First-timer's Guide to Oktoberfest — Including the Best Beer Tents, Expert Tips, and More

Visiting Oktoberfest for the first time? Here's what you need to know about the iconic German festival.

Some six million people attend Munich's Oktoberfest each year, including plenty of return visitors. But if you're a first-timer, don't worry — we've got you covered with this Oktoberfest guide. There are just a few things you need to know to maximize your Oktoberfest experience, including must-visit beer tents, top things to do, and more.

History of Oktoberfest

The very first Oktoberfest took place in 1810, and it didn't begin as a public holiday. It all started as part of the royal wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The wedding festivities began on Oct. 12 and lasted until Oct. 17, when the newlyweds celebrated their love with a public horse race. And because things went so well, the celebration became an annual event held every October. Hence, Oktoberfest was born, and it was eventually pushed up to September to ensure the weather was pleasant for revelers.

The bride is still celebrated to this day at Oktoberfest. As the official Oktoberfest website notes, the field where the event takes place was named "Theresens-Wiese" (now "Theresienwiese") to ensure her name is remembered forever.

Dates and Location

Oktoberfest typically runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October, lasting about two and a half weeks. In 2024, the festival kicks off on Sept. 21 and ends on Oct. 6. The main event is held at Theresienwiese, a large open space in Munich that is easily accessible by public transport.

The official kickoff begins with the Parade of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries at 10:45 a.m. local time when all the vendors parade down the street in fantastically decorated horse-drawn wagons. According to the Oktoberfest site, the parade begins at Josephspitalstraße behind Sendlinger Tor and moves toward Sonnenstraße. Then, at noon, the Lord Mayor officially declares Oktoberfest open.

Related: 20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany for Breathtaking Mountains, Medieval Towns, and Moving Historic Sites

Planning Your Visit

Planning ahead is critical for the best — and most cost-effective — Oktoberfest experience. Thanks to those six million attendees, flight and accommodation prices can soar around Oktoberfest weekends, so we spoke to an expert for budget-friendly tips.

"Instead of paying high flight fares to fly directly into Munich — we're talking $600-plus round-trip — grab fares with budget airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways and PLAY to Berlin from $355 round-trip and then grab either a connecting flight to Munich or a train from Berlin to Munich," Sophie Coderre, the editor of the travel deals platform, TravelPirates, who also lived in Germany for some time, shared with Travel + Leisure.

Staying in the city is most convenient, but travelers on a budget may want to look elsewhere to find more affordable places to stay. "Opt to stay outside of Munich to avoid high hotel prices," Coderre said, suggesting nearby spots like Augsburg, Garmisch, Nuremberg, or Tegernsee, which are less than 90 minutes away by train.

It's also important to think about what kind of Oktoberfest experience you want to have. Are you looking for a quieter time where you can sip and savor or a more raucous affair? Either way, you'll find exactly what you're looking for by checking out the Oktoberfest Barometer, which measures each day of the festival on a scale of "quiet" to "very busy" to ensure people can find the right environment for their experience. As you may expect, the busiest times are Saturday evenings, as well as the last Thursday afternoon of the festival.

What to Expect at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, to put it mildly, is a jovial event. After all, it did start as a wedding celebration. Even in the "quiet" times, you can still expect a lively atmosphere as beer tents open around 10 a.m. on the weekdays and 9 a.m. on the weekends. People come here to have a good time, plain and simple. And people really do lean into the Bavarian spirit by dressing up in traditional attire — lederhosen for men and dirndls for women — which is something you should consider, too.

"The dirndl is probably the number one item during the Oktoberfest season," per Coderre. However, as she noted, it's critical to make sure you're wearing the real thing. "Cheap dirndl costumes from the carnival shop have nothing in common with Bavarian costumes," she added. If you're looking for a high-quality costume, try local shops like Moser Trachtenwelt that offer the real deal at affordable prices.

Related: 12 Best Small Towns in Germany, From Charming Medieval Villages to Idyllic Mountain Escapes

Must-visit Beer Tents

There are more than a dozen large beer tents at Oktoberfest for guests to explore, each offering a unique spirit and special drinks and snacks. 

"The younger crowd is mainly to be found in the Hacker-Festzelt, where it’s filled with pop and party music and dancing on the beer benches," Coderre explained. She also suggested The Augustiner tent, which "is family-friendly and traditional."

Looking for more of a party? Try the Hofbräu or the Löwenbräu tents, and find locals and tourists mingling together at the Paulaner tent. And don't miss the Schottenhamel tent, known for hosting the festival's opening ceremony.

But as Eva Metz-Tolliver, a travel consultant specializing in Germany, adds, you can always test out multiple tents to find the right one.

"I recommend first-time visitors check out a few different beer tents on their first visit before making a decision on where to stay, eat, and drink," Metz-Tolliver said. "A certain number of seats need to be kept open for walk-ins, and groups of two or four should be able to find seats anywhere — they should not be afraid to squeeze in."

Other Things to Do

We promise there is plenty to see and do outside of the beer tents at Oktoberfest. The festival also includes amusement rides (maybe try those before drinking beer) and even a massive Ferris wheel, which provides a gorgeous view of the festival grounds and the city from above. There are also musical performances, dancing, and even a strongman game to watch or take part in when you need a break from the tents.

For a deeper look at Bavarian culture, make sure to take a bit of time to visit the Oide Wiesn, a smaller section of the festival dedicated to traditional music, costumes, and even old-school rides.

Tips for Enjoying Oktoberfest

Need more? Here are a few ways to maximize the Oktoberfest experience, according to our experts.

Wear traditional attire.

"Wearing the traditional dirndl and lederhosen has become increasingly common among locals and visitors alike," Metz-Tolliver shared. "I recommend they carve out a few hours of their time the day before their Oktoberfest visit to go shopping. There are many trachten stores in Munich’s old town, and travelers are bound to find a fitting Octoberfest outfit."

Make a reservation.

If you're traveling with a larger group of 10 or more, our experts recommend reserving a table ahead of time so you won't be disappointed when the waitstaff can't seat you. This way, you all know exactly where to meet during the chaotic festival.

Don't forget cash.

While some places accept cards, cash is the preferred payment method in the tents and at many food stalls. Additionally, the waitstaff are all independent contractors, so having a little cash on hand to tip is always nice.

Pace yourself.

This one may be stating the obvious, but it's key to try and pace yourself as much as possible to ensure you have a great time throughout your stay. Make sure to order a few glasses of water in between those steins.

Learn a few key phrases.

"Oktoberfest is more than just a festival; it’s an experience," Olena Grabova, a world culture specialist at Promova, added. "Knowing just a handful of key phrases in German can help you make friends, order like a pro, and get the full Bavarian experience connecting with the culture and the people. After a few tankards of brew, you might catch yourself chatting away in German like a local — or at least feeling like one."

To help you feel like a local, Grabova gave us a list of words and phrases to learn. Memorize them (or keep this page bookmarked) so you can experience Oktoberfest like a pro.

• Prost: Cheers

• Noch ein bier, bitte: Another beer, please

• Zwei bier, bitte: Two beers, please

• Wie viel kostet das?: How much does that 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
  

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