Out of all the folk festivals in Germany, Oktoberfest in Munich is the biggest and most famous, extending its celebrations around the world. Bavarian Beerfest fever is already sweeping through Munich; everyone has already started deciding which dirndl style to dress in, which lederhosen color to wear, and how long to be at the festival's 190th iteration.
Many first-time visitors make common mistakes—overpaying for fake “Oktoberfest tickets,” arriving on the most overcrowded days, or struggling to find seats. This local ultimate Oktoberfest 2025 guide is to help avoid all those pitfalls and experience Oktoberfest like a seasoned Bavarian.
When is Oktoberfest 2025?
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival, held annually in Munich since 1810. It started as a horse race celebrating the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Over two centuries later, it has unrolled into a 16–18-day festival, drawing over six million visitors each year.
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Location: Theresienwiese (locals just call it "Wiesn")
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Dates for 2025: September 20 – October 5
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Entry Fee: Free—no tickets are required!
Planning Your Oktoberfest Trip Like a Local
There are many small steps that can help in planning a smooth trip to the Bavarian Beerfest and enjoying the most without getting stuck in the crowd.
1. Choose the Right Days to Visit
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is arriving at the crowded times of the festival. Here’s how to plan smarter and use the Oktoberfest barometer:
Best Time to be at Oktoberfest;
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First Sunday (Sept 21) – Features the Trachten- und Schützenzug, a parade with 9,000 participants in traditional costumes.
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Middle Sunday (Sept 28) – Special open-air orchestra concert with 300 musicians.
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Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) – Fewer crowds, better seating availability, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Days to Avoid Visiting the Bavarian Beerfest on;
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Saturdays – Overcrowded, beer tents close early due to full capacity.
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October 3 (German Unity Day) – Expect chaos if it falls on a Friday.
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Friday nights – Heavy crowds and long waits.
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Pro Tip: If you want to visit on a weekend, go on the first Saturday (Sept 20)—it’s the least crowded. |
2. Book Your Hotel Early
Munich has over 80,000 hotel beds, but during Oktoberfest, demand skyrockets. Prices double or triple, and last-minute bookings are nearly impossible. The Best areas to stay during the Oktoberfest are:
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Walking distance- Hotels near Theresienwiese or Munich Central Station.
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Old Town (Altstadt)- Historic charm, easy transport access.
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S-Bahn locations- Affordable hotels in Freising, Erding, or Starnberg (all under 45 minutes from Munich).
For sorted transportation, use the MVV journey planner (Munich’s public transport site) to check hotel locations before booking.
3. Getting to Oktoberfest
Munich’s transport system is efficient, and driving is not an option. Finding parking during the festival is a disaster. The best way to get there is using one of the below modes;
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U-Bahn (subway)- Take U4/U5 to Theresienwiese or U3/U6 to Goetheplatz (less crowded).
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S-Bahn (commuter train)-Hackerbrücke station is a short walk away.
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Walking- If you're staying near the Hauptbahnhof (main station), it’s a 10-minute walk.
If you are arriving by plane, Take the S1 or S8 train from Munich Airport (MUC) to the city center (~45 minutes). The Budget carriers land here from Memmingen Airport (FMM), but expect a 75-minute bus ride to Munich.
Oktoberfest Tents & Reservations—What You Need to Know
Unlike many "Oktoberfest-style" events around the world, Munich’s Oktoberfest does not require an entrance ticket. Visitors can freely enter the festival grounds and explore the beer tents without needing to purchase admission.
Can You Reserve a Table?
Reservations are not mandatory to enter the Oktoberfest tents. Table reservations are available and open between May and August for most of the tents. A table on your name guarantees a seat during peak times, which can be difficult to grab on busy days.
How to Find a Free Seat Without a Reservation
Find a seat without reservation at one of the tents by following these tips:
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Arrive before 2 PM on weekdays or before 10 AM on weekends to secure an unreserved spot.
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Look for tables labeled "Nicht reserviert" (unreserved) open to walk-in guests.
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Politely ask if there is space at a table—Bavarians are generally friendly and welcoming.
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Consider signing up for a reservation alarm service, which notifies the table reservations becoming available.
Beware of Ticket Scams
There are no official Oktoberfest tickets. Entry to the festival and beer tents is always free. Be cautious of anyone selling "Oktoberfest tickets" or promising guaranteed access, as these are scams. Do not buy tickets from scalpers, as they are not legitimate. The only way to reserve a table at one of the Oktoberfest tents is via
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Official website
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Phone
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Email
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Fax
How Much Money Do You Need?
The Oktoberfest experience comes with some expenses, so planning the budget in advance is helpful. The estimated beer prices for the previous year’s festival range between €13 and €15 per Maß (1-liter beer). Traditional Bavarian cuisine costs around €10 to €20 per meal. The festival also has numerous carnival-style attractions, with rides costing between €4 and €12 per attraction.
Cash or Card? - What You Need to Know
Most beer tents operate on a cash-only basis, except for those with pre-paid reservations. While some rides and vendors now accept credit or debit cards, it's always best to carry Euros to avoid any payment issues.
ATM Tips to Save Money
Do not use ATMs within the Oktoberfest grounds to avoid high withdrawal fees. These vestibule often charge excessive fees. Instead, withdraw cash from city ATMs before arriving to get better exchange rates and avoid extra charges.
Oktoberfest Must-See Attractions
Even locals continue to enjoy Oktoberfest’s classic rides and events. Here are some festival favorites you shouldn’t miss:
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Schichtl Theater – A historic vaudeville-style show dating back to 1867, best known for its famous fake guillotine execution.
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Ferris Wheel – Offers the best panoramic views of the festival grounds.
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Krinoline – A vintage carousel featuring a live brass band, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience.
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Teufelsrad ("Devil’s Wheel") – A hilarious spinning wheel challenge where participants try to stay on as attendants attempt to knock them off.
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Oide Wiesn – A quieter, more traditional section of Oktoberfest featuring historical rides and classic Bavarian music.
Conclusion-Final Oktoberfest 2025 Tips
Oktoberfest is a bucket list experience that can be enjoyed thoroughly by wearing men’s lederhosen and women’s dirndl dresses. The Munich Brew for Bavarian Beerfest is stronger than regular beer (having 6.3% ABV content), so it is important to drink responsibly.
It is important to respect the Bavarian culture and not stand on the benches, refrain from stealing beer steins, and tip well. Basic German phrases "Prost!" (cheers) and "Ein Bier, bitte!" (one beer, please) can get you through the festival without hassle,