First Time in a Moroccan Hammam: What to Expect
Updated October 3, 2026 · By the Sun Sky Camp team
The hammam is part of daily life in Morocco: a steam bath where people come to wash, scrub and relax, often once a week. For many visitors it is also one of the best memories of Marrakech, as long as you know what to expect.
Here is how a hammam works, step by step, and how to choose the right one for your first time.
Public hammam or spa hammam?
There are two kinds of hammam in Marrakech. Neighbourhood public hammams are simple and very cheap, with separate times or rooms for men and women. You bring your own soap, glove and towel, and you wash yourself or pay an attendant to scrub you.
Spa hammams, in riads and spas, are private and calmer: everything is provided, a therapist takes care of you, and the hammam is often followed by a massage. For a first time, a spa hammam is the easiest way to discover the ritual.
What happens in a hammam, step by step
- Warm-up: you relax in a heated room full of steam, which opens the pores. Some spas add eucalyptus to the steam.
- Black soap: the therapist covers your body with beldi soap, a soft paste made from olives, and leaves it on for a few minutes.
- Kessa scrub: with a rough glove called a kessa, the therapist scrubs your whole body. You will be surprised how much dead skin comes off.
- Rinse and care: warm water to rinse, sometimes followed by a ghassoul clay mask for the skin and hair.
- Rest: a glass of mint tea in a quiet lounge, before or after a massage.
What to wear
In a spa hammam you are given disposable underwear, a bathrobe and slippers, so you do not need to bring anything. You keep the disposable underwear on during the treatment, and the atmosphere is discreet. In a public hammam, keep your underwear on and bring flip-flops.
Tips for your first hammam
- Do not go right after a big meal, and drink water before and after.
- Tell the therapist if the scrub is too strong: the pressure is adjusted to you.
- Avoid shaving or waxing on the same day, as the scrub can irritate fresh skin.
- If you are pregnant or have heart or blood pressure problems, ask your doctor before going into the heat.
- Plan a calm evening afterwards: most people feel relaxed and sleepy.
- Tipping the therapist is appreciated but not required.
How long does it take, and how much does it cost?
Our traditional hammam with massage includes 45 minutes of hammam and 45 minutes of massage, with round-trip transport from your hotel: about three hours in total, from €47. Robe, slippers and products are provided, and the session ends with mint tea.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a hammam a good idea for a first time?
Yes. A spa hammam is gentle and private, and the therapist guides you through each step. Just say if anything is uncomfortable.
Do I have to be naked in a hammam?
No. You keep disposable underwear on, and a robe or towel is provided between the steps.
What should I bring to a hammam?
Nothing for a spa hammam: robe, slippers, underwear and products are provided. For a public hammam, bring soap, a kessa glove, a towel and flip-flops.
What is black soap?
Beldi soap is a natural soap paste made from olives and olive oil. It softens the skin before the kessa scrub.
How often do Moroccans go to the hammam?
Traditionally about once a week. It is a moment to wash, but also to meet friends and relax.