We made a stop in Belgium on our way from Paris to Rotterdam. Even though it was short, it packed in a mix of fun, learning, and a little luxury. From indulging in the world of chocolate to dipping our toes (literally) into the hotel pool, it was a perfect quick trip.
Lucas and Henry had Chocolate Nation circled on the calendar. This chocolate museum claims to be the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, and after visiting, we’re inclined to believe them. It wasn’t just a museum—it was a full-on chocolate experience.
We walked through interactive exhibits explaining the journey of chocolate—from cocoa bean to truffle. We talked about cacao farming and the global chocolate trade, tying it into some of the worldschooling topics we’ve covered around geography and food production. It’s always nice when learning tastes this good. The smells alone were enough to excite everyone, but the real winner was the tasting section (no surprise there). From milk chocolate to dark and even ruby chocolate–we were all in heaven.
After Chocolate Nation, we headed to DIVA, Antwerp’s diamond museum, which showcases the city’s long history in the diamond and jewelry trade. The exhibits were beautifully curated, with historical pieces, interactive displays, and multimedia storytelling.
Lucas and Henry? They lasted about 15 minutes before asking when we were going back for more chocolate. To be fair, diamonds don’t sparkle quite as bright when you’re 12 and 14. Still, they stuck it out and gave us a few “Wow, that’s shiny” moments, which we’ll count as a win.
Michael and I appreciated the craftsmanship and the history was fascinating. We especially enjoyed learning how Antwerp became a global hub for diamond cutting and trade.
After a full day of walking, learning, and eating chocolate, we indulged at the Crowne Plaza Antwerp. The boys were thrilled to discover the indoor pool, and we appreciated the gym. Best of all— there is a sparkling water dispensers on every floor. A small detail, but one I loved. The rooms were comfortable and modern, and it was the perfect place to wind down before continuing our travels.
The contrast between Lucas and Henry’s chocolate-fueled excitement and their polite endurance through the diamond museum gave us a few laughs and reminded us that not every stop has to be a hit with everyone—but it all adds up in the end. Antwerp may be known as the diamond capital, but for our crew, the real gem was the chocolate.
