Do you want to discover the sweetest place on the map of Brussels? Welcome! The Choco-Story Brussels Museum is located in the heart of the city. As soon as you step inside, the captivating aroma of cocoa will awaken your appetite for adventure and take you on a fascinating journey through the history and secrets of chocolate production. You’ll finish your visit with a must-try tasting of Belgian treats. Sounds tempting? Then let’s go!
This is the land of chocolate, waffles, fries and beer. See the best attractions in Belgium!
Choco-Story Brussels – photos
How often do you crave chocolate? Today, you can buy a bar of this treat in almost any grocery store. But it hasn’t always been readily available on store shelves. Before it reached local shops, massive supermarkets, or chocolate lounges, it had to travel a long way across the ocean to Europe. As is usually the case in museums, a visit to Choco-Story begins with a deep dive into history.
All the exhibits in the “House of Chocolate” are carefully prepared and exceptionally pleasing to the eye. They tell an intriguing story about the ancient civilizations of the Maya and Aztecs, who discovered the extraordinary power of cocoa beans. From them, we also learned how, in the 16th century, chocolate made its way from South America to the Old Continent, thanks to Spanish conquistadors. The exhibits also showcase the methods of cocoa cultivation around the world and the development of industrial chocolate production in Europe.
Initially, chocolate was consumed as a bitter drink, often with added spices. In the 18th century, sugar and milk were introduced in Europe, which made this drink milder in taste and more accessible to a wider audience, thus making it more popular. It was particularly favored at royal courts. Special porcelain cups and silver or ceramic jugs were used to drink hot chocolate. At Choco-Story, you can see the entire collection of these items.
The Brussels chocolate museum requires quite a bit of engagement from its visitors. For the tour, it’s a good idea to prepare your senses and minds, as you’ll also need agility and speed. Competing in a timed cocoa bean grinding challenge, using interactive screens, virtual games and activities, and familiarizing yourself with the scents of various spices—these and other attractions will ensure you won’t be bored here, and your visit to the museum will stay in your memory for a long time.
One of the biggest advantages of Choco-Story Brussels is the chocolate master shows and the opportunity to take part in workshops. While admiring the precision and passion of the professionals, you can observe how sweet wonders are created and even make your own personalized chocolate bar. Of course, there will also be tastings. At Choco-Story Brussels, you’ll have the chance to try various types of chocolate – from dark to milk to white. We are sure its taste will amaze you.
At the end of your visit to the museum, be sure to check out a few spots where you can take amazing souvenir photos. If you’re visiting with family, a partner, or friends, make sure to pose under the glowing neon sign with the positive message “All we need is love and chocolate.” Do you like dress-up? In one of the rooms, you’ll find a space dedicated to fun photo shoots. Put on sailor outfits, snap a photo, and a few moments later, it will be sent to your email.
If anyone ever tries to convince you that chocolate is bad, show them the photo below. It lists all the health benefits of this treat. And if scientific arguments don’t work, remember the well-known logical reasoning: chocolate comes from the cocoa tree, the cocoa tree is a plant, so chocolate is a salad! Consuming it in moderation shouldn’t harm you. Enjoy and to your health!
Chocolate Museum Brussels – tickets
The ticket prices for Choco-Story Brussels are as follows:
- Regular ticket for adults aged 27-64: €14
- Discounted ticket for children, teenagers, and adults aged 12-26: €10
- Discounted ticket for children aged 3-11: €8
- Children aged 0-2 enter for free
- Seniors aged 65 and above: €12
- People with disabilities: €12
Participation in chocolate workshops costs €45 per person.
Choco-Story Brussels – opening hours
The Chocolate and Cocoa Museum Choco-Story in Brussels is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry).
Chocolate Museum Belgium – visiting time
- For an individual visit to Choco-Story, it’s recommended to reserve at least one hour, but ideally two hours.
- Chocolate workshops last about 45-60 minutes.
Choco-Story Brussels – how to get?
The Chocolate Museum in Brussels can be found at Rue de l’Ă©tuve, Stoofstraat 41, 1000 Bruxelles.
- On foot/by bike. The attraction is just a 5-minute walk or 1-minute bike ride from the Grand Place, the historic center of Brussels.
- Metro. The nearest metro stations are Bourse, Anneessens-Fontains, and Bruxelles-Central.
- Bus. The nearest bus stops are Manneken-Pis and Grand-Place.
- Tram. The nearest tram stop is Bourse.
- Car. Choco-Story Brussels is located in an area with limited parking options. The museum does not have its own parking lot, and parking in the narrow streets around the museum can be challenging. The area around the museum is a paid parking zone, marked as the “orange zone”. Fees apply from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Private underground parking facilities are available nearby. One of them is Interparking Grand Place, located at Rue du MarchĂ© Aux Herbes 104, about a 5-minute walk from Choco-Story Brussels.
Chocolate Museum Brussels – interesting facts and tips
- Brussels is considered the world capital of chocolate. The city is home to several hundred chocolate shops, some of which, like Neuhaus and Godiva, trace their roots back to the 19th century.
- Brussels Airport is the largest chocolate seller in the world, with annual sales of around 860 tons of this sweet treat.
- If we were to visit Brussels again, we would definitely take part in the chocolate workshops offered by Choco-Story. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for them, but you still have the opportunity to join.
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Choco-Story Brussels – opinions / reviews
- Patrix –
- Wiolczix – 7/10. A beautiful and “photogenic” museum with a charming interior and decorations, full of interesting facts and interactive attractions. The chocolate (especially the white one) tasted truly exceptional here. A must-see for sweet lovers (like Patryk, for example). If I had to choose one place in Brussels related to chocolate that everyone must visit, it would definitely be Choco-Story.
Chocolate Museum Belgium – frequently asked questions
Is it worth visiting Choco-Story?
Yes, Choco-Story in Brussels is a fantastic place for chocolate lovers and those curious about its history. The museum offers interactive exhibitions, tastings, and live demonstrations, making the visit both educational and delicious. You can learn about the evolution of chocolate from the times of the Mayans and Aztecs to modern-day chocolate bars and pralines. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and tourists looking to discover one of Belgium’s most important products.
What is Choco-Story in Brussels about?
Choco-Story is a museum dedicated to the history of chocolate, its origins, and production methods. Exhibitions show how ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs used cocoa, as well as how chocolate made its way to Europe. Visitors can see the process of creating Belgian pralines and participate in tastings. The museum portrays chocolate both as an element of culture and as a delightful treat.
How much time should you spend at Choco-Story in Brussels?
A visit to Choco-Story typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and interest of the visitors. If you want to explore all the exhibitions, watch a master chocolatier’s demonstration, and participate in tastings, it may take a little longer. The chocolate workshops can extend the visit by about an hour. Audio guides are available, allowing you to customize the tour according to your preferences.
Why is Brussels famous for chocolate?
Brussels has been a center of high-quality chocolate production for centuries, gaining worldwide recognition. In the 19th century, Belgians perfected the praline-making process, making them famous worldwide. The city is home to over 2,000 chocolate shops and numerous factories that still use traditional chocolate-making methods. Famous brands like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas are based in Brussels.
Why are Belgians so good at making chocolate?
Belgium has a long-standing tradition of chocolate production, and its recipes and techniques have been perfected over generations. They use high-quality cocoa beans, and their chocolate contains more cocoa than many other countries, which contributes to its rich taste. The tempering process and handcrafting techniques give pralines their exceptional smoothness and delicacy. Belgians are also pioneers in creating innovative flavors and fillings, which distinguishes their chocolate from others.
Where is the best chocolate in the world?
Belgium and Switzerland are often considered the countries producing the best chocolate in the world. Belgian pralines and Swiss milk chocolate are renowned for their excellent quality and unique flavor. High-quality chocolate is also produced in France, Italy, and Venezuela, where rare varieties of cocoa are used. Ultimately, the best chocolate comes down to personal preference, but Belgian pralines are undoubtedly among the most highly regarded in the world.
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Choco-Story Brussels – map
Choco-Story is located just a few meters away from the most famous symbol of Brussels, Manneken Pis.
