Travel: Hammams in Morocco

Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakesh, Rabat – Visit all the Bath Houses

Apr 14, 2007

A visit to a hammam or bath house is one of of the genuine cultural experiences for those who travel to Morocco - as real as the souks and the medinas.

The heat in North Africa seeps into you and leaves you drained by the end of the day when you travel in Morocco. The desert dust gets into everything. Some need to take frequent rest-stops in bars and cafes to refresh. Others take a siesta and a cold shower to re-energize their weary bodies. And the smart ones go to the hamman (bath house) for an experience of a lifetime.

A Scrub Down at a Hammam in Morocco

For a few bucks and a friendly attitude you get access to unlimited buckets of steaming water at a Hammam in Morocco. You also get a scrub down that will leave your skin as soft as a babe's and a unique cultural experience you’ll never forget.

The hammam, descended from the Roman bath, is the Moroccan version of a Turkish bath - very hot, lots of running water, but less steam - and is used by most Moroccans at least once a week.

Public Bath Houses or Hammams in Morocco

Public hammans in Morocco are a great place to mingle with the locals and to participate in one of their important customs. Most hammams are segregated – some have special hours for men and for women.

Those who travel in Morocco have two choices, they can go the authentic route and visit a real hammam in the medina or take the more luxury option of a fancy hotel’s upscale version. The public Moroccan hammam doesn't have any frills. These hammams are part of the social life of the city. They are a place for meeting and gossip as well as bathing.

Layout of the Public Hammam

Hammams usually consist of three rooms. The first room is the least steamy and is for bathing. The second and third rooms are hotter and are for massaging and relaxing.

For a small fee you get use of an open cubby-hole for your belongings (please leave all valuables back at the hotel or riad), two to three black rubber buckets, and all the hot water you desire. But don’t be greedy with the water; it’s not plentiful in desert countries. You can either bathe yourself or request a tayeba (washing person) for an extra fee.

Private Hammams in Hotels and Riads, Usually Only for Guests

Many riads and hotels in Morocco have private hammans. They are – well private, and more luxurious but much more expensive - usually not open to non-guests.

Where to Find a Hammam in Morocco

Ask someone at the hotel where to find a hammam or ask taxi driver, a waiter or people in the street. You can also look around for people of your gender with buckets, towels and rolled up rubber mats and follow them.

What to Take With You to The Hammam

For the public hammam, take towels and toiletries; anything you would take to the shower. Buy a small rubber mat to sit on and a small plastic bowl for pouring water over you and don’t forget the scruffing mitt called a kese (say keys). If you’re a clean freak, get a small plastic stool so you don’t have to put your butt directly on the hammam’s stone floor.

Most of the stuff like the gooey olive-oil soap, sabon beldi can be purchased on-site or in the souk. Buy a handful of rhassoul (100% desert clay) and give your hair a treat.

Getting a Massage at The Hammam

Not all hammams have staff who can massage you. In the more basic, public hammams, a fellow bather may offer to massage you. Don’t be suspicious, they’re being kind, but remember this is a real case of I wash your back…

No Nudity in The Hammams in Morocco

When undressing, leave your underwear on for modesty (everyone else does) and bring a spare pair to change into when you leave.

Special Tip for Hammams

Note that it's better not to go to the Hammam on a Thursday evening or Friday, the Muslim holy day, as these days are quite crowded.

Many people Travel in Morocco, but not that many experience this real pleasure of Moroccan life. Hammams can be found in all the citys like Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh, Rabat and even in the smaler places - just ask around.

"Scrub off every molecule of grime in one of Morocco's best female sweathouses - eat your heart out Eve Lom, there's nothing quite like an hour with a Berber and a bar of soap." Read more about this Womens’ Hammam in Essaouira.

The copyright of the article Travel: Hammams in Morocco in Morocco Travel is owned by Karen Lotter. Permission to republish Travel: Hammams in Morocco in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.