Hammam in Marrakech: How It Works and Where to Go

What is a hammam?

A hammam is a steam bath. You sit in warm, humid rooms to open the pores, wash with savon beldi, a black olive-oil soap, and then an attendant scrubs your whole body with a rough kessa glove. Many people finish with a rhassoul clay mask and a massage. Moroccans go every week or two; it is about cleaning and relaxing, not luxury.

What happens, step by step

• You change in a dressing room and are given a towel or wrap.
• You relax in the warm room for 10–15 minutes while the steam does its work.
• The attendant covers you in black soap, then scrubs you from head to toe. Expect to see a lot of dead skin come off.
• You are rinsed with buckets of warm water, sometimes followed by a clay mask.
• In spa hammams, you then rest with mint tea, often before a massage.

Public hammam or spa hammam?

Public hammams are neighbourhood bathhouses with separate hours or rooms for men and women. Entry is very cheap, usually a few dozen dirhams, plus a tip for the scrub. They are authentic but basic, and staff may speak little English.

Spa hammams are private, calm and clean, with packages that include the scrub, mask and massage. Couples can usually go together. Prices vary widely, from a few hundred dirhams in riad spas to well over a thousand in palace hotels.

Well-known hammams in Marrakech

• Les Bains de Marrakech (kasbah area): one of the best-known spa hammams, popular with couples.
• Hammam de la Rose (medina): a mid-range spa close to the souks.
• Hammam Mouassine (medina): a historic public hammam, a good first local experience.
• Royal Mansour and La Mamounia spas: palace-hotel hammams for a special occasion.

Prices and opening hours change. Check directly or ask us on WhatsApp and we will book a slot for you.

What to wear and bring

Wear underwear or swimwear bottoms; women usually keep a bikini bottom on, men wear shorts or swim trunks. Spa hammams supply towels, slippers and disposable underwear. For a public hammam, bring your own towel, flip-flops, a change of underwear and small change for tips.

Tips for your first hammam

• Do not plan a hammam on the same day as a long sunbath or a fresh tattoo.
• Drink water before and after.
• Tell the attendant if the scrub is too strong; say “shwiya” (gently).
• Leave at least 2 hours, especially if you add a massage.

Frequently asked questions