Oktoberfest is a massive celebration and a bucket list experience that brings an average of 6 million people each year to its venue, Theresienwiese. Of these, 21% are outsiders and bound to make mistakes, as 90% are first-time visitors. To have a smooth Wiesn experience, it is best to come prepared, like not bringing prohibited things to the Beerfest ground. Following this mini-guide, you can definitely avoid all the mistakes and enter the Wiesn like a pro.
All the Oktoberfest Planning Mistakes to Avoid as a First time Visitor
For having a multiple-day Oktoberfest experience, planning a few things in time saves you from the hassle and a few euros that you can spend on buying Lebkuchen hearts as souvenirs to take back home.
Taking Oktoberfest like Any Other Occasion
Oktoberfest is the most awaited time of the year for the locals, and many outsiders add it to their bucket lists. In 2023, tents sold a staggering 7.2 million liters of beer, which clearly shows the reason for its popularity. Do not expect to waltz in at peak hours and grab a table to be seated in time. Arrive before the time you have made a reservation, especially on weekends, when securing a seat can be a competitive sport.
Sorting Accommodation in the Nick Time
With the high volume of visitors descending upon Munich, hotels fill up fast. Booking well in advance (ideally six months prior) will assure you a place to crash, especially if you consider staying near the Theresienwiese festival grounds for easy access. Many accommodation options are available for living in Munich for Oktoberfest, starting from very basic hostels to luxury 5-star hotels.
Pro Tip: Use applications like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and Hotelworld to get the best Oktoberfest accommodation deals.
Oktoberfest Budget Blunders Freshers Can Avoid
On average, a person spends 100 euros per day at Oktoberfest, and this can vary from person to person, depending on the kind of experience you are looking for. To pay your money in the right place, follow financial advice.
Paying for the Table Reservation
There is no charge to enter the Oktoberfest tent or to reserve a table. Anyone trying to con you into paying for a beer tent reservation is not telling the truth.
Plastic Fantastic is of No Help in Wiesn
While credit cards are widely accepted in Germany, especially Munich, Oktoberfest is a cash-only affair. ATMs within the festival grounds also have long queues, so come prepared with enough Euros to cover the food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Packing for Pennies
Oktoberfest isn't precisely a budget-friendly experience for everyone. A Maß (liter mug) of beer can cost upwards of €12-€15, and as you add other activities, the dent in your pocket gets bigger. When planning your spending, factor in the number of drinks, food, rides, and potential souvenirs while keeping a little extra cash for miscellaneous or emergency expenses. So don’t forget to make this mistake at the event.
Not Respecting the Oktoberfest Traditions
Oktoberfest is built on its foundations, and abiding by tradition is essential for having the most wholesome experience of the Wiesn.
Avoid Wearing Tacky Costumes
To fully indulge in the Munich Beerfest spirit, dress in traditional Bavarian attire-authentic lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Avoid cheap, ill-fitting costumes that disrespect the cultural significance of Tracht.
Not Getting Along with Others
Oktoberfest is all about having a great time, and two phrases, "Prost" (cheers) and "Bitte" (please), will get you through it. Understanding the table reservation system (often involving cheering with fellow tablemates) is vital to a smooth Oktoberfest experience.
Oktoberfest Drinking Mistakes to Avoid as a First Time Visitor
Oktoberfest beer is known all around the world for many reasons, among which the top two are: firstly, the beer is brewed within Munich, and secondly, it is brewed following the
Limit your Litre
While beer is the show's star, remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Oktoberfest beer is stronger than regular beers with a higher alcohol content. Pace yourself and alternate beers with water or soft drinks to avoid dehydration, especially in warm autumn weather.
Lining Your Stomach
Don't drink beer on an empty stomach! Bavarian food is hearty and delicious, and traditional specialties like sausages, pretzels, and roasted meats are excellent for soaking up the beer and keeping energy leveled.
Knowing When to Stop
Oktoberfest is a fun-filled event, but be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Set limits, pace yourself, and don't hesitate to say no to another Maß.
Avoid Drunk Driving After Beer Party
Oktoberfest is no doubt a beer celebration, so planning for safe transportation is essential.
Using Public Transportation
Munich has a well-planned and connected excellent public transport system that is Oktoberfest-friendly. U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, and bus connect different parts of the city to the Oktoberfest venue, and the online schedule makes it a convenient option to track which mode of transportation suits you best.
Read “Transportation in Munich During Oktoberfest 2024” to determine the best option.
Avoid Focusing Only on Beer
Beer should not be the sole reason for entering the Oktoberfest grounds. Multiple fun activities are a fantastic way to make Oktoberfest memories. As a first time visitor at Oktoberfest, explore these fun activities which make the festival a family friendly gathering;
Tunnel Vision on Beer
Explore the amusement rides, including the traditional fun cult ride Teufelsrad, which spins and throws people away. The last one left is announced as a winner. Other than rides, enjoy traditional Bavarian music or participate in the fun, nerve-testing Oktoberfest challenges.
Come Along Family
Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest is family-friendly, especially on Tuesdays designated as Familientage (family days). Bring your kids to enjoy amusement park rides and food items at discounted rates in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Avoid Taking Prohibited Items to Oktoberfest
There is a list of items prohibited from being taken with you while entering the Oktoberfest venue. If you don’t take any of these items, it will be quicker to enter the festival grounds. Avoid taking the following things;
- Backpack (more than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm dimensions)
- Aerosol spray cans
- Glass bottles
- On Saturday strollers/prams/buggies
- Other than Saturday, no strollers/prams/buggies onward 6 pm
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards
- Animal (service dogs are allowed)
Wrapping It Up!
Avoiding a few common mistakes at Oktoberfest 2024 as a first time visitor will end you in a truly memorable Oktoberfest experience. Safely following a few general tips and not taking prohibited items are great ways to enter Oktoberfest venues. Not to forget sorting out the accommodation and transportation as the highest priority,