Visiting a Hammam in Morocco

Hammam in Arabic means “spreader of warmth,” and is the name of Morocco’s traditional cleaning establishments, similar to Russian banyas and the baths of ancient Rome. They are an intrinsic part of the local culture, as well as a popular attraction for tourists looking for a relaxing respite from the sun.

Keep in mind that unless you’re going to a private establishment at an upscale resort, hammams are not like visiting a spa or sauna. Your hotel or even locals on the street will be able to direct you to one open to the public, but also accommodating for tourists. Many places are gendered, or at least have separate areas for men and women.

The experience typically starts with the warm room, where your body gets accustomed to the heat. Bathers usually mix hot and cold water and do a light pre-cleaning before going to the hot room, where you get scrubbed down with lava rock called ghassou. Afterward, bathers take a final visit to the warm room for a more thorough scrubbing with a dark olive oil soap called sabon beldi. Here you can also wash your hair and shave before resting in the cold room.

There few things to keep in mind when visiting a hammam. Water is scarce in Morocco so it is important to conserve and avoid splashing. The floors are usually angled for drainage, so be sure to pick a high area and dump a little water on it beforehand to clean it up a bit. Baring private parts is a serious offense in these establishments, though women’s hammams sometimes allow nudity, but female tourists should always follow the local custom.

Some patrons will also offer to wash your back as a friendly gesture (though reciprocation is sometimes expected). If you prefer, you can also get an attendant to do it for a small fee. Also keep in mind hammams are considered to have a social function. In addition to getting cleaned, people like to chat and the presence of a tourist might invite attention.

A public hammam is typically priced around 10 MAD, with additional supplies costing a couple extra dirham. It’s also customary to tip the front desk one or two dirham as well.