Christopher Columbus brought cocoa beans back to Europe from the New World, and the French, Spanish, and Italians have been doing amazing things with this product ever since. Even chocolate bars sold at corner stores are delicious, while handmade treats from upscale chocolatiers are usually outstanding. While you’re at it, pick up some rich cocoa powder to take home with you.

Where to Go: Spain was was the first of European nation to discover chocolate (Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes brought back the original recipe from the Aztecs in the 16th century), and Barcelona has carried on that tradition with its artisanal chocolatiers. At Cacao Sampaka, you can pick up a bags of the cocoa powder used to make an amazing drinking chocolate.