From historic factories in Switzerland to a surprising chocolate trail in Scotland, these are the best holiday destinations for chocolate lovers!
Belgium
Belgian chocolate is famous all over the world and shopping for chocolate in Belgium is an experience all of its own. The shops radiate an atmosphere of opulence and the sheer variety of shapes and choice of flavours is incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Best of all, the chocolate is sold at remarkably good value given its superb quality!
DK Top 10 Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent
View BookSwitzerland
The Swiss won’t let you forget that milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland in the 1880s, and it’s possible to visit dozens of factories and artisan chocolatiers across the country to find out how they did it. Unearth the sweet history at Maison Cailler’s historic Broc chocolate factory near Gruyeres, or visit the Chocolarium of Maestrani in Flawil; it’s the only chocolate factory in Switzerland that lets you onto the production floor.
DK Switzerland
View BookMadrid, Spain
Madrileños swear by sugar-sprinkled churros (doughnut sticks) dipped into thick hot chocolate, and Chocolatería San Ginés has been satisfying cravings since 1894. The cafe is open from early until late, knowing it's never a bad time to indulge in this iconic snack, equally delicious at breakfast, for an afternoon break or after a late night at the clubs.
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View BookCosta Rica
Cacao is integral to Caribbean communities, where artisanal chocolate makers use organic cacao sourced from indigenous farmers. Join a guided tour of sustainable cacao farm Caribeans Coffee and Chocolate, then sample the tangy flesh of the cacao fruit – and pieces of delicious artisan-finished chocolates – right at the source.
DK Costa Rica
View BookHershey, USA
Its name a dead giveaway, this factory town and wildly popular tourist destination revolves around chocolate. Even its streetlights are shaped like silver-foil-wrapped Hershey’s Kisses. The town’s main attraction is Hershey’s Chocolate World, which features interactive experiences revealing Hershey’s chocolate-making process. A free sample awaits at the end, while a series of shops sell souvenirs and every Hershey product available.
DK USA
View BookVienna, Austria
While Vienna may be a city steeped in history and opulence, it's the more simple pleasures that are often the most enjoyable for visitors: mouthwatering chocolate cake enjoyed with a cup of coffee in a cosy beisl (bistro). And there’s nothing more darkly decadent than sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake filled with apricot jam. The ingredients of this treat have been a secret since its creation in 1832, allegedly by Franz Sacher. Taste the “original” recipe, with a dollop of cream at the gorgeous cafe of the Hotel Sacher.
DK Vienna
View BookScotland
It may surprise you to learn that the land of the deep fried mars bar is also home to a talented network of small-scale chocolatiers. Visit these artisans along Scotland’s Chocolate Trail for some real indulgence. Highlights include master chocolatier Iain Burnett, who creates sweet delights like salted raspberry chocolate with szechuan pepper salt in his shop, and Charlotte Flowers who flavours her confectionery with locally foraged seasonal flavours on the southern shore of stunning Loch Tay.
DK Top 10 Scotland
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