Akko (Acre)

עכו

Medieval Crusader city with a UNESCO-listed old town featuring underground halls, mosques, khans, and a picturesque harbor surrounded by fortification walls. One of the best-preserved Middle Eastern cities with layers of Ottoman, Crusader, and Arab architecture.

Things to do

• Explore the Underground Crusader City — Descend into the Knights' Halls, a network of vaulted stone chambers built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, now excavated and open to visitors.
• Walk the Fortification Walls — Stroll along the Ottoman-era sea walls that encircle the old town, offering views of the Mediterranean and the harbor.
• Visit the Citadel and Moat — Tour the impressive Ottoman fortress that dominates the skyline, featuring dungeons and exhibition spaces with views over Akko's harbor.
• Tour the Hammam al-Pasha (Ottoman Bath) — Experience a beautifully preserved 18th-century Turkish bathhouse with ornate tilework and traditional architectural features.
• Stroll through the Souks and Khans — Navigate the maze-like bazaar filled with spice merchants, souvenir shops, and historic caravanserais that once housed traders.
• Relax at the Harbor Waterfront — Sit at seaside cafés and restaurants overlooking the fishing boats and ancient breakwater, enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
• Visit the Al-Jazzar Mosque — Admire one of the largest and most ornate mosques in the Levant, built in the 18th century with a striking dome and minaret.

Food to try

• Hummus at Abu Christo or Hummus Said — Silky chickpea purée served with warm pita bread, olive oil, and paprika at family-run establishments that are Akko institutions.
• Freshly Grilled Fish at the Harbor — Whole Mediterranean fish (usually sea bream or grouper) grilled over charcoal and served with lemon and tahini sauce at waterfront restaurants.
• Knafeh — A crispy, warm pastry dessert with melted white cheese, soaked in sweet sugar syrup and topped with pistachios, sold at bakeries throughout the old city.
• Falafel and Ful — Deep-fried chickpea balls and slow-cooked fava bean paste, both served in pita with tahini and fresh vegetables from street vendors.
• Seafood Mezze Platter — A spread of shared appetizers including calamari, shrimp, octopus, and local catches prepared with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly in Religious Spaces — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the Al-Jazzar Mosque and other prayer areas; remove shoes before entering.
• Shop and Haggle in the Souks — Bargaining is expected and welcomed in the bazaar; starting prices are often inflated, and friendly negotiation is part of the cultural exchange.
• Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon — The old city is cooler and less crowded before 10 AM and after 4 PM, especially during summer months when midday heat is intense.
• Respect Prayer Times — If visiting during Islamic prayer times (especially Friday noon prayers), avoid walking through or photographing the mosque areas out of respect.