Oktoberfest is THE MOST famous giant beer party and cultural German festival! It takes place from late September to early October, and people from all over the world come to join the fun. The festival is held at the Theresienwiese grounds, with many big tents from different breweries. People enjoy traditional Bavarian food and drink, especially the one-liter beer mugs called “Mass.” Besides the beer, there’s live music, dancing, rides, parades, and cultural activities.
For first-time visitors, booking a seat in advance at the famous beer tents is wise. People wear traditional Bavarian clothes like lederhosen and dirndls. There are many small and large beer tents with different vibes, and you can try tasty Bavarian food like pretzels and sausages. Here are 10 easy steps to take so that you can enjoy Oktoberfest and make incredible memories!
1. Look for hotel reservations early
Picking up a good hotel or hostel is essential for a happy time at Oktoberfest. As a first-time visitor, you should look for a hotel close to the Munich ground where the festival happens so you can save time and money travelling. Make sure to book your hotel early so you canget a good deal, and save money – and it gets quite busy this time of year as well, so you want to make sure you have some place to stay! Though, if you travel with Contiki, we’ll sort all that for you…
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2. Embrace the culture!
If you want to soak in the Oktoberfest atmosphere, consider dressing in traditional German outfits like lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Why invest in dirndls and lederhosen?
The answer is simple. First of all, they’re an iconic staple of German culture. Lederhosen are comfy leather shorts with straps for men, giving off a classic Bavarian feel. Dirndls for women are charming outfits made up of a blouse, bodice, and skirt, adding a touch of tradition to your appearance.
Learning some German and speaking it with the locals adds to the fun and shows respect for the local culture. Even though many people at Oktoberfest speak English, attempting phrases like “Guten Tag” for hello and “Prost” can make you feel more immersedl. If you’re confident, order your beer with “Ein Bier, bitte” to impress those around you.
Don your lederhosen or dirndl, practice a few German words, and prepare for an unforgettable time at Oktoberfest, where you enjoy and honor the traditions of this fantastic celebration.
3. Book your tents in advance
Make your Oktoberfest experience totally awesome by booking your spot in the festival tents early. Oktoberfest has different tents, each with their own relaxed vibe. The Hofbräu tent is lively and loved by many, while the Augustiner tent has a comfortable, family-friendly feel. The Paulaner tent is cozy and offers great beer and food, and the Schottenhamel tent is where the festival officially starts. Choose a tent based on the atmosphere you like – and book ahead!
These tents fill up so fast, especially during the busy days. So securing the tents beforehand means you’re guaranteed a spot to enjoy the live music, tasty food, and the big one-liter beer mugs. Some tents also offer VIP or premium packages! They also provide exclusive perks like faster service, premium seating, and additional amenities.
Prices for these packages can vary from €100 to €500 per person. And yes! prices can be higher during peak times, such as weekends and evenings. So booking for Oktoberfest tents in advance often allows you to secure better prices and ensure availability.
4. Ditch the ATM!
When you’re off to Oktoberfest, use cash for a smoother time. Cash is widely accepted, from buying tasty pretzels to getting that big one-liter beer mug – so leave your cards behind for a hassle-free experience This will also help you avoid ATM lines and extra fees. Plus, only bringing cash makes it easier to stick to your budget.
5. Explore affordable transportation options
Going to Oktoberfest can be affordable and straightforward with the right transport choices. Share rides with friends or use services where costs are split, making it lighter on your wallet. The available public transportation options include U- Bahn (Subway) and S- Bahn (Suburban Train). The buses include (Lines 53, 58/68, 62 and 134). Moreover, the tram Lines are 18/19/29 and 16/17. Public transport, like buses and trains, is easy and budget-friendly. Look into these options, plan by checking schedules, and find the best way to reach the festival without breaking the bank.
Some places even offer shuttles to Oktoberfest, so see if there’s one near your stay. You save money and help the environment by picking shared and public transport.
Image source:Contiki
6. Experience thrilling Oktoberfest rides
There are a lot of fun rides for you to hop on during Oktoberfest. Enjoy the ferris wheel, roller coasters, spooky haunted houses, and classic carousels. If you like a thrill, try the drop towers. For the best experience, go during less busy times and in the evening when everything is lit up.
7. Don’t forget to visit special Oktoberfest attractions
While you’re in Munich, remember to explore some of the unique places around town! We recommend the “Oide Wiesn,” a historical tent which promises an Oktoberfest experience straight from the past! That way you can compare both the old and the new.
There’s also the English Garden, a massive park with a tower that looks like a castle. If you like art, there’s the Museum Brandhorst, where, on Sundays, it only costs 1 euro to see the paintings of famous artists like Andy Warhol.
You can also climb St Peter’s Church Tower to see Munich from way up high, and if you love football, there’s a unique tour to see where FC Bayern plays. And here’s a secret adventure: take a train to Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairy-tale-like castle – it’s like going on a magical journey!
8. Essentials to carry
If you’re going to be out partying all day, you need to make sure you have your essentials. Pack comfy clothes and shoes, and remember your accessories to complete the look.
It’s good to have a form of ID on you in case you look a little on the younger side (lucky you!) and they need to verify you’re okay to partake in the festivities. A reusable water bottle, and a map of the festival are also good things to have so you can stay hydrated and avoid getting lost, and maybe pack a few handy toiletries to freshen up on the go. A portable phone charger isn’t a bad idea either. When there, you are only allowed to bring small bags with the dimensions of 20x15x10 cm, so make sure yours fits the limit!
9. Try all the local delicacies!
There are a total of 6 major breweries that you can get beer from at Oktoberfest. These include favorites such as Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Hofbräu, Spaten, Augustiner, and Hacker-Pschorr. Each drink is made in a particular way with unique flavors, andhere are also special beers for Oktoberfest specifically, which are stronger and maltier than usual.
Look for Märzen, a lager made just for the festival, and Festbier, a lighter and more modern choice. If you don’t want alcohol, or simply need a break, go for fruity juices, fun mocktails, or alcohol-free beer at the stalls.
For some snacks, you have to indulge in local pretzels, sausages, and schnitzels – classic Bavarian treats. There’s also roasted chicken, potato dumplings, and hearty stews. And for dessert, enjoy pastries, apple strudel, and other sugary goodies.
10. Download Oktoberfest specific apps for extra guidance
There are so many helpful apps that you can download for Oktoberfest. These apps can show you maps, tell you about events and their timings, as well as just give you lots of cool information about the celebrations. The “Oktoberfest.de” app can tell you which tents have real-time space so you can plan well, and remember to check apps for Munich’s public transport so you always know when the next bus or train is coming. These apps will guide you and make your Oktoberfest adventure even more awesome, because you’ll be travelling with ease.
Or, even better, your Contiki Trip Manager, will act as your guide and friend all Oktoberfest long, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
