Akko (Acre) Travel Guide 2026: Crusader Halls, Old City, Templar Tunnel, Safety, Costs & Tips

⚠️ Safety notice (October 2026): The US State Department rates Israel Level 3: Reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest (updated 23 October 2026), and advises do not travel to areas north of Route 85 (then Route 90 and Route 87) near the northern border. Akko lies at the western end of Route 85, right on the edge of this zone; areas north of the city, such as Nahariya and Rosh HaNikra, are inside it. Northern Israel has experienced rocket and drone attacks in recent conflicts. Check your government's latest advice and official maps before visiting, download the Home Front Command alert app and know where the nearest shelter is.

Akko (Acre), on the northern end of Haifa Bay, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching back more than 4,000 years. Its walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved examples of a Crusader city, built over by an Ottoman town in the 18th century. Akko was the main port of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, home to the Knights Hospitaller and Templars, and was besieged by Napoleon in 1799. Today, visitors can explore the vast underground Knights' Halls, walk through the Templar Tunnel, admire the green-domed Al-Jazzar Mosque, stroll along the sea walls and enjoy some of the best hummus and seafood in Israel. Akko is a mixed city of Jewish and Arab residents, with a lively market and a working fishing port. This Akko travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places with booking tips, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Akko

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November): The best time to visit, with warm, comfortable weather (20–27°C).

Summer (June–August): Hot and humid; visit early or late in the day.

Winter (December–February): Mild and rainy, with fewer visitors.

Events: The Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre is traditionally held in autumn around Sukkot (check whether it's taking place).

Top Places to Visit in Akko

1. Knights' Halls (Hospitaller Fortress)

The impressive vaulted halls of the Hospitaller Knights' headquarters, including the Refectory and Pillars Hall, buried beneath the Ottoman city and excavated in the 20th century.

Booking tip: Combined tickets cover the Knights' Halls, Templar Tunnel and other sites. Book an Akko guided tour on GetYourGuide

2. Templar Tunnel

A 350-metre underground tunnel built by the Templars, connecting their fortress with the port.

Booking tip: The tunnel is narrow and can get busy; go early. Book Akko tours on GetYourGuide

3. Al-Jazzar Mosque

One of the largest mosques in Israel outside Jerusalem, built in 1781 by the Ottoman governor Ahmad al-Jazzar. Visitors must dress modestly and avoid prayer times.

Booking tip: Guided tours explain the Ottoman history of Akko. Book a guided Old City tour on GetYourGuide

4. City Walls and Port

Walk along the ramparts and sea walls, watch local boys jumping into the sea, and take a short boat trip around the old city.

Booking tip: Boat rides from the fishing port offer views of the walls. Book Akko experiences on GetYourGuide

5. Turkish Bath (Hammam al-Basha)

A beautifully restored Ottoman bathhouse with an audiovisual show about bathhouse life.

Booking tip: Included in many combination tickets. Book Akko tickets on GetYourGuide

6. Khan al-Umdan and the Market

The "Inn of the Pillars", a large Ottoman caravanserai with a clock tower, and the colourful Old City market selling spices, sweets and fish.

Booking tip: A food tour includes the market and famous hummus spots. Book an Akko food tour on GetYourGuide

7. Day Trips from Akko

Haifa and its Bahá'í Gardens are about 30 minutes south. Check official advice before travelling north of the city.

Booking tip: Combined Haifa and Akko tours from Tel Aviv include transport. Book a Haifa and Akko day trip on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: the Okashi Art Museum, the Treasures in the Walls Museum, St John's Church, and the Underground Prisoners Museum in the Ottoman citadel.

Suggested 1–2 Day Akko Itinerary

Day 1: Knights' Halls, Templar Tunnel, Al-Jazzar Mosque, Turkish Bath, lunch in the market and sunset on the walls.

Day 2: Boat ride, museums, and a trip to Haifa.

Akko Food Scene

Akko is famous for hummus, especially at Hummus Said, a local institution. Try fresh fish and seafood at the port, knafeh, Arabic sweets and coffee with cardamom. The Uri Buri fish restaurant is well known.

Staying Safe During Alerts

If a siren sounds or you receive an alert on your phone, follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. Most hotels and many buildings have a protected room (mamad) or shelter, and public shelters are signposted. The time you have to reach shelter depends on your location, so check it in the app when you arrive. If you're outdoors and can't reach a shelter, lie on the ground and protect your head. Wait for official instructions before leaving shelter. Keep your phone charged, carry your passport, and register with your embassy's travel alert service.

Practical Planning Notes

Akko is small enough to see in a day, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the quiet Old City after the tour groups leave. The Old City is compact but full of narrow alleys; a guide or map helps. Many sites are covered by combination tickets. Dress modestly, especially in mosques and the market area. Akko is easy to reach by train from Haifa and Tel Aviv. Given its location near the northern restricted zone, check the latest security information on the day you travel.

Israel in Brief

Akko reflects the many layers of the region's history, from Canaanites and Phoenicians to Romans, Crusaders, Mamluks and Ottomans. Today, it's a mixed Jewish and Arab city.

Where to Stay in Akko

• Old City: Boutique hotels in historic buildings, such as restored caravanserais.
• New city: Modern hotels and guesthouses.
• Haifa: A larger choice of hotels 30 minutes away.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Akko here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Israel

International visitors arrive at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), about 1.5–2 hours from Akko by train. Flights may be disrupted during regional tensions. Search and compare cheap flights to Tel Aviv to find the best fares.

By Train

Israel Railways connects Akko with Haifa (about 30 minutes) and Tel Aviv (about 1.5 hours). Trains don't run on Shabbat.

Getting Around

• Walking: The Old City is small and best explored on foot.
• Taxis and buses: For the new city.

Travel Costs in Akko

Israel uses the new Israeli shekel (ILS / ₪).

Visa Rules

• ETA-IL: Visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) online before travelling, costing about NIS 25 (around US$7). Apply only through the official government website.
• Visa: Other nationalities need a visa.
• Stay: Up to 90 days for visa-exempt visitors.
• Passport: Valid for at least six months.

Local Tips for Akko

• Check security updates on the day of travel.
• Dress modestly in the Old City.
• Bring cash for the market.
• Staying connected: A travel eSIM helps you receive alerts. Get your Israel eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Akko Old City tours.
• Haifa and Akko day trips.
• Food tours.

Browse and book the best tours in Akko here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Akko

Why is Akko a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Its Old City preserves remarkable remains of the Crusader town, including the Knights' Halls, beneath an 18th–19th-century Ottoman walled city, showing many layers of history in one place.

Is Akko safe to visit?
Akko sits on the edge of the US "do not travel" zone in northern Israel, and Israel as a whole is rated Level 3. Check official advice and maps before visiting, and follow Home Front Command instructions.

How do I get to Akko from Tel Aviv?
By train in about 1.5 hours, or by car. Trains don't run on Shabbat.

What food is Akko famous for?
Hummus, especially at Hummus Said, and fresh seafood at the port.

How much time do I need in Akko?
One full day is enough for the main sights, or two days to explore at a relaxed pace.

Akko packs 4,000 years of layered history into one small walled city — descend into the Crusader Knights' Halls, walk the Templar Tunnel to the port, and finish with hummus by the water, but check the latest security advice before you go.