Less then two hours from Tel Aviv, this ancient port city is one of Israel’s UNESCO World Heritage Sights and when visiting, you’ll immediately understand why. This city is one of Israel’s most interesting, magical cities to visit in my opinion, with photogenic streets, amazing restaurants (make sure to be hungry when you visit!), cultural places and some of Israel's most special places to stay. I have visited Akko several times and have selected the top sights, best restaurants and best to stay for you to make sure your trip to Akko is one to remember. Because there is so much to see (and eat) in Akko, I also included a walking tour, covering all the top sights! But first, because Akko is perfect for a two-day trip, where to sleep?
Where to stay
The Old City of Akko houses some of Israel's most special places to stay, from a world famous luxury hotel to unique guesthouses hidden in its ancient alleys. Below is a list of the best places to stay in Akko, from budget-friendly to ultimate luxury!
Four Hearts Suite
During our latest Akko trip, this is where we stayed and since it absolutely blew me away it is at the top of this list! The Four Hearts suite is located in a gorgeous historic Ottoman mansion with a huge private terrace first line to the sea. It's a fully equipped apartment, including amazing kitchen. The apartment sleeps four, but there is one bedroom only so if you're staying there with more than two people, the rest will sleep in the living room. Also, personally I think this apartment is less suitable for friends or families, because of the layout; the doors are all made of glass with very little privacy. This is a great mid range place to stay for couples - or anyone who is okay with little privacy!
Efendi Hotel
This boutique hotel located in an Ottoman palace is one of the most special, beautiful boutique hotels in Israel (if not THE best) and if you have the budget for it, it's definitely the best place to stay in Akko. I stayed at the Efendi Hotel last year and it was wonderful; luxury and with the best possible service. What makes this hotel so special is how beautifully it has been renovated, maintaining the details of the buildings' rich history. All the rooms, lounges, terraces and even the palace-like breakfast room are decorated top notch, with lots of care and love.
Daya
If your budget doesn't stretch to stay at one of Israel's top boutique hotels, an amazing apartment with great value for money is Daya - just a stone's throw away from the Efendi Hotel. This apartment has everything you need for a great stay in Akko and is one of the few light & airy places in the Old City - including a great balcony. It's decorated beautifully with lots of care and is best for a couple.
Alma Suites
Another really great place to have a pampering, luxury stay is Alma Suites, located just a few steps from the shuk. There are three stunning suites surrounding a common patio - and it feels like you're in Morocco upon entering the main gate. The suites are located in one of those amazing historic buildings, with arches and all the Middle Eastern details so typical for Akko.
Arabesque Hotel
This stunning boutique hotel with amazing rooftop terrace is a wonderful mid-range priced place to stay in Akko, with seven beautifully decorated rooms. Every room is different and every corner is oh so photogenic.
Where to eat
Akko is one of Israel's most interesting culinary cities, hosting so many great restaurants in all price ranges, making it difficult to choose where to eat when visiting! I recommend you choose one of it's famous fish restaurants (or amazing kosher meat restaurant), eat hummus at Hummus Said and stop by at Beit Hamalabi for the best malabi in Israel.
So, what's for dinner? Around the port you can find some of the most famous fish restaurants: Uri Buri, a gourmet fish restaurant, El Marsa, another great fish restaurant and Abu Christo, a typical Arabic fish and meat restaurant right on the water. While Uri Buri is one the country's best fish restaurants with a higher price end (so is El Marsa), Abu Christo is a more affordable option. Note that these are all non-kosher restaurants, there are no kosher fish restaurants in Akko. The only kosher restaurant is Roots, an amazing meat restaurant inside the Citadel of Akko - I'