Akko: A Mosaic of History and Culture by the Mediterranean

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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?]

• 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]

• 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....)]

Akko, also known as Acre, boasts a history that dates back to the Bronze Age. Strategically located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it served as a vital port city for various ancient civilizations, including the Canaanites and Phoenicians. The city's ancient roots are evidenced by archaeological finds such as pottery, tools, and remnants of ancient fortifications.

During the Hellenistic period, following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Akko became a significant urban center. It was later incorporated into the Roman Empire, where it thrived as a bustling port and commercial hub. Roman architecture, including aqueducts and public buildings, marked the city's landscape. The Roman influence is still evident in the city's ruins and historical sites.

The Crusader period was a transformative era for Akko. Captured by the Crusaders in 1104, the city was fortified and became a pivotal stronghold in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Akko served as a major base for Crusader operations and a gateway to the Holy Land. The remnants of Crusader architecture, such as the Knights Halls and fortified walls, are among the city's most notable historical attractions.

After the fall of the Crusader Kingdom, Akko came under Mamluk control in 1291. The city was subsequently rebuilt and served as a vital administrative and military center. Later, during the Ottoman period, Akko experienced a resurgence under the leadership of rulers like Ahmed al-Jazzar. The Ottomans fortified the city further and expanded its infrastructure, leaving behind impressive structures like the Al-Jazzar Mosque and the Ottoman Citadel.

During the British Mandate period in the early 20th century, Akko played a significant role in the political and social developments of the region. The city's prison was famously used to detain Jewish underground fighters. Following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Akko became part of the new nation. Today, it is a vibrant city that blends its rich historical heritage with a diverse modern culture, attracting tourists from around the world.

Akko, also known as Acre, is located in northern Israel along the Mediterranean coast. The nearest major airport is Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Tel Aviv, you can take a train directly to Akko, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available for travel from major cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa to Akko.

Akko is a compact city, and many of its major attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances within the city, local buses and taxis are readily available. The train station is conveniently located and connects to other major cities in Israel. Renting a car can also be a good option if you plan to explore surrounding areas.

The official currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Akko. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.

Akko is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. The local hospital and medical facilities in Akko are equipped to handle emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful when visiting synagogues, mosques, and churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful of other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Shalom' (hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be gracious when offered food. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Akko like a local, visit the bustling local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Israeli goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about Akko's rich history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Old City, the Knights' Halls, and the Al-Jazzar Mosque. For a unique experience, take a boat ride in the Mediterranean Sea to see Akko from a different perspective.