Life in Rabat moves at a calm and balanced pace, blending modern living with deep historical roots. As the capital of Morocco, the city is known for its clean streets, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful coastal views along the Atlantic Ocean. Residents enjoy relaxing walks through the medina, quiet afternoons in the Andalusian Gardens, and evenings at cafés overlooking the Bouregreg River. Unlike busier cities such as Casablanca or Marrakech, Rabat feels more organized and less crowded, making it ideal for students, families, and professionals. The city also offers a rich cultural life with museums, festivals, traditional markets, and impressive landmarks like the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Life in Rabat combines tradition and modernity in a way that feels both comfortable and inspiring.

Life in Rabat feels calm and sociable. From my experience walking through the Medina, the vibe felt very community-oriented, with many people looking out for one another. It’s definitely one of the most eccentric and charming places I have ever visited. Almost everything a family would need is sourced through the Medina, where people come to buy all sorts of goods ranging from spices and cookies to carpets and clothes. The dynamic of the marketplace feels very authentic and lively. The colors are vibrant which made the walk feel very special.

From our walking tour, I learned that customs of this city are deeply rooted in its rich history. Many civilizations, such as the Spaniards, French, Arabs, and Jews, have mixed together over hundreds of years, leaving a culture that keeps building on itself. To me, Rabat feels like one big melting pot, where each influence has a say in the city’s makeup. It was also a lot more slower paced than Casablanca, which made the city feel a lot more welcoming.

Today was also the first day with our host families, and one of the most interesting experiences so far are the meals and hospitality. At 5:30pm, I sat around the family table and ate 4 different cookies with a sweet mint tea to wash it down. I’ve never had this much food before dinner, but sitting around the table talking about our families made me feel very welcomed. The hospitality I have received in Rabat so far has been great, and makes me even more excited for what lies ahead.