The Top 10 Recommended Sites with Free Admission in Akko

The Top 10 Recommended Sites with Free Admission in Old Akko
In recent years, Akko has been slowly but surely becoming a sought-after and wonderful tourist destination.  Boutique hotels and accommodations in the alleys of the old city are undergoing renovation in the meticulous preservation conditions of the city and make the accommodation in it authentic and unique.  New dining venues are also popping up between the walls and offering a variety of options. In addition to all the city’s abundant offerings, you can enjoy sites that are free admission, this is a great opportunity for travelers to enjoy the beauty of the city at a low expense.

Here are the top 10 free sites recommended in the old city

1. Akko Port

The port of Akko is one of the oldest active ports in the world and its activities are intertwined with the development of world trade from BC to the present day. During the Crusader rule in Akko, the port became essential to developing trade relations between different countries in the world. The relationship of the entire Middle East with the Western countries was based on trade through this port and was therefore established during the period. The Crusaders had large shipyards and areas for storing goods and equipment, as well as khans and hostels for pilgrims and merchants who came through the port or left it for Western countries. As early as the Ottoman period, the port served as a mooring for fishing boats. Even today, the old city’s fishermen enjoy the harbor. The walk along the harbor reveals a breathtaking view of exposed beaches, fishermen at work, and the views of the various churches and towers of the city.

2. Akko Market

The outdoor market in the Old City of Akko is considered the most colorful street in the city, built on the remains of the street that led from the Hospitallers Gate in the north of the city to the Crusader port area in Venice Square; the top of main market is located in Chaim Farhi Square, from there it winds its way into the depths of the old city alleys through the fish stalls and the fish market until it reaches Venice Square and the fishing port.

In the market, you can find everything that a good market can offer: fish and meat shops, spices, pastries and sweets, clothes, tapes and CDs, as well as small and promising restaurants, a colorful market with stalls for small items and knick-knacks, oriental sweets, and original spice shops and not to forget the fresh juice stalls serving a refreshing drink of pomegranates, oranges, lemons, and in some you can get sugar cane juice in season.

The market is open all week from early morning until late afternoon, around 5 pm, most market traders start closing stalls and shops.

3. The Enchanted Garden

At the entrance of the Knights’ Hall, you can rest in one of the most beautiful places in Akko, the enchanted garden. The park is shaded by ancient ficus trees with a fountain in the center. It used to be the courtyard of the Akko Citadel and the Knights’ Halls. Today the place is open to the public and you can find a tourist kiosk and a kosher restaurant inside. The garden is accessible to everyone.

Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday between the hours of 8:30 am – 5 pm, Fridays 8:30 am – 2 pm

Phone: 04-9956706

4. Walls of Old Akko

After visiting the eastern part of the city, you can climb along the road that leads to the walls. This is the same way the soldiers pushed the cannons into the firing positions in the wall.

Walking along the wall provides a spectacular view of the city and the sea.

Continue south to the Damascus Gate overlooking the port and on days with good visibility, you can see all the way to Haifa.

5. Tel Akko

Tel Akko, also known as Napoleon’s Hill, is located at the entrance to the city and welcomes those entering Akko from the eastern side. It is known as the historic site to which Napoleon Bonaparte had reached and then failed to breach into Akko. From Tel Akko you can get a view of the Old City, the sea, and the city walls. Archeological and historical findings teach that Tel Akko was where the city of Akko first stood in ancient times and up to the beginning of the Hellenistic period, the city’s center eventually shifted west to where the Old City of Akko is located today. Some of the findings revealed at Tel Akko teach us that it had, among other things, a Purple-Dye industry producing the color from two types of snails inhabiting the Na’aman River area. Also prevalent was metal production.

Open to the public at all times.

6. The Botanical Gardens

Akko’s Botanical Gardens combine a learning and creative experience for the whole family. The gardens cover about 42 dunams and are divided into four different areas, each area with a different theme: water, aquatic plants, vegetation for agriculture, and vegetation from fairytales and myths. The Botanical gardens also have a vegetation maze that you can walk through.

You can enjoy exotic plants from around the world such as vegetation from the Atlas Mountains, extinct species from the Canary Islands, and more. The garden has facilities for the whole family – playgrounds, bike paths, walking paths, observation points, seating, and fountains.

The place is accessible.

Address: Northern Akko

Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday 3 pm – 9 pm, Friday 12 pm – 6 pm, Saturdays and Holidays: 9 am – 8 pm

On rainy days the garden is closed.

7. Napoleon’s Cannons

After the eastern entrance – the mainland gate – you can climb the walls of Akko.

There stand the guns of Napoleon with the help of which the inhabitants of Akko succeeded in defeating the French general in the battle fought here in 1799.

You can walk on the walls and get close to the entrance of the Knight’s Hall.

Open to the public at all times

8. Visit the Western Galilee Now Tourist Information Center

Right at the entrance of the popular market, you can find the visitor center of the Western Galilee Now Association.

You can get an impression of rotating exhibitions of local artists, a display of Galilean products, and get information about activities in Akko and the Galilee region.

The center is housed in a 150-year-old building. It belongs to JNF (Jewish National Fund) and has only recently been renovated.

Hours of Operation: Sunday through Thursday 9 am – 5 pm, Friday 9 am – 2 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm

Phone Number: 04-6015533

9. The Artists’ Quarter

Gallery Avenue is at the end of the popular market, just behind Khan al-Umdan. There you will find charming galleries of Galilean artists!

Click here for the full list of galleries.

10. Khan of the Pillars

Khan al-Umdan, whose name translates to Khan of the Pillars, is adjacent to the port. He is considered the most beautiful and complete Khan in the country. It was established in 1784 by Al-Jazzar and consists of 32 granite columns brought from Caesarea and Atlit. At the northern entrance, you can see the clock tower built in 1906. In recent years, the Khan has been transferred to private entrepreneurs to build a boutique hotel. So it’s worth visiting while it’s there.