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Saida Souq
Along with Tripoli's, Saida's old city is Lebanon's most characterful and authentic souq area. It's a delight to wander the narrow lanes, ducking into…
Shutterstock / ostill
Saida
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to the area around the Ain El Hilweh Refugee Camp.
Set amid thick citrus and banana groves, the port town of Saida, also called Sidon, was once a rich and flourishing Phoenician city, with tight trade links to ancient Egypt and a globally renowned glass-making industry. Later the capital of the Persian satrapy, these days it's best known for its fresh fruit and its sweets (the local speciality is a crumbly cookie called senioura).
Traces of Saida’s rich history can still be found all over town, with many ancient remnants in the Old City. The history is very much part of everyday life, and while this means that options for accommodation and eating out are fairly limited, it also offers a stronger sense of DIY exploration than some of Lebanon’s busier destinations.
The local Sunni population is conservative, so dress and behave accordingly.
Explore Saida
- SSaida Souq
Along with Tripoli's, Saida's old city is Lebanon's most characterful and authentic souq area. It's a delight to wander the narrow lanes, ducking into…
- KKhan Al Franj
A highlight of the souq area is the Khan Al Franj (Inn of the Foreigners), the most beautiful and best preserved of all the limestone khans built by…
- GGreat Omari Mosque
Facing the northern tip of the harbour, the Omari (Great) Mosque is said to be one of the finest examples of Islamic religious architecture of the 13th…
- TTemple of Echmoun
About 3km northeast of Saida, this is Lebanon’s only Phoenician site boasting more than mere foundations. Begun in the 7th century BC, the temple complex…
- MMusée du Savon
Located in a beautifully restored stone-vaulted soap factory dating from the 17th century, this is a museum of what has traditionally been an important…
- SSea Castle
Erected in 1228 by the Crusaders, this picturesque castle sits on a small island that was formerly the site of a temple dedicated to Melkart, the…
- PPalace Debbané
Entered from the souq via a tall staircase marked with a sign, this former Ottoman aristocrat’s building built in 1721 has intricate Mamluk decoration,…
- BBab As Saray Mosque
Just behind the Khan Al Franj, on a picturesque square, the Bab As Saray Mosque is the oldest in Saida, dating from 1201, and is filled with beautiful…
Latest Stories from Saida
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Saida.
See
Saida Souq
Along with Tripoli's, Saida's old city is Lebanon's most characterful and authentic souq area. It's a delight to wander the narrow lanes, ducking into…
See
Khan Al Franj
A highlight of the souq area is the Khan Al Franj (Inn of the Foreigners), the most beautiful and best preserved of all the limestone khans built by…
See
Great Omari Mosque
Facing the northern tip of the harbour, the Omari (Great) Mosque is said to be one of the finest examples of Islamic religious architecture of the 13th…
See
Temple of Echmoun
About 3km northeast of Saida, this is Lebanon’s only Phoenician site boasting more than mere foundations. Begun in the 7th century BC, the temple complex…
See
Musée du Savon
Located in a beautifully restored stone-vaulted soap factory dating from the 17th century, this is a museum of what has traditionally been an important…
See
Sea Castle
Erected in 1228 by the Crusaders, this picturesque castle sits on a small island that was formerly the site of a temple dedicated to Melkart, the…
See
Palace Debbané
Entered from the souq via a tall staircase marked with a sign, this former Ottoman aristocrat’s building built in 1721 has intricate Mamluk decoration,…
See
Bab As Saray Mosque
Just behind the Khan Al Franj, on a picturesque square, the Bab As Saray Mosque is the oldest in Saida, dating from 1201, and is filled with beautiful…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Saida
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