The scents of Middle Eastern pastries and spices arrest your senses in the Old Acre Market. Sellers compete loudly with each other and occasional donkey braying, creating a chaotic and exhilarating scene that you might expect to see as a bazaar in a film. Chat and bargain with vendors for a glimpse into the local culture in this muddled and charming bazaar.
The stalls stock a feast of culinary treats, with fresh fish and seafood among the highlights. Watch the fishmongers sorting and weighing their catches and see produce vendors creating colorful displays. Several of the market’s stores contain rows of jars filled with spices and large bags filled with nuts. Purchase locally crafted spices to flavor your meal and have a picnic in a nearby plaza.
Search for souvenirs and handicrafts with a Middle Eastern theme to take back home. You’ll find guitars and other musical instruments beside all types of trinkets and handicrafts. Hats, rugs and shisha pipes fill many of the displays.
Sweet Arab pastries and desserts are displayed on cake stands. Stop at a café specializing in hummus along one of the side streets.
Marvel at the medieval architecture making up the buildings surrounding the market. Reach the southern end of the market to see the historic Ramhal Synagogue, which was given to the Jewish people of Acre after the el-Mualek Mosque was built on top of a former synagogue.
Nearby, visit Chaim Parchi’s Home, which belonged to the second-in-command to former city ruler Ahmad al-Jazzar.
The Old Acre Market lies in the heart of the historic center of the city. Get around the quaint lanes of this district on foot after arriving at the bus station in the old district’s northeastern corner. Note that the bazaar opens daily from morning until early evening.
Make your way to neighboring sights, such as the Hamam al-Basha Turkish Bath, Piza Square and the Khan al-Umdan historic inn.
