And yes, giving an extra tip ensures that the waitress always serves you on time and in quality. If you are already in a tent when the booking time has expired, you can stay in that tent, you just need to find a vacancy at a table in a non-reserved area. Lingering questions are a given when it comes to gigantic international events such as Oktoberfest. Our guides have been visiting and organizing Oktoberfest tours for years and have accumulated a lot of knowledge to help travelers get the most out of their trip. With a beautiful view over the festival site from a height of 50 meters, the Ferris wheel Riesenrad is a real highlight among the attractions of the fairgrounds. A trip behind the wheel at night is also an experience, as Oktoberfest turns into a colorful sea of lights.
By then, you’ll probably have made some friends or at least have a better handle on how to get a seat at a table for the evening. Dressing up in authentic clothing, called a try, will give you a more complete Oktoberfest experience and can help you feel a little less like a tourist. You are always encouraged to get into the spirit of the event.
Yes, that Oktoberfest is inevitable because it is a breeding ground for germs, hence the well-documented phenomenon of “Wiesn flu” or “Wiesnitis”. Do not ridicule the beloved trachttena of Bavaria by wearing very short and scandalous dirndls or imitations of leather pants in pyjamas. Sometimes it’s better to wear normal clothes than a lazy attempt. Here’s my guide on what to wear to Oktoberfest. Don’t step into a tent and expect to be dazzled by a varied wine and cocktail list…
You’ll probably feel pretty left out if you’re not wearing a Dirndl or Lederhosen, as the vast majority of festival-goers will be in costume. Many locals and visitors of all ages, from all over the world, will set up the traditional Tracht. Read more about dressing up for Oktoberfest on our blog.
I would suggest booking a hotel that is within walking distance of the festival as it is easy and convenient. You don’t have to fight for space in crowded subways. We always stay in the Marc Munchen, a luxury oktoberfest affordable, adults-only hotels that is only 5 blocks from the Wiesn. Given the state of the world and the necessary care for safety, the entire Wies’n is now surrounded by a two-meter-high steel fence.
You can save a lot of money with a personal or group day week, 3-day or tourist card card card for friends and family. These are valid for buses, trams, underground, S-Bahn and even regional trains within the MVV Munich Metro Area transit system. You can drop a package in the blink of an eye, as essentially the “Wies’n” is a giant day and nightclub, complete with non-stop entertainment, music, activities and events. German meals served in the shops include great roast chicken, Cordon Bleu, Pork Knuckle, and the best Schweinebraten you’ve ever had.
Ok, so you wore some super cute heels with your dirndl and 8 hours later your feet are KILLING YOU. Well, Oktoberfest has a solution. What is not called are jars, despite the temptation you have to do so. ‘Stein’ translates as ‘stone’ and is used to describe beer mugs made of stone or clay, not glass, you know the same thing. Check out this time-lapse video of the Paulaner Oktoberfest tent being set up or this timeline of how they build the Hofbräu tent each year to see the process. Airbnb – If hostels aren’t your thing, check out Airbnb. Prices will be high, but if you book early, chances are you can get the most affordable options.