Overview

Akko, also known as Acre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient city located on the northwest coast of Israel on the edge of the Bay of Acre. The Crusader town is filled with ruins both above and below the street level from periods of Greek, Roman, Crusader, Arab, and Phoenician occupation. There are citadels, mosques, khans, and baths that have all be very well preserved. The Old City of Acre and the Baha’i garden of Acre are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city.

The city is a great place to explore and boasts a fascinating history, especially in the Old City with several sights, attractions, and incredible Arabic-style restaurants. Nestled along the shores of the Mediterranean the city is over 4,000 years old with many discoveries uncovered over the years by archaeologists. There is a great mixture of archeology sites that are thrilling to explore including the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea for swimming and soaking up the sunshine and great views.

Akko is a great place to slow down and enjoy a laid-back vacation strolling through the ancient streets of the Old City and exploring the historic sights and attractions. Stopping for a coffee in the quaint cafes, shopping for authentic gifts in the charming shops, wandering around the waters edge through the old port, lounging on the beach and swimming in the warm Mediterranean waters, and taking in the surroundings from the terrace of a restaurant are just a few great ways to enjoy Acre.

Things to see and do

One of the best things to do in the city of Acre/Akko is wander the historic streets of the Old City filled with history, it is one of the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The historic walled port city and remains of the Crusader town date from 1104-1291 and are still intact located both above and below the street level with an exceptional layout of structures of the capital of the medieval Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem. Discover the charms of the city down the small alleyways, historic houses, and landmarks dotted around the city.

The ancient walls of Akko completely enclose the Old City, they are one of the most prominent landmarks of the city dating back to 950. The walls have been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries. Visitors can explore this huge piece of history and walk around the entire circuit enjoying some spectacular views of the sea, the town, the port, and much more. Some of the Old City attractions including galleries, the Jezzar Pasha Mosque, the Subterranean Crusader City, the Municipal Museum, and the Ahmed al Jezzar Pasha’s Turkish Bath.

The Hospitallers fortress is one of the major landmarks in the city of Akko, a massive impressive building brimming with history. The hospitallers were a military and religious order who cared for the sick and secured the safety of pilgrims in the holy land during the 11th and 12th centuries they grew so important, they were given the property of the city of Akko. The building features many halls and rooms that can be explored by visitors.

Walk around the colorful pleasant streets of the Turkish Bazaar, on Saturday afternoons there are live performances to enjoy and visit the different artisan where visitors can pick up unique authentic gifts and souvenirs. Kurdy and Berit’s Coffee and Spice shop is the most picturesque shop in the entire bazaar, be sure to stop in and smell the sweet aromas and sip on a cup of Arabic coffee. Abu Nassar’s Oriental Sweets is another popular location in the city for some sweet treats, and Hummus Said, both located near the Khal el Shwardia.

Take a boat ride from the ancient port, sea tours are available to see the city walls. Soak in the Mediterranean Seas and get a different view of the ancient city. The Port and Marina of Akko is the port where the pilgrims arrived from Europe, it was essential to the very existence of the city, but lost most of its relevance after the Ottoman’s conquest. Walk around the port and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze, pass by the old fishing boats, visit some of the wonderful bars and restaurants nestled along the waterfront, especially Uri Buri one of the most renowned fish restaurants in Israel.

Visit the beaches of Akko, nestled on the sparkling Mediterranean shores the city boasts some great beaches including Argamon Beach, which is considered one of the best in the city, conveniently located south of the Old Town and Port. Sunbath, relax, and swim in the warm waters.

Check out the Turkish Bath House, a piece of Acre’s history that has been perfectly preserved boasting colorful tiled walls in three main spaces; the Summer dressing room, the four intermediary rooms, and the hot rooms. The baths were an important location where the men came to steam away their troubles away back in the 18th century. Visit the Hamam today and see how things were back in the day, there is an entertaining movie shown which explains the history of the Bath House.

The Templars Tunnel is another unique attraction in the city, it was discovered in 1994 when it was cleared and made accessible to visitors. The 492-foot tunnel stretches from the templars fortress in town to the city ports, it was an important underground passage connecting the palace to the port. The Tunnels were built at the end of the 12th century when the Templars built the fortress, the construction and the story of the tunnels being lost for centuries are quite fascinating.

Shopping

There are vast shopping opportunities available in Acre especially at the main Turkish Bazaar located in the Old City filled with a colorful array of stalls selling spices, fresh produce, fresh-caught fish, and delicious fresh pastries. Strolling through the market shoppers can indulge in the strong smell of Arab spices and the lingering smells of hookah, amble through the charming alleyways and discover the authentic surroundings. The bazaar specializes in small shops selling souvenirs and tourist artifacts as well as crafts and art.

Salah ad Din Street is another good place to shop specializing in local goods such as olive oil, ceramics, spices, and jewelry.

Food and Nightlife

Acre or Akko is famous for its seafood being right on the spectacular Mediterranean coast with access to the fish and seafood in the sea. Some of the best can be found at Abu Christo and Doniana Restaurants located in the harbor, port area with spectacular views over the water. Upscale dining options in the city include Uri Buri serving up some delicious local delicacies and one of the finest fish restaurants in the city located on the lagoon walkway on Ha’Hagana Street, El Marsa at the marina, and Salah ah-Din Street is filled with many bakeries baking yummy treats including baklava and knafeh found in the Old Bazaar. Gallery Simaan restaurant is located on Ben Ami Street and the Mercato is an intimate and highly rated dining spot that serves up delicious Italian dishes. There are some fantastic options including high-end dining, local authentic restaurants, street food, market stalls, cafes, coffee shops, and bakeries. Arabic food is very flavorful and there is a mixture of Middle Eastern cuisine, International, and more. Street food is popular and delicious in the city where diners can try some of the best Baba goulash, Hummus, Shawarma, and falafel.

There are some great options for nightlife in the city including restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs, in Acre. The city has a special character and is known as the “enchanted city” with a wide range of entertainment options with lively, vibrant nightlife options. El Marsa restaurant is located at the marina, the Marsa Bar is tucked into the back room with beers on tap and an extensive cocktail menu with some nice views. Abu Christo is the place to be for sunset at the marina, sit back, sip on a beverage and watch the sun go down on the beautiful waterfront. There are some spectacular sunset cruises offered around the waters at night with some breathtaking views. There are other nightlife entertainment options in the city including the Acre Theater Center in the Old City housed in an ancient fortress building, a unique theater that offers original plays. Special ethnic tours are offered of the city at night and night fishing is another option for a quieter night.

History and Culture

Acre is bursting with history and atmospheric walled port town surrounded by lofty fortifications. The city has had a continuous settlement from the Phoenician period, steeped in medieval Crusader history, Akko is a must for history buffs. The present-day city is a fortified town dating from the Ottoman 18th and 19th centuries boasting a citadel, mosques, khans, bazaars, and Turkish baths. The Crusader town lies almost intact both above and below the streets and dates from 1104-1291.

The town’s magnificently preserved stone architecture and plentiful historic attractions draw visitors in from all over the world. Akko boasts an important location on the natural harbor situated at the extremity of Haifa Bay on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean and the Levantine Sea. The city was an important waypoint on the region’s coastal road which cuts inland along the Jezreel Valley, it was the first settlement during the Early Bronze Ages, it was then abandoned and became a large town during the Middle Bronze Age. It has been continuously inhabited since the Middle Bronze Age and is among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth. Acre has been subjected to conquests and destructions over the centuries and was an important city during the Crusaders until captured by the Levant in 1291.

Acre is the holiest city of the Baha’i Faith in the country with many pilgrims of faith visiting each year. The Festival of Alternative Theater has been held in Old Acre each year since 1979, during the intermediate days of Succoth (Chol Hamoed) taking place in the Hospitaller Fortress. It is the largest theater festival in Israel and known worldwide with theatre companies from all over the world.