Culture: Hammams

Going to the hammam (steam bath)

One of the great pleasures of a trip to Morocco is a visit to the hammam, similar to a Turkish or steam bath, with large communal rooms for bathing. Some people go expressly to sample the hammams on a tour of Morocco!

There are Western-style spas billed as ‘hammams’ in some hotels, especially in the large cities, and the ones we have seen look very lovely. Prices are similar to those in the UK for aromatherapy massage etc.

However, the traditional hammam is quite a different experience, especially if you can go with some Moroccan friends. Although in some better-off areas many Moroccan families now have a shower at home, a weekly visit to the hammam is still regarded as a relaxing and sociable treat as much as a hygienic necessity.

  • Hammams are divided into separate men’s and women’s baths, entry is around 10 Dirhams. There is not usually a swimming or plunge pool.
  • If you are with a group of people, you can hire the whole hammam for a private session. This can be mixed men and women if you wish.

  • HOT TIP: Look to see where the used bathing water drains away. Avoid positioning yourself ‘upstream’ or ‘downstream’ from other bathers, so that no one is drenched in someone else’s rinsing water.

    Take your own towel, shampoo and other hair and skin care products, and a bottle of drinking water for when you come out
  • Buy a piece of soft olive oil soap (1-2 Dirhams) and a scrubbing glove (around 12 Dirhams) on the way in – they are very good for the skin
  • The hammam attendant will look after your clothes and other things – try not to take valuables with you
  • Full nudity is not acceptable among women or men in Muslim cultures, so keep your underpants on – and don’t forget to take a dry pair to change into at the end!
  • The attendant will give you a large bucket, a jug and a rubber mat, and show you where to go – the hammam is usually entered via one or two cooler rooms, followed by a warm and steamy room
  • Give your chosen spot on the floor a good rinse before setting down your mat – the attendant may do this for you
  • Replenish your bucket whenever necessary with hot or cold water from the taps or tanks inside the hammam
  • Ask the attendant to give you a scrub and massage if you want the full hammam experience! A tip of at least 30 Dirham per person would be appropriate for this
  • Allow at least an hour for your visit, to relax, unwind, and chat with your friends
  • Tip the attendant on the way out according to the level of service provided.