AKKO (ACRE)
Akko (Acre) is a living, breathing testament to history, famed for its incredibly preserved Crusader City beneath the modern streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a melting pot of cultures, encircled by powerful sea walls.
It offers a unique journey through time, from the massive subterranean halls of the Knights Hospitaller to the vibrant, working harbor and colorful Oriental markets above ground.
Most Popular Attractions
Crusader & Ottoman Core:
Knights Hospitaller Citadel (The Crusader City): A vast, subterranean complex of halls, tunnels, and courtyards, serving as the best-preserved remains of the Crusader city.
Templars Tunnel: A 150-meter-long secret underground passage connecting the Templar fortress to the port, used for strategic retreat.
Al-Jazzar Mosque: An impressive and beautiful 18th-century Ottoman mosque, the largest in Israel outside of Jerusalem.
Akko’s Old City Walls: The massive defensive walls built by the Ottomans, offering spectacular views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from the top promenade.
Khan al-Umdan (Inn of the Columns): The largest and best-preserved of Akko’s Ottoman inns, known for its distinctive clock tower, built over the remains of a Crusader cathedral.
The Turkish Hamam (Bathhouse): A beautifully restored and interactive historic bathhouse, showcasing the social and cultural life of the Ottoman era.
Ramchal Synagogue: A small, historic synagogue dedicated to Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Ramchal), a prominent Jewish philosopher and Kabbalist.
Okashi Museum of Art: Located near the port, featuring works by the Israeli artist Avshalom Okashi and other contemporary artists.
The Pisan Port (Pisan Quarter): Named after the Italian merchants, this area is key to understanding the maritime commerce of the Crusader and Ottoman periods.
St. John’s Church: A small, historic Crusader-era church in the heart of the Old City, dedicated to the Knights Hospitaller.
Old Akko Lighthouse: A prominent landmark on the city walls, guiding ships into the historic harbor.
Harbor & Market Life:
The Fishing Port: A picturesque, working harbor filled with small fishing boats and surrounded by seafood restaurants.
The Oriental Market (Shuk): A vibrant, traditional Middle Eastern market where you can find spices, local foods, clothing, and souvenirs.
The Sea Gate: The historic entrance to the city from the harbor, once crucial for controlling trade and access.
Akko Marina: The modern section of the port, often used for pleasure craft and boat tours.
Historical Sites Above & Below:
Underground Prisoner’s Museum: Located within the citadel, it tells the story of Jewish resistance fighters imprisoned by the British Mandate.
Treasury Wall (Wall of Treasures): A section of the Old City Wall rumored to contain hidden Crusader treasures.
The Crusader Street: The main thoroughfare of the Crusader city, visible in sections of the subterranean complex.
Terra Santa College (Franciscan Monastery): A prominent religious and educational institution with a long history in the city.
The Jezzar Pasha Garden: A beautiful and tranquil garden adjacent to the mosque, offering a quiet escape.
The Crypt of St. John: Part of the Crusader structure, offering insight into the city’s medieval religious architecture.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Hospitaller Citadel (Knight’s Halls): Wander through the vast, subterranean complex of halls, tunnels, and courtyards used by the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusader era.
Walk the Ancient City Walls: Stroll along the top of the Ottoman-era walls, especially the western seawall, for incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city skyline.
Venture through the Templars’ Tunnel: Descend and walk through the secret, 150-meter-long tunnel that connected the Templar fortress to the port, offering a palpable sense of the city’s past.
Visit the Al-Jazzar Mosque: Marvel at the stunning 18th-century Ottoman architecture of the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem, known for its green dome and minaret.
Discover the Turkish Bazaar (Souk): Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old City market, haggling for spices, souvenirs, traditional sweets, and local crafts.
Dine on Fresh Seafood at the Port: Enjoy a traditional Galilean seafood meal or fresh local hummus and falafel at one of the picturesque restaurants lining the ancient fishing port.
Explore the Underground Crusader City: Take a guided tour to uncover the hidden layers of Akko, including the underground streets and sections of the city that lie beneath the modern ground level.
Sail the Bay of Akko: Take a short boat trip from the port for a unique perspective of the city’s impressive walls and ancient skyline from the water.
Visit the Treasures in the Okashi Art Museum: Explore this small but significant museum, housed within a beautiful Ottoman-era building, which features contemporary Israeli art.
Experience the Ethnographic Museum “Pasha’s Court”: Gain insight into the life and customs of the Ottoman and Mandate periods through exhibits and restored rooms in this historic complex.
Climb the Light Tower: Ascend the light tower near the sea wall for an elevated, panoramic view of the Old City rooftops, the port, and Haifa Bay.
Participate in a Local Culinary Workshop: Many places offer short cooking or tasting sessions focusing on Galilean/Arab cuisine, such as mastering the art of making perfect pita bread or knafeh.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: The Old City of Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is entirely pedestrianized and small. You will need to explore it completely on foot to navigate its narrow alleys and hidden pathways. Wear comfortable shoes!
Parking Outside the Walls: Cars are not permitted inside the Old City. There are dedicated paid parking lots just outside the walls (e.g., near the lighthouse or the new marina). It is best to park and walk in.
Train Access: Akko has a well-connected train station (Acre/Akko) on the main coastal line, making it easily accessible for a day trip from Tel Aviv or Haifa. The station is a moderate walk or a short local bus/taxi ride from the Old City.
Local Buses: Local buses operate within the modern city, and they can be useful for travel between the train station or central bus station and the entrance to the Old City.
Inter-City Buses: The main bus terminal connects Akko to major cities like Haifa, Nazareth, and Tiberias, offering good options for exploring the wider Western Galilee region.
Respect the Sabbath and Holidays: Akko is a mixed Jewish and Arab city. While the Old City (mostly Arab) remains open and lively on Shabbat (Saturday) and Jewish holidays, the modern city (mostly Jewish) will have limited public transport and fewer services. Be mindful of prayer times, especially near the mosque.
Embrace the Mezze Culture: Eating in Akko is an experience. Instead of just a main course, order a variety of small plates (mezze) like hummus, falafel, pickled vegetables, salads, and fresh pita to share. Said’s Hummus is famous, but there are many wonderful, authentic local spots.
Dress Code: While Akko is generally relaxed, be respectful when visiting religious sites, especially the Al-Jazzar Mosque. Shoulders and knees should be covered. The mosque usually provides coverings for visitors who need them.
Bargaining in the Souk: The Old City market (souk) is a place where bargaining is expected, especially for souvenirs and non-food items. It is part of the fun—be polite, but firm.
Hidden Gems:
- The Ottoman Hammam (Turkish Bath): Take a tour of the restored Bathhouse of the Pasha, which provides a fascinating, immersive, and sometimes theatrical glimpse into the social life of the Ottoman period.
- Ramchal Synagogue: A beautiful, small, and active synagogue that is worth a quiet visit, representing the city’s historical Jewish life.
- The Sea View Rooftops: Look for restaurants or cafes that offer rooftop access. They provide stunning sunset views over the Mediterranean and a cool breeze, perfect after a day of exploring the tunnels.
- The Fishermen’s Port: Visit the port early in the morning to see the local fishermen bringing in their daily catch and repairing their nets.
History is Layered: Remember that Akko is built upon its history. The Crusader city is buried beneath the current Ottoman and Arab city. When you walk the streets, look down—you are walking on centuries of history.
Top Restaurants
Hummus Said [$5-$10] – A legendary and essential Akko experience, famous for what many consider the best, creamiest hummus in Israel. Expect a line, shared tables, and a cash-only, no-frills setting.
Hummus Al-Abed Abu Hamid [$5-$10] – A strong contender in the Akko hummus wars, located near the lighthouse, offering an authentic, slightly different take on the creamy chickpea dish.
Falafel Arafe [$5-$10] – Highly regarded for its simple, traditional, and delicious falafel, often cited as one of the best quick bites in the Old City.
Mualam Restaurant [$10-$20] – A well-known local street restaurant at the entrance of the Old City offering authentic, simple local food like shish kebab, shwarma, and grilled catch of the day.
Mobarsham [$10-$25] – A popular, traditional Arabic restaurant located near the city walls known for its generous portions of grilled meats, salads, and authentic mezze.
Mobarsham Argaman Beach [$15-$30] – A large beachside extension of Mobarsham, offering traditional Arabian food, fish, and grilled meats with the added bonus of a sea view.
Khalil Jarkhi Fish Restaurant (Halil Jerchi & Sons) [$15-$30] – Starting as a fish shop, this family-run spot serves incredibly fresh seafood straight from the store to the plate, allowing diners to choose their catch.
The Bread And Fish [$15-$30] – A no-frills, local spot that focuses simply on fresh, delicious fish and bread, often praised for its authenticity and local atmosphere.
Gallery Samaan [$15-$30] – Just outside the Old City, this well-known, family-run Lebanese restaurant is popular with locals for its Middle Eastern salads, starters, and meat/fish dishes.
Restaurant & Cafe Khalifa [$10-$20] – Located in the historic Khan a-Shawarda, this cafe-restaurant offers authentic local cuisine in a beautiful, historic setting.
Hmudi Restaurant [$15-$25] – Offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors in a traditional setting, known for a focus on local culinary heritage.
Darna [$15-$30] – A meat and seafood restaurant boasting an authentic Akko flavor and known for its generous servings of traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
El bourj [$15-$30] – Known for its exquisite Mediterranean flavors, offering a taste of tradition in a warm and inviting setting within the city.
The Pisani Port Restaurant [$20-$35] – An old-school establishment near the port specializing in simple, fresh, and classic Mediterranean seafood dishes.
The Sailors Restaurant (Misedet Hadayagim) [$20-$35] – A popular, unpretentious fish restaurant with a focus on simple, high-quality seafood dishes straight from the local fishermen.
Akko Market Stalls [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a must-visit for sampling local goods, fresh juices, spice blends, and quick traditional bites like sambusak (stuffed pastries).
Siran Restaurant [$15-$30] – An authentic café restaurant with a charming atmosphere, serving meat, fish, and dairy options with Israeli and Middle Eastern flavors.
Abu Christo [$25-$45] – A seaside Greek family-owned restaurant running since 1948, famous for its fresh seafood, large mezze spreads, and views of the Mediterranean.
Fishers’ Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers fresh seafood delights where culinary excellence meets stunning Mediterranean views, popular with locals and visitors.
Restaurant Kaf HaZahav [$15-$30] – An authentic Israeli cuisine spot in historic Akko, where tradition meets taste in classic local dishes.
El Marsa [$35-$60] – Situated on Akko’s port in a stunning converted 13th-century space, this restaurant blends contemporary cuisine with ancient architecture, focusing on innovative seafood and meat dishes with Galilean influences.
Uri Buri [$50-$80] – Arguably Akko’s most famous culinary export, this iconic institution is synonymous with excellent, creative seafood, headed by the colorful Chef Uri Jeremias. Reservations are essential.
Doniana [$30-$50] – Perched over the Mediterranean Sea, facing the ancient walls, this restaurant offers dreamy views alongside a fancier menu of fresh grilled fish and tender meats.
Savida Seafood Bar [$30-$50] – A popular local eatery with a “what the fishermen bring, you will eat” philosophy, but with creative twists on fresh seafood dishes.
Mina [$30-$50] – A vibrant spot offering a modern take on fish and seafood, showcasing where tradition meets modern flavor right on the Akko waterfront.
Liwa [$25-$45] – A fish restaurant near the port that offers kosher seafood, a rarity in the Old City’s fish scene, focusing on fresh catches.
Galileo [$20-$40] – Located in the southern part of the Old City, near the Pisan Harbor, offering grilled and fried fish dishes, seafood stews, and a variety of salads.
Turkiz Acre [$20-$40] – Known for exquisite seafood and breathtaking coastal views, blending culinary tradition with coastal charm.
Loaves & Fish [$20-$40] – A sea-facing restaurant run by the Hanna family since 1962, decorated with colorful artwork, serving Middle Eastern salads, seafood, and grilled meats.
Khalil Jarkhi & Sons (Fish Market) [$15-$30] – An authentic local experience where you select your fresh fish from the market counter and they cook it simply to perfection.
Roots [$35-$60] – Set within a beautiful Ottoman building with a charming courtyard, this restaurant serves contemporary Levantine food with high-quality local and kosher ingredients.
Lujo-Taboon [$25-$45] – A short walk from the Old City, this spot offers a blend of Galilean and Italian cuisine, with many dishes expertly baked in the restaurant’s traditional Taboon (clay oven).
Mercato [$30-$50] – An intimate spot created by an Italian-trained chef, focusing on dishes made with the freshest local materials, often featuring inventive takes on Galilean and Mediterranean flavors.
Sama Bar [$30-$50] – A trendy rooftop bar-restaurant with 360-degree breathtaking scenery. It offers fresh dishes from leading kitchens that blend precisely with a sophisticated alcohol menu.
El Khan [$35-$60] – Located in the meticulously preserved Khan a-Shawarda building, the clean, contemporary, and elegant interior hosts authentic seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes.
Acotika [$30-$50] – The restaurant attached to a boutique hotel, offering a refined Mediterranean menu that highlights local produce in a charming setting.
The Efendi Hotel Dining Hall [$60-$100] – While primarily a hotel, its dining hall offers a high-quality culinary experience that is often cited for its refined take on local and Mediterranean flavors in a historical atmosphere.
Ibn Al-Arab [$25-$45] – Known for taking traditional Arabic dishes and presenting them with a high-end, contemporary flair and presentation.
Fornata [$20-$40] – Specializing in dishes baked in an authentic stone oven (forno), offering creative pizzas, focaccias, and other baked goods with local toppings.
Jawaher [$30-$50] – A restaurant focusing on a more elevated and modern presentation of traditional Arab-Galilean festive cuisine.
Akko Express Gourmet [$15-$30] – A spot that offers traditional meals but with an emphasis on using high-quality, fresh, and sometimes more gourmet ingredients for a better street-food experience.
Babel [$25-$45] – A modern eatery known for its unique location and a menu that often experiments with international flavors using local ingredients.
Hana Ma’arab [$20-$40] – Known for its blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, often highlighting specific seasonal Galilee produce.
Al Fanar Cafe [$10-$20] – Offers delectable breakfasts and simple fare, with a stunning sea view, perfect for a casual start to the day.
UNO [$15-$30] – Located outside the Old City walls, this spot offers a mix of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, a good option for a change of pace.
Kontur (קונטואר) [$20-$40] – Known for authentic tastes of Israel, blending culinary tradition with modern flair in a lively setting.
Floka (פלוקה) [$20-$40] – Offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors and exceptional hospitality, popular for its vibrant atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Sama Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Located in the Old Akko (Salah Ad Din Street), this sophisticated rooftop venue, whose name means ‘sky’ in Arabic, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city walls, the sea, and the Crusader City’s unique landscape, perfect for enjoying a refined cocktail or glass of local wine.
The Wine Bar @ Efendi Hotel: Situated in an ancient, restored cave beneath the luxury Efendi Hotel in the Old City, this unique bar offers an intimate, historic ambiance and specializes in an extensive selection of exclusive Israeli wines.
Tamar’s Bar @ Akotika: A lively and welcoming bar tucked within the Acotika Boutique Hotel in the heart of Acre, offering unique drinks, local brews, and a vibrant atmosphere that blends modern flair with local charm.
Marsa Bar (מרסא בר): Located right on the Akko Port, this bar and restaurant provides a vibrant atmosphere and stunning waterfront views, making it an ideal spot to enjoy local flavors and drinks by the sea.
Acotika Bar: Found inside the Acotika Boutique Hotel in the Old City, this is a chic, modern bar and lounge that is part of a house for culture and tourism, offering an accessible and welcoming environment for guests and the public.
The Creative Bar (Akko Creative Hostel): Situated at the Akko Creative Hostel in the Old City, this bar dedicates its Thursday evenings to featuring alcohol produced solely in the Galilee, including local beers and wines, promoting a community-focused and local drinking experience.
ZEINA BAR: A modern and vibrant bar in the historic city of Acre that serves cocktails alongside traditional Middle Eastern and local cuisine, offering a blend of dining and nightlife.
Uri Buri (Restaurant Bar): While famous as a world-renowned seafood restaurant located by the Old City walls, it features a bar area where guests can enjoy wine, aperitifs, and spirits in a minimalist, sea-focused setting.
El Marsa (Restaurant Bar): Located in a renovated 13th-century space overlooking the glistening sea near the Port, this venue, run by a chef with Michelin-star experience, has a bar that offers sophisticated drinks to complement its innovative seafood and meat menu.
Roots (רותס): Housed in a charming Ottoman building with a beautiful courtyard in the Old City, this spot is an atmospheric restaurant that also serves as a great place to enjoy wine and a casual drink amid exposed stone walls and greenery.
Doniana (Restaurant Bar): Perched over the Mediterranean Sea and facing the ancient walls of the Old City, this well-known restaurant features a bar for enjoying drinks with dreamy views alongside a menu of fresh fish and meats.
Cafe Cafe (Azrieli Akko): A well-known local chain found in the Azrieli Mall in New Akko, serving as a reliable spot to enjoy coffee, light food, and wine in a comfortable setting.
Pasta Box: Primarily a pizza bar and restaurant located on Uzi Hitman Street in Akko, it serves drinks and offers an outdoor seating area for a casual, neighborhood night out.
Abu Christo (Restaurant Bar): An iconic, established seafood restaurant located near the Akko Port, featuring a simple, traditional bar for local beverages and a view of the harbor.
The Pisani Port Restaurant (Bar): Offers a casual bar experience at the Akko Port, where you can enjoy local flavors and drinks with the historic maritime setting as a backdrop.
The Jam Club: Located at the entrance to the Old City between the walls and the sea, this is a unique performance club and cultural center, providing an open, inviting platform for local artists and a lively, non-profit community atmosphere that often features music and events. (Club/Cultural Venue)
The Citadel – Music In Akko (HaMetsuda): An entertainment complex for music and live performances set in the festival gardens in Old Akko. It hosts live shows by prominent artists and transforms into an all-night DJ party after the performances, making it a subsidized hub for high-energy nightlife. (Club/Concert Venue)
BAR 11: A premier live music bar located on Ha-Hagana St. in Akko, known for its electric atmosphere, frequently hosting local talents and DJ sets across genres like rock, jazz, and diverse music, perfect for an energetic night out. (Club/Live Music)
Exit Bar: A casual local spot on Ahad Ha’am Street in Akko, often known for its laid-back atmosphere and serving as a shisha bar. It’s a relaxed choice for local late-night socializing. (Local Bar)
Para bar: A lively bar located a short drive south on Derech Hayam in Shavei Tzion, known for its active atmosphere and popular with locals from the Akko area. (Local Bar)
Goldsnood lts (Pool Bar): Located on Portsei Kele Ako Street near Nahariya, north of Akko, this venue is noted as a pool bar, offering a different, potentially club-like setting for drinks and late-night swimming in the area. (Pool Bar/Lounge)
Isaac’s Party: Located in the nearby community of Kfar Masaryk, this venue is listed as a dance club, suggesting a more dedicated party and clubbing environment outside the Old City. (Dance Club)
Zoo (Bowling & Cocktail Bar): Found further north in Nahariya, this establishment combines a bowling alley with a cocktail bar, offering a fun, action-oriented social atmosphere for drinks and games. (Entertainment/Bar)
Granada Kfar Yasif (Restaurant Bar): Located in the nearby village of Kfar Yasif, this Mediterranean restaurant also functions as a late-night spot, offering a bar experience with cocktails and food. (Restaurant Bar)
Brinji: Another local bar located in Kfar Yasif, a short drive from Akko, popular with the local crowd for a night out. (Local Bar)