A Guide to Akko (Acre) in Israel
Akko (Acre) is one of Israel's top destinations because of its history, architecture, and coastal location. In this Akko travel guide, we share tips on the best things to see and do while there, where to stay, how to get, what to wear, when to go, or whether it is worth a visit.
Akko, or Acre, is a fascinating city on Israel's Mediterranean coast and one of the best places you can visit in the Holy Land.
After leaving Akko, we could not find exact words for how we would describe the experience.
But later, after a few days of thinking about it and visiting many other places in Israel, it finally struck us. It was the unobtrusive balance.
Akko is so special in many ways, but unlike in Jerusalem or Caesarea, the uniqueness was not so flagrant.
It was served little by little, and the whole visit seemed so pleased that we too quickly got used to the beautiful sunsets, fascinating history, exquisite architecture, beach-side location, and delicious cuisine.
Yes, we are not afraid to say we did not fully comprehend Akko's exceptionality at the time of our visit, as it showed us the best of the place very modestly.
On the other hand, we do not think it was wrong for one simple reason. It was not overhyped, so we could form our own opinion, which, as you can already sense, was a positive one.
For this and many other reasons that we want to share throughout this travel guide, we would like to inspire you to include Akko in your Israel itinerary.
So without further ado, here's everything you need to know about visiting Akko before you go.
History
Akko has a fascinating history that is mostly connected to its strategic location by the sea. According to many findings, the area has been inhabited since 2000 BCE.
Later, in the 1st century CE, it was mentioned among important military outposts for Persians who sailed to Egypt.
Well, it did not take long for Egyptians to arrive at Akko and turn it into their important colony.
And you can even read names such as Cleopatra or Herod the Great connected with Akko's history.
Later, Akko was conquered by the Romans.
Therefore, we can see many distinguishing Roman structures in the area nowadays, but what we found quite intriguing was that all new arrivals to Akko were always able to coexist here with Jewish inhabitants.
When we think about it, most of the Israeli cities had quite a similar fate. If there is one thing you should know before visiting Israel, it's that history is everywhere here.
After the Romans, the Byzantine Empire took over, and later, Akko was under Islamic control until the 11th century.
The 11th century is where things got more interesting, at least from the historical and tourist perspective.
It is the reason why one of the top attractions in Akko is Templar Tunnel or Knight's Halls, as the city became one of the Crusader Kingdoms.
Later, Mamluks arrived the same as Ottomans, and we feel that this was more than enough for an initially small harbor settlement.
The turbulent history left Akko with some of the most exciting attractions but also a diverse population consisting of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Things to Know Before You Go
Is there anything unusual you should know before exploring Akko?
To be honest, visiting Akko is very straightforward and not very different from other popular places.
What to Expect
Akko is a classic seaside city, so the vibe is really authentic despite its popularity, and it is definitely less tidy.
One of the downsides could be the fact that to gain access to the majority of top attractions, you need to buy a separate ticket.
Therefore, if you travel around Israel on a budget, you'll have to prioritize.
And probably one thing you should know is that you should not arrive at Akko with a full stomach.
Plenty of good restaurants are scattered around the city, and we even found a few cheap eateries that also served delicious hummus.
Lastly, Akko made it even to popular culture, as it was featured in Assassins Creed or Age of Empires II.
Not just history fans, but also gamers might have a reason to visit Akko.
Akko or Acre
Before we dig deeper into exploring everything Akko has to offer, we must clarify one important thing.
Akko, Acre, Akra, Acco, or even Akka is the same place.
We must admit that these various spellings kept confusing us for a while when planning the trip.
So although it might seem obvious to some, we would like to establish this common knowledge from the very beginning.
In this travel guide, we will use the name Akko to make the situation clear.
We are no experts on this topic, but from what we've seen, Acre is more common in English, but even that's not always the case.
What to See and Do
The main reason to visit Akko is the intriguing Templar and Crusades history for many visitors.
Akko was an important Crusader port between the 12th and 13th centuries, and if you're interested in this part of the history, you should definitely put it on your list.
Akko was not some unknown city throughout the centuries, but it became even more important in 1187 when Saladin took over Jerusalem.
Crusades shaped not only the history of the city but also its layout, structures, and architecture.
The history of Akko is truly special, and when you add the beaches, local markets, gardens, or restaurants to the mix, you won't leave the town disappointed.
Old City
The history of Akko was shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, Umayyads, Templars, Ayyubids, or Ottomans, so it's a truly unique place in Israel.
The Old City is also well preserved, so it's no wonder Akko is on the World Heritage Site list. It's indeed one of the best UNESCO sites you can visit in Israel.
Akko's Old City is walled off and remains surprisingly intact to this day.
It has many surviving medieval Crusader buildings together with structures from other periods, especially from the Ottoman era.
Even though navigating through the maze of narrow streets might be a bit confusing, walking in the Old City is pure joy.
More importantly, all the sites on our list are located within this area (except for the Bahai Gardens).
Knights' Halls
Whatever your opinion is on Templars and Crusades, the history that surrounds them is absolutely incredible.
And there is not a better place in Akko to learn more about them than Knights' Halls.
It is a special place because when traveling around Israel, you hear a lot about Romans, Jewish history, Muslims, Ottomans, and finally, Akko is the place to learn about Templars and Crusades.
Akko is the best place in Israel to learn about this era, its main protagonists (and antagonists) and connect their presence and impact on this region.
The entire complex might be a bit confusing for first-time visitors, as you will come across names such as Knights' Halls, Hospitaller Commandery of Saint-Jean-d'Acre, Fortress of Akko, or Citadel of Akko.
Don't worry.
It's basically one giant complex consisting of structures from different periods, and it will all make sense once you get there.
For starters, we recommend visiting the Visitors Center within the complex to purchase a ticket and get some basic knowledge of the area.
We believe the combo ticket is well worth the price, and it makes sense to get one if you have enough time to visit more places.
Allow yourself two to three hours for the complex.
Citadel of Akko
Just a short walk from Ahmed Al-Jazzar Mosque lies Citadel, which is just another must-see attraction in Akko.
As mentioned above, the Citadel was built to strengthen the city's fortification in the 18th century on the ruins of Crusader structures.
The structure was used as a palace, barracks, or prison. Nowadays, you can visit there the Museum of Underground Prisoners.
From the outside, the building is really massive, so we can imagine the purpose it served, but you can also go inside to see the audiovisual exhibitions.
The perfectly renovated interior enhances the story of Jewish underground prisoners and the break-in from the Akko Prison.
Templars Tunnel
One of the fascinating places to visit in Akko is the old Templars Tunnel. It's not only a regular tourist attraction but also an impressive piece of engineering.
Being able to walk through this 150 meters long underground escape passage that connects the fortress and the port is truly a unique experience.
Some people might argue that there is not much to see and do, but we have to disagree on this one.
Due to its history and purpose, it's not just a tunnel. And we believe it's definitely worth visiting.
The ceiling is not as low as expected, so you can walk in the tunnel. Basically, it's no crawling, though you might need to bend if you're taller.
The tunnel is well-lit, and there might be some seawater, but it's not a scary experience (for most visitors).
The entrance fee to Templars Tunnel was included in the Knights' Halls combined ticket.
Turkish Bath
Also known as Hammam el-Basha, the Turkish Bath House is a well-organized museum that we visited next.
It's a relatively small museum consisting of a few rooms, each with a different purpose portraying the scenes from the daily routine.
Even though the bathhouse is not operational, it's still worth visiting (unless you're pressed for time).
It has a movie, and free audio guides, so the audiovisual presentation is nothing to complain about.
It's not a typical museum and delivers a bit different experience in a fairly short time.
It will allow you to see Akko's history from just another perspective, so it would be a shame to skip it.
The entrance fee to Turkish Bath is included in the Knights' Halls combined ticket.
If you were disappointed by the remark that this is just a museum, then you might want to consider visiting Ghattas Bathhouse, a fully functional Turkish bath in Akko.
Mind you, it is considered to be the best hammam in Akko, so the entry fee is not exactly cheap.
Akko's Fortifications
We really enjoyed the massive stone walls in Caesarea National Park or Ramparts Walk in Jerusalem, so we headed to the Akko's Fortifications as soon as we entered the Old City.
Akko was an important port throughout its entire history, so it's not surprising that it had fortification walls even in its early periods to protect the city from raiders.
Zahir al-Ulmar rebuilt the walls in the middle of the 18th century, and they were reinforced at the end of the same century by Jazzar Pasha.
The walls surround the city from all sides, and you can actually walk through some of its sections.
The north and east fortification allow you to enjoy the views of a dry moat.
However, we have to admit that we absolutely loved the views from the distance of the seawall in the south part of the city.
Ahmed Al-Jazzar Mosque
The Ottoman design, white walls with green paintings, and a typical minaret make this mosque one of Akko's most dominant structures.
The mosque was built over the remains of Crusader buildings and a former Christian church in the 18th century during the Turkish period.
Therefore, it shares similar architecture with some structures in today's Istanbul. Today, it's the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem.
Moreover, Al-Jazzar Mosque is one of the mosques you can visit, which might be an interesting experience if you've never been inside a mosque before.
There is a separate entry fee of 10 NIS to the mosque.
Once you step inside the complex, one of the locals will usually offer you a short tour for a few shekels.
There are a few more mosques in Akko, such as Al-Zeituna Mosque, Al-Ramel Mosque, or Aj-Majdala Mosque, but this one is the most important of the bunch.
Khan al-Umdan
We've already mentioned that the city of Akko saw several different rules, and the architecture reminds us of that on almost every step.
One of the best-preserved buildings from the Ottoman era is Khan al-Umdan, alias Caravanserai of the Pillars, from the 18th century.
We've already seen and even slept in a caravanserai in Azerbaijan, so we knew what to expect.
Well, we could have imagined Khan al-Umdan as we wanted (it was used as a stable and place to stay overnight for travelers), but unfortunately, we could not see the place from inside as, at the moment, this site is closed.
Therefore, we could only admire its dominant structure, the Clock Tower, from the port.
Old Town Souk
In our opinion, one of the best activities to do in the Middle Eastern cities is walking around local markets, also known as souks (souqs).
Fortunately, if you haven't visited any souk yet, Akko also offers this type of experience.
Make sure you won't arrive too late because the local market in Akko is at its liveliest around 10 AM, and it usually gets quieter after 4 PM.
Although the market in Akko is not the biggest one we've seen, it is precisely the place where a traveler feels comfortable yet not overwhelmed.
There are small stores with clothes, spices, coffee, and everything else you would think of. Of course, seafood is not missing, and there are also several restaurants where you can try it.
Make sure you try knaffeh, a traditional pastry we tasted for the first time on our West Bank Tour.
We did not find this place overpriced, so you can also do some souvenir shopping here.
Akko's souk is very compact and close to the top attractions, so we believe it is impossible to miss it when wandering the city streets.
St. John's Church
When you get closer to St. John's Church, you cannot but notice the dramatic contrast between centuries-old fortifications and the 18th-century church with a distinctive red roof.
In short, St. John's Church is a photographer's dream, despite the fact it is rather a modest structure, but the setting overlooking the sea is hard to beat.
We visited the place during the sunset when the light was soft, and the conditions helped to create a very peaceful atmosphere.
You do not need that much time to visit St. John's Church, even if you decide to take a look inside, so make sure you stop by when exploring the historical center.
Beaches
The visit to Akko does not have to be only about sightseeing, culture, food, and history.
The coastal location invites travelers to lie down on the sand and do nothing for as long as time allows.
Relaxing and slow travel is actually something we have to learn someday in the future.
Akko beaches were one of the nicest city beaches in Israel. And had we had more time, we would have for sure spent more moments there.
This time, we mostly enjoyed walking on the town's longest beach as the water temperature was not that pleasant in November.
The longest sand stretch is divided into three beaches called Palman, Argaman, and Akko beach.
The beach has a very laidback vibe, facilities seem new and well-maintained, and you do not have to worry about being hungry or thirsty while there.
Another beach worth mentioning is Horse Beach, which is not that great for sunbathing and swimming, but the central location is very appealing.
Harbor
Like Caesarea, Akko has a harbor that had been very significant in the past.
For sure, it is important even nowadays, although its fame has faded a bit. That is quite understandable.
Although fishing still represents an industry that has roots in Akko, today, only a few fishing boats leave the harbor every morning to return later in the afternoon with a catch that can be sold right on the spot to the local restaurants.
If you are not around at this particular time of the day, you can still smell fish and wet ropes in the area, which is pretty authentic.
For many reasons, we think wandering around the harbor is one of the top things to do in Akko.
First, it is very photogenic. The water, boats, and fortification in the backdrop have their charm.
Also, many seafood restaurants are located around the harbor, so if your budget allows, plan a dinner out.
Last but not least, tourist boats leave the port daily on half-day trips offering to admire Akko from a different perspective.
Watching Akko from the ship is not only fun, but it also allows you to see it the same way the first invaders did centuries ago.
Bahai Gardens
Located on the Akko's outskirt can be found yet another must-see attraction, Bahai Gardens.
Although the most famous and most picturesque Bahai Gardens are located in Haifa, we believe that the well-laid and well-manufactured gardens in Akko are also worth visiting.
Akko played a vital role in the history of Bahai belief founders, so it is no surprise that many believers from all around the globe have this place high on their bucket list.
If you are short on time, we would probably advise you to visit the gardens in Haifa because their setting on the slopes of Mount Carmel is simply stunning.
Still, if time allows, a leisurely stroll around Bahai Gardens in Akko is also an experience and feast for the eyes.
To enjoy Bahai Gardens in Akko the most, make sure to book a free tour. Only this way, you'll see the best parts the whole place has to offer.
Rosh HaNikra
Another tip on what to see and do in Akko would be traveling to Rosh HaNikra by car.
These stunning limestone grottoes surrounded by the insanely blue water of the Mediterranean Sea are only about a 20-minute drive from the city center.
At first, the whole Rosh HaNikra experience seemed a bit overpriced to us, but the photos we saw beforehand made us want to visit the place badly.
You might be thinking that places like Rosh HaNikra can be seen elsewhere around the world, and you are for sure right.
Still, here's the unusual way how to get to the grottoes that include a rickety and one of the world's steepest cablecars in the world that makes this place quite a unique experience.
The whole area is not somehow large, so it is enough to plan on spending here about an hour or two, which is a perfect time for a short trip if you've already seen everything in Akko.
Haifa
When we think about it, Akko is for sure a perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, including Haifa.
Haifa is quite a large city, and if you are looking for a more peaceful experience, we would recommend you stay overnight in Akko.
Not only the place has many accommodation options (see below), but Akko feels more intimate and less rushed due to its smaller size.
Even more importantly, Haifa is only 25 minutes away by car, making it a perfect half-day trip from Akko, as it is the third-largest city in Israel, and there are plenty of things to see and do in Haifa.
From the stunning views across the bay, beaches, German Colony, and museums to the world-famous Bahai Gardens.
You can even combine the trip to Haifa with visiting Beit Shearim National Park, another less-known gem in the area.
Of course, some people decide to follow the opposite approach, stay in Haifa, and visit Akko from there.
How to Get There
It would be way too easy to visit Bahai Gardens in Haifa and then turn inland, explore the Sea of Galilee area, and skip the Akko area entirely.
Well, easy and reckless because Akko and even the more northern point, Rosh HaNikra, are places that you should not miss.
And because getting there is pretty easy, you should ensure Akko is included in your itinerary.
Car
Not surprisingly, the easiest way to get to Akko is by car.
Based on our experience, Israel is a perfect country for road tripping, and reaching this destination is very easy, no matter if you travel from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Tiberias.
Here you will find more tips on driving in Israel.
As we've mentioned above, Akko still keeps its importance from the past. Therefore, paved and well-maintained roads lead there.
Here you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Parking
Be prepared that the parking situation in Akko can be far from perfect, especially on weekends and holidays.
As we stayed in Akko overnight, we decided to find accommodation with parking and get around the city on foot.
One of the best (paid) parking in Akko is The Moat, which is located, not surprisingly, in the Old City moat.
Train
If you opt for public transport, you should consider taking a train to Akko. Trains in Israel are comfortable, reliable, and fast.
If you want to take a train from Jerusalem or Ben Gurion Airport to Akko, then you need to change trains in Tel Aviv.
Bus
If you prefer getting around in Israel by public transport, the good news is that you'll get there quite easily too.
Many bus lines reach Akko daily, and in case there's not a direct bus to Akko from your destination, there will always be one from Haifa.
Simply put, if you find a connection to Haifa, you can be sure that from Haifa, there are several daily buses to Akko.
Tour
Our last tip on getting to Akko is to take a guided tour.
Although we believe the town deserves at least a half-day of your time (an overnight stay is even better), tours are a great way to see the city.
Therefore, it is good to know there's always a solution if you are short on time.
This Caesarea, Haifa, and Akko Tour from Tel Aviv will cover the essential stops in the area.
Where to Stay in Akko
Akko is a place that serves many purposes, and therefore, it is also visited by different types of travelers.
The first group is people who want to see the best Akko offers and wander its streets.
The second group is travelers who prefer lazying on the beach and enjoying the sun. And yes, there might be a third group combining both.
Akko also has suitable accommodation for all kinds of visitors, from boutique centrally located hotels to beach resort-like properties.
Here's a list of the best hotels in Akko for every budget.
Budget | The Grape House - Modernly decorated, this small property in the heart of Akko is the place you should book when looking for reasonably priced accommodation.
Mid-range | Arabesque Arts - If you are looking for something more traditional, you can't go wrong with this hotel. Great location, comfortable beds, and friendly staff are the main features of this accommodation.
Luxury | The Efendi Hotel Akko - Akko has many wonderful hotels, but this one is hard to compete with when it comes to small details that create a unique experience. If your budget allows and this place is available, go for this one.
How Many Days for Akko
How much time you need to see Akko very much depends on your Israel itinerary. In our opinion, one day of sightseeing is more than enough.
Yes, there's a lot to see and do, but the city center is very compact.
The only places that are a bit farther away are Akko's Bahai Gardens (and, for some, the beaches). Other than that, you can get everywhere on foot.
If you prefer sunbathing on the beach, then it is only your choice how much time you want to invest in relaxing.
We believe two to three days should be enough, as you'll still have time to explore Akko and make one or two trips outside the city.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Akko
If you are not visiting Akko just for the beaches, then we can safely say that every season is fine for sightseeing.
If we wanted to be a little bit picky, then we would tell you to visit Akko between April to November.
It is the best time to visit Israel weather-wise, although the summer months (June to August) would probably be too hot for us.
We prefer traveling during the shoulder season and personally found November the perfect month for exploring the country as precipitation was low and temperatures bearable.
It rains the most in Akko in the winter, between December and March.
On the other hand, these months are a great choice for budget travelers, and it is not like you would be rained out for days.
Don't forget that the water temperature might be colder than you would expect if you came to Akko for beaches and water activities in the off-season.
What to Pack
Figuring out what to pack for exploring Akko is not hard at all.
If you plan on walking around and visiting the majority of the tourist attractions, do not forget comfortable shoes.
As the dress code is not as strict here as in other parts of the country, you can wear shorts or a tank top when it is too hot.
A small daypack that fits a reusable water bottle is a must, same as the sunscreen.
In the winter, keep an umbrella ready.
If you cannot wait to hit beaches, swimsuit is a must-have to enjoy your stay fully.
Staying Safe
Israel is a country where it is not easy to give others safety advice.
The situation can change quickly, and unfortunately, a single accident can make a peaceful place a no-go zone within a second.
That being said, Akko is usually quiet in this regard, and it felt pretty safe walking around, even after dark.
Our hotel was about a kilometer and a half from the city center, and there was no problem walking there and back (even in the evening).
The truth is, Akko felt a bit neglected, especially closer to the fish market, but we would say that's pretty common in similar areas.
The city center is quite touristy, so make sure to keep your valuables safe to prevent opportunistic crimes.
One of the best ways to stay safe in Israel is to frequently check the local news for the latest updates.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Akko Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Akko is for sure a place no traveler should miss on their trip to Israel.
The combination of the coastal location, architecture influenced by different historical events, and the closeness to many famous attractions make it a unique destination worth visiting.
After spending the first few nights in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Akko surprised us with a completely different vibe.
It was less open than Tel Aviv. Still, we could feel the laidback vibe only coastal cities can deliver.
It was way less conservative than Jerusalem because the population was more mixed.
And even though we admired the grandiosity of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or standing next to the Western Wall, we found ourselves happy roaming Akko's streets aimlessly.
To put the story short, we think Israel is such a compact country that there's actually no reason to skip Akko at all.
We believe you will enjoy your time there the same way we did.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
