Ten of the Best Places on Earth for Chocolate Lovers to Visit

Since 1100 B.C., the entire world is in love with delicious chocolates. But, do you know who started making chocolates first on this planet? Well, it was Mesoamericans who started to cultivate this mouth watering delicacy that, even today, never fails to captivate anybody no matter what the age is. On this globe, there are some famous places where chocolate has its own unique taste. So, if you are a chocoholic, here are those top 10 chocolate locations on Earth. Next time when you visit these places, do not miss to taste some chocolates and pack some for home.

Brussels

Regarded as the ‘Chocolate Capital of Earth’, the entire Belgium is no less than a chocolate dreamland due to its 16 chocolate museums and over 2000 shops. This is the city where the world’s two popular chocolate firms reside namely Godiva and Leonidas. Among all the chocolate treats, pralines are most popular. The Musee du Cocao et du Chocolate is worth a visit if you want to know how to make chocolates. To buy some, visit the Grand Sablon square in the city’s middle as well as Mary.

Barcelona

Spain was the first European nation to taste chocolates and since then, Barcelona has been the hub of chocoholics. This was where the original chocolate producing machine was made during the 18th century. Its rich heritage of chocolate is celebrated in a museum of chocolate called the Museo de La Xocolata that is packed with ranging chocolate items such as chocolate figurines and hot chocolate. The brands like Antoni Amatller as well as Simon Coll originated here. Look for shops such as Chocolates Amatller, Chocolate a la Taza, Fargas, Dulcinea, and Pasteleria Escriba.

Villajoyosa

This is entitled as the ‘Chocolate City’ in Spain where the history of chocolates dates back to the 18th century. This is the resident town of the most ancient chocolate producer of Spain called Valor established here in 1881. Do not miss to visit the world-class chocolate museum where not only the chocolate history of the town is made live, but also the process of making chocolates is shown.

Zurich

Switzerland is the nation where the rate of chocolate consumption is the highest per person. This is the home of famous brands namely Cailler-Nestle, Lindt, Toblerone, Sprungli, and Treuscher. Zurich is the hub of chocolates here. For the ultimate experience, check out for the trip of ‘The Swiss Chocolate Train’ that leaves from Montreux to reach Broc where you can explore the factory of Cailler-Nestle. If you buy Lindt chocolates right from the factory, you can get a heavy discount too.

Tain L’Hermitage

This is the French town located shortly from Lyon. It deserves to be in this list as it is the abode of the world famous chocolate manufacturer named Valrhona. The major location here is the Valrhona Ecole du Grand Chocolat that refers to a school training the chefs, caterers, and chocolatiers. There is also a course of three days offered by the school to educate the laypeople on how to form great deserts. Many ideal recipes are available on their Web site too.

Norma

Italy is one more remarkable gastronomic destination that is quite passionate about chocolates. At some 50 km from the capital city of Rome, Norma is where you can spend full one day to have fun exploring the Museo del Cioccolato Antica Norba. This is an excellent factory as well as museum. Taste some unbelievable chocolates here and also go for a stroll in the nearby stunning Giardino di Ninfa park.

Oaxaca

This is the city of the former Mesoamericans who gave the world the gift of chocolates. So, chocolate is an important part of the tradition and culture here and that on its streets, visitors are welcomed with chocolate in some form – pastry or candy. As a tradition, chocolates are produced using the old handmade recipes. Do explore the street 20 de Noviembre where the largest producers reside – La Soledad, Moyordomo, and Guelaguetza.

San Francisco

Here, the Bay area is adorned with an old American chocolate producer because of which many chocolate lovers come here. Some of the best chocolate shops of New York are located here. The Ghirardelli Square, expansion of the ancient Ghirardelli factory of chocolate, is must a visit.

New York

This is the city where some of the most alluring chocolate shops are nestled. Besides these fanciful shops, you can also go for a chocolate tour via the Luxury Chocolate Tour or the New Cuisine Chocolate Tour. On any of these tours, you can discover the chocolate shop history.

A few ideal shops are MarieBelle, Chocolate Bar, Richart Design et Chocolat, and Li-Lat. The most renowned one here is theJacques Torres Chocolate offering rich hot chocolate, champagne truffles, chocolate pastry, and chocolate-cloaked almonds.

Hershey

This area has its own nick name as ‘the Sweetest Place of the World’. You might be knowing why as the answer is in its name. This is the abode of the Hershey chocolates whose popularity renamed the town from Derry Church to Hershey in 1906. This is also the town of the H. B. Reese Candy firm. The famous chocolate highlights here are the Chocolate Spa, Hershey Story Museum, and the Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Have you visited any of these places? Do you know of somewhere else that should have made it onto this list? Do let us know in the comments below.