The short answer
Stay covered, stay calm and follow the lead of staff and regulars. Most people keep underwear or swimwear on. Public hammams keep separate hours or sections for men and women. Do not take photos inside, out of respect for other bathers. If an attendant scrubs or massages you, a tip on top of the price is customary.
In more detail
A public hammam is a neighbourhood institution, often near a mosque, where people wash weekly, trade news and prepare brides. Treat it as a local space first and an experience second: quiet voices, no phones, and patience if the room is busy.
For a public hammam, bring your own kit: black soap, a kessa glove, a towel, flip-flops, a change of underwear and any toiletries. Private and riad spas usually provide everything and will tell you what to wear.
If you are unsure what happens next, watch the regulars or ask the attendant. Mostly Arabic and Darija are spoken in public hammams, so a smile and a gesture do a lot of work.
Leave plenty of time and plan nothing demanding afterwards. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, check with a doctor first, since the heat of the steam rooms is intense.
Good to know
- Ask your riad which nearby hammam welcomes visitors.
- Leave valuables at your riad.
- Tip the attendant who scrubs you.