Delve into the delectable history of chocolate and sample the confectionary as you find out about the different ways that it is produced around the world.

Cologne’s Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum) presents an extensive history of one of the world’s favorite treats, from its South American beginnings to modern production methods of Swiss chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli. Learn how the delicious confectionary is made as you follow the process from cacao tree to chocolate bar. Located in the historic Old Town district of Cologne’s Rheinauhafen, the museum’s interesting architecture makes it a landmark building in the revitalized harbor quarter.

Explore nine areas spread across 43,000 square feet (4,000 square meters) of exhibition space in the Chocolate Museum. As you enter, sample a small chocolate bar that was produced on the production line operating in the museum. Watch the chocolate being produced from start to finish on the in-house machines. Discover the history of chocolate, when the Olmecs, Aztecs and Mayans began to produce the “drink of the gods.” Follow the timeline of chocolate through the Baroque age to industrialization and the different styles of gourmet refinement that we know today.

In the Chocolate Cinema watch commercials for chocolate products dating from 1926 to the present. View porcelain from the 17th and 18th centuries and pre-Columbian Mesoamerican bowls that were used for drinking chocolate. See the different molds for setting chocolate and machines that were used to produce the confectionary throughout history.

Stroll through the museum’s tropical greenhouse, which houses a collection of flourishing cacao trees. Don’t miss a visit to the magnificent golden chocolate fountain, which stands almost 10 feet (3 meters) tall. Museum staff will dip a wafer in the liquid chocolate for you to try. Pick up delicious souvenirs at the museum shop. At the Chocolat Grand Café, try tasty varieties of hot chocolate and dessert dishes.

Find the Chocolate Museum in Cologne’s historic Rheinauhafen (harbor quarter). Ride a bus to the stop near the museum otherwise walk for 10 minutes from the nearest subway station. The museum is open daily except Mondays in November. Guided tours are available for groups. Admission price covers the samples. Pay extra to select ingredients to manufacture your own custom chocolate.

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Mauritius Komfort Hotel in der Altstadt

Innenstadt

per person

Jun. 24 - Jun. 26

found 10 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

London (LON) to Cologne (CGN)

8/10 Very Good! (142 reviews)

Stayed at this hotel due to its close proximity to the Cologne Christmas Markets and because we required a triple room. The location of the hotel is convenient - close to tram stop and a few mins walking distance of the Christmas Market at Heumarkt. There is also a great Brauhaus just around the corner for German beer and food. However, the hotel is on a main road and the traffic was incredibly noisy - even after midnight you should expect to hear drunken shouting, sirens, fast cars driving past etc outside. Our room was also located opposite the elevator, so we could hear every guest on our floor using it and all of their conversations. On our second night a male guest was very loud returning from their night out and as they got off the elevator around 2am they purposefully banged on our door very loudly which was a little scary (I assume they were drunk). If choosing to stay here, keep your doors firmly locked and pack ear plugs if you want any sleep. In terms of cleanliness, it was quite a dusty room. The sink was very slow to drain water. There was also occasionally a “dirty pipe/sewage” smell in the bathroom - I imagine the sinks need some drain unblocker/cleaning products! Beds are quite hard and pillows are very lumpy. On a positive note, the staff we did encounter seemed friendly - check in and check out was quick and easy. Overall, we chose this hotel purely for location and convenience, but would not choose to stay here again.

Reviewed on Dec. 11, 2023

Mauritius Hotel & Therme

Innenstadt

per person

Jun. 24 - Jun. 26

found 10 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

London (LON) to Cologne (CGN)

8/10 Very Good! (435 reviews)

Property was great, although our access cards stopped working a few times and had to be reprogrammed by the desk staff. Room was wonderful. Spa was nice, but if your coming from outside of europe, do your research on european spas, it can be a culture shock.

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne - MGallery

Innenstadt

per person

Jun. 24 - Jun. 26

found 10 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

London (LON) to Cologne (CGN)

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)

Wonderful place to stay when visiting Cologne. Very convenient location

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

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