Timeless Charm of Old City of Acre

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [shālōm]
• Goodbyeלְהִתְרָאוֹת
  [lehitra'ot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [ken]
• Noלֹא
  [lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [bevakasha]
• Thank youתוֹדָה
  [todah]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [selicha]
• How are you?אֵיך אתה?
  [eich atah?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וָאַתָּה?
  [tov. va'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 הַתַּפְרִיט, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [ani rotseh lir'ot et hatafrit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָׂר
  [ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לְחַיִּים
  [lechayim]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַלֵם, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [ani rotseh leshalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עֶזְרָה!
  [ezrah!]
• Go away!לְךָ לְהַלֵךְ
  [lecha lehalech]
• Call the Police!קְרָא לַמִּשְטָרָה!
  [kra lamishtara!]
• Call a doctor!קְרָא לַרוֹפֵא!
  [kra larofe!]
• I'm lostאֲנִי אָבוּד
  [ani avud]
• I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  [ani choleh]

• I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  [ani rotseh liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק רוֹאֶה
  [ani rak roeh]
• How much is it?כַּמָה זֶה עוֹלֶה?
  [kama zeh oleh?]
• That's too expensiveזֶה יָקָר מְדַי
  [zeh yakar medai]
• Can you lower the price?הֲאַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהוֹסִיף אֶת הַמְחִיר?
  [ha'atah yachol lehosif et hamachir?]

• What time is it?כַּמָה הוּא זְמַן?
  [kama hu zman?]
• It's one o'clockזֶה חָדֵשׁ
  [zeh chadash]
• Half past (10)חֲצִי (עֶשֶׂר)
  [chatzi (eser)]
• Morningבֹּקֶר
  [boker]
• Afternoonצָהֳרַיִם
  [tsohorayim]
• Eveningעֶרֶב
  [erev]
• Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל
  [etmol]
• Todayהַיוֹם
  [hayom]
• Tomorrowמָחָר
  [machar]
• 1אֶחָד
  [echad]
• 2שְׁתַיִם
  [shtayim]
• 3שָׁלוֹשׁ
  [shalosh]
• 4אַרְבָּעָה
  [arba'ah]
• 5חֲמִשָּׁה
  [chamishah]
• 6שִׁשָּׁה
  [shishah]
• 7שִׁבְעָה
  [shiv'ah]
• 8שְׁמוֹנָה
  [shmonah]
• 9תִּשְׁעָה
  [tish'ah]
• 10עֶשֶׂר
  [eser]

• Where's a/the...?אֵיפֹה הוּא/הִיא...?
  [eifo hu/hi...?]
• What's the address?מַה הַכְּתוֹבֶת?
  [mah haktove]
• Can you show me (on the map)?הֲאַתָּה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  [ha'atah yachol leha'arot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאָסִיף הַבָּא?
  [matay ha'asif haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (ל...)
  [kartis (le...)]

The Old City of Acre, known as Akko in Hebrew, has been a pivotal port city since ancient times, with its origins tracing back to the Phoenician period around 3000 BCE. It served as a vital trading hub due to its strategic position along the Mediterranean Sea, facilitating commerce between various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.

During the 12th century, Acre became a significant Crusader stronghold, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The city was fortified with impressive walls and structures, including the famed Crusader Fortress, and became a thriving center of trade and culture, attracting pilgrims and merchants from across Europe.

Following the fall of the Crusader states, Acre came under Mamluk control in the 13th century, and later, the Ottomans in the 16th century. The Ottomans invested in the city's infrastructure, constructing mosques, caravanserais, and public baths, contributing to its cultural and architectural richness. The city's layout reflects a blend of Islamic and Crusader influences, visible in its diverse monuments.

One of the most notable historical events in Acre was the Siege of Acre in 1799, where Napoleon Bonaparte's forces attempted to capture the city. The siege lasted for several months, ultimately ending in failure due to strong resistance from the local Ottoman garrison and the arrival of reinforcements. This event marked a significant moment in the Napoleonic Wars and highlighted Acre's strategic importance.

In 2001, the Old City of Acre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved historical architecture and rich cultural heritage. Today, the Old City serves as a vibrant cultural hub, showcasing its diverse history through museums, art galleries, and archaeological sites, while continuing to thrive as a bustling marketplace that reflects the living history of its inhabitants.

Old City of Acre is accessible from various neighborhoods in Akko. The city is well-connected by public transportation. Buses run frequently from Akko's central bus station to the Old City, taking around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk from the central area, which will take approximately 20 minutes. Taxis are also available and can be a convenient option, especially for those with luggage.

The Old City of Acre is compact and best explored on foot. Many of its attractions, including the Crusader Fortress, the Al-Jazzar Mosque, and the bustling market, are within walking distance. Bicycles can be rented in nearby neighborhoods, but be cautious of the narrow, cobbled streets. Public buses connect the Old City to other parts of Akko, while taxis are readily available for longer distances.

Old City of Acre is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, like any tourist destination, it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas, exercise caution in crowded markets where pickpocketing can occur.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for ambulance services, and 102 for fire. Local hospitals and clinics are in Akko, with the closest being the Western Galilee Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in the Old City for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in mosques. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly and women with children. Don't eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Shalom' or 'Marhaba'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and enjoy the street food. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it’s considered impolite.

To experience Old City of Acre like a local, visit the bustling markets early in the day for the freshest produce and local delicacies. Try to engage with shopkeepers; many are eager to share stories about their products and the city's history. Explore lesser-known alleys to uncover hidden gems, such as small cafes and artisan shops. Participate in local events or festivals if they coincide with your visit for an authentic cultural experience.