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Spotlight On: Chocolate Museum In Barcelona

If you love chocolate as much as we do, you’ll want to put Barcelona, Spain, on the map for your next vacation. That’s because the world-famous chocolate museum - or Museu de la Xocolata - lives here.

Image: oh-Barcelona.com, Flickr

It may be one of the smaller offerings in Barcelona, but what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in everything else! Showcasing the history of the food favorite in Europe, you’ll learn where it came from, how it was made and how it got to us (praise be).

It is no coincidence, however, that it lives here; indeed, chocolate has played a vital role in the social and economic makeup of Barcelona since the 15th century due to its port location, which was used for trading.

What’s more, it's actually housed in the old monastery of Sant Agustí, which - when used as army barracks in the 18th century - delivered the sweet treat to its soldiers every morning for breakfast, leading to the nickname ‘Chocolateros’ being given to the King’s personal guard!

Tantalizing every one of your senses, be prepared for temptation like no other. Fortunately, you’re not only free but encouraged to indulge yourself every step of the way.

What to expect

On entering, you’ll be met with the first quirk - a chocolate bar ticket! And if you tell them where you’re from, they’ll give you one with your country’s flag on! Hard to top, you might be thinking, but trust us when we say it continues to deliver throughout your visit.

The history part of the museum tour - lined with cocoa plants - will tell you that choice confection was brought to Europe from the Mayan and Aztec empires of South America by Columbus to present as a gift to Queen Isabella. It did not, however, prove to be a popular drink until the addition of sugar or honey to sweeten it.

You will then discover the recipe of ‘Xocatl’ - the Aztec cocoa drink - and its importance to the ancient cultures of Latin America, before discovering its history in Europe and influence on both baking and art, which you’ll soon see in the form of sculptures, paintings and famous landmarks of Barcelona - including an intricate model of the La Sagrada Familia!

Once you’ve geeked up on the history, get ready to immerse yourself in the manufacturing process - from the grinding of dried cocoa beans to molding bars. Then you’re free to spend as much time as you can possibly justify in the museum shop buying more candy than you’ll know what to do with, as well as sitting down in the café and sampling a mug of the original Xocoatl. Mmmm.

One of our favorite things about this place - other than the obvious, of course - is that it offers a regularly updated calendar of events, tours and workshops in Spanish, Catalan and English. And, like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get (although you can safely assume that it’s going to involve a lot of licking, tasting and making!)!

Opening hours

The Museu de la Xocolata is open Monday to Saturday - 10 AM to 7 PM, Sunday and Public Holidays - 10 AM to 3 PM.

The last entrance to the museum is 30 minutes before closing, but you should schedule at least one hour for the visit

Ticket prices

From $7.

Other attractions near the museum