10 Travel Tips for Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest in Munich is hands-down one of the coolest cultural experiences you can have. It’s definitely a bucket list experience worth prioritizing PTO for. If you’re a working professional trying to soak it all in, these Oktoberfest Munich travel tips are for you.
When I went, I was living in London and planned a quick long weekend trip. Honestly, it ended up being one of my favorite getaways ever. I would even recommend this as part of a longer Europe trip for Americans or other folks coming from afar.
If it’s your first time heading to Oktoberfest—or you’ve been before but want to do it better—here’s everything I learned AND I wish I had known before going.
First, What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is way more than just a beer festival—it’s one of the most iconic cultural experiences you can have in Germany. Every fall, Munich turns into a giant party with massive beer tents, each with its own vibe. Some are loud and wild with singing and dancing on benches, while others are more laid-back and traditional. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the energy, outfits, and overall atmosphere make it unforgettable.
Beyond the tents, the festival grounds are like a giant carnival—roller coasters, Ferris wheels, games, and so much food. You’ll find everything from bratwursts and pretzels to roasted nuts and gingerbread hearts. Whether you’re going all out or just soaking it all in, Oktoberfest is one of those experiences you’ll never forget.
Top Travel Tips for Oktoberfest in Munich
1. Book Accommodation Early and Strategically
Accommodation near Theresienwiese, the main festival grounds, sells out fast. Prices skyrocket during the first few weekends, especially around opening and the college-heavy second weekend.
Look for spots near public transit if you’re staying a little farther out. For my trip, my friends and I packed into a single Airbnb about a 30 minute trek away. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked, and it saved us a ton. Luckily, it was a short walk away from a train station which made it easy.
If you’re using travel credit cards, this is a great time to redeem hotel points to make your life even easier.
Pro Tip: Look at accommodations up to 6 months in advance. It seems early, but you’ll thank yourself for it later!
2. Choose Your Weekend Based on the Vibe You Want
Each weekend of Oktoberfest attracts a different crowd. The first weekend is for die-hard traditionalists and can get incredibly crowded.
The second weekend is basically an American college reunion in some of the tents. It can still be a more traditional and authentic experience if you go to the right tents. I went this weekend when I was in college with a ton of my friends, and it was perfect for that time. However, if I were to go now, I’d likely go at a later weekend.
The third weekend is “Italian weekend” where all of the Italian tourists come to town for the experience. I’ve never experienced this myself, but I have heard that they are a fun bunch and it makes for a unique experience.
If you’re looking for a more local, authentic, and relaxed experience, go for the later weekends. If I were to go back, I would go on a weekend past the first three (or the third to see what the Italians are like).
The last weekend has more of a local vibe where it’s a bit quieter but still a ton of fun. This Oktoberfest travel tip will probably define a big part of your weekend, so choose wisely!
3. Dress the Part
Search for a dirndl (for women) or lederhosen (for men) well in advance. Amazon or sites like Ernst Licht are great starting points. For women, just look up “Oktoberfest outfits” to find something budget-friendly.
When I went, I wore a dirndl from Amazon, and even though I felt ridiculous at first, it ended up being one of the most fun parts of the trip. Everyone dresses up, and it makes for super cute pictures. Plus, it is way easier to start conversations with other foreigners since the locals don’t always dress up. It might feel like a ridiculous travel tip for Oktoberfest, but I promise it’s worth it.
4. Don’t Be a Hero, Sleep In
You might read online that you need to line up at 5AM to get into the tents. We tried that, and it was a mistake. It was raining, freezing, and when the doors opened, people literally sprinted in. I felt like I was going to get run over… like Black Friday meets Oktoberfest.
Instead, head over in the late morning or early afternoon. Tents usually rotate seating and let in more people throughout the day, so you still have a good shot. It’s warmer, way less stressful, and you won’t need to run for your life (literally).
5. Explore Multiple Tents for a Full Experience
Each tent has its own vibe, beer selection, and atmosphere.
Start with the iconic Hofbräu Festzelt if you’re curious about the most American-friendly tent. I went there my first night and it was fun—loud, packed, and energetic. But after a few hours, I wanted something different. I wish I’d tried more tents to compare.
Here’s a rundown of them all:
- Hofbräu-Festzelt – The wild, tourist-packed party tent. Loud, energetic, and super social.
- Schottenhamel – Where it all kicks off. Popular with locals and younger crowds. Good mix of party + tradition.
- Augustiner-Festhalle – More chill and family-friendly, with the best beer (tapped from wooden barrels!).
- Hacker-Festzelt – “Heaven of the Bavarians” with a dreamy sky-painted ceiling and a fun local vibe.
- Paulaner (Winzerer Fähndl) – Big, bold, and balanced. Great for groups and dancing as the night goes on.
- Löwenbräu-Festzelt – High energy and filled with chants. Great for beer-loving party people.
- Käfer’s Wiesn-Schänke – Smaller, bougier tent with gourmet food and celeb sightings. Open late.
- Fischer-Vroni – Laid-back tent with grilled fish and a mostly local crowd. A quieter escape.
6. Always Bring Cash
Some tents and food vendors still operate on a cash-only basis. Bring enough euros to cover a few beers, some food, and any spontaneous souvenirs. You should be able to get by to get most things on card, especially nowadays, but I think it’s always good to have some euros as a backup.
Inside the tents, I bought a half chicken and a pretzel the size of my face. The food at Oktoberfest is seriously underrated and definitely needed with all of the beer flowing.
Pro Tip: Beer is served by the stein, not the pint. Keep in mind that because they’re larger portions, you’re going to need to keep up if you want it cold!
7. Bake in Time for the Bathroom
One thing that I found astounding was the sheer amount of people waiting in line for the bathroom. In the Hofbräu tent at the time I went (early in the morning), the tent was so full that the crowd was shoulder to shoulder for the line into the bathroom.
It was chaos; there was a woman who was yelling at everyone to push through and had a whistle too, screaming “go, go go!”. I’d never had a crazier bathroom experience and had to wait a full 30 minutes to get into a stall.
So if you have to go… do it right when you feel the inkling. To be honest, this is the most important travel tip I will give you for Oktoberfest to save you the pain later on.
8. Don’t Even Try to Steal the Stein
Don’t even try to walk out with your beer stein as a souvenir. Security is intense, and they’ll catch you. I watched someone try to sneak one under their coat and get it pulled right out of their hands.
Instead, I bought a tiny stein-shaped shot glass from one of the souvenir stalls and I still use it. It’s adorable, fits in your luggage, and you won’t get tackled for it.
9. Know the Risks Before You Stand on the Tables
At some point, someone will stand on a table, chug their beer, and get the crowd cheering. It’s super fun cheering along… until the tent staff show up.
I saw a guy get thrown out after getting up on the table a few times. One of the workers actually slapped his face… again one of the more crazy things I saw during the trip. So if you’re thinking of copying someone doing this, do it at your own risk!
10. Give Yourself One Day to Enjoy the Festival Grounds Sober(ish)
Even though the tents are the main focus, there’s also a full carnival just outside the tents. This includes roller coasters, ferris wheels, and food stalls with everything from bratwurst to chocolate-dipped fruit.
On our second day, we came back in normal clothes and just enjoyed the rides, snacks, and vibe. It was the perfect reset. We even played a few traditional German games and picked up souvenirs at the trinket stands. This might not seem like much of a travel tip, but some people don’t know this about Oktoberfest!
Bonus: Don’t Leave Without Exploring Munich
Oktoberfest is a blast, but Munich itself is gorgeous. Spend at least half a day in Marienplatz, the city’s main square. You’ll find stunning architecture, great cafes, and views of the Neues Rathaus. I have a full weekend itinerary here if you want to see what I did!
Final Thoughts: Oktoberfest Belongs on Your Bucket List
Oktoberfest in Munich is one of those iconic trips that lives up to the hype. With the right planning, you can go and make the most out of it in just a weekend. If you’re coming from the states, you can either make it a long weekend if you don’t have much PTO or you can pair it with other cities for a bigger trip.
Whether you’re chugging steins, riding a Ferris wheel, or quietly enjoying Bavarian art, Oktoberfest offers something for everyone.
If you want to see what else you should do while you’re there, check out my weekend itinerary here!
