The historic center of Sidon contains significant remains from different historical periods. Sidon was the foremost Phoenician city, but its historic center shows medieval and Ottoman monuments as well. A tell mound of the Bronze age also remains. The port city was defended by two citadels from the Crusader period.
Full screen map of Centre historique de Saida (On tentative list - Lebanon)
Saida or Sidon is an easy city to visit from Beirut. It is one of the many coastal cities in a row, sharing the rich history from Phoenician to Romans to Crusaders to Mamluks and all in between. After Byblos and Tyre, similar sites, chances of Saida getting WH status too are very slim in my opinion.
I stopped in Saida on my way back from Tyre to Beirut. It's about an hour each way by public bus. Saida has a prominent Crusader Sea Castle on a small island off the harbour. The distinguishing part of town though are its islamic remains, notably the still-functioning souks and the caravanserai Khan el Franj. It's a pleasant city to wander around for an hour or so and enjoy a good lunch.
