Ah Oktoberfest. All drunkards, crowds and dodgy bratwurst, right? Not necessarily. While the world’s largest beer festival may often be associated with rowdy revellers and a youthful exuberance, it’s entirely possible (and enjoyable!) to experience the festival in a more laid-back, mature way. Here’s how you can do it…

Why Choose the Original Oktoberfest in Munich?

First things first – if you want to experience the real heart and soul of Oktoberfest, Munich is the place to be. The origins of the celebrations date back to 1810 when it began as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, and while a number of Oktoberfest-inspired events pop up around the world in places like Canada, the US, Brazil and Australia, the original is unmatched in authenticity, tradition and scale.

There’s nowhere else in the world you can experience true Bavarian culture, from the architecture to the food, music and outfits, with local brass bands, yodelling and traditional folk dances all par for the course. What’s more, the beer tents at Munich Oktoberfest are operated by the city’s oldest breweries - Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr and Löwenbräu - each offering a distinctive ambiance that reflects centuries of brewing tradition.

Oktoberfest Top Tips

Visit During the Day

The celebrations can get pretty busy and boisterous in the evenings, often part of the fun but if you'd prefer a less hectic experience, daytime visits are more relaxed. So consider going in the early afternoon when crowds are smaller.

Stay In a Hotel Nearby

Are your hostel days long gone? If so opt for a hotel outside the city centre to escape the noise and chaos of the late-night festivities. There are plenty of peaceful options in the surrounding Bavarian countryside, all which allow for easy day trips into Munich. Our top picks would be Hotel Bachmair Weissach by Lake Tegernsee and Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, which is a true culinary gem.

Choose Your Tents

Some beer tents cater to a more mature crowd, with a focus on traditional music, quieter atmospheres and seated dining. Augustiner Festhalle is known for its traditional ambiance and fewer tourists, while Käfer Wiesn-Schänke offers a more refined, intimate atmosphere with excellent food and a smaller, cosy tent.

Take Time to Explore Munich and Bavaria

Oktoberfest doesn’t have to be all about the beer. In fact, the festival can be a perfect hub for a wider Bavarian adventure, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s cultural highlights.

Munich is home to world-class museums like the Alte Pinakothek (Old Masters’ Gallery), Residenz Museum (former royal palace) and the Deutsches Museum (science and technology), while it’s also easy to access Bavaria’s most picturesque destinations like the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, the Zugspitze (Germany's highest mountain) and the charming town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Not far from Munich, the Franconia region is also known for its excellent wines, particularly Silvaner, and a relaxing day trip to a vineyard could be the perfect alternative to beer-heavy days.

Enjoy The Food

If you’re looking for ways to soak up all the beer, Oktoberfest offers a smorgasbord of hearty Bavarian dishes that are perfect for enjoying alongside your beverage of choice. We’re talking local delicacies like weißwurst (white sausages), schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle), käsespätzle (cheesy noodles) and brezen (pretzels), while many of the larger tents also have more gourmet options and full-service dining areas where you can enjoy a more relaxed, seated meal. The Käfer Wiesn-Schänke tent in particular is known for offering an elevated dining experience.

How To Make The Most of Oktoberfest in Munich

• Dress the part: Get in the spirit and embrace the tradition by wearing Lederhosen (for men) or a Dirndl (for women), which are widely available for purchase or rent in Munich.
• Pace yourself: We know you know how to look after yourself by now, but the beer at Oktoberfest is stronger than typical lagers (around 6% ABV), so enjoy plenty of food to keep your energy levels up!
• Book early: Oktoberfest is one of the world’s most popular festivals, so be sure to plan ahead. We highly recommend booking your accommodation and tent reservations months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Prost!