Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations for Chocolate Lovers

Travel Center / General Report

Summer vacation is just around the corner, and have you planned your holiday trip yet? If you’re always drawn to the rich, velvety taste of chocolate, quickly add these spots to your must-visit list. According tonational geographicthe world’s top ten destinations that every chocolate lover should experience. Each offers something unique and has its own loyal following. Let chocolate take you on a multi-layered, fantastical adventure.

World’s Top Ten Chocolate Sanctuaries:

1. Maison Cailler, Broc, Switzerland(Broc, Switzerland)

In Broc, Switzerland, Maison Cailler is the oldest chocolate brand, having operated its chocolate factory since 1898. Come visit to learn how the most famous chocolates are made and indulge in the best and most generous factory chocolate tastings.
 

▲The rich aroma of Cailler chocolate production in the late 19th century. (Photo / from theCailler fan page))

▲The Cailler chocolate shop, fully stocked with treats. (Photo / from theCailler fan page))

2. Magnolia Bakery, New York City, USA(New York City)

This cozy 1950s-style pastry shop, Magnolia Bakery, is where the characters from the TV series Sex and the City often stopped for frosted cupcakes. Here you’ll find red velvet, violet, and all kinds of colorful chocolate cupcakes that make you want to try them all. Plus, desserts like banana pudding, cookies, berry cheesecake, and brownies are sure to make any girl’s heart flutter.

▲Colorful cupcakes that make you want to take a bite. (Photo / from theMagnolia official website))

▲Rich caramel whipped cream cake. (Photo / from theMagnolia official website))

3.Max Brenner, New York City, USA(New York City)

At Max Brenner, the most famous item is the hug-mug chocolate — a lovable hot chocolate mug design. This Broadway-based café and restaurant offers an array of amazing cocoa delights, from chocolate truffle martinis to chocolate fountains.

▲The Hug-Mug Chocolate warms both body and soul. (Photo / from theMax Brenner fan page))

▲A grand platter of chocolate fruit ice cream. (Photo / from theMax Brenner fan page))

▲Chocolate Pizza. (Photo / from theMax Brenner fan page))

4. Maya Chocolate, Tabasco, Mexico(Tabasco, Mexico)

This place is like the birthplace of chocolate, offering the wildest and most authentic chocolate experience. Try the Mayan-style thick, foamy, bittersweet chocolate with its unique hint of chili pepper — it will definitely redefine your idea of chocolate. Spanish conquerors later introduced sweetness, cinnamon, crushed almonds, and milk to chocolate, creating a variety of delightful flavors. Why not try both? There’s also a cocoa museum and large estates you can visit nearby.

▲The wild flavor of Maya Hot Chocolate. (Photo / from theMayaLaChocolaterie fan page)

▲Colorful chocolate candies. (Photo / Reposted fromMayaLaChocolaterie fan page)

5. Sachertorte, Vienna, Austria(Vienna, Austria)

Spread apricot jam on a chocolate sponge cake, then coat it with dark chocolate glaze — Sachertorte was invented in 1832 by a young man named Franz Sacher who worked at a pastry shop, aiming to impress his employer. When you visit, be sure to try this traditional Viennese chocolate cake that has been around since the early 19th century, and check out the only four Sacher shops in Vienna.


 ▲Traditional Austrian dessert, Sachertorte — a dark chocolate sponge cake. (Photo / Reposted fromsacher.com)

6.Italian Hot Chocolate, Turin, Italy(Turin, Italy)
    In Italy’s chocolate capital, you must sip a cup of hot chocolate. This rich, piping-hot, delightfully bitter treat topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream is the perfect antidote to winter chill.

▲Italian Hot Chocolate with Cream — the perfect pairing.(Photo / Reposted from Wikipedia)

The other four are:
7. Valrhona Chocolate, Tain-l’Hermitage, Drôme, France(Tain l’Hermitage, France)
8. Chocolate and Churros, Madrid, Spain(Madrid, Spain)
9.Nemesis, River Café, London, United Kingdom(London, England)
10.Chocolate Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom(Bournemouth, England)

The invention of chocolate has a history spanning several hundred years, evolving and being passed down in various forms — it’s definitely worth a visit for any chocolate lover.