Oktoberfest remains one of the most quintessential travel experiences for anyone who wishes to enjoy pints of excellent quality beer. This festival is one with global fame and such a grand event that attracts people from all corners of the world, who come to Munich each year.
If you are planning a trip to Germany, advice for you is to consider planning early. Nonetheless, even if you are late, you should not worry because you can still have the best time of your life at the last minute.
Every year, there’s a massive demand for accommodations for Oktoberfest, as well as traditional Oktoberfest lederhosen, beer, pretzels, roasted chickens, sausages, transportation and so much more that helps to drive up the festival costs, which makes it an expensive celebration to attend.
If you have no experience, this festival could be an expensive experience for you, but rest assured that if you plan it all properly, you wouldn’t have to spend much.
Here are some travel tips to experience Oktoberfest like a true Bavarian!
Let’s look an overview of Oktoberfest 2023:
| Date | Sept. 16 to Oct. 3 |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Observed by | Munich, Bavaria |
| Type | National |
| Celebrations | Parades, food, music, drinking |
| Frequency | Annual |
Oktoberfest on 2023 | Travel Tips and Reasons to Experience
Tips to help you through your first visit to Oktoberfest on 2023
#1.Ensure You Have a Hotel Reservation
Oktoberfest isn’t a weekend at all in Las Vegas. The celebrations do not last through the night, and the tents close at 10:30 pm every night, which means you’ll need something ready by the time of the official opening at 9:00 (Sat/Sun) at 10 am.
If you take too long to book accommodation, you could be out of budget or far away from the city and require the train to take an hour or more to return to the hotel.
There are hotels that have a capacity of a year prior to the festival. If you’re planning to attend Oktoberfest, make sure you book your hotel as far in advance as you are able to.
If you are able to find accommodation in the middle of town, you will be able to better enjoy the activities that follow in Munich itself, including the famous Hofbrauhaus in the city’s central area.
#2.Book Your Seats
Particularly in the event of an extensive group traveling with, or particularly on weekends, it is best to reserve a seat in a tent several months ahead of time. Or you’ll be scrambling to find a spot at one of the overcrowded tents during the festival. Make sure you’re sitting down, and there’s no way to get food!
#3.Be Flexible!
If you’re not seated in the middle of a tent…so what? It just happens that September usually has pleasant weather. In the two times I’ve attended the festival, the weather was perfect all the duration of the festival.
Although seating inside the tents for beer may be difficult to find, it’s usually more accessible to find seating outside of the tents within the beer gardens in each of the various tents.
While you could be unable to enjoy certain formal evening entertainment (brass bands), all other elements are accessible at the outdoor seating area. It includes the huge beer mass that is served by a reputable “beer wench,” with the same food options as the majority of the atmosphere.
On weekends, you could sometimes even visit several tents in one day by using seating outside instead of waiting in line for seats in each of the tents.
The official Oktoberfest beers are Six Oktoberfest beers: Spaten, Augustiner, Paulaner Hacker-Pschorr Hofbrau, and Lowenbrau. So this is the best option for those who want to sample all six on a quick visit.
#4.Eat! Eat! Eat!
Keep in mind that each Beer mass is 1 liter, and when you drink several of them, then you’ll be feeling it! Take care to consume other fluids and eat (i.e water) all day long so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Oktoberfest is famous for its food and drinks as well as its brews. Try the half-chicken, the giant soft pretzel, or the weisswurst!
#5.Stay Aware
Munich is a bustling city; beyond the festivities that take place within its festival grounds, there is much going on during your stay in and outside these spaces.
Take note of your surroundings; familiarize yourself with where you’re currently located as well as where you want to go; with more tourism comes increased security measures.
So it’s important to safeguard both yourself and your possessions as much as possible; otherwise, the party could turn out to be less enjoyable!
#6. Pace Yourself
Be mindful that Munich is a bustling city, more so than the festivities within the grounds of a festival itself. Munich should always be kept in mind even when traveling away from its center. Be aware of where you are at all times and know the exact location where you want to head next.
Knowing where exactly your current and destination places are will keep you safe at all times. Since more tourist activity typically means additional security precautions must be implemented as a result – don’t allow this year’s festivities to become disastrous!
Alcohol-free beers can also be purchased for the same cost as regular beer. When you need some time off but are not thirsty enough to consume any liquids directly, having this alternative that doesn’t add another challenge can make life much simpler.
Munich offers plenty of beautiful spots where you can unwind and recharge, plus plenty of green space to lift your spirits and rejuvenate. Tenting might not be necessary during your visit to this vibrant city!
#7.Use Public Transit
Munich is extremely easy to travel around with transit. If you’re in a state following your visit to Munich’s Oktoberfest tents, I hope you’ll still be able to return to the station and return to your accommodation with ease.
If you don’t have a daily pass, the ticket machines can assist you in finding the price you require by entering the destination. In the center of downtown, several routes stop at the same station. If you’ve missed your stop, you could be able to change to the next station without any problems.
It’s tempting to ride an electric scooter in order to return but it’s not a wise choice. You’re not only placing yourself and others on the line but also susceptible to the same punishments that you would face if driving in a vehicle intoxicated.
Transit is the most efficient method to travel at this time. You’ll be returning to the comforts of your home in no time.
#8. Stay Nourished
Oktoberfest offers more than just beer to satisfy thirst; you’ll also find delicious Bavarian cuisine throughout the city and in its beer tents at this festival.
If you love sausages, Oktoberfest should not disappoint. Nothing beats the pleasure of indulging in a cold beverage with a hot sausage with all the fixings – and hopefully, during Oktoberfest, you won’t have any difficulty finding this combination!
Beer tents and halls alike serve up delicious roast chicken, sausages, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and pretzels with incredible efficiency. Don’t miss the amazing conveyor belts delivering freshly-prepared hot meals directly to tables – truly remarkable.
Before heading into any of the tents for beer, take a large food break from Oktoberfest areas in order to save dollars and time. There are various alternatives outside the tents on festival grounds where you can grab food or stretch your legs and consider your next move.
#9.Attend It on the Actual Dates
Usually, Oktoberfest starts in the mid-week of September (this year it will kick off from September 21 to October 6). Know that the first version of this festival was in 1810, which was a grand royal celebration to rejoice the marriage between Prince Ludwig, and PrincessTherese.
When attending the festival, another important tip is to avoid calling the festival “Oktoberfest,” rather than call it “Wiesn.” This translates to the word meadow, and this is because it takes place on a giant meadow.
#10.Bring Some Cash and Expect High Prices
Not all places accept credit cards and those that do may insist on some extra charges. Just know that when you visit Germany, the country in general runs on cash, so you need to keep things easier by keeping yourself cashed-up well in advance.
Keep in mind that it is likely you find everything else expensive there. The food and the beer take up most of the expenses.
#11.Visit the Right Tent
When you visit the grand Oktoberfest in Munich, you will come across fourteen tents in total. Each one of these fits about 5,000-11,000 people. Each one of these tents exudes a wholly vibrant vibe, and some of the tents have their own uniqueness.
Some are family-oriented; others are specific for tourists, some for food, and more. Before you attend the festival, just make sure you figure out which tent is a suitable one for you.
#12.Ask for a Mass of Beer and Not Just a Pint
Know that all the types of beer often come in one serving type, and that is often a liter mass. When attending the festival, avoid asking for just a liter, neither a stein (German’s call that “Bierkrug”).
You should order a mass, which means measure. A beer tip for you is to grab the handle of the beer and lift it the right way.
When attending Oktoberfest like a local, you need to keep these in mind and ensure you grab the best German lederhosen to blend in like the locals. Make new friends, and simply have a great time on your next travel experience to Munich’s beer festival.
Reasons to Experience the German Oktoberfest
Munich, Germany, is the birthplace of Oktoberfest and an important part of Bavarian culture that began on October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Theresa.
Citizens were invited to take part in the celebrations held in the fields in front of the city, known as “Wies’n,” which means “grass,” so sometimes you can hear it being called in Germany. Since then, the 17-day festival has become a major event, with travelers coming from all over the world in recent decades. An estimated six million visit each year, drinking an astounding seven million liters of beer.
Beer (nearby hotels)
Of course, the main focus of the Oktoberfest is beer. Bavaria has strict rules for the preparation of the golden liquid, which has been around for almost 500 years.
Bavarian purity requirements call for the use of only water, hops and barley, which means that beer supplied to Oktoberfest comes from only six breweries in Munich: Löwenbräu, Augustiner, Spaten-Franziskaner, Paulaner, Hofbräu and Hacker-Pschorr. Many people say that this is the best beer you have ever tasted.
The Fare
While Oktoberfest has a laid-back vibe, there are also plenty of delicious traditional dishes to help you soak up all of that beer. It is internationally renowned for its soft pretzels, which the locals call bruzin, often served with sausage and sweet mustard.
Other popular foods include slow-roasted bull, succulent grilled chicken. Käsespätzle and weisswurst, which means white sausage, are sucked out of the skin.
There are also many other types of sausages such as sausage and currywurst, usually served with a bun. And when you’re in the mood for sweets, the choices are endless, from warm pancakes with applesauce to waffles with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Music (nearby hotels)
Live music is also an important part of Oktoberfest, with locals and international visitors alike always looking forward to finding out which song will hit the # 1 hit at the world’s largest beer festival each year.
This is usually a bouncy modern hit chart with a unique twist, thanks to brass bands, although there are plenty of classics to get everyone singing and dancing – often right over tables.
Each tent has its own live groups. The festival has 14 massive beer tents and 21 smaller beer tents, some of which can hold up to 10,000 people. Each tent has its own vibe too, some filled with Americans, others with more mature Germans, and there are even tents where the rich and famous gather, offering a diverse mix of people from all over the world.
Don Your Lederhosen or Dirndl (Nearby hotels)
Oktoberfest offers a great excuse to dress in Bavarian attire: men wear leather shorts with H-shaped suspenders, while ladies wear a dirndl, a fluffy skirt, and a fitted bodice.
You can pick up outfits in town and then bring them home for Halloween costumes or other outfits. Street vendors sell cheaper versions, and you can find many more sophisticated options in Munich stores.
Grand Parade
The opening day of the festival is marked by a magnificent, colorful parade of sophisticated floats, carriages, marching bands, and people in all kinds of costumes that make their way through the streets of Munich.
The two-hour Trachten and Schützenzugis (Marksman and Costume) is the world’s largest costume parade, with 8,000 to 10,000 people walking the 4.3-mile trail right through the city center.
It includes 70 traditional groups and costumed groups that are not only from Bavaria, but also from all over Germany, and some far beyond its borders, such as France, Poland, and the USA.
Travel (nearby hotels)
Oktoberfest also offers carnival rides ranging from heartbreaking roller coasters to classic Ferris wheels – just be careful not to drink too much Löwenbräu in advance if you want to enjoy them.
Some of the favorites include Höllenblitz or Lightning from all, Skyfall, Teufelsrad which means Devil’s Wheel. There are other family-friendly options such as the old-fashioned carousel, along with games and even haunted houses.
Meet new people and make new friends (nearby hotels)
Since Oktoberfest attracts so many people from all over the world, it provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people and perhaps find a friend or two that you would never have met otherwise. Everyone is in a good mood here, and the locals are especially friendly.
After a few beers, the conversation really does go on and you will definitely start chatting with the group sitting at the other end of your table. It’s always nice to meet someone from another country, perhaps providing the perfect excuse for your next trip.
Exploring Munich Historic Sites
When you’re ready to take a break from the city, you can visit some of Munich’s magnificent historic sights. Although it was completely destroyed between the two world wars, it somehow managed to recreate much of its Bavarian past.
From the central square known as Marienplatz, located in the heart of the city, you can explore many of its impressive sights, buildings, and churches, such as the Marisol, the Marian Column crowned with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, and the Old and New Town Halls.
The latter features a beautiful carillon, a glockenspiel that is over 100 years old. Hear his call and watch life-size figures reenacting historical Bavarian events at 11 a.m. and noon every day.
Day trip to legendary Neuschwanstein Castle (nearby hotels)
Munich is ideally located for a day trip to the magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle, a must in Bavaria. Named after Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, it is just 90 minutes away, or three hours by train.
Perched on a rocky cliff in Germany’s Bavarian Alps, this 19th-century palace is truly a fantastic country, and in autumn it becomes even more impressive surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
The interior of the castle can be explored with a guided tour, and horse-drawn carriage rides are available for a fun way to get to the top of the hill.
Golden Tips for Surviving Oktoberfest
#-Pack light
Bags larger than 3L aren’t accepted, and coat inspection is not required. Anything you bring is required to be stored under the table, So don’t bring anything that you’re not comfortable losing.
#-Wrap your jacket around the table’s leg.
This will help you keep track of the location and stop excessive alcohol and other grossness from spilling over it!
#-Bring cash and coins.
Cash is required all during the duration of the festival. Coins can be used to tip. Always remember to give your servers a tip, as well as the attendants, to the bathroom (so take a change for the bathroom, too).
#-Write down your address somewhere.
Not only on your phone! A paper document of your address can assist you in getting back home if you’ve been somewhat “silly” and can’t remember the best way to return home.
#-Set up a spot to gather for your group of friends and you.
If you’re with some other people, you’ll likely be split.
Plan ahead for the event, such as a location for a meeting and time. The tents can be loud, and you’ll have trouble listening to phone calls or texts, or chimes.
When is Oktoberfest 2023?
Oktoberfest 2023 will start at 12 pm on September 16th. It will end on the 3rd of October, 2023, on Tuesday.
Every year Oktoberfest starts on a Saturday in September. It usually closes on the first Sunday in October. As you see, Oktoberfest 2023 is one of the rare occasions that we have additional Oktoberfest days!
What to wear for Oktoberfest 2023
You shouldn’t attend Oktoberfest without wearing the traditional Bavarian costume, and they’re certainly not cheap. Traditional Bavarian clothing is where it’s at during Oktoberfest.
For ladies, that’s the traditional Bavarian dirndl, a white blouse, and a length-of-the-knee (or larger) skirt, dress, and shoes that you’re not worried about spilling the beer on.
For gents, this is lederhosen and a white or plaid button-up shirt with knee socks and warm calf socks. Shoes that are comfortable and, in the event that you desire to look like a true Bavarian or a true Bavarian, you must put on an Alpine hat. Ooh-la-la, prost indeed!
An excellent lederhosen collection starts at about 140–175 EUR. Dirndls are a common dress for girls. They begin at around 100 EUR.
Is Oktoberfest 2023 in Munich free?
Well, yes, Oktoberfest 2023 in Munich is free. Oktoberfest 2023 does not require an entry fee; you may enjoy both the Wiesn and festival free of charge; no tickets are necessary for participation.
There is no admission cost associated with entering beer tents; simply walk right in without tickets or fees being required, and no guest lists are needed!
At Oktoberfest, your only costs include drinks consumed and delicious food items consumed, rides taken before drinking beverages, and souvenir purchases; how you spend any additional funds is entirely your decision.
Will I need reservations for Oktoberfest 2023?
No, you won’t need reservations for Oktoberfest 2023. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is free and open to everyone – you do not require reservations!
At Oktoberfest 2023, no reservations are necessary; small groups may find it easy to secure seating together for a beer at an appropriate time in a tent.
For larger gatherings or any celebration planned on a Saturday or Friday night but reserving a beer tent would certainly be more suitable.
If you opt for Oktoberfest 2023 table reservations, they allow up to 10 guests. Three can still spread out and enjoy some air, though food and beverage vouchers must be purchased for each member of the “10.”
What food is served at Oktoberfest 2023?
Food is an integral component of the Oktoberfest 2023 celebration. Have you been overlooking a meal? With such large beers at Oktoberfest, why not pair your beer intake with equal-sized food items on Wiesn? Definitely won’t go hungry when I get there!
At beer tents, traditional Bavarian sit-down cuisines such as pork knuckle and roast half-chickens are on offer, along with platters of oxen bratwursts, bratwurst platters, as well as quick snacks such as large Bavarian soft pretzels or sausage sandwiches.
On Wiesn, there are food items such as bratwurst and sandwiches, as well as candy, almonds, and fish on sticks for purchase. Most importantly, Oktoberfest food should not be forgotten! Visitors remember to eat something during Oktoberfest!
What beers will be served at Oktoberfest in 2023?
In Oktoberfest Munich Germany you’ll only have beer from Munich’s six major breweries, it’s always been:
- Augustiner
- Paulaner
- Spaten
- Hacker-Pschorr
- Hofbräu
- Löwenbräu
If a governing body is going to be incredibly rigorous about something, it could also concentrate on drinking the most delicious beer available.
It’s a Marzen-style beer specially brewed to celebrate Oktoberfest 2023. It’s fresh, refreshing, tasty, and sourer than you’d think. (Drinker, beware!) These beers vary from 5.8% to 6.3% ABV depending on the brewery you’re drinking from.
What more can you do than drink beer?
Apart from drinking beer, There’s plenty to do during Oktoberfest 2023-2024. (But don’t forget about your main objective, beer soldier!) There are events that are unique such as:
- Official and unofficial opening and closing ceremonies
- Family days
- Traditional parades
- Gay Sunday events
- A traditional mass of the church inside the tents for beer
- Celebratory concerts
- Even a crossbow shooting contest
There’s a multitude of Oktoberfest rides we suggest you think about prior to the drinking portion of the celebration. Ferris wheels, roller coasters, drop towers and slides, swings, and the legendary Devil Wheel, to name some.
How to Plan a Trip to Oktoberfest
The most important thing to be aware of when trying to prepare for Oktoberfest is how far in advance you have to go to plan your trip.
If you’re planning that once-ever trip to Germany to attend Oktoberfest, Don’t wait for a second! Hotels book their rooms months in advance; however, if you’re reading this to prepare to attend 2023’s Oktoberfest and have more time than that, then you’re perfectly fine.
Be aware that some hotels may be more difficult to find or cost more, but Munich is a fab city, so you needn’t be concerned.
Another thing to think about is the cost of flights. I’ve included a few tips for you in the section on Flights of this article, but keep in mind that prices for flights during Oktoberfest are bound to be quite expensive. So, make sure you plan to fit your budget.
The other thing I would like to recommend when someone is putting together the Oktoberfest program for their Germany trip is to keep in mind that you’re not able to do it all! I get it. You’re traveling to Germany, and you’re eager to experience and see everything!
You’ll prefer picking some places to base yourself on and thoroughly enjoying each instead of an interminable tour just to check mark off the list.
If you’re likely to go to Munich, it is important to take at least a couple of days to explore the city. Munich is also an ideal destination for day trips to nearby cities.
How Much Does Oktoberfest Cost?
All tents are open to the public for free. Beer prices are typically 12-13 EUR, and the majority of meals cost 12-20 EUR. Certain tents have lunch specials of 10 EUR, and there are plenty of stands selling sausages and wurst that cost 5-6 EUR as well.
Reservations for tables are technically free, but the reservation process requires the ordering of food and beverages. In most cases, this is equivalent to 2 beers and a half-chicken (which is approximately 30 to 35 EUR for each person). A table for ten people will cost around 300 EUR, subject to the type of tent.
It’s almost impossible to attend this event with a limited budget. It is possible to purchase alcohol or food outside of the event premises, which can lower the cost (get fully drunk before), but if you’re buying items in the tents, you’ll have to be charged!
Is it difficult to get a table at Oktoberfest?
No, it isn’t difficult to get a table at Oktoberfest. Depending on your size (2-3 people), you can find an area to sit comfortably. Sliding towards the edge of the table (but remembering to request first!) may work just fine.
If you are traveling in a large group, finding an available table may prove challenging, particularly on weekends and evenings.
Be sure to arrive early at your campsite, and remain flexible in terms of which tent you choose (as some will likely fill up more quickly than others).
Is Oktoberfest safe for girls?
Yes, absolutely! It’s a wonderful occasion to attend. Oktoberfest is vibrant and is also very secure.
Particularly if traveling on your own, there are specific things women should be aware of to ensure that they enjoy the most enjoyable trip possible.
Bottom line
That is it – these are the essentials you need to know when planning a visit to Oktoberfest. Now you know travel tips and reasons to experience Oktoberfest in 2023. Imagine attending a county fair but larger; it isn’t nearly as hectic or chaotic as anticipated.
I hope this article provides additional activities you might enjoy while staying in Munich, such as walking tours through Munich.
