Of all that has been said about chocolate, perhaps Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat, summed it up perfectly when she wrote, "Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive."

For many, the words "chocolate" and "vacation" spark an immediate warmth, conjuring images of delightful indulgence and exciting new discoveries. Perhaps it's a coincidence-or maybe it's sweet destiny-that Wego data over the last 12 months reveals that among GCC travellers, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland are consistently among the top searched destinations in Europe, while Mexico holds a strong position as a leading choice in the Americas. This World Chocolate Day, these beloved locales also double as chocolate havens, where rich traditions and irresistible flavors await discovery.

A simple treat, a global celebration

On July 7, we celebrate World Chocolate Day, commemorating the historic introduction of chocolate to Europe in the 1500s. This annual tribute isn't just about indulgence-it's about joy, comfort, and the shared memories that chocolate so often stirs. 

The best way to celebrate World Chocolate Day is to honour traditions and indulge in the deliciousness of cocoa without overthinking it.

Other ways World Chocolate Day is celebrated are:

• Try out a new chocolate recipe. Invite your loved ones to bake or cook with you and make new memories over chocolate.
• Visit your favourite restaurant or cafe and order your favourite chocolate dessert.
• Try out a new chocolate that you have never tried before, perhaps from another country.
• Revisit your favourite classics, or read a new book that involves chocolate. We are particularly partial to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Chocolate Sundae Mystery and Chocolat. 

Once you've indulged locally, it's time to explore the world's most beloved chocolate destinations.

Explore the sweet trails

Beyond tasting chocolate at home, why not explore the places where it's deeply woven into local life? From historic cafes to immersive museums, these destinations turn cocoa into an unforgettable cultural experience.

Oaxaca City, Mexico

Make your way to Oaxaca City, Mexico's chocolate heart and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where the legacy of cacao runs deep. Ancient sites like Monte Albán offer a rich backdrop to this flavourful journey.

At markets like 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez, vendors grind cacao beans with sugar, almonds, and cinnamon to create soul-warming cups of traditional hot chocolate.

Wander into Chocolates La Soledad or stroll Calle Trujano, where shops like Chocolate Mayordomo and Chocolat Bonnat share the street with indie chocolatiers. For a modern twist, sip a cup at the minimalist cafe Mamá Pacha Chocolate, Instagram-worthy and indulgent.

Barcelona, Spain

While we don't know exactly who first brought cocoa beans to Europe, historians agree they arrived in Spain in the late 1500s - a precious "food of the Gods" from Central America. Today, vibrant Spain, renowned for its beaches, flamenco, and cuisine, is also a haven for chocolate lovers, with Barcelona shining as a key destination.

Indulge your senses on a dedicated chocolate tasting tour, where you'll sample diverse flavors like a seasoned connoisseur. Or, chart your own sweet day starting at Barcelona's Museu de la Xocolata. This "sweet sanctuary" tells the tale of chocolate, from its sacred origins in Mesoamerican ceremonies to its decadent rise in European salons. Wander among whimsical chocolate sculptures or roll up your sleeves in a hands-on workshop, molding cocoa dreams into reality. It's a delicious blend of history, art, and just the right amount of mischief.

Turin, Italy

Italy embraced chocolate with unmatched passion after its introduction from Spain in the late 1500s, and today, Turin remains at the heart of this sweet legacy. This Piedmontese city invites chocolate lovers to savour centuries-old delicacies like luxurious truffles, velvety pralines, and indulgent gelato.

Iconic cafes such as Pfatisch, Stratta, and the historic Caffé Al Bicerin enchant visitors with their timeless charm, serving unique creations like chocolate-infused coffee and the decadent 18th-century treat Merenda Reale. For an experience "one for the books," step onto Turin's Choco Tram on June 15, 2025.

Glide through old cobblestone streets, tasting delightful giandujotti while storytellers share enchanting tales. At Choco-Story Torino, the Museum of Chocolate and Gianduja, every delicious bite transports you deeper into Turin's captivating chocolate past.

Paris, France 

Paris proudly stands as one of the world's chocolate capitals, a far cry from its 17th-century origins when chocolate was a rare aristocratic indulgence. Today, its allure has solidified its place in Parisian gastronomy. Experience this regal history at iconic houses like Debauve & Gallais, suppliers to Queen Marie Antoinette, or step back in time at À la Mère de Famille.

The city is also sprinkled with prestigious chocolatiers such as Jean-Paul Hevin, Patrick Roger, Jacques Genin, and La Maison du Chocolat, each offering indulgent creations from daring ganaches to timeless pralines. For an unparalleled celebration, plan your autumn visit around Le Salon du Chocolat (Oct 29 to Nov 2, 2025). As the world's largest chocolate event, it's a five-day festival of magic-complete with workshops, tastings, live demos, and a unique chocolate haute couture runway. It's a delicious reminder that in Paris, chocolate is truly a cultural celebration.

Brussels, Belgium 

From the people who modernized the chocolate, we take our journey to the present chocolate capital of the world and the heart of Belgium-Brussels.

Every corner of Brussels has its own tale to tell, with chocolatiers and their chocolates. We recommend taking a gastronomic walking tour to experience Brussels's best choco magic. However, you can also skip to the Belgian Chocolate Village in Koekelberg and learn about the history of chocolates before indulging in a demonstration of how chocolates are made in Choco-Story Brussels.

Another unique experience you ought to indulge in is taking a chocolate-making class from master chocolatiers. Several places in Brussels offer chocolate-making classes to tourists, like Choco-Story Brussels, Belgian Chocolate Village, Planète Chocolat, and Belgian Chocolate Workshop. We recommend registering for the workshops on the official website of the chocolate places before visiting for a smooth experience.

Fribourg, Switzerland

As the renowned homeland of Lindor and the historic home of Toblerone, Switzerland stands as perhaps the most famous country for chocolate and a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

Broc in the Gruyère district of Fribourg canton is one of the most notable stops in Switzerland for chocoholics. It is home to the Chocolate Museum of Maison Cailler, where you can learn about the history of the famous Chocolat Cailler, witness the chocolate-making process, and taste it. Finally, you get an "all-you-can-eat selection of Cailler chocolates" and join a chocolate-making class before leaving Atelier du Chocolat.

If time constraints cause a hindrance between you and the Turin Choco Tram, then you have an entire train waiting for you in Gruyère. Le Train du Chocolat, or the Chocolate Train, runs between Montreux and the Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory at Broc, offering a seven to eight hour scenic train ride through the Swiss countryside, accompanied by coffee and chocolate croissants, a free show at La Maison du Gruyère, and a free admission to the chocolate factory of Nestle Cailler.

Birmingham, UK

While Birmingham or the UK might not immediately spring to mind for iconic chocolate destinations, this is the beloved homeland of Cadbury! Our chocolate exploration wouldn't be complete without a delightful detour to the enchanting Cadbury World in Bournville. Home to the UK's largest Cadbury store, this immersive attraction offers a journey through chocolate heaven.

If you're a fan of the classic Bournville chocolate bar, you'll be thrilled to discover that the charming town of Bournville is home to Cadbury World - an immersive attraction offering a journey through chocolate heaven, complete with the UK's largest Cadbury store.

We can imagine Cadbury World as this vibrant, chocolate-themed entertainment zone set up for us to uncover the fascinating Cadbury story through engaging presentations and even a 4D cinema experience. Journey through a captivating Aztec Jungle to learn the ancient origins of the cocoa bean, and snap some fun pictures in front of the Cadbury green screen.

If little adventurers are accompanying you, they are bound to be thrilled with the African Adventure Play Area, a dedicated space for them to explore and play. To ensure your chocolatey escapade begins smoothly, remember to pre-book your tickets online through the official Cadbury World website. 

Ready for your sweet escape?

Our exploration of the world's chocolate havens ends here, but your adventure is just beginning. This World Chocolate Day, discover how each destination offers a unique taste of global culture and unforgettable memories.

Bon voyage, and sweet travels! 

This article was first published in Wego.