Beginner's Guide to Oktoberfest — Featuring the Best Beer Tents, Expert Advice, and More

Every year, around six million people flock to Munich's Oktoberfest, including many returning guests. If you're new to the festival, fear not — this guide has everything you need. Learn key insights to enhance your Oktoberfest experience, including must-see beer tents and top activities.

The Origins of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest first emerged in 1810, originally not as a public holiday but as a part of the royal wedding celebrations of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities kicked off on October 12 and continued until October 17, highlighted by a public horse race that celebrated the couple’s union. Due to its success, this event evolved into an annual celebration held every October, later moved to September for better weather. The bride's legacy is honored at Oktoberfest, with the event grounds named "Theresens-Wiese" (now "Theresienwiese") to immortalize her name.

Festival Schedule and Venue

Oktoberfest generally spans from mid-September to the first Sunday in October, lasting approximately two and a half weeks. In 2024, the festivities will commence on September 21 and conclude on October 6. The central gathering occurs at Theresienwiese, a spacious area in Munich, conveniently reachable via public transport.

The festivities officially kick off with the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries Parade at 10:45 a.m. local time, where vendors showcase elaborately adorned horse-drawn wagons. Per the Oktoberfest website, the parade starts at Josephspitalstraße behind Sendlinger Tor and proceeds towards Sonnenstraße. At noon, the Lord Mayor ceremoniously opens Oktoberfest.

Preparing for Your Visit

Strategic planning is essential for a memorable and budget-friendly Oktoberfest experience. With around six million visitors, prices for flights and accommodations can spike during the festival weekends, so we consulted an expert for economical travel advice.

"Instead of shelling out over $600 for a direct flight to Munich, consider budget-friendly options like Norse Atlantic Airways and PLAY, with round-trip fares to Berlin starting at $355. From there, you can either catch a connecting flight to Munich or take a train from Berlin to Munich," advised Sophie Coderre, editor at the travel deals site TravelPirates, who has lived in Germany.

While staying in the city is the most convenient option, budget-conscious travelers might want to explore alternative accommodations. "Choose to stay outside of Munich to sidestep high hotel rates," Coderre recommended, mentioning nearby locations like Augsburg, Garmisch, Nuremberg, or Tegernsee, all within 90 minutes by train.

Consider the type of Oktoberfest experience you desire. Are you aiming for a peaceful atmosphere to relax and enjoy, or a lively party scene? Regardless of your preference, the Oktoberfest Barometer can help you find the perfect setting, rating each day of the festival from "quiet" to "very busy". As you might guess, peak times occur on Saturday evenings and the last Thursday afternoon of the event.

What to Anticipate at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is, to say the least, a cheerful celebration. Originating from a wedding, it maintains a festive vibe. Even during the "quiet" hours, expect a bustling atmosphere as beer tents open at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends. Visitors come simply to enjoy themselves, embracing the Bavarian culture by donning traditional outfits—lederhosen for men and dirndls for women—something you might want to consider as well.

According to Coderre, "The dirndl is the most popular attire during Oktoberfest." However, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity. "Inexpensive dirndl costumes from party stores bear no resemblance to genuine Bavarian dress," she explained. For high-quality outfits, consider local boutiques like Moser Trachtenwelt, which provide authentic options at reasonable prices.

Beer Tents You Can't Miss

Oktoberfest boasts over a dozen spacious beer tents, each with its own distinct atmosphere, drinks, and snacks. "The younger crowd often gathers at the Hacker-Festzelt, where lively pop music and dancing on beer benches create a fun vibe," Coderre noted. She also recommended the Augustiner tent for its family-friendly and traditional ambiance. If you’re in the mood for a party, check out the Hofbräu or Löwenbräu tents, where locals and tourists mingle at the Paulaner tent. Don't forget to visit the Schottenhamel tent, famous for kicking off the festival's opening ceremony.

However, travel consultant Eva Metz-Tolliver suggests trying out multiple tents to discover your perfect match.

"I advise first-time attendees to sample a variety of beer tents before deciding where to settle for food and drinks," Metz-Tolliver stated. "A certain number of seats are reserved for walk-ins, and couples or small groups should find it easy to squeeze in anywhere."

Additional Activities to Explore

Rest assured, there’s a wealth of experiences beyond the beer tents at Oktoberfest. The festival features amusement rides—perhaps enjoy those before indulging in beer—as well as a grand Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the festival grounds and the city skyline. Additionally, you can enjoy live music, dancing, and even participate in or watch a strongman game when you need a break from the tents.

To gain a richer understanding of Bavarian culture, don’t miss out on visiting the Oide Wiesn, a quaint section of the festival showcasing traditional music, costumes, and classic rides.

Tips for a Memorable Oktoberfest Experience

Looking for more tips? Here are some expert suggestions to enhance your Oktoberfest experience.

Embrace Traditional Clothing.

"Donning a dirndl or lederhosen is becoming more popular among both locals and tourists," Metz-Tolliver noted. "I suggest setting aside a few hours the day before your Oktoberfest adventure for shopping. Munich’s old town has plenty of trachten stores where you’re sure to find the perfect Oktoberfest outfit."

Secure a Reservation.

For groups of 10 or more, our experts advise making a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment when the staff cannot accommodate you. This ensures everyone knows where to gather amid the festival's hustle and bustle.

Remember to Bring Cash.

Although some venues accept card payments, cash remains the preferred option in the tents and at many food stalls. Moreover, since the waitstaff are independent contractors, it's a good idea to have some cash available for tipping.

Take Your Time.

This may seem obvious, but it's essential to pace yourself to fully enjoy your time at the festival. Don’t forget to order some glasses of water between those steins.

Familiarize Yourself with a Few Phrases.

"Oktoberfest is not just a festival; it's an unforgettable experience," said Olena Grabova, a world culture expert at Promova. "Learning a few essential German phrases can help you connect with people, order confidently, and fully immerse yourself in Bavarian culture. After a few pints, you might find yourself chatting in German like a local—or at least feeling like one!"

To help you blend in like a local, Grabova shared a list of useful words and phrases to master. Memorize them or bookmark this page to navigate Oktoberfest with ease.

• Prost: Cheers
• Noch ein Bier, bitte: Another beer, please
• Zwei Bier, bitte: Two beers, please
• Wie viel kostet das?: How much does this cost?
• Welche Biere haben Sie?: What beers do you have?
• Wo ist die Toilette?: Where is the bathroom?
• Können wir uns hinsetzen?: Can we sit here?
• Ich hätte gerne: I would like...
• Guten Appetit: Enjoy your meal
• Sprechen Sie Englisch?: Do you speak English?
• Entschuldigung: Excuse me
• Danke schön: Thank you very much
• Das ist lecker: That is delicious
• Das ist super: That is great
• Hallo: Hello
• Guten Tag: Good day
• Wie geht's?: How are you?
• Bis später: See you later
• Ich liebe Oktoberfest: I love Oktoberfest