Beyond cosmopolitan Casablanca's romantic reputation

"You must remember this/a kiss is still a kiss/a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply/as time goes by."

The song from the Hollywood classic Casablanca was ringing through my ears days before I arrived Casablanca. I fancied myself sipping coffee at Rick's Cafe, where I thought most of the movie was shot.

Actually, Casa, as locals call it, isn't overly touristy and may even be slightly less exotic than other Moroccan cities, but as the country's economic and cultural capital, the former French colonial post is the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco.

It is the most liberal and progressive of Morocco's cities; any European traveler will immediately feel at home here. Unlike other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is more open to Western ways, which is reflected in the dress and in the way men and women spend time together in shopping malls, restaurants and bars. This vibrant metropolis definitely deserves a least a day of your Moroccan itinerary for exploring its unique charm.

Casablanca has the world's second-largest mosque and one of only two mosques non-Muslims are allowed to visit in Morocco: Hassan II Mosque. I thought it was the most attractive piece of modern, yet traditional, architecture in the city.

The stunning structure has fantastic architecture and its location on the beach, which stands on a prominent piece of land that rises up over the Atlantic, provides visitors with spectacular views of the ocean.

Up to 25,000 worshippers can be accommodated inside the mosque, where they pray on a glass floor. This special feature of the mosque allows worshippers to kneel and pray over the sea.

The visit of the mosque is fully guided with the choice of language for about an hour. Be prepared to remove your shoes inside the mosque and your shoulders must be covered. It is better to visit the mosque in the morning. It is an interesting place to visit and you will regret leaving Casablanca without seeing this wonderful piece of history.

If you want to get some idea of local life, Old Medina of Casablanca is the best place to go. Walking around Casablanca you are likely to come across a wall with an arched entrance. After entering it, you will find yourself in the old medina with winding alleys.

The medina in Casablanca certainly doesn't compare to other medinas in places like Fes or Marrakesh, or even Rabat, in size, but it is a nice place to walk around. Many of the buildings looked old, but some were quite attractive with their colorful paints. From wet markets to local souvenirs, you may find a good bargain.

The final must-see spot at the far end of the medina is Rick's Cafe, not really a cafe but an upmarket bar aimed at tourists who come looking for some of the romance from the film Casablanca. But people may be disappointed to find that this is not the cafe where the movie was filmed. The movie was shot entirely in Hollywood studios and the bar was completely fictional.

Walking around Casablanca made me realize that the city was the place the French colonial authorities gave most attention and financial support to. The old colonial center of the city was large, impressive and refreshingly beautiful. The buildings are still French-style, white with soft lines and plenty of intricate details.

There are plenty of hotels in and around Casablanca. Regardless of your budget, you can find a good place to enjoy a meal in this sprawling city.

Most people start their trip to Morocco from Casablanca. They may be disappointed to find the real Casablanca is a busy, noisy city, and is not as romantic as its Hollywood image. But nonetheless, it is still a city full of fun and excitement.