Acre (Akko)
UNESCO World Heritage Crusader city. 4,000 years of history, Ottoman bazaars, sea walls, and the best hummus in northern Israel.
Explore AcreAcre (Hebrew: Akko, Arabic: Akka, population 50,000) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with over 4,000 years of recorded history. The Old City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, recognized as the best-preserved Crusader city anywhere on Earth. Within its ancient walls you'll find the Knights Hospitaller fortress with its massive underground halls, a 350-meter Templars' Tunnel, the stunning Al-Jazzar Mosque, a living Ottoman bazaar, dramatic sea walls, and an ancient fishing port. Acre sits on the northern tip of Haifa Bay — just 30 minutes from Haifa by train and 1.5 hours from Tel Aviv — making it one of the most rewarding day trips in Israel.
- UNESCO Since
- 2001
- Best-preserved Crusader city
- History
- 4,000+ years
- One of oldest inhabited cities
- From Haifa
- 30 min
- Direct train, ₪15
- Combined Ticket
- ₪55
- Knights' Halls + Tunnel + Hammam
Explore Acre
Crusader Old City
UNESCO-listed medieval fortress, underground halls, and the Templars' Tunnel — the best-preserved Crusader remains in the world.
Ottoman Bazaar & Food
Spice-filled Turkish bazaar, legendary hummus, fresh knafeh, and the famous Uri Buri seafood restaurant.
Sea Walls & Port
Walk the ancient fortifications for stunning Mediterranean views, then explore the old fishing port at sunset.
Day Trips from Acre
Rosh Hanikra grottoes (45 min north), Haifa Bahá'i Gardens (30 min south), Galilee wineries.
Top 10 Things to Do in Acre
From Crusader underground halls to legendary hummus — the essential Acre experiences.
Knights' Halls (Crusader Fortress)
The jewel of Acre. Massive underground halls built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 12th century, rediscovered under Ottoman buildings. Vaulted ceilings, refectory, and atmospheric stone chambers. Entry ₪27 or combined ticket ₪55.
Templars' Tunnel
A remarkable 350-meter underground passage built by the Knights Templar connecting the fortress to the ancient port. Walk through this perfectly preserved medieval tunnel illuminated by atmospheric lighting. Entry ₪15 or combined ticket.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
One of the most beautiful mosques in Israel, built in 1781 by the Ottoman governor Ahmed al-Jazzar. Green-domed, with marble columns, a serene courtyard, and intricate tilework. Free entry, modest dress required (coverings provided at entrance).
Turkish Bazaar (Souk)
Acre's living, breathing Ottoman bazaar is a feast for the senses. Narrow stone alleyways packed with spice stalls, sweets shops selling fresh knafeh, and some of the best hummus in Israel. Come hungry.
Sea Walls Walk
Walk the ancient fortifications that have repelled armies from the Crusaders to Napoleon. The sea walls offer stunning views of the Mediterranean, Haifa Bay, and Mount Carmel across the water. Free and open all day — magical at sunset.
Old Acre Port
The ancient harbor has been in continuous use for thousands of years. Today it's home to fishing boats, waterfront restaurants, and some of the most photogenic sunset views in Israel. Stroll the breakwater for panoramic shots.
Hammam al-Basha (Turkish Bath Museum)
A beautifully restored 18th-century Ottoman bathhouse turned into an immersive multimedia museum. Light and sound effects tell the story of Acre through the ages. Entry ₪25 or combined ticket.
Rosh Hanikra Grottoes
45 minutes north of Acre on the Lebanese border. Take the world's steepest cable car (₪52) down to spectacular sea caves carved by waves into white chalk cliffs. A must-do day trip extension.
Uri Buri Restaurant
Legendary seafood restaurant run by chef Uri Jeremias, widely considered one of the best seafood chefs in Israel. Fresh Mediterranean fish, creative dishes. Mains ₪120-200. Reservations essential, especially weekends.
Hummus Said
Consistently rated the best hummus in northern Israel (some say all of Israel). This tiny, no-frills spot in the bazaar serves silky hummus with warm pita, ful, and salads. ₪25-35, cash only. Go before noon — they close when the hummus runs out.
Where to Eat in Acre
Acre has some of the best food in northern Israel — from street hummus to world-class seafood.
Acre's food scene is a reflection of its multicultural history — Arab, Ottoman, and Mediterranean flavors blend in the Old City's markets and restaurants. The Turkish Bazaar is ground zero for street food: silky hummus at Hummus Said, fresh-from-the-oven knafeh (sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup), falafel, shawarma, and bags of aromatic spices.
For a sit-down meal, Uri Buri is the star — chef Uri Jeremias has been serving creative Mediterranean seafood in a stone building near the lighthouse for decades. His casual sister restaurant, Uri Buri Express near the port, offers the same quality at lower prices. The port area has several good fish restaurants with waterfront seating.
Tip: Hummus Said closes when the hummus runs out (usually early afternoon). Go before noon. Cash only. For Uri Buri, book at least a week ahead for weekend dinners.
Best Tours in Acre
Handpicked tours from top providers — book online, cancel free up to 24h before.
Acre Old City Walking Tour
Explore the UNESCO Crusader old city with a local guide — Knights' Halls, Templars' Tunnel, Ottoman bazaar, sea walls, and the ancient port. Includes all entrance fees.
Acre & Rosh Hanikra Day Trip from Haifa
Full-day tour combining the Crusader city of Acre with the stunning sea grottoes at Rosh Hanikra. Cable car ride, sea caves, Knights' Halls, and lunch in the Old City included.
Acre Food Tour — Hummus, Knafeh & Spices
Taste the best of Arab-Israeli cuisine in Acre's ancient bazaar. Visit Hummus Said, sample knafeh, explore the spice market, and end with fresh seafood at the port.
Acre, Nazareth & Sea of Galilee Full Day
Comprehensive northern Israel tour from Haifa or Tel Aviv. Visit the Crusader fortress in Acre, Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Quick Practical Tips
🚆 Getting There
- - From Haifa: Train 25 min (₪15), runs frequently. Acre station is a 10-min walk to Old City.
- - From Tel Aviv: Train 1.5 hours (₪42) via Haifa, or drive 1.5 hrs via Highway 2.
- - From Jerusalem: 2.5 hours by car. No direct train — transfer in Tel Aviv.
- - Local: The Old City is compact and best explored on foot.
- - Parking: Municipal lots outside Old City walls, ₪10-20/day.
💡 Insider Tips
- - Combined ticket: ₪55 covers Knights' Halls + Templars' Tunnel + Hammam al-Basha. Worth it.
- - Time needed: A full day is recommended to explore properly.
- - Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds. Sunset from the sea walls is unmissable.
- - Mosque etiquette: Modest dress required. Coverings available at entrance.
- - Combine with: Rosh Hanikra (45 min north) for a perfect 2-stop day trip from Haifa.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Acre is just 30 minutes from Haifa, 45 minutes from the Galilee, and 1.5 hours from Tel Aviv. Plan your multi-destination trip at Discover Israel.