"The Perfect One Day Trip from Beirut" Sidon by Delia_Madalina

Sidon Travel Guide: 101 reviews and 338 photos

No visit to Beirut without an evening in Saida

Saida is situated only 40 kms South of Beirut and I honestly believe no one should leave lebanon without visiting it. If possible, try to include it in a one-two days(s) tour of the South.

I like to believe this city sums up Lebanon's history: the Pheonician city was occupied by Assirians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs, Mongols and Ottomans, it was a strategic point during the Crusades, was part of the French mandate of Lebanon and was captured by British forces.

This is the home city of Rafik Hariri, the prime minister assasinated in 2005 and it will be quite obvious once you set foot there as his picture is virtuallu on every wall.

NOTA BENE: You cannot visit the extreme South of lebanon (on the border with Israel) without the permission of the General Security Office.

Religious Pilgrimige

While it is a majority Sunni city, Saida is also largely visited by Christian as it is said that Jesus and Saint Paul visited this city. Please read more about this in my Magdouche (Lady of Mantara - The Waiting Lady) tip.

Last visit to Sidon: Jul 2009
Intro Updated May 25, 2011
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Cafes along the seashore Restaurants (1)

My fiance (who's Lebanese) said he would have never imagined himself stopping at a local cafe across the street from the... more travel advice

Magdouche: Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Mantara - Sidon

Magdouche: Sanctuaire Notre Dame de... Off The Beaten Path (1)

If you're going on a day trip to Saida, take the time and go a bit further make: visit this sanctuary that holds a... more travel advice

Khan el Franj - Inn of the Foreigners Things to Do (3)

We were told that Khan el Franj, the caravansari built by Fakhreddine II during the 17th century, will be transformed... more travel advice

The Sea Castle - Or what is left of it Things to Do (3)

Little is preserved from what was a 13th century fortress built by the Crusaders: Mamulks destroyed it in order to... more travel advice

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
cachaseiro Jan 8, 2010 at 1:26 AM

nice little page. i was in lebanon a few years ago and i hope to make it back before too long.
Reply
- Report abuse
yumyum Aug 24, 2009 at 11:13 AM

This looks very interesting! Would love to visit the soap museum. Have never heard of a soap museum before.
Reply
- Report abuse
ViajesdelMundo Aug 21, 2009 at 8:40 AM

Very interesting area that unfortunately I will probably never get to.