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Akko
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Akko, Israel, combines Crusader halls, Ottoman mosques, sea walls, markets and Mediterranean culture in one historic coastal city to explore.

Harbour, Walls and Living History

Akko, also known as Acre, occupies a small peninsula on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coast, where an active fishing harbour, sea-facing ramparts and a densely built Old City preserve centuries of cultural exchange. Its historic core is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not as a museum frozen in time but as a living quarter with Arab homes, mosques, churches, markets, cafés and workshops woven through monumental remains. Beneath the Ottoman streets lie the vaulted halls of the Crusader city, while the shoreline still frames the same strategic maritime setting that drew merchants, pilgrims, armies and rulers.
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Crusader Vaults and Ottoman Streets

The principal sights are concentrated within easy walking distance. The Knights’ Halls reveal the scale of the Crusader administrative quarter, the Templar Tunnel runs beneath the southern part of the Old City, and the city walls open towards views of the bay and western Galilee. Al-Jazzar Mosque, Hamam al-Basha and the atmospheric market belong to Akko’s Ottoman chapter, when the governor Ahmad al-Jazzar restored the port and reshaped its skyline. The old khans and stone alleys add texture to an urban landscape in which archaeological layers frequently appear beneath everyday life.

A Coastal City with a Distinctive Rhythm

Akko rewards unhurried exploration: mornings bring fish auctions and market activity, afternoons suit the museums and underground passages, and evening light turns the harbour and fortifications a soft gold. Its Arabic culinary traditions, shared civic spaces and proximity to the Galilee give the city an identity distinct from Israel’s larger coastal centres. Visitors should allow time to look beyond the celebrated monuments, noticing carved stone doorways, Ottoman courtyards and the changing relationship between the old walls and the modern city outside them.

When is the best time to visit Akko?

Best: April–June · 26–33°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January18126
February19106
March2268
April (best)2621
May (best)317
June (best)330
July340
August350
September334
October3029
November2772
December21109

Getting to and around Akko

How to get there

Akko is connected to Israel’s main rail corridor, and Akko railway station lies outside the Old City, with local buses and taxis completing the journey to the historic centre. Trains link the city with Haifa, Nahariya, Tel Aviv and other major population centres, though visitors should check current schedules before travelling. Intercity buses also serve Akko from northern cities and the Haifa area. By road, the city is reached via Israel’s northern coastal network, with parking generally easier outside the Old City than within its historic lanes. Ben Gurion Airport is the country’s principal international gateway; reaching Akko from there usually involves onward rail, bus, taxi or car travel rather than a direct city-centre connection.

Transportation

The compact Old City is best explored on foot, although uneven paving, narrow lanes, stairs and occasional crowds can make movement slower than the short distances suggest. Local buses connect the railway station, modern parts of Akko and surrounding communities, while taxis are useful for the station transfer or journeys outside the centre. The historic peninsula is not designed for extensive through-traffic, and driving inside the old walls can be inconvenient. Visitors using a private car should consider leaving it in an authorised area outside the densest historic streets. Rail and bus services provide practical links for excursions towards Haifa, Nahariya and northern Israel.

Best attractions in Akko

Akko’s principal attractions are concentrated within the fortified Old City, where the Knights’ Halls reveal the immense vaulted administrative complex built by the Crusaders and the Templar Tunnel follows a subterranean route towards the harbour. The Old City Walls provide elevated views across the Mediterranean and towards the Galilee coast, while the harbour remains a working maritime setting rather than a purely decorative monument. The Treasures in the Walls Museum occupies historic buildings and introduces domestic life, crafts and objects associated with the city. Hamam al-Basha, an Ottoman bathhouse, adds theatrical detail to the later history of the quarter, and the atmospheric market leads towards Al-Jazzar Mosque and its courtyard. The sea-facing promenade, fishing boats and narrow residential lanes complement the formal sights, giving visitors a sense of how archaeology, religious life, commerce and ordinary urban activity occupy the same compact peninsula.

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Best landmarks in Akko

The defining landmark of Akko is its fortified Old City, whose walls and towers express the strategic importance of the harbour and offer broad views over the bay. Beneath the streets, the Knights’ Halls preserve the monumental scale of the Crusader administrative quarter, while the Templar Tunnel links the medieval city to its maritime edge. Al-Jazzar Mosque, with its prominent Ottoman profile and courtyard, represents the eighteenth-century revival under Ahmad al-Jazzar and remains an important religious building. The Khan al-Umdan, recognisable by its arcaded courtyard and clock tower, belongs to the city’s Ottoman commercial landscape, while Hamam al-Basha illustrates the public institutions that supported urban life. The Citadel, now associated with the Prison of Akko, carries a later political history connected with the British Mandate. Together these structures show how Crusader, Ottoman, British and modern layers coexist within a small coastal city.

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Explore Akko on the map

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Neighbourhoods in Akko

Best restaurants in Akko

Akko’s food culture reflects its coastal position and predominantly Arab heritage, with seafood, grilled meats, hummus, falafel, fresh salads and mezze forming the foundations of many meals. The Old City market is an important place to see spices, produce, pastries and breads, while restaurants and informal counters around the harbour serve fish and shellfish alongside familiar Levantine dishes. Local specialities may include savoury pastries, stuffed vegetables, kebabs and sweets such as knafeh, whose crisp pastry, cheese and syrup make it a characteristic regional dessert. Arabic coffee and cardamom-scented drinks accompany leisurely conversation in cafés, and the city’s culinary profile also reflects Palestinian, Levantine and wider Mediterranean influences. Dining ranges from modest family-run establishments in the old quarter to contemporary restaurants outside the walls, with menus and opening patterns varying by day and season.

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Best bars in Akko

Akko’s evenings are generally atmospheric rather than centred on a large nightclub scene. After sunset, the Old City’s stone lanes, harbour and sea walls become quieter, and cafés and restaurants provide the main settings for conversation, coffee, sweets and late meals. Some venues serve beer, wine and cocktails, while the most distinctive evening settings are often restored Ottoman or Crusader-era spaces where architecture shapes the experience more than loud entertainment. Cultural programming can add theatre, music and performance to historic courtyards, particularly during events such as the Akko Festival when it is scheduled. Nightlife is more limited and locally paced than in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, so visitors should expect a mixture of social dining, waterfront walks and occasional live performances rather than a dense concentration of clubs. Respect residential areas and religious customs when moving through the Old City at night.

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Best nightclubs in Akko

Akko’s evenings are generally atmospheric rather than centred on a large nightclub scene. After sunset, the Old City’s stone lanes, harbour and sea walls become quieter, and cafés and restaurants provide the main settings for conversation, coffee, sweets and late meals. Some venues serve beer, wine and cocktails, while the most distinctive evening settings are often restored Ottoman or Crusader-era spaces where architecture shapes the experience more than loud entertainment. Cultural programming can add theatre, music and performance to historic courtyards, particularly during events such as the Akko Festival when it is scheduled. Nightlife is more limited and locally paced than in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, so visitors should expect a mixture of social dining, waterfront walks and occasional live performances rather than a dense concentration of clubs. Respect residential areas and religious customs when moving through the Old City at night.

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Best shops in Akko

Shopping in Akko is concentrated around the Old City market, where narrow lanes lead past stalls selling spices, olives, produce, sweets, breads, household goods and souvenirs. The experience is as much about the atmosphere of a working commercial quarter as about formal retail, with shopfronts occupying historic stone buildings and market activity extending towards the harbour. Visitors may find embroidered textiles, ceramics, jewellery, carved items, soaps and other crafts, but quality and provenance vary, so locally made goods are best discussed directly with the seller. Food products such as spice blends, dates, tahini, olive oil and regional pastries are practical reminders of northern Israel’s Levantine culinary culture. Outside the walls, modern shops serve local residents, while the older quarter remains the most distinctive place for gifts, everyday market ingredients and small artisan purchases.

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Akko essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Israeli new shekel, usually written as NIS or ILS. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, museums, established restaurants and many larger shops, but small market stalls, snack counters and older independent businesses may prefer cash or have minimum card transactions. ATMs are available in the city, including around the commercial areas, although international cards may incur fees from the card issuer or local bank. Carrying a modest amount of shekels is useful for market purchases, taxis and small food outlets. Keep receipts and monitor exchange rates when choosing whether to pay in sterling or another home currency.
Safety
Normal urban precautions are appropriate in Akko: keep valuables secure in crowded market lanes, avoid leaving possessions visible in vehicles and take care on uneven paving after dark. The Old City is generally easy to navigate during busy visiting hours, while quieter lanes and the shoreline may feel more isolated at night. Visitors should monitor official Israeli travel and security advice because conditions can change quickly in the wider region, and demonstrations or temporary access restrictions may affect travel. Respect barriers around archaeological excavations and coastal edges, use licensed or clearly identified taxis, and remain attentive when crossing roads outside the pedestrian centre.
Emergency Situations
In Israel, call 100 for police, 101 for Magen David Adom medical emergencies and 102 for the fire and rescue service. Give the operator the exact location, street or landmark and a mobile contact number, and explain that assistance may be needed in the Old City if narrow lanes complicate access. For urgent medical treatment, Magen David Adom can coordinate ambulance care and direct callers to appropriate services. International visitors should carry identification, travel insurance details and information about prescribed medicines. For changing security conditions, follow instructions from Israeli authorities, local officials and accommodation staff rather than relying on informal reports.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering mosques and other religious sites, and follow instructions about removing shoes, covering shoulders or using designated visitor areas. Ask before photographing worshippers, private homes, market traders or ceremonies, particularly in residential parts of the Old City. Bargaining may be acceptable in some market settings but should remain courteous rather than confrontational. Keep voices low in religious buildings, do not climb historic walls or touch fragile archaeological remains, and observe any signs restricting access. Avoid assuming that all businesses keep the same weekly hours, especially around Jewish holidays, and remember that Akko is a lived-in community rather than an open-air archaeological park.
Local Tips
Plan the Old City as a sequence of neighbourhood-scale discoveries rather than a quick checklist: combine the Crusader underground spaces with the Ottoman mosque, baths, khans and market streets. The harbour and sea walls offer useful orientation points, while the modern city outside the peninsula provides everyday shops and transport links. Ask locally about current access to individual monuments, as opening arrangements can vary. The Akko Festival, held in autumn when scheduled, brings theatre and performance to historic settings, but dates and programming change. For a broader regional journey, Haifa, Nahariya and the Galilee are separate destinations and should be planned as excursions rather than treated as parts of Akko.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloשָׁלוֹם[Shalom]
Goodbyeלְהִתְרָאוֹת[Lehitraot]
Yesכֵּן[Ken]
Noלֹא[Lo]
Please/You're welcomeבבקשה[Bevakasha]
Thank youתּוֹדָה[Toda]
Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה[Slicha]
How are you?אֵיך אַתָּה?[Eich atah?]
Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?[Tov. Ve'atah?]
Do you speak English?הֲאַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית?[Ha'atah medaber anglit?]
I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין[Ani lo mevin]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַתַפְרִיט, בְּבַקָשָה[Ani rotseh lir'ot et hatafrit, bevakasha]
I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָר[Ani lo ochel basar]
Cheers!לְחַיִּים[L'chaim]
I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַלֵם, בְּבַקָשָה[Ani rotseh le'shalem, bevakasha]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!עֶזְרָה![Ezra!]
Go away!לְךָ הַלְאָה![Lecha hal'ah!]
Call the Police!קְרָא לַמִּשְׁטָרָה![Kra la'mishtara!]
Call a doctor!קְרָא לַרוֹפֵא![Kra la'rofe]
I'm lostאֲנִי אָבוּד[Ani avud]
I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה[Ani holeh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...[Ani rotseh liknot...]
I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק מְסַתֵכֵל[Ani rak m'satekel]
How much is it?כַּמָה זֶה עוֹלֶה?[Kama ze oleh?]
That's too expensiveזֶה יָקָר מְדַי[Ze yakar medai]
Can you lower the price?הֲאַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהוֹרִיד אֶת הַמְחִיר?[Ha'atah yachol lehorid et hamchir?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?מַה הַשָּׁעָה?[Ma hashaa?]
It's one o'clockזֶה חָד־בּוֹקֶר[Ze chad-boqer]
Half past (10)חֲצֵי (עֶשֶׂר)[Chatzi (eser)]
Morningבֹּקֶר[Boqer]
Afternoonצָהֳרַיִם[Tzohorayim]
Eveningעֶרֶב[Erev]
Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל[Etmol]
Todayהַיוֹם[Hayom]
Tomorrowמָחָר[Machar]
1אֶחָד[Ehad]
2שְׁנַיִם[Shnayim]
3שָׁלֹשׁ[Shalosh]
4אַרְבָּעָה[Arba'a]
5חֲמִשָּׁה[Chamishah]
6שִׁשָּׁה[Shishah]
7שִׁבְעָה[Shiv'ah]
8שְׁמוֹנָה[Shmonah]
9תִּשְׁעָה[Tish'ah]
10עֲשָׂרָה[Asarah]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?אֵיפֹה נָמֶצַא...[Eifo nametza...]
What's the address?מַה הַכְּתוֹבֶת?[Ma haktove]
Can you show me (on the map)?הֲאַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?[Ha'atah yachol leharot li (al hama'pa)?]
When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאִם הַבּוּס הַבָּא?[Matai ha'im habus haba?]
A ticket (to ....)כִּרְטִיס (לְ....)[Kartis (le....)]

History of Akko

Early Settlement and Phoenician Akko

Akko developed around a natural harbour on the northern Mediterranean coast, and archaeological evidence records settlement in the area from the Bronze Age. The port was closely connected with the Phoenician coastal network and with inland routes leading towards Galilee. Its maritime position made it commercially useful and strategically exposed, drawing successive regional powers. In the Hellenistic period the city became known as Ptolemais, a name that reflected the influence of the Ptolemaic kingdom after Alexander the Great’s conquests. The harbour and its links to the eastern Mediterranean remained central to Akko’s prosperity, while the city’s changing names and rulers reflected its position at a crossroads between coastal trade, imperial politics and the interior.

Roman and Byzantine Ptolemais

Under Roman rule, Ptolemais became an important port and urban centre in the province of Galilee and the wider eastern Mediterranean. Roads, public buildings and commercial facilities supported its role as a point of exchange, while the city participated in the religious and intellectual life of the region. During the Byzantine period, Christianity became increasingly prominent and the city remained connected to maritime trade. The late Roman and Byzantine urban fabric lies largely beneath later construction, but excavated remains and archaeological evidence help explain why the site continued to attract attention. Political change, including the Arab conquest in the seventh century, brought new administrative and cultural frameworks without erasing the port’s long-established economic importance.

Crusader Capital and Maritime Power

The Crusaders captured Akko in 1104 after a prolonged siege, and the city became one of the principal ports of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Its harbour connected the kingdom with Europe, while merchant communities from Venice, Genoa and other maritime powers established quarters and commercial privileges. After Saladin’s victory at Hattin and the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, Akko became the main stronghold of the remaining Crusader presence. Richard I of England and other forces recaptured it in 1191, after which the city expanded as a fortified political and commercial centre. The surviving vaulted halls, fortified walls and traces of mercantile quarters preserve the scale and complexity of this medieval port.

Mamluk Ruin and Ottoman Revival

The Mamluk sultanate conquered Akko in 1291, ending the Crusader presence in the city. The port was damaged and its political importance declined for several centuries, although the settlement continued in different forms. Ottoman rule brought a major revival, particularly in the eighteenth century under the governor Ahmad al-Jazzar. From his base in Akko, al-Jazzar strengthened the fortifications, commissioned the mosque and expanded civic buildings, baths and commercial facilities. Much of the visible Old City belongs to this period, even where Ottoman structures incorporate earlier stonework. The resulting urban landscape combines monumental religious architecture, khans, market streets and defensive walls around the older medieval remains.

Siege, Mandate and Modern Akko

Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1799 siege of Akko failed after determined Ottoman and local resistance, supported by British naval power; the episode confirmed the city’s strategic significance during the wider struggle over the eastern Mediterranean. Under the British Mandate, Akko remained a mixed Arab city and acquired another layer of modern political history. The Citadel, later known as the Prison of Akko, was used by the British to hold members of Jewish underground organisations, and the 1947 Acre prison break became a notable episode before the end of the Mandate. In 1948 the city came under Israeli control. Contemporary Akko retains an Arab cultural character within a broader urban population and is known for the coexistence of its historic quarters and modern neighbourhoods.

Akko in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Akko, Israel

Discover Akko with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with detailed insights and easy booking.

  • Detailed information on Akko’s attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Akko like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide. From landmarks to local tips, find everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Comprehensive history of Akko and essential travel information.
  • User-friendly navigation and “Near Me” feature to find nearby attractions and amenities.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations.

Welcome to Akko, a city brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights. With Evendo, your journey through this ancient port city becomes effortless and enriching. Dive into Akko’s past with visits to the iconic **Citadel of Acre** and the **Templar Tunnel**, or lose yourself in the vibrant **Old City Market**. Craving some local flavors? Let Evendo guide you to renowned eateries like **Uri Buri Restaurant** for a taste of the freshest seafood, or **Hummus Said** for a traditional Middle Eastern experience.

Evendo takes the stress out of planning with its all-in-one platform. Discover detailed information about Akko’s top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences. Each listing comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your adventures. Need to book a hotel, tour, or attraction ticket? Do it all seamlessly within the app.

The app's intuitive features, like the “Near Me” function, ensure you never miss out on hidden gems. Get curated local tips to experience Akko like a resident, navigate the city with ease, and delve into the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Best of all, Evendo is completely free to use—no hidden costs or in-app purchases. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, your next adventure is just a tap away.

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