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There’s a lot to love about chocolate. It’s delicious, releases endorphins, the ‘happy hormone’, and is said to be full of antioxidants. We also think it’s worth travelling for.
If you’re on the hunt for a sweeter way to explore the world, our personal travel managers have your golden ticket with this chocoholics guide to travel.
Zurich, Switzerland
The sweet scent of chocolate is in the air throughout Zurich, with the Swiss laying claim to the invention of milk chocolate. From Lindt to Trenscher, this city is overflowing with chocolate shops, cafés and tours.
As the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich is sure to satisfy all levels of chocolate lovers. Get your Swiss fix at renowned Confiserie Sprungli café or jump on-board the Sweet Zurich tour, where you will discover some of the city’s most irresistible treats.
Brussels, Belgium
The chocolate industry has represented a deliciously large part of the Belgium economy since the 1850’s, generating annual sales of approximately $12 billion in 2015. With over 2,000 chocolatiers and more chocolate stores per capita than any other city in the world, Brussels is a chocolate lovers dream. Citizens of the city consume an average of six kilograms of the sweet stuff per person each year.
Paris, France
There’s no denying that Paris – the city of love – is also a city for lovers of fashion, fine art, fine dining and chocolate.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the city’s chocolate-epicentre; here you’ll find more than 20 chocolatiers selling every flavor of truffle and praline you can imagine.
If you visit towards the end of October you’ll be lucky enough to experience the world famous Le Salon du Chocolat, The Chocolate Fair. Here you can discover and taste the latest creations of the biggest names in chocolate, pastry and ice cream from around the world.
Barcelona, Spain
Spain’s history with chocolate is something of a well-kept secret compared to its northern European neighbours. While the country is better recognised for its tasty tapas and wine, few people realise that the Spanish reinvented chocolate throughout Europe in the 16th century when they popularised sugar cane and sweetened the cocoa.
The ever-vibrant city of Barcelona is home to celebrated artisan chocolate stores and Museu de la Xocolata, a chocolate museum where you can take a guided tour and become a master chocolatier for a day.
When visiting Barcelona, be sure to sample Churros (a Spanish specialty) with chocolate sauce, and swing by Fargas, the oldest chocolate shop in Barcelona having opened in 1957.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is a humble city with roots leading all the way back to the origins of chocolate. Considered by Mexico as the birthplace of hot cocoa, Mexican chocolate often comes in the form of a hot drink, infused with cinnamon and other spices.
Chocolate can be found at almost every turn in Oaxaca, so be sure to stop by Mina Street and treat yourself to a cup of original hot chocolate from Mayordomo.
For more tasty travel information, get in touch with one of our personal travel managers.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
