Planning a trip to the most famous beer festival in the world? I attended Oktoberfest a couple of years ago and loved it! It was such a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, I put together this ultimate Oktoberfest guide, where I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before stepping into the tents. From what to expect, to common mistakes to avoid, and everything in between. Consider this your starting point to feel prepared (and excited) for one of the biggest festivals in the world.
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General Information About Oktoberfest
Before we dive into outfits, tents, and costs, let’s start with the basics. Knowing what Oktoberfest is, when it happens, and where it takes place will make the rest of your planning so much easier.
What is Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and folk celebration, held every year in Munich, Germany.
Despite the name, it actually starts in September and runs into early October. The festival began back in 1810 as a celebration of a royal wedding and has grown into a massive cultural event with millions of visitors each year. Which is why Germans call Oktoberfest “Wiesen”.
While beer and traditional Bavarian food are at the heart of it, Oktoberfest is also about music, parades, carnival rides, and celebrating German culture.
When is Oktoberfest in 2025
For 2025, Oktoberfest will take place from Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, October 5th.
The opening day kicks off with the traditional parade and the mayor tapping the first keg.
👉 Pro tip: Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, and mornings or early afternoons are a lot easier if you want to avoid the massive crowds.
Where is Oktoberfest
The festival happens in Munich at the Theresienwiese, a huge open space just outside the city center. For Oktoberfest, it is filled with massive beer tents, food stalls, and carnival rides. It’s easy to get there by public transportation; the U-Bahn (subway) has a stop right at Theresienwiese, making it super convenient to reach from anywhere in the city.
And if you’re staying in the city center of Munich, you can easily arrive at Theresienwiese on foot. Our hotel was within a 25-minute walk.
👉 For more information about Oktoberfest, here is their official website.
Planning Your Trip to Munich
If you’re heading to Oktoberfest, then you need to plan in advance. Since it is the most famous festival in Germany, the costs go up the longer you wait to book.
How to Get to Oktoberfest
As mentioned before, the easiest way to reach Oktoberfest is by using Munich’s public transportation. The U-Bahn (subway) is the most convenient option; hop on the U4 or U5 line and get off at Theresienwiese, which drops you right at the festival grounds. If that station feels too packed, you can also walk from Goetheplatz or Schwanthalerhöhe, both just a short walk away.
Driving isn’t recommended as parking is a nightmare and, let’s be honest, you’ll definitely have a beer or two. So, stick to public transport or taxis.
If you’re coming from outside Munich, trains connect easily from other German and European cities, and the airport is just 45 minutes away by S-Bahn.
Where to Stay in Munich
Accommodation is one of the trickiest parts of Oktoberfest because hotels book up months in advance and prices skyrocket. The earlier you book, the better, especially if you want to stay in the city center and within walking distance of Oktoberfest.
We booked our hotel about 5 to 6 months in advance, and it was still a bit pricey. We stayed at the Hotel Amba, located blocks away from the Old Town and within a 25-minute walk from Oktoberfest. This is the perfect hotel if you also want to experience the city of Munich while you’re there. It is such a beautiful city, so I recommend doing so.
If you’re on a budget, look into hostels, guesthouses, or even Airbnb outside the city center (public transport makes it easy to commute).
Recommended for you: 18 Amazing Things To Do In Munich, Germany
How Many Days Should You Spend at Oktoberfest
If it’s your first time, one full day at Oktoberfest is usually enough to experience it. You’ll drink beer, try Bavarian food, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe hop on a ride or two.
If you want to explore all the different tents (each has its own vibe), I’d recommend two days. That way, you can pace yourself and avoid burning out.
Remember, Oktoberfest is a bit intense. The crowds, the music, the liters of beer, it can be a bit too much. So having a day in between to relax, sightsee around Munich, or visit a beer garden outside the festival is a great way to balance the trip.
I highly recommend you stay a minimum of three days in Munich so you can also explore the city, as it is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, and it is worth visiting all the main spots.
Recommended for you: 25 Essential Oktoberfest Tips to Know Before Going
What to Wear, Bring, and Not to Bring to Oktoberfest
Half the fun of Oktoberfest is dressing the part. Traditional outfits aren’t just encouraged, they’re part of the experience. Here we’ll cover what to wear, where to find the traditional clothing, and also what to bring and not bring.
What to Wear to Oktoberfest
Most women wear a dirndl, a traditional Bavarian dress with a bodice, blouse, apron, and skirt. Men typically wear lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders). You don’t have to dress up, but it’s way more fun when you do!
It can get chilly in the evenings, so you could bring a cardigan. And comfy shoes are a must since you’ll be walking a lot, and beer tents get messy. Women usually wear flats or low heels; however, I’d recommend sneakers.
If you’re wearing a dirndl, the side you tie your apron bow on actually has meaning:
- Bow on the left means that you’re single
- Bow on the right means you’re taken
- Bow is in the middle means undecided.
- Bow at the back means you’re a widow or waitress.
Unfortunately, I was not able to get a Dirndl. We were traveling in Europe for weeks already, and we didn’t want to bring the traditional clothing along because of the weight. However, once we got to Munich, most of the stores were sold out, and the ones that had some available were way too expensive. There are rental stores but we didn’t have time to coordinate the delivery. So, that is why I am wearing a different outfit in all of the photos. I would love to do Oktoberfest again the right way.
Where to Buy or Rent Outfits
If you want a dirndl or lederhosen to keep, Munich shops like Angermaier and Lodenfrey sell beautiful traditional outfits in different price ranges. For lederhosen, you could order them from Moser Trachten.
Just keep in mind that if you’re purchasing the outfit right during Oktoberfest, you might not find many options to choose from, and depending on the store, prices can be high.
For budget-friendly options, even department stores like C&A carry Oktoberfest gear in the weeks leading up to the festival. Recently I was in Berlin and saw dirndl and lederhosen at New Yorker.
If you’d rather not commit, you can rent outfits from local shops for the day.
You can also find a lot of Oktoberfest outfits on Amazon. This might be a good option if you want extra time to see how it fits and if you don’t want to go through the stress of shopping for an outfit once you get to Munich.
What to Bring to Oktoberfest
- Cash: They only take cash throughout the festival, so bring around 100 euros to cover food, beer, and any other things you might want to buy. There are ATMs available, but they get swamped and often charge high fees. A secure way to carry around the cash is to get a travel money belt.
- ID: You’ll need it, especially if you look younger.
- Small Bag: Security is strict, and you’ll get checked when entering the beer tents. Big bags and backpacks (think bigger than a small purse) aren’t allowed inside. I recommend wearing a small cross-body bag (this one has never let me down). And men can simply put their wallet and phone in the lederhosen, or get a travel money belt.
- Portable charger: You’ll be taking lots of photos, and you’ll likely be there for the whole day, so bring a portable charger or two. This is the portable charger I have and love!
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, but it has to be empty when you enter. You can refill inside.
What Not to Bring to Oktoberfest
Skip large backpacks, sharp objects, glass bottles, and anything valuable you’d be upset to lose. Oktoberfest gets crowded and rowdy, so the less you carry, the better.
Inside Oktoberfest
With 14 big beer tents, countless food stalls, and thousands of people around you, Oktoberfest can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the festival like a pro.
Understanding the Beer Tents
There are 14 main beer tents, each with its own vibe. Some are huge and lively, while others are smaller and more traditional. The bigger ones also had a live band playing traditional music.
These are the most popular ones that you definitely have to see:
- Hofbräu-Festzelt: The rowdiest and most tourist-friendly, with a big standing area.
- Augustiner-Festhalle: Loved by locals, serving beer from wooden kegs.
- Schottenhamel: Where the opening keg is tapped; popular with younger crowds.
- Hacker-Festzelt: Known as “the heaven of the Bavarians,” with a painted starry-sky ceiling. This was the prettiest one in my opinion.
You can see all the beer tents at the official Oktoberfest website.
You can enter the beer tents to see them and walk around; you don’t have to consume. That’s what we did at the beginning because we wanted to see everything. Also, while entrance to Oktoberfest is free, beers are around 13 euros, granted they are huge, but with food and everything, it adds up. So, feel free to walk around and see the beer tents without the pressure to purchase something.
🍷 Good to know: If you’re not a big beer drinker (like me) but still want to experience Oktoberfest, you’ll be glad to know that they do serve wine. You’ll find some wine stalls around the grounds.
👉 Pro Tip: It is worth it to look at their map and see where the main tents are. The grounds aren’t too big that you’ll get lost, but it is helpful to see where everything is located.
How to Make Reservations at Oktoberfest
Reservations for tables in the tents open months in advance and are notoriously hard to get, especially for evenings and weekends. Most tables seat 8–10 people, and you usually need a full group to book.
If you don’t have a reservation, don’t worry, as you can still get in. Just arrive early (before noon on weekends, or early afternoon on weekdays) to snag an open spot. Standing areas are also available in certain tents, like Hofbräu.
I suggest getting there early anyways, so you have time to see different tents before deciding where you’ll like to stay longer and grab a beer at.
If you’d rather skip the stress, there are Oktoberfest tours that include a reserved table, food, and beer. They sell out quickly, but they’re worth it for first-timers who want a guaranteed spot.
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