Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Midtown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Midtown
1. Hershey's Chocolate World
Times Square’s multi-level shrine to cocoa where the scent of fresh-baked cookies and warm s’mores spills onto the sidewalks. Expect towering candy walls, over-the-top milkshakes, and hands-on customizations that turn chocolate into a souvenir.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most immersive big-brand chocolate experience in Midtown, complete with personalize-your-own bars and made-to-order s’mores.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Before noon or after 9 pm to avoid peak Times Square crowds and lines at the customization counters.
✓ Insider Tip:
Create a custom Reese’s “Stuff Your Cup” and design a personalized Hershey’s bar wrapper—both are quick, giftable wins.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but joyful; families and sweet-tooths love the spectacle and friendly staff, though prices reflect the prime location.
2. M&M'S New York
A color-drenched, multi-story playground for M&M’s fans just off Broadway. Browse a massive wall of hues, themed merchandise, and a station that prints your message onto chocolate.
✓ Why Go:
Personalize M&M’s with names, dates, or skyline icons—pure Midtown memorabilia for chocolate lovers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late night; it’s open late and far calmer after theater curtains fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a short phrase ready for the printer and build a custom color mix—New York–exclusive designs rotate seasonally.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cheerful and photogenic; kids adore it, adults enjoy the nostalgia. Can feel crowded and candy-by-the-pound adds up.
3. Angelina Paris Bryant Park
A Belle Époque tearoom steps from Bryant Park serving the cult-favorite, ultra-thick L’Africain hot chocolate and exquisite pastries like the Mont-Blanc.
✓ Why Go:
For a sit-down, Paris-meets-Midtown chocolate ritual—rich sipping chocolate, porcelain cups, and a graceful pause from city rush.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for minimal waits; winter afternoons are perfect for warming up after the park.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Signature Angelina set (hot chocolate plus Mont-Blanc) to share; walk-in only, so arrive early on weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Decadent and elegant; service is warmly praised. Some find the chocolate very sweet, but most call it a memorable Midtown indulgence.
4. La Maison du Chocolat
Rockefeller Center’s refined French chocolatier known for feather-light ganaches, pristine pralines, and a deeply comforting hot chocolate.
✓ Why Go:
A masterclass in balance and texture—ideal for tasting flights and luxe gifts before or after Top of the Rock.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning on weekdays to browse in peace before plaza crowds swell.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff to curate a mini tasting of contrasting ganaches, then take a hot chocolate to sip under the flags on Fifth.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Sophisticated and consistent; packaging and presentation wow. Premium pricing, premium experience.
5. Lindt
A gleaming Fifth Avenue boutique stacked with pick‑and‑mix Lindor truffles, seasonal bars, and gift tins you won’t find in supermarkets.
✓ Why Go:
Build a custom bag with limited flavors and New York sleeves—perfect for easy, elegant souvenirs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening on weekdays; Fifth Avenue foot traffic dips between rushes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Weigh a test selection before committing to a full bag; keep an eye out for rotating promos on bulk truffles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd‑pleaser with friendly sampling; reliable Swiss smoothness at fair value during sales.
6. Venchi Chocolate & Gelato
An Italian chocogelateria near Columbus Circle where gianduja and cremino meet lush gelato and a cascading chocolate wall.
✓ Why Go:
For silky Piedmontese flavors and the joy of a cone lined with warm chocolate before a stroll through Central Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon post‑park or evenings; weekend lines move quickly but form early.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order Chocoviar gelato with a dark‑chocolate drizzle and grab cremino squares to take home.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Luxurious yet approachable; staff is generous with tastes and families love the spectacle.
7. Teuscher Chocolates
A jewel box along Rockefeller Center’s Channel Gardens famed for ethereal Swiss champagne truffles flown in weekly.
✓ Why Go:
To sample classic European bonbons at peak freshness in one of Midtown’s most photogenic plazas.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday midday to dodge plaza rushes and get attentive guidance on selections.
✓ Insider Tip:
Champagne truffles are best enjoyed within days; buy a small box and savor them on a nearby bench.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by purists; quality justifies the splurge and gift packaging wins hearts.
8. Leonidas Belgian Chocolates
A Midtown East stalwart for fresh Belgian pralines, buttercreams, and the cult‑favorite Manon Café.
✓ Why Go:
Classic flavors, friendly service, and build‑your‑own assortments ideal for office gifts or hotel‑room treats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or mid‑afternoon; it’s busiest just after 5 pm on weekdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about shelf life—many creams skip preservatives—then mix a small box to enjoy the same day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Old‑world charm and repeat‑worthy favorites; regulars praise freshness and staff guidance.
9. Li-Lac Chocolates
Manhattan’s heritage chocolatier inside Grand Central Market, turning out nostalgic molds, caramels, and buttercrunch with old‑school technique.
✓ Why Go:
For vintage New York flavors and commuter‑friendly gifting in a landmark terminal.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early afternoon; avoid the commuter crush from 5–7 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dark chocolate orange peels and French mints are sleeper hits—ask for a protective box if you’ll be sightseeing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Charming and reliable; portions are generous and the classics taste like memory.
10. Bibble & Sip
A cozy Midtown café with French‑Asian pastries and house‑made marshmallows crowning rich hot chocolates and mochas.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect pre‑show or post‑matinee cocoa with photogenic chocolate cream puffs and seasonal riffs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for seats or after 7 pm when the pre‑theater rush subsides.
✓ Insider Tip:
Cream puffs sell out—snag a chocolate special early and ask about limited small‑batch flavors on the board.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lines but lots of smiles; travelers love the balanced sweetness and friendly vibe near the theaters.
