and show you all the fantastic things there are to see and do in Akko.

In this post, I'll tell you a bit about the history of Akko, and then walk you through the nine main attractions this city has to offer. By the time we'll finish the list, I promise you that you'll want to incorporate this unique travel destination in your itinerary.

So, what is Akko anyway?

Akko is a city along the shores of the Mediterranean, home to about 55,000 residents. This is one of the few cities in Israel with a mixed population of Arabs and Jews. According to the city's website (in Hebrew),  72% of the population is Jewish and 28% Arab. However, you'll be visiting the Old City of Akko where almost all of the residents are Arab.

The Old City of Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage site  and for good reason: The city is over four thousand years old! Archeologists keep discovering more and more of the awesomeness of that history - and you get to see it all when visiting.

Akko offers a thrilling mix of archeology, authentic Middle Eastern markets, the blue mediterranean sea, and some delicious ethnic food. It's a lot like the Old City of Jerusalem , only with a view to the sea. Let's start exploring what there is to do in Akko.

Is it Acre or Akko?

In English, it's known as Acre. Why? As far as my research shows, no one really knows. I can tell you that the name in Hebrew is Akko and in Arabic Akka. Some suggest that Acre is some version derived from the Canaanite word Adco which apparently means "border", possibly because this area was the northern border of the Canaanite territory.

But that was literally millennia ago. These days, you'll still see the name "Acre" in travel books and in signs in the city itself, so the word is certainly in use. However, if you're traveling via public transportation and need to ask a local about your destination, you should really use "Akko" (or "Akka" if asking a native speaker of Arabic).

9 Awesome Things to Do in Akko, Israel

If you're looking to create an itinerary, let's kick off the list of things to do. Make sure you read through for more tips that will help you plan the best possible visit to Akko.

1. Walk through the Halls of the Knights

A thousand years ago the crusaders invaded the Holy Land to conquer Jerusalem back from the hands of "the Saracens" - the term used at the time to describe the local muslim population. This was an age of romance and chivalry, when a knight in shining armour was a very real thing.

These knights built their own small town in Akko, complete with lively streets, thriving markets and a majestic fortress. They lived in Akko for a couple of centuries until the Saracens - lead by Sallah A Din - sent them back to Europe. Their cherished settlement was then covered in dirt and remained hidden from sight for centuries. It was only in 1990 that archeologists began to excavate the ancient town and bring it back to light. This ever-continuing extensive excavation and preservation project allows us to experience the amazing medieval town of the crusaders in a truly thrilling way.

Armed with an audio guide and a map, you are free to roam the excavated streets and alleys. Sounds and colorful moving images bring the streets back to life all around you for a unique multimedia experience.

One of the tour highlights is seeing the great Dining Halls of the knights. You can actually have a wedding here these days, hence the huge tables and benches, medieval style. The original stone pillars and the colorful banners of the knights that surround you make it easy to imagine you've traveled back in time. Kids and grownups alike love these halls!

2. Visit the Medieval Market

Your visit to the Crusaders' Fortress will take you to a beautiful reconstructed market area where artisans engage in medieval crafts and arts. You can buy their art or just spend some time looking at them work. You are within the excavated city so the location couldn't be more perfect.

They even have game boards (rather than board games!) for the complete medieval market experience!

3. Follow the underground Templar tunnel

Indiana Jones meets the Da Vinci Code!

Have you heard about the secret order of the Templars? They too were here during the crusades and true to their secretive heritage they left their mark in the form of an underground tunnel connecting the fortress with the beach.

The tunnel was discovered in the 1990's and has since been fully excavated and made safe for visiting. There is sea water in the tunnel but fortunately they put in a wooden deck so you don't have to get your feet wet. You enter one end near the fortress and walk along the tunnel -

Which brings me to the next recommendation -

4. Breath in the sea air on the city walls

Akko was a historic port city of strategic importance. During the 18th and 19th century, its Ottoman rulers fortified the city with a strong stone wall built around it. Today you can walk along the wall for amazing views of the Mediterranean. It's not always very clean but the breeze and views are worth it.

Make sure you stop in one of the many observation points along the wall. Originally made for soldiers to shoot through, they now provide perfect photo opportunities. Try this suggested route along the Walls of Akko .

5. Taste the local food in the market

Akko is famous for its Old City bazaar. It's absolutely worth a visit in its own right, so make sure to immerse yourself in the colors, sounds, and scents of this fishing port's market.

Sa'id's Hummus place is famous across the country and offers delicious fresh hummus with extras served with warm homemade pita bread. Yum! This is a popular lunch joint that can get crowded but that's part of the charm of this local experience. Don't be too late. Once they run out of hummus, they close for the day.

If you have a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat! Street vendors offer a variety of homemade authentic candy. These will preserve quite well so you can get a few pieces as gifts for your friends back home.

6. Visit the Hammam

The beautifully reconstructed Hammam is one of Akko's historic gems. Hammam means Turkish bath and this one was a center of local social life for centuries -

7. Enjoy a break next to the fountain

Need a break from all the walking? Looking for a place where you can sit down in the shade and nibble on the sweets you got at the market? Try the magical garden right by the visitors center (near the entrance to the Crusaders' Halls).

This is where your tour of Akko will likely begin and end. Sit by the small fountain under the canopy of old trees and just relax. There's a small cafeteria, vending machines and bathrooms nearby too.

8. Climb the Ottoman cannons

Across the road from the visitor's center, you'll see another piece of the Old Wall. This one has real cannons too! Kids love climbing on these authentic cannons that date back to Napoleon's time. These metal weapons actually saved Akko from being taken over by the French emperor!

9. See a museum

Akko has several art museums and galleries that are well worth a visit. If you want to stick to the historic perspective, the Treasures In The Wall museum is your best bet. These rich collections of crafts and objects from various periods are on display literally within the old wall (hence the name of this museum). For modern art, try the Okashi Museum .

10. Enjoy the Akko Festival

Yes, I know, this post is supposed to offer you nine awesome things to do in Akko. Here's a bonus tenth item! This one is very seasonal, so maybe it should be numbered "nine and a half"?

Getting to the point, Akko is home to the Israeli Festival of Fringe Theatre . Every year during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the city turns into a local Edinburgh. The shows themselves are usually in Hebrew but there are many street performances outside too. The exact dates change each year according to the Jewish holiday calendar but if you're planning on visiting Israel during September or October find out if you can catch this very special festival.

When to visit Akko

If you have some flexibility with your dates, try to pick a weekday for your visit to avoid the crowds. Remember that in Israel, Sunday is a weekday but Friday isn't. So anytime Sunday-Thursday is good.

Summertime can be hot but not unmanageable. Indoor attractions are fully air-conditioned and there's almost always good breeze once you get on the walls.

How to get to and around Akko

I hope you're convinced by now that you should add Akko to your itinerary! It's really easy to get here and to get around town.

Traveling by car?

Akko is a short half an hour drive from Haifa or an hour and a half from Tel Aviv. There's ample parking by the visitors center where your visit begins at a reasonable fee of $5 a day. There's some free parking in the area but you could find yourself driving in the alleys of the Old City - a slow and nerve wracking experience you probably want to avoid. The address for your GPS is: 1, Weizman street, Acre.

Using Public Transportation?

If you don't have a car, you'll find that Akko is one of the easiest places to get to using public transportation. Not only are there frequent busses coming in from Haifa, there's even a train station. You can easily board a train in Tel Aviv in the morning and be in Akko at around 10AM to start your fun filled day and return back to Tel Aviv in the late evening. The train station in Akko is about a mile away from the Old City. Easy enough to walk but you can also get bus or a taxi if you prefer.

And now, you can even take the ferry to Akko! The ferry can take you from Haifa to Akko and back. It goes out twice a day in each direction. At only 55 shekels (around $14) each way, it's a great way to sail the mediterranean too.

Getting around while in Akko

Once in the Old City, just use your legs! Distances are short and with so much to see and do on the way, there's no point in getting any transportation. Most visitors choose a round route, getting to the walls by the sea via Templar Tunnel and returning through the busy colorful bazaar. Start at the visitor's center where they'll give you a map and help you with instructions. Don't worry about getting lost a little, it's part of the fun!

What to wear in Akko

Basically, whatever you want. You'll be walking in an area that's a bit more conservative than others in Israel but no one expect you to dress as a local. It can be hot during summertime so short sleeves and shorts are perfectly fine.

The one exception would be if you visit one of the mosques. Old Akko has several of them, the most famous one being the Al Jazzar mosque. These are working houses or prayer so if you're thinking of visiting, you'll have to find the right time slot (it changes daily). Your best bet would be to just get to Al Jazzar in the morning and ask about visiting hours for that day. Then walk around and return in time for your visit.

I'm mentioning all of this here because if you wish to visit a mosque, you need to dress accordingly. Long pants or skirt (covering the knees) and a long sleeve shirt or a shawl. No need for head covers, just to make sure your knees and elbows are covered.

And if you're still worried about dress codes, check out my 9 tips on what to wear while visiting Israel .

Where to stay in Akko

Your first question is whether or not to stay in Akko. It's a great day trip destination from Haifa and even from Tel Aviv. It can also be worked into any itinerary of the Western Galilee. That said, it's entirely possible to spend two or three days in the city to really soak up the atmosphere and add more museums and other attractions to your Akko trip.

If you decide to stay in Akko, there are many options to choose from. Backpackers and low-budget travelers should check out the Akko youth hostel that's perfectly located right by the visitors center. It's clean, spacious and comes highly recommended. If you can't find a room there, try the Akko Gate Hostel  as another affordable option.

For families or couples, look into getting a vacation rental. They're a whole lot cheaper than what you might think and many are now available through Booking.com. I prefer working with Booking, as it allows me to keep my reservations in one place and work directly with a reputable company.

Here are some fantastic vacation rental options in Akko. Click through to see images, reviews, and prices for your dates. Or just search Booking on your own .

Sweet Little House - Located less than half a mile away from the Old City, yet in a quiet residential neighborhood, this small vacation rental gets excellent reviews.

Acre Two Wells Zimmer - A romantic place for couples within the Old City, right by the walls and the seaside. Modern amenities along with a fully renovated authentic interior - complete with two wells!

Four Hearts - Acre's Sea Side Suite - A magnificent rooftop apartment with a luxurious interior complemented by amazing views of the Mediterranean.

Suggested itinerary for one day in Akko (and a map)

So, how to visit Akko in a day? I added the places mentioned in this blog to a map, so you can see what it looks like. I tried to create a full walking path but that wasn't easy. Google Maps doesn't seem to take you through the Templar Tunnel or the Walls.

If you zoom in here, you should see the Walls right along the shore. Don't worry, it's easy to find everything once you're there and locals will be happy to help you find anything you need (most speak English).

Here's a textual description of your day in Akko. I'm going to assume arrival at around 9AM. If you think that's too early, I would suggest arriving the day before and spending the night there. Of you could just start your day later and adjust the itinerary accordingly.

9 AM Arrive at the Visitor Center (there's parking nearby if you're coming with a car). Get a map and buy your ticket for visiting the various locations. They offer a discounted rate if you buy everything in advance. There's a short introductory film at the Visitors Center that's worth watching. You can get a coffee while waiting for the film to start and sip it next the old fountain.

10 AM-Noon Visit the Halls and the Medieval market (plenty to see there)

Noon-1 PM Visit the Hammam and watch the show there

1 PM-3 PM Stroll in the market streets. This is a great time to grab lunch and I marked Hummus Said for you in the map if that's what you feel like eating. Plenty of other places to buy snacks, falafel or sit down for lunch.

3 PM Enter the Templar Tunnel from the market entrance. It's open until 6:30 so you have plenty of time (just note that if you didn't get your ticket in advance, you can get your ticket here until 5:30. Follow in the footsteps of the knights and cross the tunnel to the other side. You'll emerge right in front of the beautiful blue mediterranean sea.

3:30-4:30 Stroll along the walls . As you leave the tunnel, turn left and you'll see the steps that take you up the walls. Walk on the wall for fantastic views of the sea and city.

17:00 Visit the cannons. From the walls, you can choose to walk through the market area again, or just outside it (plenty of stalls everywhere, don't worry), to the old cannons on the hill.

If you happened to be super fast, you may get to the cannons at around 4 PM, leaving you with just enough time to visit the nearby Treasures in the Walls Museum which closes at 5.

You're not back where you started. If you've had enough, you can start heading back. Otherwise, keep exploring and enjoy the Old City of Akko at night. I would suggest an early dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea for a great sunset!

There's a lot to see and do in Akko and even more around it. If you have any questions I'd love to try and help - leave me a comment here. Or just let me know what you think of Akko if you would like to visit someday or have visited and have your own tips to share!

25 Comments

Curious but is there a place in Akko to sample and see the production of the famous Akawi cheese that supposedly originated in Akko/Akka? Maybe an artisanal cheese factory that produces it, if the ancient one that gave it fame is no longer there (I wonder what it is now)?

Hi JD, To be honest, this is my first time hearing about Akkawi cheese. There are several artisanal cheese factories here with tours, but I can’t find any that mentions Akkawi cheese. Sorry!

My husband and i will be visiting Israel in early March as part of a trip that does not include a visit to Haifa. We will be arriving a day early so were thinking of visiting Haifa on our own, and are now considering trying to see Akko. We arrive in Ben Gurion airport at 9 am on Sunday, and need to be back at the airport to meet up with our group by ~ 1 pm on Monday. Is this enough time to see both Akko and Haifa? Or is that just too much to do? If we were to try would you recommend renting a car? Or public transportation?

Hi Diane, Fortunately, Akko and Haifa are both very accessible via train. I normally am all for renting a car here but for these two cities, I actually think public transportation should be enough. The only question would be your luggage. If you’re traveling light and don’t mind taking a carry-on with you, then you can get a train from the airport all the way to Akko or Haifa on Sunday. Keep in mind that travel time is going to be 2-3 hours. You should be able to make it by noon. If you rent a car, it’s going to take you a couple of hours as well but will likely be more stressful, driving in a new country right after a flight. In theory, you should be able to tour Akko on Sunday from noon till evening time, then either board a train to Haifa or stay the night in Akko. Then in the morning, you could take a train to Haifa, do some sightseeing for a couple of hours and then take the train back to the airport. I’m using “in theory” here because I’m not sure where you’re coming from but if it happens to be from the US, then I’m not sure such a hectic couple of days are a good idea right after a transatlantic flight. For ourselves, we usually take the first day very slowly, just to get used to a place. You’ll probably be jet-lagged too. Just something to keep in mind. If I were you, I’d avoid driving these during these two days and focus on either Haifa or Akko but not try to squeeze both into the same 24 hours. Of the two, my vote would go to Akko, simply because it’s smaller and the area to tour is all walkable. With Haifa, you’ll need to plan your itinerary in the city and it might not be limited to a specific point (it’s also hilly if that’s a consideration). I hope this helps! Enjoy your time in Israel!

Hello Thanks for your help I want to visit Akko with a group this June 2020 bh A few years we went and there is some fast boats in Akko Do you know any way to contact those fast boats to make a reservation ? Thanks

Hi Joyce, I Googled this in Hebrew and found these two operators – http://www.galilsail.co.il/sailing-acre/ http://www.malkatakko.co.il/ The second site is only in Hebrew but they have this email address there – [email protected] and you can also try contacting them via their Facebook page . Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Anne I apreciatenir very very much Thank you

Thank you for the great info on Akko. I’d been to Israel years ago on a tour in the Jerusalem area. I’m thinking of going back but not on a tour. I’d like to make Akko a destination. I have one question. I’ve seen video on someone that was visiting Akko and I noticed in the background there were locals fishing from shore. Is that something that a visitor would be able to do ? I haven’t been able to find any information online.

Hi Aaron, Great question. There’s no need for a license to fish from the shore (I just checked that on the official website . The page is in Hebrew but I think Google Translate can help with that). I guess the only question is where can you rent fishing equipment. You could buy your own or bring it (I’ve never done any fishing so no idea about the quality needed). I found this fishing store in Akko with what seems to be an active Facebook page . If you’re interested, maybe you could ask them. Enjoy your visit!

Thank you very much for the info. I had tried to find some info but couldn’t so thanks for taking the time to research that. Yeah I’ll try Google translate. Thanks again and have a good day.

Great site! We are visiting Israel for 3 weeks in March 2020 and will be staying in Akko in an apartment overlooking the sea. Your information on the Old City is wonderful and the pictures are so beautiful. Thank you for the instructions! We look forward to visiting your beautiful city!

So glad this helped! I hope you have a great trip, Marilyn!

Hi, You have a great site and we are planning ahead for our Feb trip. Would you recommend a guide for a day trip to Akko coming from Haifa? If not, are there English headsets we can rent for a self guided trip on the site you mention? Do you know of any guides who would do a day trip to Safed from Haifa? Thank you.

Hi Julie, No need to take a local guide, as there are indeed headsets you can rent (I don’t think there’s an extra fee but I’m not 100% sure on that). They do have them in English as well. Having said that, if you wanted to, a private tour guide is an option as well. I’m sure there are many guides who can pick you up in Haifa and take you to the Galilee, including a tour of Safed. There’s so much to see in the region, it actually makes sense to do that if you prefer not to drive yourselves. I don’t have any specific recommendations but I found these links for you – https://www.toursbylocals.com/find_guide&area=980 https://dannythedigger.com/galilee/jewish-galilee If it’s Safed itself that you want to see – and no other places around it, then you could take a bus there from Haifa and then spend the day walking in the old town. I hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

We are planning a trip April 2019: April 1 – 10 Egypt, April 11-18 Israel, April 19-22 Jordan. My questions to you – 1. Israel is the week before Passover/Easter. Will we encounter crowds? Would it be better to reschedule the Israel portion PRIOR to Egypt? 2. The Department of Homeland Security USA is saying NO to travel in Egypt & Israel, (especially in light of the recent attacks the last few days) but Jordan is safe. I realize Gaza and the West Bank is dangerous – should this deter our plans? Why or why not? 3. We have 3 separate tour companies, one for each country. In one country we will pay $162/day for the guide. We are not confident enough to drive ourselves (although we have driven France, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and New Zealand.) I do think we can handle a day in Haifa, Akko, Jerusalem, on our own. We would surely glean much from a guide, but is there a different and cheaper way to secure one? We have relied on the “i” in most of Europe. 4. Where in Israel would we benefit from the 3 religious viewpoints via a guide (Jewish, Muslim, Christian) besides Jerusalem? 5. If you were going to be in Israel for 6 days, where would you suggest we choose accommodation? (We will NOT be going to Dead Sea or Masada). Your blog has great information….wish I had found it 4 months ago when I started my planning!

So glad you enjoy the blog. Sorry about the delayed response here 🙂 Let’s see if I can help you out with your questions.

1. The Passover holiday this year is between April 11th and the 27th. The crowds really begin to be a problem after the holiday itself begins which is on the 20th. The first week of the school holiday, most adults still work or they’re busy spring cleaning. If you’re traveling with kids and plan on including “children attractions”, I would definitely try to switch between Egypt and Israel. Otherwise, there’s a small benefit to switching but it’s not a huge deal.

2. I don’t think you should avoid visiting Israel. As far as I can tell, they’re concerned about a sudden flare-up with Gaza but unless you’re near that area, even that should not affect your plans. Read my recent post on this very topic here: Is it safe to visit Israel .

3. This is really a matter of personal choice. I would say driving here is more challenging than driving in the US or France. Less challenging than driving in Romania. As challenging as driving in some parts of Italy. That’s based on my own personal experience. And we recently managed driving in Romania just fine 🙂

Personally, I don’t like tour groups. If you can afford to hire a guide just for yourself, that’s definitely going to help but like you said, it’s not cheap. However, if it includes the price of the car (and having someone else drive for you), it may be worth it. You’re definitely get to see and do more if you’re with a car and not public transportation. If you feel comfortable driving and it’s significantly cheaper, you should be able to swing it on your own. Sounds to me like you’re already working on a great itinerary, so I’m sure you’re reading up on the places etc.

4. Hmmm good question. Probably anywhere where the three religions “meet”. I would say places like Haifa, Jaffa and Nazareth would all be interesting in that respect.

5. Six days is not a lot. Now, if you have a car, I would do three days in the Galilee, possibly hopping over to the Golan Heights too in one of them (if current Middle East politics interest you and you want to see Syria for yourselves). Jerusalem for another two days probably (no need for a car there) and I think the sixth day, possibly Tel Aviv. There’s a whole lot more to see and do, of course. If you could afford to spend 2-3 more days in Israel, I would add the Western Galilee including Akko, Haifa and the Karmel Mountain area.

To clarify, that’s how I would divide it in terms of accommodation as well. Stay in the Galilee for 3 nights, 2 nights in Jerusalem and one in Tel Aviv.

I hope this helps! I’m sure you’ll have a great time, wherever you go!

Hi Alexis, This was such useful information. Helped me a lot. Thanks.? I just followed the list and was perfect to know Akko.

Thanks for this great resource- You’ve basically planned my day in Akko for me! One question- I’ll be traveling from Tel Aviv en route to my next destination, so I’ll have my big backpack with me. Do you happen to know if the train or bus station has lockers or any left -luggage service?

Hi Megan, I’m glad I could help! I never noticed any lockers so I called the Akko information center for you (tel. 1-700-708-020 in Israel if you want to ask them too). They said there are no lockers and travelers just go around with their backpacks 🙁 I did check the train station website as well and there was no mention of lockers on their website either. Sorry!

Wow- thank you for checking! That was so nice of you! I appreciate it!

Hi planning a trip to Akko in pesach. Are there restaurants kosher for pesach?

Hi Patricia, Any kosher restaurant in Israel will be kosher for Pesach. Most Arab restaurants won’t be but then, they’re not kosher anyway. I ran a quick Google search and these come highly recommended: Roots at Weizman St 1, Akko. Phone: 04-884-8040 YR Kibbutz fish (Degei Hakibbutzim) at 22, Gdud st. Phone: 04-999-6262

I hope this helps!

Do you have an Akko tour?

Hi Alexis, I’m not a tour guide but I’m sure many guides and companies do offer such tours. If you’re looking for a free self-guided alternative, the City of Akko has a few options listed here – http://www.akko.org.il/en/Old-akko-Walking-Tours-in-akko

I’m a mountains girl, but your picture of the Mediterranean is breathtaking.

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The Israel Guide

Explore israel with heiko sieger, your private tour guide, akko / acre.

The port city of Akko (also known as Acre) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. Owing to its natural harbor on the Mediterranean sea, it served as a strategic link to the Levant. The ancient Akko, first mentioned in the Egyptian Execration Texts almost 4,000 years ago, lies to the east of the old city on Tel Akko. Excavations have revealed a settlement as early as 3,000 BCE.

During the Hellenistic period the ancient city of Akko was abandoned and a new, fortified city was built on the site of present-day Akko. This city was renamed Ptolemais, after Ptolemy the Second, ruler of Egypt. Later the Romans enlarged the city as well as the harbor south to the city and constructed a breakwater, making it one of the main ports on the eastern Mediterranean coast.

In 638 CE Akko came under the rule of the Rashidun caliphate who called the city Akka . Under Islam it once again flourished, owing to its importance as a naval base and main port of Palestine. The crusaders, who had first bypassed the city on their way to conquer Jerusalem, finally took Akko in 1104, after a 4 year siege and the help of the Genoese fleet. Acre, as we call it now, became the main port of and a source of wealth for the crusader kingdom. Precious goods such as spices and incense were shipped to Europe, and many pilgrims got a first look of the Holy Land when they arrived by ship in Acre.

After Saladin defeated the crusaders in the decisive battle at the Horns of Hittin (also spelled Hattin ) in 1187 CE, he took Acre without fight. Richard the Lionheart reconquered Acre in 1191 and Acre became the de facto capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. It would soon be known as St. John d’Acre, after the Knights Hospitaller of St. John order who had their headquarters there. Acre became a major commercial hub on the eastern Mediterranean, with a population of about 40,000. The kings palace (called castrum ) was located in the northern part of Acre, surrounded by massive fortifications. Next to the harbor, the Italian maritime cities of Genoa, Pisa, and Venice established merchant quarters known as communes. Each commune had its marketplace with shops and warehouses, and homes for the merchant families. But the city also suffered from bitter infighting among the crusader factions, sometimes leading to civil war.

Acre was the final stronghold of the crusaders against the Muslim forces, when the city capitulated to the Mamluks in 1291. To prevent any future use by crusaders, the Mamluks destroyed the entire city save some Muslim shrines. In the years to come a tiny fishing village was established. Later during the Ottoman rule, Henry Maundrell, a priest and pilgrim from Oxford who traveled to Jerusalem in 1697, writes in his diary (published as Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem at Easter A.D. 1697):

But notwithstanding all these advantages, it has not been able to recover it self, since its last fatal overthrow. For besides a large kane [khan or caravanserai] in which the French factors [merchants] have taken up their quarters, and a mosque, and a few poor cottages, you see nothing here but a vast and spacious ruin.

The first to restore some of Acres fame and beauty was Dhaher al-Omar (often spelled Zahir al-Umar ), an Ottoman chief tax collector who eventually became an independent ruler over much of Palestine. In 1746 he made Acre his capital, and in 1750 he surrounded the city with a city wall. Dhaher al-Omar was a tolerant ruler, encouraging both Christians and Jews to settle in his sheikdom and help build the economy. He invited Jews to resettle in Tiberias, and Christians to settle in Acre. He turned Acre into a center of the cotton trade between Palestine and Europe.

Forging ties with the French merchants at Acre, he managed to amass a great fortune by inserting himself as a middle-man between buyers and producers. He thus monopolized Palestine’s cotton and olive oil trade with Europe. Dhaher al-Omar was also a wise ruler and businessman. He established security and stability. Al-Omar offered tax relief to peasants when the harvest was poor. And merchants and farmers could benefit from interest-free loans to establish or expand their business. Eventually internal power struggles and the Sublime Porte’s (Ottoman) demand to overthrow rebellious rulers in its provinces brought the downfall of Dhaher al-Omar. In 1775 the Ottoman navy bombarded Acre. Al-Omar tried to escape on horse, but the enemy apprehended and killed him.

The next ruler of Acre – Ahmed al-Jezzar (or Jazzar Pasha ) – earned his nickname “the butcher” (“al-Jazzar” in Arabic) for his brutality. In contrast to his predecessor, he massacred the minorities such as the Christians. He would order the beheading of any subject who displeased him, especially dhimmi (non-Muslim) subjects.

During his rule of Acre, Ahmed al-Jezzar initiated a major building program, including new fortifications of the city walls and refurbishing the aqueduct that brought water from the nearby Kabri spring. He also built a large Turkish bath , and the landmark Al-Jezzar Mosque carrying his name. Ahmed al-Jezzar is probably best known for defeating Napoleon Bonaparte at the siege of Acre in 1799. The success was mainly due to the help of the English Royal Navy flotilla  commanded by Commodore William Sidney Smith and artillery expert Antoine Le Picard de Phélippeaux, as well as Haim Farhi , financial advisor to Ahmed al-Jezzar and his right hand.

Following al-Jezzars death in 1804, he was succeeded by his mamluk Sulayman Pasha . Sulayman continued to employ the Jewish adviser Haim Farhi. He also granted religious freedom to the Jews and relieved them from heavy taxes that were levied on them by al-Jezzar. All this ended when he died and – thanks to Haim Farhi paying a bribe – the power went to Abdullah. Abdullah repaid Farhi by having him killed and his family possessions confiscated. He then reinforced the heavy taxation of the Jews who had to back-pay for all the years they hadn’t paid.

In 1831 the Egyptian Muhammad Ali and his son Ibrahim Pasha conquered Palestine, including Acre. The British navy together with the Austrian navy shelled and conquered Acre in 1840 and made Muhammad Ali accept the Convention of London treaty. Acre and the Holy Land was restored to the Ottoman empire.

Only in 1913 did Acre regain some of its former prosperity, after linking it with Hejaz railway. Acre was the seat of a prefecture under the administrative center in Beirut when in September 1918, during World War I, the British occupied the city. During the Israeli war of independence, Acre surrendered after shelling by Haganah troops on May 18, 1948. In the following years many Jewish refugees from Arab countries settled in new neighborhoods north and east of the old city. Today Acre has a mixed Jewish and Arab population, and small Druze and Baha’i minorities.

UNESCO declared Acre a World Heritage Site based on the substantial remains of its medieval Crusader buildings beneath the existing Muslim fortified town. Acre is also an important example of an Ottoman walled town with citadel, mosques, khans, and baths well preserved.

Outside the old city, there is probably the most spectacular synagogue in world: The Tunisian Synagogue known as the “ Jariva “. It is literally covered in mosaics.

Some of Acres landmarks are:

• Hospitaller Fortress (Knights Halls)
• Citadel of Acre
• Al-Jezzar Mosque
• Hamam al-Basha
• Khan al-Umdan
• Templars Tunnel
• Ramhal synagogue
• Acre sea wall
• Or Torah (Tunisian) Synagogue – “Jariva”
• Mansion of Bahjí

Additional information and booking

The Visitors Center

Start your visit to Old Akko at the Visitors Center located in the Enchanted Garden

Visitor Center in Old Akko

The Center is located in the Enchanted Garden and is the showcase of Akko and the

Western Galilee for all the attractions they offer.

The Center serves the tourist who comes to Akko and the North and provides services such as:

• Reservations for tourist attraction
• Material on hiking and guided tours by professional guides

The Center hosts a permanent display of archeological finds from the Hospitaller complex

(Knights’ Halls), a model of Old Akko and its historical sites and operates two air-conditioned

screening halls.

You can book a private guide in different languages through the Visitor Center

[email protected]

04-9956706/7 /  1-700-70-80-20

more attractions

Ramchal Synagogue & Visitors Center

The Turkish Bath House

Extreme Park

Akko Authentic Markets

• Hotels & Vacation rentals
• Accessibility
• Opening Hours

Accessibility Menu

11 best things to do in Acre (Akko), Israel

Acre (sometimes also referred to as Akko) is one of the main attractions in northern Israel , located only 25 km north of Haifa and more than 100 km from Tel Aviv. Despite being much smaller than Haifa, Akko is clearly the better tourist destination. Here we will explore all the best things to do in Acre, plus the best time to visit, what to eat, and where to stay in Akko.

Planning a trip to Israel? Have a look at the 50 things you need to know before traveling to Israel.

Despite having so many cool things to do and having such a long, intricate history, Akko is somehow out of the main tourist trail. This means that you’ll see some tourists and have a tourism infrastructure that rarely becomes overcrowded.

Page Contents

11 best things to do in Acre

#1 explore akko’s old town.

The old city of Akko has gone through so much history and has seen so many historic events that a walk around it it’s absolute pleasure. Naturally, it’s a UNESCO world heritage site.

As per UNESCO, “Acre is a historic walled port-city with continuous settlement from the Phoenician period. The present city is characteristic of a fortified town dating from the Ottoman 18th and 19th centuries, with typical urban components such as the citadel, mosques, khans, and baths. The remains of the Crusader town, dating from 1104 to 1291, lie almost intact, both above and below today’s street level, providing an exceptional picture of the layout and structures of the capital of the medieval Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem.”

Today, the old city of Akko is mainly Arab, though the city as a whole has a jew majority. Roaming around Akko is very pleasant, and discovering the small alleys, the old houses, and the landmarks is delightful.

Everything is within walking distance, so we would suggest you just wander through the old city and try to discover the most prominent landmarks. In Akko, you will find some of the most impressive landmarks in Israel.

#2 The walls of Akko

Akko’s walls enclose the old city completely and are the city’s most prominent landmark. The original walls were built around 950, and since then, they have been destroyed and rebuilt several times.

• The walls were renovated in 1071 before the Seljuk invasion;
• And again ahead of the Crusader conquest in 1099;
• The Crusaders renovated the walls of Acre in the early 13th century, adding new walls, building new towers, and making the existing higher.
• In 1291, the Mamluks conquered the walls totally destroyed the city wall.
• In 1750 the walls were rebuilt.
• Between 1775 and 1799 reinforced, but they were partially destroyed during the Napoleon invasion.
• Between 1800 and 1814, the El-Jazzar was built around Acre.

The ramparts of Akko are the most noticeable of the landmarks in Akko and one of the coolest to visit. You can walk on this massive piece of history for free.

It’s possible to do the whole circuit and get great views of the sea, the town, the marina, and so much more. We really enjoyed our time on the walls. Plus, it’s a free activity which in Israel is rare.

#3 The Market of Akko and the Turkish Bazaar

Markets are some of our favorite places to visit in most cities. You get to see the locals, buy souvenirs, and food, and wander around checking things.

In Israel and all of the middle east, most cities have markets selling lots of goods, but the market in Akko was probably our favorite. It has so many things to try, particularly spices, teas, and herbs. The smells and colors are just wonderful, a real feast for your senses.

Close to the Market, there’s also the Turkish bazaar which was created in the late 18th century as a municipal market serving the local population. The market was abandoned after 1948, but it recently opened as a crafts and miniature art market.

The bazaar now features small shops specializing in selling souvenirs and tourist artifacts. It’s also entertaining to see and has some nice artifacts.

#4 Hospitallers fortress

The Hospitallers’ fortress is one of the most significant landmarks of Akko. It’s a vast and impressive building with a lot of history and rooms to explore. While visiting the hospitallers fortress, you can explore one of the most important times in the history of Akko – the crusaders’ time.

Who were the hospitallers? They were a military and religious order who cared for the sick and secured the safety of pilgrims in the holy land, particularly in Jerusalem and Akko. During the 11th -12th centuries, they grew so important that they were given the property of the city of Akko.

This is a tremendous building with many halls and rooms that you can visit and be impressed by. It’s a mandatory landmark for anyone visiting Acre / Akko.

Besides visiting the impressive fortress, during the visit, one can also learn a lot about the history of Akko, particularly by crusaders, the Christian and Arab conquests, and the pilgrimages to Jerusalem. There’s no better way to learn than being in the place where it all happened.

#5 Turkish baths – Hamam Al-Basha

The Turkish Baths are the first of two surprising tourist attractions in Akko. It’s quirky, fun, and fascinating to visit. Hamam al-basha was built in the 18th century by the legendary Governor of Acre, Jazzar Pasha.

Today we can visit the Hamam but not use it. You can see how things were back in the day through a very interesting approach.

The visit follows the story of a fictitious family who ran the baths with a series of videos, images, and sounds. We get to go through the baths, and it’s a very intriguing but fun and informational visit. We highly recommend it.

The visit goes to 3 main spaces: the Summer dressing room( where the Hamam visitors got undressed), the four intermediary rooms(various treatment and activity rooms), and the hot rooms – the core of the Hamam.

#6 The templars tunnel

The second unique attraction in Akko is the templars tunnel. This templars tunnel is a 150-meter tunnel that stretches from the templars fortress in the town to the city ports in the east.

The tunnel was an important underground passage that connected the palace to the port, avoiding crossing the city and the Pisan quarter. The lower part of the tunnel is carved in natural stone, while the upper part is made of hewn stones covered with a semi-barreled dome.

The tunnel was completely lost with time, and no one knew about its existence until it was discovered in 1994. It was then cleared and made available to visitors; now, you can cross it. It’s a bizarre experience, as you can listen to the water draining around you.

We can even say that’s a little claustrophobic, but it’s also one of our favorite things in Akko. The idea and construction of the tunnel, the story of being lost, and the experience of crossing it create a unique and fun tourist attraction.

#7 Al-Jazzar Mosque

Al-Jazzar mosque was built in the 18th century by Al-Jazzar Pasha, the ruler of Acre. It’s an impressive mosque, the biggest in Israel outside Jerusalem and the biggest built during the Turkish period. The mosque dominated Akko’s Skyline.

There are other mosques in Akko, but this is the most important and the one you should visit if you like to explore mosques and religious buildings.

#8 The Marina and Port

The Port and Marina of Akko played a big part in the importance of Akko. It was the port where the pilgrims arrived from Europe. During this time, the port was essential to the city’s very existence, but after the conquest of the ottomans, the port and the city lost much of their relevance.

Today you can walk in the Port and walk on the walls from where you get beautiful views of the Port, Marina, and the Sea. It’s very pleasant and has some nice bars and restaurants.

This is where the famous Uri Buri is. The Uri Buri is one of the best fish restaurants in Israel, and if you have the opportunity, you should go there while staying in Akko.

#9 Go to the Beach

Despite being right on the shore, Akko is much more famous for its history and port than for its beach. Akko isn’t a beach resort town, but it has a beach where you can have fun.

Argamon Beach is the best beach in Akko’s vicinity, and it’s conveniently located south of the old town and Port. We didn’t actually go to the beach because it was very windy and not very inviting to stay there, but we have read that it’s a very good Mediterranean beach.

#10 Go to nearby Haifa

Haifa is a much bigger and even more famous city than Akko, though as a tourist destination, it isn’t as interesting. It’s not even a close contest… Yet, it has one very cool tourist attraction, the Bahai Gardens. The Bahai Gardens, by themselves, are worth the side trip from Akko to Haifa.

The gardens are the most important religious site of the Bahai and a UNESCO Heritage site. The best view of the gardens is from the viewpoint from the top of Mount Carmel, where you can see them. However, if you want to visit, you must go on one of the organized tours from the Bahai. There is no other way of visiting them.

The Bahá’í Gardens contain a staircase of nineteen terraces on the northern slope of Mount Carmel. At the heart of the complex stands the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb – the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith. The different sections of the gardens offer different experiences, with graveled paths, hedges, flowers, and trees.

The gardens also offer incredible panoramic views of Haifa, the Galilee Hills, the Mediterranean Sea, and even Akko.

#11 Eat some fantastic food

Akko is an excellent foodies destination. Well, all of Israel is, but Akko, in particular, offers excellent experiences for foodies. Besides the widely famous fish and seafood in Uri Buri that we mentioned earlier, you can have some fantastic food on the market and other street food joints.

We are huge fans of street food, and we usually have at least one meal daily. In Akko, we had the best Baba goulash of our lives, but the Hummus, the falafel, and Shawarma were also pretty good.

Unfortunately, Israeli food tends to be expensive, but falafel and hummus in the market are very budget-friendly, and in Akko, you have many stalls selling those. There you’ll also find many of the famous middle eastern sweets like baklava, kanafeh, or halva.

Best time to visit Akko

The climate in Akko is mainly Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers, while winters are mild and more humid. In Summer, the highest temperatures are in August and reach an average of 30º C; during Winter, the lowest average is in January at 17º C.

So, Akko is an all-year-round tourist destination. It’s never too cold, and despite the winters being wetter, it doesn’t rain that much. However, if you want sun and hot, then Summer is your best bet.

Finally, we must mention that Akko is a popular destination, but not too much. Even during peak season in Summer, you won’t get those unpleasant crowds of tourists – maybe avoid Summer weekends (Friday and Saturday) if you have flexibility. However, we wouldn’t worry too much about it.

Where to stay in Akko

Akko has a relatively small city, so you can easily stay in the center and walk everywhere. Or if you want to use the beach, you can stay in one of the hotels by the beach and then walk to the center.

Best hotel in Acre – close to the beach

If you want to stay by the beach, the hotel we recommend is Palm Beach hotel , which is right by the beach; it was excellent facilities and a delicious breakfast. If you are driving, it’s very well located, as you can easily park there. Check prices here .

Best budget hotel in Acre

The Akko gate hostel is probably the best budget option in Akko. It’s probably the cheapest option, and the rooms are fairly good with climatization, WIFI, and a private bathroom. Another good option is the HI – Akko knights hostel. Akko has many great things for a traveler, but budget accommodation isn’t one of them. There are very few budget options, so if you find a good deal, take it!

If you are now happy with any of these, you can have a look at some of the best hotels in Akko on booking.com .

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Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, visiting Acre (Akko) promises visitors an emotional journey to a glorious past and a one-of-a-kind experience. An ancient and wondrous city, Akko boasts many remarkable sites including the remnants of the Hellenistic-Roman period as well as structures from the Crusader and Ottoman periods.

Much more than a historical and archeological marvel, Akko also has colorful Oriental markets, museums, beaches and water sports facilities, a fishermen’s port, marina, restaurants, hotels, and annual picturesque festivals – all that and more are just a few of the city’s fantastic tourist attractions.

The city's fascinating historical heritage, is a rare blend of East and West, offering authentic glimpses from the past and unique remnants from different cultures. All of this has made Akko into one of the most vital Ancient World cities.

The Knights' Halls

A magnificent tour of the halls of the Hospitalier's Order’s Fortress from the Crusader period. Discover the amazing remains of the ancient Order, the renovated and stunningly reconstructed halls, courtyard and surrounding streets. You will, step into history as a 4,000-year old story unfolds before you within the halls of the citadel.

Be sure to visit the streets, chapels, stores and the Arts and Crafts Market, featuring artisans from the Crusades era, offering their wares: blacksmiths, glass blowers, potters, weavers, embroiderers, leather craftsmen, basket weavers, perfume and oil craftsmen, and more. 

From the Scriptures 

Judges 1:28-31 (ESV)

When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely. And Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them. Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, or the inhabitants of Nahalol, so the Canaanites lived among them, but became subject to forced labor. Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco, or the inhabitants of Sidon or of Ahlab or of Achzib or of Helbah or of Aphik or of Rehob,

Acts 21:7 (ESV)

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