The Sweetest Travel Inspiration for Chocolate Lovers

Why not travel for chocolate? Like most foods and drinks we love, chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat to have after (okay, before) dinner. For many places, it’s intertwined with their history, culture, and identity, not to mention the artistry that goes into transforming cacao beans into all sorts of confections.

Next time you plan a trip, consider including a chocolate adventure in your itinerary. Here’s just some sweet travel inspiration for you!

Travel Inspiration for Chocolate Lovers

Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zürich, Switzerland

Switzerland is practically synonymous with chocolate, and there’s nowhere quite as magical as the Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zürich. It’s the country’s largest chocolate museum and is an absolute mecca for any Lindt fan. As soon as you enter, you’ll see a nearly 30-foot-tall fountain that holds 3,086lbs of chocolate. And, yes, it does smell incredible. Start off exploring their interactive museum and then be sure to sign up for one of their chocolatier courses.

Fairafric Farm in Amanase, Ghana

Did you know Ghana is one of the leading countries for cacao bean exports? West Africa, as a whole, is responsible for over 70% of the world’s cocoa production. Despite this, there are very few chocolate brands in the region. One of the companies changing this is Fairafric, a venture based in Ghana. Their chocolate is award-winning, 100% organic, and all ingredients are as fair trade as it gets. (Vegans, so that you know, their vegan chocolate bars were awarded the “Great Taste Award” from Great Britain in 2022!) Join one of their farm-factory tours, which are named after different color cacao bean pods. The Gold Pod tour, in particular, will have you making your chocolate literally from scratch.

Confiserie Kunder in Wiesbaden, Germany

While traveling in Germany, make time for a stop in Wiesbaden. The town is all about relaxing, whether you want to see some art, take a stroll, or enjoy a snack. And no one has quite as special a selection as Confiserie Kunder. They’ve been in town for over 125 years and have an incredible selection of chocolates, bars, tarts, and chocolate-dipped fruit. If you’re unsure what to order when you sit down, I highly recommend the pineapple tarts and hot chocolate. The tarts were created by the shop’s founder using marzipan, pineapple, a nougat-filled waffle dipped in dark chocolate, and a dusting of almonds. And as for the hot chocolate, you’ll actually have it served in two parts – one with melted chocolate and the other with milk. This way, you can choose how much of each you want.

Chocolatería San Ginés in Madrid, Spain

If you’ve ever been out at night in Madrid, you’ll know the general schedule goes like this: tapas and drinks at a bar, dancing in a discoteca, and then chocolate con churros at Chocolatería San Gines until the metro opens up again. First opened as an inn in 1894, San Gines is now reminiscent of the bar and café scene that was prevalent throughout Europe in the 19th century. And since it’s open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, it’s become the place for late-night revelers. The hot chocolate is thicker and less sweet than you may be used to, but perfect for dipping churros into.

Finca Sibaeli in Northern Costa Rica

Cacao has a long history in Costa Rica. Thousands of years before the beans were used to make chocolate, they played a crucial role in indigenous ceremonies, such as the one I experienced with the Maleku people. Today, cacao beans and chocolate are an integral part of Costa Rican culture, and the country’s chocolate is among the richest. I particularly loved visiting Finca Sibaeli because they not only focus on creating artisanal chocolate, but every step of the process keeps the surrounding ecosystem in mind. Beyond not using agrochemicals, they also make sure their process helps restore native plants and species, enhances water resources, and absorbs carbon dioxide. Book a tour to learn more about what they d,o from picking the beans to processing them into bars and drinks. And whatever you do, do NOT skip their icy chocolate drinks.

Hersheypark in Hershey, PA

If you like your chocolate with a side of adrenaline, Hersheypark is a must-visit. The entire town of Hershey is dedicated to the chocolate company, right down to the streetlights downtown. Spend the day at their incredible amusement park, where the roller coasters will please even the biggest thrill seekers. End your days with a stay at Hotel Hershey. “Great Hotel” fans will remember I stayed here back in the day and enjoyed chocolate in all of its forms – including their chocolate spa. Think whipped cocoa baths, chocolate scrubs, strawberry hydrating wraps… and more!

Turin, Italy

Should you find yourself in northern Italy, set aside a day to visit the historic city of Turin. There are many reasons to explore, but one of them is its numerous ties to chocolate. It’s essentially the capital of Italian chocolate and is especially renowned for gianduiotto, a chocolate made with hazelnuts. There are numerous small artisanal chocolatiers in the city, and each year in February, it hosts CioccolaTò, a week-long festival all about, you guessed it, chocolate. Another must-try while you’re here: Bicerin, a classic Turinese drink made with ganache, frothed milk or cream, and espresso. 

Mörk Chocolate in Melbourne, Australia

While most people talk about coffee when they talk about what to drink in Melbourne, Mörk Chocolate is bringing new meaning to hot chocolate in this city. Inspired by how seriously Melburnians take their caffeine, co-founder Kiril Shaginov applied these same guidelines when creating the perfect hot chocolate. Every ingredient that goes into their drinks has been selected not just for taste but for quality and traceability. And, when I tell you the final result feels like childhood in a cup… Just try their campfire hot chocolate and thank me later!

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, CA

Another name you might know – Ghirardelli! Did you know Ghirardelli comes from San Francisco? Well, its history actually goes back to Italy, where founder Domingo Ghirardelli was born and introduced to the chocolate business when apprenticing with a local candy maker. Over 30 years later, he immigrated to California and eventually settled in San Francisco. These days, you can’t miss the giant Ghirardelli Square sign on the waterfront! Head over to their original chocolate shop to see the continent’s largest flowing chocolate wall and to try their sundaes. Then head over to the chocolate experience for a massive pick-and-mix selection. 

Daisies in Belfast, Northern Ireland

If you find yourself in Belfast, stop into the delightfully charming Daisies for the city’s first high-end chocolate shop. Inside the shop is a lovely sense of calm, something founder Deirdre McCanny believes is essential for both customers and the chocolate itself. While here, be sure to order their award-winning hot chocolate!

Brussels, Belgium

To round out this chocolate list, I’ve got to end with a city that some might say smells like chocolate – Brussels. Start your sweet sojourn off with a visit to the Choco Story Brussels museum, where you’ll learn about Belgium’s history with cocoa and how the Belgian praline, with its soft center and chocolate casing, was created. They even have live demos of how the pralines are made and workshops for something even more interactive. Then check out Neuhaus, whose founder invented pralines, located in the Galerie de la Reine, before exploring all the newer, smaller chocolatiers that call this city home. (Seriously, pace yourself; you’ll soon discover just how many there are!)

And there you have it – some sweet travel inspiration for the chocoholic in your life! Anywhere I’m missing? Let me know below!