Oktoberfest in Munich: Complete Guide

The Oktoberfest in Munich is the most famous festival in Germany and the biggest beer celebration in the world. But trust us: it’s not only about the liters of beer served in those massive tents — the festival brings together traditional Bavarian outfits, live music, delicious local food, parades, and even a full amusement park. It’s truly a deep dive into Bavarian culture.

And we can say that from experience! We went to Oktoberfest 2025 and absolutely loved it. The festival lasts 15 days, and we enjoyed it so much that we ended up going at least 7 different days! If you're planning to experience Oktoberfest in 2025 too, this guide has everything you need to know: dates, how to get there, prices, safety rules, and even the famous “10 Golden Rules” to enjoy the festival like a local.

How did Oktoberfest begin?

Oktoberfest was born in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, on October 12th. The party began with horse races organized on the grounds that are now known as Theresienwiese, or “Therese’s Meadow,” in honor of the bride. The event was so successful and popular that it became an annual tradition, repeated in the following years.

Throughout the 19th century, the festival incorporated traditional Bavarian elements such as breweries, food stalls, and folk music. Today, Oktoberfest is no longer just a celebration of the royal wedding but a landmark of Bavarian popular culture, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world and consolidating Munich as the beer and joy capital of the world.

When does Oktoberfest Munich 2025 take place?

In 2025, Oktoberfest will be held from September 20 to October 5, at the vast Theresienwiese, located in the heart of Munich. During these 16 days, the entire city transforms into a giant stage for the festival, with decorated streets, folk music playing everywhere, and visitors from all over the world wearing traditional Bavarian outfits.

It’s important to plan your visit in advance, as the city gets extremely crowded and hotels and accommodations sell out quickly. For those who want to enjoy quieter days, weekdays—especially Monday through Thursday—are the best times to visit, avoiding the massive crowds on weekends and holidays.

How to get there?

The best way is by using public transportation:

• U-Bahn (subway): avoid Theresienwiese station and opt for Goetheplatz, Poccistraße, or Schwanthalerhöhe.
• S-Bahn (train): get off at Hackerbrücke station and walk to the festival grounds.
• Tram: lines 16, 17, 18, and 19 stop near the festival.
• Bus: lines 53, 58, 62, and 134 have stops close to Theresienwiese.
• Car: not recommended, as parking is nearly impossible.

Opening hours

• On the first Saturday, the festival opens at noon, after the mayor taps the first keg.
• Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 11:30 pm (beer service until 10:30 pm).
• Smaller tents and cafés: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• Weekends and holidays: large tents open at 9:00 am.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee?

One of the greatest advantages of Oktoberfest is that entry is completely free. Unlike many events worldwide, you don’t need to buy a ticket to access the grounds. What you actually pay for are the expenses inside the festival: table reservations at the tents, drinks, traditional Bavarian food, sweets, souvenirs, and access to the funfair attractions.

Additionally, it’s important to be prepared with cash, as not all stalls accept cards, ATMs on-site are limited and may charge high fees, and services inside the tents often require exact change or small bills.

How much does food and drink cost at Oktoberfest?

Prices at Oktoberfest vary depending on the tent and the type of product chosen, but it’s important to have an idea of how much to spend. The traditional 1-liter beer mug costs around 15 euros on average. Typical dishes, such as the famous Hendl (roast chicken), usually range between 15 and 20 euros. Other dishes, such as sausages, pork knuckle, and side dishes, can cost anywhere from 10 to 25 euros.

Traditional sweets, like the gingerbread hearts Lebkuchenherzen, cost between 5 and 10 euros, while more elaborate desserts, like strudel, average around 6 to 8 euros. At the funfair, each attraction is also paid separately, with prices averaging 10 euros per ride.

Overall, you can expect to spend an average of 40 to 60 euros per person per day at Oktoberfest, depending on your appetite, how much beer you drink, and which attractions you choose.

Can I join without reserving a table?

Yes, it’s possible to enter the tents without a reservation. However, if you want to secure a seat, avoid peak hours (evenings and weekends). Arriving around lunchtime or shortly after the tents open greatly increases your chances of finding a table.

What are the main tents?

Oktoberfest features 17 large tents and 21 smaller ones. Each has its own atmosphere, menu, and style of music, but all serve traditional German beer and plenty of fun. Among the main tents, the highlights include:

• Augustiner Festzelt: famous for serving Augustiner beer, considered by many the most traditional in Munich, straight from wooden barrels.
• Hofbräu Festzelt: the most international tent at Oktoberfest, very popular among tourists from all over the world, with a lively atmosphere and large standing areas.
• Paulaner Festzelt (Winzerer Fähndl): one of the largest tents, easily recognized by the giant rotating beer mug on its roof; perfect for those who want to try authentic Paulaner beer.
• Fischer-Vroni: specialized in fish dishes, such as traditional grilled trout, offering an alternative to classic Bavarian meats.
• Hacker-Festzelt: considered one of the most beautiful, with a ceiling painted to resemble the Bavarian blue sky, creating the feeling of being outdoors even while inside.

Among the smaller tents, highlights include Café Kaiserschmarrn, famous for its typical Austrian desserts, and Ammer-Hühner und Entenbraterei, specializing in roast chicken and duck.

Is it mandatory to wear traditional costumes?

No, it’s not mandatory, but most visitors wear traditional clothing: dirndl for women and lederhosen for men. Dressing in traditional outfits makes the experience much more fun and helps you get into the spirit of the festival.

If you’d like to invest in an outfit, there are options for all budgets in Munich:

• Traditional stores: places like Lodenfrey and Angermaier offer authentic, high-quality costumes, though at higher prices.
• Department stores and fast fashion: chains like C&A and New Yorker sell simpler and more affordable versions of dirndl and lederhosen, perfect for those who don’t want to spend too much.
• Second-hand: apps like Vinted and thrift shops such as Re-Sales in Munich are great places to find used outfits in good condition for lower prices.

Even if you don’t buy a full costume, you can still get into the spirit with accessories like traditional hats, suspenders, or floral headbands, which are easily found in shops across the city and even inside the festival grounds.

Official rules: The 10 golden rules

To ensure safety and the smooth running of the festival, the Oktoberfest organization has established some important rules. Check out the highlights:

• Avoid bringing backpacks and large bags. The maximum allowed is 3 liters in volume or a maximum size of 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm.
• Prohibited items: sprays, corrosive substances, weapons, sharp objects, and glass bottles.
• Baby strollers are not allowed on Saturdays and public holidays; on other days, entry is prohibited after 6 p.m.
• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and similar items are not allowed on the festival grounds.
• Animals are not allowed, except guide dogs.
• Avoid using Theresienwiese station. Prefer alternatives: Goetheplatz, Poccistraße, Schwanthalerhöhe, or Hackerbrücke.
• All entrance gates will be open and operating normally.
• The least crowded days are ideal for visiting: check the “Oktoberfest Barometer” by clicking here.
• It is forbidden to stay at Theresienwiese between 1:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Those without bags enter much faster, as bag checks are carried out at all entrances.

Can I bring children?

Yes, Oktoberfest is also a family event. The funfair attracts many families, and on Tuesdays the “Family Day” takes place, with discounts until 7 p.m. Some important rules:

• Children under 6 years old are not allowed to stay in the tents after 8 p.m., even if accompanied by their parents.
• Young people between 6 and 19 years old may only stay at the festival after this time if accompanied by a guardian.

Final tips

Book your accommodation in Munich in advance, as the city gets very crowded during this period. If possible, stay at least two days to enjoy both Oktoberfest and the city’s tourist attractions. And remember: bring only the essentials, be prepared for queues, and above all, enjoy the unique atmosphere of this traditional Bavarian festival.