Cologne’s Schokoladenmuseum (schokoladenmuseum.de; adult/concession €15.50/9 Mon-Fri, €17/10.50 Sat & Sun) is a sleek, boat-shaped temple to cacao, sugar and milk, anchored at the tip of the old city port just south of the Altstadt.
This high-tech temple to the art of chocolate making has plenty of engaging exhibits on the 5000-year cultural history of the "elixir of the gods" (as the Aztecs called it) as well as on the cocoa-growing process. The walk-through tropical forest is a highlight, although most visitors are more enthralled by the glass-walled miniature production facility and a sample at the chocolate fountain.
You can also learn about the mysteries of truffle making, find out how chocolate bunnies are born, have a bespoke chocolate bar created in the workshop and, of course, stop in the museum shop to stock up on your favorite flavors.