A complete guide to Moroccan hammams

Travelling around Morocco is a fiesta for the senses, whether getting a sweet sugar rush from sticky pastries, following the fragrant aroma of spices wafting out of the souks, or being mesmerised by a snake charmer in Marrakech’s Djemaa El Fna. But for a full sensorial experience, little is more enlightening than a visit to a traditional Moroccan hammam. As a religious ritual, social occasion, and practical necessity, visiting a hammam is both eye-opening and skin-tingling, while clouds of steam carry both the chatter of gossip and the scent of soaps and oils. For the uninitiated, a first visit can be slightly daunting, so read on for our guide to visiting Moroccan hammams.

The history of Moroccan hammams

Though the exact origins are lost in the mists of time, public baths are thought to have been introduced by the Romans as a means to keeping clean at a time when private water sources were a rarity. These bathing rituals took on a more spiritual and religious incarnation when they were adopted by Muslim countries and became a means of purifying the body before prayer. You may notice that many Moroccan hammams are close to mosques and medinas for this reason. For visitors, Moroccan baths can be a culturally engaging experience, allowing you to step inside an authentically local occasion. You’ll sit side by side with local Moroccans, perhaps joining in their conversations and watching social interactions unfold as you take part in a ritual process that’s changed very little over the centuries.

Discover the right hammam for you

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hammam bathing and no two hammams are the same, which is part of the beauty of the experience. Locals will have their favourites, and from the intricate design of the tiles to the atmosphere, they’ll all be unique. But that being said, if you’re wondering what to expect at a Moroccan hammam, you’ll discover that the basic practice is the same, whether you’re cocooned in a luxurious hammam spa or an old Moroccan hammam hidden away in a labyrinthine souk.

Whether housed in a five-star hotel or tucked away next to a medina, all Moroccan hammams take you on a journey through various temperatures and experiences that leave you thoroughly refreshed and your skin renewed. From hot to cold, you’ll sweat, exfoliate, and be well and truly cleaned, emerging like a snake with a new skin.

But beyond those basic similarities, the choice of hammam varies considerably. There are those with communal facilities, with separate visiting times or areas for men and women, where you can expect a traditional hammam experience with very little clothing and a no-nonsense approach to vigorous scrubbing. For those who’d prefer a more indulgent, spa-like ambience, the hammams housed in hotels and riads offer a more luxurious, private experience. We’d suggest sampling both, and our local experts can recommend the best of each to offer a well-rounded hammam experience. 

What to expect at a Moroccan hammam

Entering a Moroccan hammam is akin to walking into another world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside, though with its own energy and life. On arrival you’ll remove most of your clothes, leaving just your underwear or shorts/bikini bottoms and flip flops, and take only the items you need – the soap, shampoo and loofah, for instance. You’ll then be greeted by the female or male attendant who will guide you into the bathing area – it’s normally up to you whether you decide to perform the process yourself or pay to be scrubbed by the attendant.

You’ll generally begin in a dry, heated zone before filling up your bucket and having a wash. You then soap up with savon beldi, a black Moroccan soap made from olive oil for a gel-like consistency. Once you’re covered, just sit back on one of the benches and relax for five to 10 minutes. When the soap has had a chance to work its magic, your attendant will come back and use your kessa, a traditional Moroccan hammam glove, to start scrubbing. This is not a particularly gentle process, and you’ll certainly feel it working as the kessa removes any dead skin and dirt. After a final rinsing, you’re free to get dressed and enjoy the tingling softness of your newly scrubbed skin! The whole process should take around 30-45 minutes.

In a more upmarket spa hammam, the process will be very similar but with more privacy – you may be offered a robe and a private room. You could have the option to add on treatments such as a massage, and it’s likely to feel far more like a relaxing spa experience. 

What should you take to a hammam?

It’s best to ask what you should take to a hammam when you book, but as a general rule, you’re likely to need the following:

• A change of clothes 
• Savon beldi soap
• A kessa
• Your own soap and shampoo
• Water bucket
• Cup
• Towel
• Flip flops or waterproof sandals
• Any products you might want to use afterwards such as a brush or skin products 

Essential tips for your first hammam visit

Visiting a Moroccan hammam is a fantastic way to experience local culture firsthand, so it’s worth taking your time to do some research and find the right hammam for you, that will offer the perfect balance of authenticity and comfort. This is where our local experts are invaluable. As with all cultural experiences, be sure to go with an open mind and a sense of humour; a local hammam is unlikely to be as private or reserved as you might be used to, but it’s all part of the experience!

If you’re not sure what to take with you or what to expect from your hammam, check when you book or ask your local expert. And most importantly, enjoy! This is a chance to experience a traditional ritual and way of life that’s been a core part of Morocco’s culture for centuries, as well as going through a cleansing and revitalising process that will leave you revived and refreshed, with the softest skin you’ve ever known.

The best hammams to visit in Morocco

Our local experts are in the know when it comes to choosing the best hammam experience for you. Whether you want an authentic experience in a public hammam or would prefer to indulge in a more luxurious and private spa, they know the best hammams in Fes, Casablanca and beyond to visit on your trip. From the tranquil Bains de Marrakech to Chefchaouen’s public hammam opposite the Jama’a Kabir mosque, TravelLocal’s local experts can recommend the best Moroccan hammams for your preferences and itinerary. 

Make it happen

Are you feeling inspired to visit a traditional Moroccan hammam? Get in touch with our local experts today – they can help create your next Moroccan adventure!