Berlin and France have enjoyed close ties for centuries. Around 1700, roughly a quarter of Berliners had French relatives; after the Second World War, the French occupation had a profound influence on Berlin’s cityscape; and today, even the Eiffel Tower has a little brother in Berlin.
Tip 1: Visit the Eiffel Tower’s little brother
We can’t promise that a visit to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds will cure your homesickness. But it’s certainly worth a try. Because here, the little brother of what is arguably Paris’s most famous landmark awaits you: the Berlin Radio Tower. The architect Heinrich Straumer actually modelled the plans for its construction on the Eiffel Tower back in the day. Although the Radio Tower has lost some of its international significance since its grand opening in 1926, it’s still well worth a visit almost a hundred years later. In its day, the ‘Lange Lulatsch’ was considered a marvel of engineering , and it remains a popular destination today , as the view from its summit is simply fantastic.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Hammarskjöldplatz 1, Westend
Tip 2: Enjoy French cuisine at Berlin’s top restaurants
Upscale French cuisine has a few impressive strongholds in Berlin. The Paris Bar on Kantstraße has been a favourite haunt of stars and starlets in Charlottenburg for decades. And 3 Minutes Sur Mer is also an extremely popular spot amongst Francophile Berliners. From oysters to steak frites to crème brûlée, everything is on offer here – and who knows, you might even bump into a footballer or two!
When: 3 Minutes Sur Mer – Wednesday to Saturday from 6 pm to midnight / Paris Bar – Monday to Sunday from 12 noon to 1 am
Where: 3 Minutes Sur Mer, Torstraße 167, Mitte / Paris Bar, Kantstraße 152, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: Experience authentic French culture at the Institut Français Berlin and the Cinema Paris
The Institut Français is the go-to place for all things French culture, literature and language in Berlin. Founded in West Berlin in 1950, the Institut serves as a hub for Franco-German friendship and cultural exchange . Today, all sorts of events take place here, bringing French savoir-vivre to Berlin. Literary readings, political events, language courses and theatre performances are the order of the day. You’ll also find the popular Cinema Paris in the building – a cinema specialising in European and French films, which screens many films in their original language. Look forward to a French afternoon in West Berlin!
When: Institut Français Berlin – Opening hours vary depending on the event / Cinema Paris – Monday to Sunday from 3 pm to 9 pm
Where: Institut Français Berlin, Kurfürstendamm 211, Charlottenburg
Tip 4: Keep up with the latest French trends at the Centre Français de Berlin
With the Centre Français de Berlin, the capital offers you a second French cultural hotspot. Since its foundation, this cultural centre in Wedding has been committed to Franco-German friendship and European cohesion. It hosts a variety of courses, events and conferences on fascinating topics. And, of course, there’s a Euro 2024 programme on offer here too: you can cheer on your team in front of the open-air screen whilst enjoying a fresh draught beer. The perfect opportunity to explore Berlin’s former French sector!
When: Opening hours vary depending on the event
Where: Centre Français de Berlin, Müllerstraße 74, Wedding
More language courses in Berlin
Tip 5: Feast your way through authentic French delicatessens
There’s probably no better way to celebrate than with a sumptuous feast. Whether with friends in your own living room or on a picnic blanket in the park – with this wonderful July weather, there are no limits when it comes to where you can enjoy it. And you don’t have to miss out on authentic French ingredients either, as Berlin has plenty of great spots for French delicacies! Throw your shopping bag over your shoulder and head to Maître Philippe & Filles in Wilmersdorf or Le Flo in Prenzlauer Berg. Here you’ll find everything to delight the French palate: saucissons, pâtés, confits, cassoulets and much more. Bring on the next public viewing!
When: Maître Philippe & Filles – Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm / Le Flo – Tuesday to Friday from 1 pm to 7.30 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Maître Philippe & Filles, Emser Str. 42, Wilmersdorf / Le Flo, Husemannstraße 16, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 6: Sip a café au lait at La Maison on the Landwehr Canal
The Landwehr Canal is no longer a Berlin insider’s tip. It flows through Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Tiergarten and Charlottenburg, bringing a touch of maritime flair to Berlin. On sunny days, you could almost think the whole city is flocking to its banks. And so theFrench café La Maison on Kreuzberg’s Paul-Lincke-Ufer has foundthe perfect spot. It’s a lovely place to sit beneath a dense canopy of leaves, and the menu ranges from refreshing drinks and all sorts of coffee to delicious pastries. And once you’ve finished your drink, the French Berlin experience continues straight away: on a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, you can let your mind wander to the banks of the Seine!
When: Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm, Friday from 7 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm
Where: La Maison, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 17, Kreuzberg
Tip 7: Experience the art of French boulangerie at Aux Delices Normands
A hearty petit déjeuner is essential for a great start to the day. So how about a traditional French croissant from Aux Delices Normands? This French boulangerie and patisserie has been delighting Berliners with its delicacies since 1995. Countless sweet and savoury specialities find their way across the counter here every day, transforming hungry guests into satisfied connoisseurs. So let’s get going, because there’s one thing you mustn’t forget amidst all the action on the screen: watching such nerve-wracking matches can be quite exhausting. So make sure you keep your blood sugar levels steady with some French pastries – before and after the match!
When: Monday to Friday from 6.30 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 6.30 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 7.30 am to 4 pm
Where: Aux Delices Normands, Neue Kantstraße 26, Charlottenburg
Tip 8: Get ready for an evening of ball sports with a game of boules
France is a European leader in sport, and the European Football Championship is by no means the only proof of this. Our neighbours also shine in the Tour de France, on the ski slopes and on sailing ships. But alongside all this sporting excellence, one thing mustn’t be forgotten: the leisurely game of boules is, after all, regarded as something of an unofficial national sport. And not without good reason. For this game of balls demands just as much precision and stamina as its more action-packed counterparts, whilst still leaving time for conversation and fun. So, if you don’t want to get out of practice whilst you’re in Berlin, you can put your boules skills to the test at the courts in front of Charlottenburg Palace or in the park at Gleisdreieck.
When: Round the clock
Where: Charlottenburg Palace, Spandauer Damm 10–22, Charlottenburg / Park am Gleisdreieck, Möckernstraße 26, Kreuzberg
You can find more boules venues here
Tip 9: Enjoy a taste of Paris in Berlin
If Parisian cafés and restaurants are known for one thing, it’s their unique charm. In the French capital, the many cosy seating areas outside the establishments play a key role in this. After all, what could be better than watching city life go by with a cool drink in hand? You can do exactly that here too, at French-inspired hotspots in west Berlin such as Café Manzini or Restaurant Bostich in Wilmersdorf. The latter even boasts typical French décor: round red tables exude that Parisian way of life!
When: Restaurant Bostich – Monday to Friday from 5 pm to midnight, Saturday from 4 pm to midnight and Sunday from 4 pm to 9.30 pm / Café Restaurant Manzini – Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 1 am
Where: Restaurant Bostich, Ludwigkirchstraße 10A, Wilmersdorf / Café Restaurant Manzini, Ludwigkirchstraße 11, Wilmersdorf
Tip 10: Browse through French literature
The right book is an important companion. If you’ve left your favourite read at home or have already finished it, we’ve got just the place for you. The French bookshop ZADIG is a mecca for lovers of French literature. Here you’ll find books from all genres and eras across 137 square metres. Happy browsing!
When: Mondays from 2 pm to 7 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: ZADIG, Gipsstraße 12, Mitte
Tip 11: Be on cloud nine with French wine and cheese
Cheese and wine go together just as well as a football and a ball – if not even better. You can put this theory to the test for yourselves at La Cantine d’Augusta in Schöneberg. This small but exquisite delicatessen specialises in French cheese and wine, bringing unrivalled delight to the area around Kleistpark. Set off on a stroll through the streets of Schöneberg, which in some places are almost reminiscent of Paris. Your visit to La Cantine d’Augusta will convince you of this, if nothing else!
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 4.30 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm
Where: La Cantine d’Augusta, Langenscheidtstraße 6A, Schöneberg
