European chocolate concentrates in specific cities. Here's the honest sort.
Tier 1 — destination chocolate cities
- Brussels: Belgian chocolate — Mary, Pierre Marcolini, Wittamer, Neuhaus, Galler. The chocolate capital.
- Bruges: Belgian chocolate at concentration. The Choco-Story Museum.
- Turin, Italy: Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate) origin. Caffarel + Guido Gobino.
- Zurich + Geneva: Swiss chocolate flagships — Sprüngli, Lindt, Maison Cailler.
- Vienna: Demel + Sacher chocolate tradition.
Tier 2 — strong chocolate cities
- Paris: Patrick Roger, Pierre Hermé, Jean-Paul Hévin.
- Salzburg: Mozartkugel — the chocolate-marzipan-pistachio ball.
- Barcelona: Pastry tradition includes strong chocolate.
- Florence: Italian chocolate + Tuscan pastries.
Strategy
- Chocolate workshops: Most major chocolate cities offer 2-3 hour workshops.
- Don't buy at airport: Markup is 30-50%.
- Best season: Year-round; avoid summer carry-on (melts in airport heat).