Top Tips for First-Time Visitors to Oktoberfest in Munich
Welcome, fellow beer enthusiasts! If you're planning your first trip to the legendary Oktoberfest in Munich, you're in for an absolute treat. This isn't just a fest. It's a cultural phenomenon brimming with traditional Bavarian music, mouth-watering food, and, of course, world-class beer by the barrel.
Get ready to don your dirndls or lederhosen and dive into this fun-filled guide intended to help first-timers navigate the epic Oktoberfest adventure. Prost!
1. Plan in Advance:
Oktoberfest draws in visitors from across the globe and hotels get booked quickly. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance to secure accommodation and travel arrangements.
I'm not usually a group tour person, but I chose to visit Oktoberfest with EF Ultimate Break. With the surcharge of hotels, booking with a group was actually significantly cheaper. Plus, it included my flights, meals, lunch and a few beers in the tent.
Save $100 by booking via this link and using code UACait100 on your first trip with EF!
2. Choose Your Tent:
Oktoberfest is not just a festival; it's an assortment of beer tents, each with its own unique vibe. Research the different tents and choose one that suits your preferences.
My favorite tents included:
Hofbräu Festzelt
Augustiner-Festzelt
Löwenbräu-Festhalle
See Related: Book a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
3. Arrive Early:
Tents fill up rapidly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot inside your chosen tent. Oktoberfest is free to enter, but consider making reservations if you’re traveling with a group of five or more.
Reservation fees generally include a voucher for your first beer or two.
4. Dress the Part:
Embrace the Bavarian culture by wearing traditional lederhosen or dirndl. Not only is it fun, but you'll also feel more a part of the festivities.
Remember, lederhosen and dirndls are traditional dress – not a costume. Be respectful in what you choose to wear.
Of course, it is entirely okay to wear regular street clothes. But you will be in the minority.
5. Know Your Limits:
Oktoberfest beer is stronger than your average beer. Take your time, savor the brew, and remember to balance it with food. Most of the beer is at least 6% ABV, and water can cost a pretty penny.
6. Enjoy the Food
Speaking of food, don't miss out on traditional Bavarian delicacies like pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken.
7. Learn Some German Phrases
Knowing a few basic phrases in German can enhance your experience and interactions.
8. Don’t Bring a Bag
If you’re wearing lederhosen this is less of an issue, but for dirndl-wearers, you can be unsure how to carry your belongings. Only very, very small bags are allowed inside the festival grounds.
Rather than dealing with that, wear biker shorts with pockets under your dirndl. I did this every day of the fest and it was so much better than worrying about a purse.
9. Cash in King
Most vendors only accept cash, so make sure to bring enough with you. ATMs on the festival grounds tend to run out of money quickly.
10. Locate the Safe Space:
Before you get the party started, locate where the "Safe Space"" is, this space is for everyone, but particularly for female-identifying and LGBTQ festival goers. Staff at this space can help you get a safe ride home if needed.
