Best Hammams in Marrakech
A hammam is a traditional Islamic bath where cleansing takes place thanks to the public spaces’ steamy air and an exfoliation treatment of the skin.
It is a variant of the Roman baths and these find their origins from the Roman Thermae. As well as performing full body washes, the hammams are a meeting place for the inhabitants of the city or town, especially for women.
Initially, the public baths were the only way for Moroccans to spruce up. However, currently all houses have their own bathrooms and today, taking time to go to the hammam is a tradition that the locals do at least once a week.
This tradition is so embedded in the daily lives of the citizens that it is practically impossible to find someone who doesn’t like going to a hammam or doesn’t go at least once a week.
In Marrakech, there are two different types of hammams: traditional and tourist spas. Discover the differences between them:
Traditional hammams
The historic hammams may be found in every area of Marrakech, and they are often situated in close proximity to the mosques of the city for the simple reason that they used to share the same water supply. Both women and men have access to separate facilities in these spas, or they operate on different schedules. You will pay less than ten dirhams, which is equivalent to one dollar in US currency.
In these steam baths, professional masseuses operate, and if you want a massage, you can have one for roughly fifty dh, which is equivalent to five dollars and ten U.S. dollars. If you would want someone to exfoliate you, you will be required to provide a gratuity of twenty dirhams, which is equivalent to two dollars in US currency.
If you are interested in experiencing a traditional hammam, you will need to bring a towel, flip-flops, black soap, and exfoliating gloves (you can get these items at any bazaar).
Among the most well-known hammams are the following:
- Hammam Dar el-Bacha: Rue Hatima Zohra
- Hammam Bab Doukkala: Next to the Bab Doukkala Mosque
- Hammam Ziani: 14, Rue Riad Zitoune jdid. (This could be considered touristy)
Tourist Hammams
The tourist hammams, sometimes referred to as spas are more like Turkish baths. These offer the latest beauty treatments, are generally more modern and have mixed-sex facilities for couples. The prices of each treatment are normally over 150 dirhams per person. These are very near Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Some of the most renowned spas are:
- Les Bains de Marrakech: 2 Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou
- Les Bains de l’Alhambra: Derb Rahala 9
- Sublima Spa: 84 Boulevard Hassan II, Gueliz
Some hotels and riads in Marrakech also include these traditional baths. Note that to use them, you will have to ask in advance so they can prepare the facilities.
Book a Hammam in Marrakech
If you’re interested in enjoying a relaxing part of the culture in Marrakech, you can book a bath and massage at the following link:
