Beirut is the most cosmopolitan and the most culturally complex city in the Middle East — the city once called the Paris of the Middle East, with its French colonial architecture, its avant-garde art scene, its celebrated restaurant culture, and its position at the intersection of Arab, Mediterranean, and Levantine cultural traditions. Despite the economic and political challenges of recent years, Beirut's resilience and cultural vitality have maintained its position as a destination that attracts the most internationally sophisticated visitors to the Levant.

The cultural and dress context. Beirut is the most liberal city in the Middle East for dress — the beachfront of Jounieh and the nightlife of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael have no dress requirements that differ from a European city in comparable settings. Within the southern suburbs and the more conservative areas of the city, modest dress is appropriate. For most of the Beirut visitor's wardrobe context, the standard resort and social wardrobe applies.

For the Corniche and Zaitunay Bay. The Corniche waterfront promenade — the most public and most social space in Beirut. A PP linen shirt in white or a warm natural with linen shorts and leather sandals for the casual Corniche walk; linen trousers and leather shoes for the Zaitunay Bay marina restaurants.

For the Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael restaurant scene. Beirut's most vibrant cultural and restaurant quarter — the creative energy that has made Beirut a consistently praised destination for food and nightlife. A navy PP linen shirt with linen trousers and leather shoes for the evening restaurant.

For the Jeita Grotto and the northern coast. The spectacular limestone cave complex north of Beirut, and the resort hotels of Byblos and Batroun. Natural swim shorts and a white PP linen shirt for the Mediterranean coast.

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