Akko, known internationally as Acre, is one of the oldest port cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Israel's northern Mediterranean coast. Walk its walled old city and you move through layers of history: an intact Crusader town below the streets, a great Ottoman mosque above them, a working fishing harbour, vaulted markets, and sea walls that once held off Napoleon. For anyone touring the north, it is one of the most atmospheric and rewarding stops on the coast. This guide covers the history, the best things to see, how to get there, and everything you need to plan your visit.
The history of Akko
Continuously settled since Phoenician times, the city has been ruled by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans in turn. Its golden age came during the Crusades, when it served as the capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem from 1104 to 1291. After the Crusader city fell to the Mamluks, much of it was buried, then a new Ottoman town was built on top in the 18th century. That is why the old city today is so remarkable: a complete medieval Crusader town survives almost intact below the lively Ottoman streets above. The whole walled city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
The best things to do in Akko
Explore the Knights' Halls and Hospitaller Fortress
The highlight is the underground Crusader city, the great complex of the Knights Hospitaller. Wandering the echoing stone halls, the refectory, and the dormitories gives a vivid sense of medieval life, and they are remarkably well preserved because they lay buried for centuries. A combined ticket covers the fortress and several other sites in the old city.
Walk the Templar Tunnel
One of the most atmospheric experiences is the Templar Tunnel, a hidden underground passage built by the Knights Templar to connect their fortress to the harbour. Lit and open to visitors, it runs for about 150 meters beneath the streets and emerges near the port.
Visit the Al-Jazzar Mosque
Rising above the old city is the green-domed Al-Jazzar Mosque, also called the White Mosque, built in 1781 by the Ottoman governor Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar. The largest mosque in Israel outside Jerusalem, it has a peaceful courtyard with Roman columns brought from Caesarea and a beautifully decorated prayer hall. Dress modestly to enter, covering shoulders and knees.
Wander the markets, khan, and harbour
The old city is made for wandering. The Turkish bazaar and the Khan al-Umdan, the grand 18th-century Inn of the Pillars caravanserai, recall the days when traders and pilgrims passed through. The fishing harbour is the place to eat fresh seafood by the water, and the sea walls offer a fine coastal walk with views back over the rooftops and domes.
The walls that stopped Napoleon
The massive Ottoman fortifications that ring the old city are not just scenery. In 1799 they famously withstood a siege by Napoleon Bonaparte, whose army failed to take the city and turned back. Walking the ramparts today, with the Mediterranean on one side and the old town on the other, the strategic strength of the place is easy to feel.
How to get to Akko
Akko sits on the coast about 22 kilometers north of Haifa, around a 90 minute to two hour drive from Tel Aviv. It is well connected by train, with the station a short walk or taxi from the old city, which makes it one of the easier northern destinations to reach independently. Many travelers visit as part of a guided tour of the northern coast that links it with Caesarea, Haifa, and Rosh Hanikra.
Our Caesarea, Haifa, Acre and Rosh Hanikra tour brings together the best of the Mediterranean coast in a single day, including the old city here. To plan the wider route, read our Caesarea guide and browse our full travel guide hub.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, with warm but comfortable weather for walking the old city and the walls. Summer is hot and humid on the coast, so start early and keep to the shaded alleys and underground sites in the middle of the day. Winter is mild and quiet. Whenever you come, the old city is at its best in the morning before the day-trip crowds arrive.
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What to know before you go
A combined ticket from the Hospitaller Fortress covers the main sites, including the Knights' Halls and the Templar Tunnel, and is the best value. The Al-Jazzar Mosque has a separate small entrance fee. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled alleys, dress modestly for the mosque, and allow at least half a day to do the old city justice. The narrow streets can be confusing, which is part of the charm, but a guide or map helps you find the key sites.
Frequently asked questions about Akko
Why is Akko a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Because it preserves an almost intact medieval Crusader town beneath a well-preserved Ottoman walled city, an exceptional record of both periods. It was inscribed by UNESCO in 2001.
What is the difference between Akko and Acre?
They are the same city. Akko is the Hebrew name, Acre is the international and historical English name, and Akka is the Arabic name. You will see all of them used.
How far is Akko from Haifa?
It is about 22 kilometers north of Haifa, roughly a 30 minute drive or a short train ride. From Tel Aviv it is around 90 minutes to two hours.
What are the must-see sites?
The underground Knights' Halls and Hospitaller Fortress, the Templar Tunnel, the Al-Jazzar Mosque, the Khan al-Umdan, the Turkish bazaar, and a walk along the sea walls and harbour.
How long should I spend there?
At least half a day to see the main sites without rushing, and a full day if you want to linger over lunch at the harbour and explore the markets and walls properly.
Can I combine it with Caesarea and Haifa?
Yes. The three sit along the northern coast and are often combined into a single day trip, which is exactly what our coastal tour does.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. The underground halls, the tunnel, the harbour, and the markets are engaging for children, though the cobbles and steps mean a stroller can be awkward in places.
Plan your visit
Layered, atmospheric, and full of history above and below ground, Akko rewards anyone who takes the time to wander its walls and alleys. Combined with Caesarea and the rest of the northern coast, it makes for one of the most varied days out in the country. Browse all our Israel tours, explore our full travel guide hub for more coastal itineraries, and read our Caesarea guide to plan the route. Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 or email sales@booking-tours.com and a real person from our Eilat office will answer.