The Best Things to See and Do in Akko, Israel

When visiting a new city, it’s a good idea to scout out quiet pockets of calm for when the busy streets and honking car horns get too much. The Bahá’í Gardens is one such serene spot to stroll around; the historic resting place of Baha’u’llah, a founder of the Bahá’í community. Located on the outskirts of Akko, it’s free to enter and meander around the orderly, geometric gardens filled with bright blooms.

Get ready for family fun to the extreme. This park houses the highest climbing wall in the Middle East at 32m (105ft), which was designed in France especially for the park. Bungee jump off the top before you navigate elevated sky tracks measuring 7m (23ft) for beginners and children and 15m (49ft) for the brave, with sweeping views of Akko the higher you go.

Once you have visited Akko’s ancient sights, haggled in the Turkish bazaar and explored its old town, what better place to relax than on a sandy beach in the sunshine? Akko Beach (not to be confused with the Martha and the Muffins song) is located roughly 1.5km (0.9mi) southeast of the Old City and manned by lifeguards. Head down at sunset for a tranquil dip in the turquoise waters while watching the sky turn a vibrant shade of pink.

Opened in 2002, this zoo houses hundreds of animals including giraffes, elephants, orangutans, exotic birds and reptiles in addition to many other species, all within glorious parkland. Enjoy camel and pony rides in addition to guided tours and performances. The whole area is flat and easily accessible for all, including wheelchair users.

Back in the 12th century, the Knights Templar were a military-monastic order who protected pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. Templars’ Tunnel is a 350m (1,148ft) underground passage built to allow the group to secretly move goods and money from the port to their fortress near Akko’s lighthouse. It was discovered by accident in 1994 and today visitors can walk it from end to end.

Surrounded by the fascinating ancient architecture of the Old City, the main market of Akko offers a chance to travel back in time. Take in the freshly caught fish, scrumptious Arab pastries and the lingering smell of hookah. No plan or route is necessary; simply amble through, explore its charming alleyways and see where your nose takes you. Stop off along the way for some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, followed by a bowl of hummus at the legendary Hummus Said.

Built in the 1700s, the Turkish Bazaar was restored in 2011 and is now a charming attraction in the Old City. Here you will find small galleries and shops selling artsy, handmade souvenirs as well as coffee shops and some seriously great food. It’s one of the oldest covered art and dining markets in the world, with over 400,000 visitors a year. Make sure you stop off at Mercato, an intimate, highly rated spot serving up delicious Italian dishes with a touch of Middle Eastern flavour.

These remarkably well-preserved walls surround the Old City are one of Akko’s defining features, reflecting the city’s long and tumultuous history. First built by the Cairo-based Fatimid Islamic Caliphate in 950 CE, the walls have been destroyed and rebuilt on several occasions, most recently by the Ottomans in the early nineteenth century. Amble along the ramparts and take in the stunning views of both the Akko skyline and the adjacent Mediterranean.

Built by the Ottomans in 1781, this is the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem (and one of the most beautiful), dominating the city’s skyline. You can’t miss the lime green dome and sandstone-coloured minaret. Dress modestly – shoulders to knees should be covered while women must cover their hair with a shawl. Note that the mosque closes five times a day for prayers. There’s a reasonable entrance fee and you’re sure to encounter someone offering a guided tour for a (flexible) price.

This luxurious spa sits in the heart of ancient Akko in an original Ottoman building. For owner Emil Ghattas, born and bred in Akko, it took six years of hard work to transform this spot into an authentic bathhouse. The best part is that each visit is entirely private; you’ll get two floors – including a steam room, dry sauna, jacuzzi and massage table – all to yourself for two hours. Add in a scrub and a Turkish massage for a truly indulgent afternoon.

Uri Buri is widely considered one of the finest fish restaurants in Israel. You wouldn’t know it from the outside though, an unpretentious exterior hiding the gastronomic institution within. Located a stone’s throw from the sea, Uri Buri serves creative seafood dishes along with over 100 fine Israeli wines. Owned by Uri Jeremias, a cult figure in Israel’s culinary scene, this restaurant is a must for fish lovers.

This Unesco-listed site was once the headquarters of the Crusaders in Akko. Characterised by its stone walls and towering arches, the citadel has been used for a variety of purposes throughout its history, including as a prison for Jewish resistance fighters during the British mandate period. If you’re lucky, book tickets to a concert performance in one of the hallowed halls.