Sidon Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sidon with our comprehensive travel guide. Find out the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Sidon

Located in South Lebanon, Sidon is an intriguing coastal city that merges ancient history with a modern flair. This bustling city is home to impressive museums, historical landmarks, stunning beaches, and outdoor activities. Its mesmerizing souks, traditional restaurants, and friendly locals make Sidon one of the country’s most engaging destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Sidon

Whether you’re interested in exploring Sidon’s history or just soaking up some sun on the beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Below is a list of places that should be on your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sidon Sea Castle: This 13th-century castle offers some of the best views of the city and its coast.
  • Debbane Palace: This 18th-century palace now houses the Sidon Soap Museum that offers a glimpse into the city’s thriving soap-making industry.
  • Sidon Souks: Dating back to the 14th century, the souks offer a peek into the city’s traditional commerce and trade, showcasing locals’ skills and expertise.
  • Khan al-Franj: An 18th-century caravanserai turned to an archeological museum with a rich collection of artifacts and archaeological findings throughout history.

Natural Attractions of Sidon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sidon Beaches: Sidon’s beaches are some of the most popular in the country being the perfect place to enjoy a sunbath, a swim or watersports. whether it is the golden sand of public beach or the private and clean “Saida Rest House Beach”.
  • Majestic South Lebanon Mountains: The surrounding area of Sidon is full of hiking trails for those looking for an adventure on foot.
  • Ain-el-Héloué forest: a shaded and tranquil spot with more than 40 species of trees and three phases of waterfalls at the end of the path.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sidon

Sidon is a hiker’s paradise, with numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels. For experienced hikers, the mountainous terrain offers the Choucair-Fouad hike, which offers a dazzling view of the entire city at the top. The less strenuous, but visually pleasing hikes are around the Ain al-Héloué forest paths. Bikers, on the other hand, will enjoy the Sidon coastal route, with stops at the Fisherman’s Ferry, Khan al-Franj, and the Nestle beach, all surrounded by the iconic Mediterranean sea.

Best Things to Do in Sidon: Activities and Tours

  • Sidon Walking Tour: Guided by enthusiastic locals, explore Sidon’s rich culture, and go off the beaten track to discover unique corners of the city.
  • Beiteddine Palace Tour: Visit the stunning palace at Beiteddine, just a short drive from Sidon.
  • Al-Moutran Garden: Venture into the hidden greenery spot in Sidon to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a local family.
  • Water Sports: At Sidon’s beaches, visitors can participate in various water sports, including kayaking, paddle-boarding, and snorkeling.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sidon

To help you plan the perfect trip to Sidon, we have planned out an ideal one-week itinerary for you:

Day 1 Sidon Souks
Day 2 Sidon Sea Castle, Debbane Palace
Day 3 Ain El-Héloué Forest Hiking
Day 4 Sidon Walking Tour, Khan al-Franj
Day 5 Beiteddine Palace Tour
Day 6 Al-Moutran Garden, Sidon Beach
Day 7 Sidon Water Sports, Choucair-Fouad Hike

Food and Drink Scene of Sidon

Sidon’s cuisine features an array of tasty dishes, with its coastal location making seafood a prevalent local favorite. Sidon’s cuisine blends eastern Mediterranean influences, local produce, and altogether unique flavor combinations.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sayadieh: This fish and rice dish is a staple among locals, flavored with fresh herbs and spices.
  • Kibbeh: A popular Levantine dish made of bulgur, minced onions, and finely ground meat.
  • Hashweh: A side dish of spiced ground beef and rice stuffed with lamb or chicken.
  • Foul mdammas: A traditional breakfast dish of mashed fava beans with lemony and garlicy drizzle over the top.

Local Beverages

  • Arak: An anise-flavored alcoholic beverage, often mixed with water and ice famous in Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean countries.
  • Ayran: A refreshing cold beverage made of yogurt, water, and salt, common throughout the Levant.

Where to Stay in Sidon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sidon offers a range of accommodation options catering to all budgets and travel styles.

  • Le Phenix Hotel Sidon: This boutique hotel affords easy access to the beach and the bustling city center.
  • RestaGrand hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel places you within walking distance of top attractions such as the Sidon Sea Castle and the traditional souks.
  • Dar Alma Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located in the Ain al-Héloué forest, ideal for tranquil and nature-loving travelers.

What to Buy in Sidon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

While in Sidon, shop at the souks for artisanal crafts, such as ceramics, hand-woven fabrics, traditional textiles, and soaps. Alternatively, grab a sweet treat at one of the city’s many pastry shops, and grab a bag of the renowned Baklawa to take home to loved ones.

Local Culture and Customs of Sidon

Sidon is a city rich in culture and tradition; visiting it is an opportunity to learn about the Lebanese way of life. Generally speaking, Lebanese people are welcoming, and Sidon is no exception. One should feel free to talk to locals to learn about the country’s culture, taste the delicious food and soak up the gorgeous landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Sidon

The best time to visit Sidon is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November when it is not too hot and tourist sites are less crowded. But bear in mind that Sidon is still exciting to explore any time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sidon

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, and other religious sites.
  • Try to learn a few Arabic phrases and greet locals with a smile.
  • Validate transportation tickets before boarding.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink or eat during Ramadan in public places or in front of locals who are taking part in the fast.
  • Don’t take photos of or near military structures and personnel without permission.

Safety and Health

Sidon, like any other city in the world, has its share of safety concerns. It is safe to walk around the city during the day, but visitors should stay in well-lit areas at night. Women travelers should also behave modestly and dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Concerning health, visitors should drink bottled water and take normal precautions in terms of hygiene to avoid stomach bugs.

Getting to Sidon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sidon is approximately a 45-minute drive from Beirut and can be reached via different modes of transportation.

Airports Near Sidon

The nearest airport to Sidon is the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport that is just an hour’s drive.

Bus Stations Near Sidon

From Beirut, visitors can travel by bus to Sidon, with buses running regularly throughout the day.

Other Options

Taxis and Ubers are also popular modes of transport to and from Sidon.

How to Get Around in Sidon

Sidon is a relatively small city, making it easy to explore on foot. Taxis and public transport are also readily available if you want to go further afield. As a bicycle-friendly city, it is also possible to rent a bike and cycle around the city.

Where to Go Next from Sidon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sidon’s proximity to other popular destinations in Lebanon makes it an excellent base for exploring the country further. Some of the nearby destinations include:

  • Beirut: The buzzing capital city is only a short drive away.
  • Tyre: An ancient port city found to be a UNESCO world heritage site for its Roman and Hellenistic era ruins.
  • Jeita grotto: A sensational natural landmark that includes two large limestone caves and an underground River also in the UNESCO world heritage sites’ list.

Conclusion

Sidon is one of Lebanon’s most vibrant cities, and there’s no doubt it’s worth a visit. Whether it’s hiking with majestic views, soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring the city’s rich history, or trying local dishes, Sidon has something for everyone to enjoy. It’s easy to understand why this coastal city has been attracting travelers for centuries, so why not add it to your travel list today!

The Sea Castle, on the harbor The Sea Castle, on the harbor