Munich Oktoberfest Travel Guide: What to Expect, Tips, and City Highlights
Munich during Oktoberfest had always been on our bucket list, but if I’m being honest, we didn’t really know what to expect beyond beer tents and lederhosen. On our recent European road trip, we finally experienced Oktoberfest for the first time—and discovered that Munich has so much more to offer than just the festival itself.
This stop ended up being one of the highlights of our journey, not only because of Oktoberfest, but because Munich surprised us in all the best ways.
Our Oktoberfest Road Trip Route
This trip was part of a larger Oktoberfest road trip through Europe. We started in Zurich, Switzerland, made a stop in Stein am Rhein, continued on to Innsbruck, Austria, and then drove into Munich, Germany. While many people opt for trains, we chose to drive—and despite warnings about parking, it turned out to be much easier than expected.
With a little research, we found a parking garage just a 13-minute walk from Munich’s main attractions for about $3.50 an hour. It was affordable, easy, and completely stress-free.
First Impressions of Munich
One of our first stops was the famous Munich Glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz. The mechanical figures perform daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., and it’s a fun, quick introduction to the city’s history.
But the real highlight of the day was our bike tour with Mike’s Bike Tours. If you’re short on time in Munich, this is one of the best ways to see the city.
Exploring Munich by Bike
Our bike tour took us through Munich’s historic streets, past colorful buildings, and into some of the city’s most iconic spots. Along the way, we learned about the architecture and history that make Munich so unique.
The tour runs rain or shine—and we truly experienced all the weather. In just three hours, we had rain, sleet, hail, sunshine, and temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees. It was wild, but honestly, it made the experience even more memorable.
One of our favorite stops was Theatine Church, built in 1663 and known for its stunning ornate interior. We also rode through the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world—yes, even bigger than Central Park in New York City. I had no idea Munich had green space on this scale, and it completely changed how I view the city.
English Garden Beer Garden & Eisbach Surfing
Inside the English Garden, we stopped at a Chinese beer garden for lunch, where we carb-loaded on classic Bavarian food before hopping back on our bikes.
Our final stop was Eisbach Surfing, one of the most unexpected things we’ve ever seen in a city center. This river wave has been surfed for over 40 years and is considered one of the best and most consistent urban river surfing spots in the world. Watching surfers ride a wave in the middle of Munich was incredible.
Staying Near Oktoberfest
After our bike tour, we checked into our hotel - Hotel Krone Munchen, which was conveniently located just outside the Oktoberfest grounds. I booked the room almost a year in advance, and I’m so glad I did. While the stairwell initially gave me pause, the room itself was adorable—and the view of the Oktoberfest grounds made it even better.
That night, we had dinner at Augustiner Bräustuben, a more traditional beer hall that felt like the perfect warm-up before Oktoberfest.
What Is Oktoberfest, Really?
Before attending, I had a lot of misconceptions about Oktoberfest. In reality, it’s much more than just beer.
Oktoberfest began in the 1810s as a celebration of a Bavarian prince’s wedding. The festivities were so popular that they continued the following year, eventually adding a state fair element. Today, Oktoberfest is a two-week event, starting in late September and ending in early October.
The best way I can describe it? Think of a state fair—but instead of livestock and produce competitions, you have massive beer tents.
Oktoberfest Tents, Rides, and Atmosphere
There are 14 large tents and 20 smaller tents, each sponsored by a different Munich brewery. Every tent has its own beer, food, décor, and overall vibe. Some are more traditional, while others feel more lively and party-focused.
In addition to the tents, there are rides throughout the grounds. You’ll find classics like bumper cars and Ferris wheels, along with unique rides like the Toboggan and the infamous Devil’s Wheel, where participants try not to get flung off in front of a cheering crowd.
One of the biggest surprises for us was learning that Oktoberfest is family-friendly, especially during the daytime.
What You Do at Oktoberfest
Inside the tents, the experience is simple:
Eat
Drink
Eat some more
Listen to music
Sing and dance
If beer isn’t your thing, there are also wine tents, so everyone can find something they enjoy. As night falls, the energy ramps up, the music shifts to more familiar songs, and the entire atmosphere becomes more festive.
Oktoberfest Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re planning your first Oktoberfest trip, here are a few tips we learned:
Do:
Hydrate with water, not just beer. Oktoberfest beers are around 6.5% alcohol.
Bring cash, as tents do not accept credit cards. There are ATMs available in the tents but they charge a high fee.
Arrive early. Tents open at 10:00 a.m., and early arrival makes a huge difference.
Carry coins for restroom attendants.
Don’t:
Wear costumes. Traditional Bavarian attire is welcome, but novelty costumes are not.
Stand on benches during the day—this is only allowed at night.
Visit Munich only for Oktoberfest.
Final Thoughts on Munich
While Oktoberfest was incredible, Munich itself completely won us over. The history, green spaces, architecture, and relaxed vibe make it a city worth exploring beyond the festival.
Our first Oktoberfest may be over, but our Oktoberfest road trip is far from finished. Next up, we’re heading back to Switzerland to explore some of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen.
👉 Watch the full Munich Oktoberfest video on our YouTube channel for tips, visuals, and behind-the-scenes moments.
