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.