Top 6 Tips for the Best Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is unlike any festival or event we’ve ever experienced. The little Oktoberfests that we’ve gone to in Missouri pale in comparison by far. If you find your way to the real Oktoberfest in Munich in mid September, (or you let us help you fly there for almost free!) here are a few things I wish I knew before we arrived:
1. Aim for a weekday.
Oktoberfest is one of the busiest and most popular events in the world. If you’re looking to spend more time having fun and less time waiting in line to even get into a Beer Hall, then I highly recommend planning your visit on a weekday instead of a weekend.
2. Rent or buy the outfit. Dirndl for women, lederhosen for men!
Everyone is dressed for the occasion and you will stick out if you don’t. Plus, it’s more fun!
We rented our clothes from, Bavarian Outfitters which I highly recommend.
*Yes of course we found a matching, Oktoberfest scarf for Copper, our best boy.
3. Find a table and stay there.
It’s tempting to try out all of the different beer halls and tents, but finding a table with available seats is challenging. If you do find a table, I recommend you stay there for a good amount of time. You will not be served beer unless you have a seat at a table. Wander around and visit the other tents too if you have a time.
4. No need to reserve a table online.
I was convinced we needed to reserve a table online, well in advanced before arriving. This simply was not the case. Although finding an open seat a table for our group proved to be challenging, we always managed in the end. Reserving a table is expensive and unnecessary. In fact, it looked like this was done primarily by corporate groups.
5. Try to stay somewhere within walking distance.
This one is pretty obvious and we have suggestions!
There were electric scooters and bikes, BUT there is a safety zone in place around Oktoberfest that will keep you from picking up or dropping off the electric scooters within about a 2 mile radius. Honestly, probably for the best.
You can also get a quick ride back to your hotel in a pedicab.
*Note: Safety first! Track your route to the hotel using google maps to make sure your driver takes you to the correct place!
We stayed at the Maritim Hotel München
*This is an affiliate link to the Hotel. If you use it to book your stay, I’ll earn a tiny 2-4% commission as your favorite travel advisor, and you’ll pay the exact same.
6. Visit Neuschwanstein Castle if you have time!
Don’t forget to see more of Germany while you’re there! We visited Neuschwanstein and got our fill of dreamy castles and beautiful landscapes.