Quick answer: A Moroccan hammam is a steam bath where you relax in hot rooms, are covered with black olive soap, scrubbed with a kessa glove to remove dead skin, then rinsed and often wrapped in rhassoul clay. Choose a public hammam for a local experience or a spa hammam in a riad for comfort and privacy.
Going to the hammam is a weekly ritual for many Moroccans and a highlight for travellers. Here is our guide to the Moroccan hammam, so you know exactly what to expect.
Public hammam vs spa hammam
| Public (baladi) hammam | Spa / riad hammam | |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Local, lively, simple | Calm, luxurious, private |
| Separation | Men and women separate (different hours or rooms) | Often private cabins, couples possible |
| Price | Very low, plus scrub attendant | Higher, packages with massage |
| Best for | Culture lovers | First-timers, relaxation |
The ritual step by step
- Warm up in the hot, steamy rooms for 10–15 minutes.
- Black soap (savon beldi) made from olives is applied all over the body.
- Kessa scrub with a rough glove removes dead skin – you will be amazed.
- Rinse with buckets of warm water.
- Rhassoul clay mask for skin and hair (in spas).
- Relax with mint tea, sometimes followed by an argan oil massage.
What to wear and bring
- In public hammams: swimwear bottoms or underwear, flip-flops, a towel, a change of clothes; bring or buy black soap and a kessa glove.
- In spas: everything is usually provided, including disposable underwear.
Etiquette
- Nudity is partial: keep the lower body covered.
- Don’t be shy – attendants are professional.
- Tip the attendant (tipping guide).
- Drink water afterwards.
When to go
A hammam is perfect after a long travel day, a desert trip or in winter when riads can be chilly (Morocco in winter). Combine it with our 3-day Marrakech itinerary, a guided medina tour and an evening at Chez Ali.
Tours related to this guide
- Private Guided Tour Of Marrakech – Discover The Imperial City
- Chez Ali The Arab Horse Fantasy
- Hot Air Balloon Flight In Marrakech – A Magical Experience
Want a trip built around your dates? Ask for a free tailor-made itinerary →
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in a Moroccan hammam?
In public hammams wear swimwear bottoms or underwear and bring flip-flops. In spa hammams, disposable underwear is usually provided.
Is a Moroccan hammam mixed?
Public hammams separate men and women by room or schedule. Many spas offer private hammams for couples.
How long does a hammam session last?
Usually 45 minutes to 1 hour for the ritual, longer with a massage.
What is black soap used in the hammam?
Savon beldi is a soft black soap made from olives and olive oil that prepares the skin for the kessa scrub.
Written by the Todo Marruecos Tours travel team, local tour operators based in Morocco. Last updated: September 2026.