Money and manners

Alcohol, Dress and Hammams in Morocco: The Etiquette Questions

By Hassan Bouaouina, licensed guide and founder of Uniquely Morocco, guiding since 2004.

Quick answer

Morocco is not dry: licensed venues and large supermarkets sell alcohol, but do not drink in the street. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and wear swimwear or a wrap in tourist hammams.

Alcohol

Alcohol is available to non Muslim visitors in licensed bars, restaurants, hotels and large supermarkets. Drink in your hotel, a restaurant or a bar, and never in the street or near a mosque.

What to wear

Hijab is optional, but conservative dress is advised. Loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is comfortable and respectful.

Hammams

In a spa hammam, wear swimwear or the wrap they give you. A neighbourhood hammam costs about 15 to 30 MAD and is a real local experience, and a spa hammam with scrub and massage is a relaxing treat after a day in the medina. I can arrange either.

Moroccan wine and beer

Morocco has been making wine since Roman times, and today most vineyards lie around Meknes, on the plains below the Middle Atlas, with others near Benslimane and Essaouira. Red and grey wines, the light rosé called vin gris, are the local specialities. The national beers are Casablanca, Flag Spéciale and Stork. During Ramadan, many shops stop selling alcohol, while hotels and licensed restaurants still serve it to visitors.

What happens in a hammam

You undress in the changing room and keep your underwear or swimsuit on.
You sit in the warm and then the hot room, pouring water over yourself with a bucket.
Your skin is covered with savon beldi, a black olive oil soap.
An attendant scrubs you firmly with a kessa glove, which removes a surprising amount of skin.
A mask of ghassoul clay from the Atlas may follow, then a final rinse.
You rest with mint tea, and in a spa a massage with argan oil can follow.

In a neighbourhood hammam, men and women use separate rooms or separate hours, and you bring your own towel, soap and glove, or buy them at the door.

Everyday etiquette

Greet with “salam alaykum”, and shake hands gently. Wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
Eat and pass food with the right hand.
Ask before photographing people, and accept a no with a smile.
Accept at least one glass of mint tea when it is offered. It is a sign of welcome.
Remove your shoes when entering a home.
Public displays of affection are best kept discreet.

For clothing, read what to wear in Morocco.