The hammam is one of the most ordinary parts of Moroccan life and one of the most confusing for visitors. For many Moroccans it is a weekly routine, a place to get properly clean, warm up in winter and catch up with neighbours. For a first-time traveller it raises a lot of questions: what to wear, what to bring, how much to pay, whether you will be scrubbed by a stranger, and whether you are even welcome. This guide answers them, and explains the difference between a neighbourhood hammam and a spa hammam so you can choose the experience that suits you.
What a hammam is
A hammam is a steam bath built around a sequence of rooms that get progressively warmer. You move from a cooler room to a warm one and then to the hot room, wash and sweat, are scrubbed (by yourself or an attendant), rinse with buckets of water, and then return to the cooler rooms to rest. There is no pool to swim in; the whole process uses steam, heat and lots of buckets of water.
Traditionally, every neighbourhood had its own hammam, often near the mosque, the bakery and the fountain, because they shared the same heating and water. Many still operate the same way, especially in old medinas such as those described in our Fes guide.
Neighbourhood hammam or spa hammam?
Public (neighbourhood) hammams
- Who goes: local residents of all ages. Men and women are separated, either in different sections or at different times of day.
- Cost: a small entrance fee, with extra for an attendant’s scrub. Prices are low and vary by city and neighbourhood, so ask your accommodation what is normal locally.
- Experience: busy, functional, warm and social. Nobody will explain much, and you need to bring your own supplies.
- Best for: travellers who want to see daily life and are comfortable not understanding every step.
Spa hammams (in hotels, riads and day spas)
- Who goes: mostly visitors and wealthier locals. Sessions are often private or for couples.
- Cost: much higher, usually sold as a package with a scrub, clay or soap treatment and sometimes a massage.
- Experience: calm, explained step by step, with products and towels supplied.
- Best for: a first hammam, a relaxing afternoon, or anyone who prefers privacy.
Neither is “more authentic” in a way that matters for your trip. A spa hammam is a comfortable introduction; a public hammam is a slice of everyday life. Some travellers try a spa hammam early in their trip and a neighbourhood one later, once they know the routine.
What to bring to a public hammam
Most items are sold cheaply at stalls near the entrance or in any local grocery, and your riad can usually point you to them.
- Savon beldi, the soft black soap made from olive oil, which you spread on your skin before the scrub.
- A kessa glove, a rough exfoliating mitt. Buy your own; it is a useful souvenir too.
- Ghassoul (rhassoul) clay, optional, used as a hair or body mask.
- A towel, flip-flops and a change of underwear. The floors are wet and slippery.
- Shampoo and a comb, and a small plastic bag for wet things.
- Small change for the entrance, the attendant and a tip.
Buckets and a small scoop or bowl are normally provided or available to rent at the door. A mat to sit on is useful if offered.
What to wear
Modesty rules inside a hammam are different from the street, but there are still norms:
- Women generally wear underwear bottoms or a bikini bottom; going topless in the women’s section is normal. A swimsuit is fine if you feel more comfortable.
- Men keep shorts or underwear on at all times. Full nudity is not acceptable in the men’s section.
- In spa hammams you are usually given disposable underwear.
For what to wear on the way there and around town, see our guide on what to wear in Morocco by place and season.
Step by step: how a visit usually goes
- Pay at the entrance and say whether you want an attendant (a tayeba for women or a kayas for men) to scrub you.
- Undress in the changing area, leaving valuables at your accommodation. Lockers are rare in public hammams; hand anything important to the person at the desk or simply do not bring it.
- Move to the warm or hot room and fill your buckets from the hot and cold taps. Find a spot along the wall and sit for several minutes to let your skin soften in the steam.
- Apply the black soap all over, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse.
- Scrub with the kessa, or let the attendant do it. The scrub is vigorous and removes a surprising amount of dead skin. Say “shwiya” (gently) if it is too hard.
- Rinse thoroughly, wash your hair, apply clay if you brought it, and rinse again.
- Cool down slowly in the cooler room, drink water, and dress when you are ready.
A full visit usually takes an hour or more. There is no rush; locals often stay much longer.
Etiquette that makes it easier
- Watch and copy. If you are unsure how to fill buckets or where to sit, watching others is the quickest way to learn.
- Do not splash people sitting near you, and rinse your spot when you leave.
- No photos or phones, ever. This is a place where people are undressed.
- Accept help graciously. Women in particular may offer to scrub your back or show you what to do; a smile and a thank you (“shukran”) go a long way.
- Tip the attendant separately from the scrub fee if you are happy with the service. Our money in Morocco guide covers tipping norms more generally.
When to go
Public hammams are usually busiest in the evenings and on weekends, and before Friday, when many people want to be clean for the main weekly prayer. Late morning or early afternoon on a weekday is often calmer. Check the men’s and women’s hours locally, as they vary from one hammam to the next. During Ramadan, opening hours often shift towards the evening; see our Ramadan in Morocco guide for how the month changes daily routines.
Health and comfort notes
- The heat is intense. If you are pregnant, have heart or blood pressure problems, or feel unwell, check with a doctor before going and leave the hot room as soon as you feel dizzy.
- Avoid a scrub on sunburnt skin or immediately after shaving or waxing.
- Drink plenty of water before and after.
- Eat lightly beforehand; a heavy meal and a hot room are not a good combination.
Finding a hammam
Ask your riad or hotel for the nearest neighbourhood hammam that welcomes visitors, and which entrance or hours are for women or men. Some small local hammams prefer regular customers, so a recommendation helps. In cities such as Marrakech, many riads also arrange spa hammam sessions; our Marrakech guide covers the neighbourhoods where you will find both.
Quick checklist
- Decide: public hammam for everyday life, spa hammam for comfort and privacy
- Buy black soap and a kessa glove; bring a towel, flip-flops, spare underwear and small change
- Check men’s and women’s hours locally
- Leave valuables and phones behind
- Take your time in the heat, drink water, and tip your attendant
FAQ
Can tourists go to a public hammam?
Generally yes, and many visitors do. A few small hammams prefer regular local customers, so ask your accommodation for one where visitors are welcome.
Do I need to book?
Not for a public hammam; you simply turn up during the right hours. Spa hammams usually need a booking, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Is the scrub painful?
It is firm rather than painful, and your skin may feel tender and pink afterwards. Ask the attendant to go more gently if needed.
