Munich, Germany
This was my second trip to Germany and I was intentionally visiting during the 2018 Oktoberfest, so most recommendations take the festival into consideration. Please see my note at the bottom of the page for suggestions for visiting during another time of year. Below, I’ve outlined recommendations for your days not attending Oktoberfest, and then my recommendations for attire, logistics and activities during Oktoberfest.
Non-Oktoberfest Recommendations
Where to Stay
Using airbnb, I rented a room in an Arts District called Giesing southeast of Downtown Munich. Hostels could be a less expensive route to go, but be aware that hotels and airbnb’s closer to the city and fairgrounds are incredibly expensive during the weeks of Oktoberfest.
Activities
Outside of Oktoberfest, there is so much to see in Munich and again it’s a very walkable city. My airbnb host suggested the app MVG Fahrinfo and I found it incredibly helpful. The app suggest many routes and combines walking, cycling, busses, train schedules and taxicabs for you to choose the best style of transportation for your needs. I spent a lot of time walking around the city just to explore the sites outside of the fairgrounds. I explored Karlsplatz, listened to wonderful piano music in the Hofgarten, walked around Maximilianeum and the city center, Marienplatz. Nymphenburg Palace is gorgeous, and I would keep walking along the Isar for some exercise and pretty views.
What to Eat
The food in Germany is much heavier than some other, more seafood forward destinations. I only ate a couple of proper meals, and instead chose to pack a PB&J sandwich to snack on throughout the day. I actually found it quite difficult to find lighter fare in the city, and the few places I had researched were so crowded we couldn’t eat, so keep this in mind. Also, many places either couldn’t take cash (Euros) or wouldn’t take cards, so make sure you have both. The places I visited or tried to visit are: The Little London Bar / Grill, KaffeeKuche (I loved this place, but sadly they’ve shut down), Spezlwirtschaft, Kim&Co Weinbar (also permanently closed, this was something I ran into frequently in Munich, hopefully you have better luck!), Rosi Kaffeehaus & Bar (I came here for breakfast because I could rely on it and they were very kind), Prinz Myshkin (yummy vegan food).
Oktoberfest Recommendations
Dirndl & Lederhosen
If you’d like to wear the traditional Bavarian outfit to Oktoberfest, dirndl for the ladies, lederhosen for the gents, you’ll be in great company. The dress is quite comfy, and easy to find. Just decide whether you’d like to go the costume route (less expensive, think Party City Halloween style, budget around $100) or the traditional dress route where you’d want to set aside a bigger budget. I went with the traditional dress and was able to find an entire floor of the department store Ludwig Beck dedicated to this cause. The attendants were incredibly helpful in choosing the proper size, blouse (sometimes it is sold with the dress and apron attached, but not usually in the traditional form, so you choose a blouse separately) and undergarments to fit my budget. It was still a little bit overwhelming and expensive, but definitely worth it, especially if you’re going to Oktoberfest for more than one day.
Oktoberfest Logistics
Transportation
Oktoberfest is held at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, west of the city. You’ll need transportation of some sort to get there, so plan your timing with this in mind. I used the app MVG Fahrinfo to find routes to Oktoberfest since I was staying outside the downtown area. I took the train to the Theresienwiese station and then just followed the crowds of people to one of the main entrances. Entrance is free, and they weren’t particularly strict on bags from what I recall, but I had a very small shoulder bag anyway so I wasn’t paying close attention. The fairground is huge, so plan to walk quite a bit. Getting home is easy as well, and you’ll be surrounded by loads of folks also wearing lederhosen, so I generally just followed their lead if I was feeling lost.
Inside the Festival
The festival is made up of huge tented structures and you can make reservations if you’d like. I would recommend going this route so you have a place to sit and don’t have to elbow your way to a table. The beer maids will not serve your stein unless you’re sitting down at a table. You can order food inside the tent at your table, or at the concession stands outside. I suggest researching the tents before you choose where to make a reservation as they all have different styles and reputations. I found the site Wiesnkini really helpful for research and reservation info.
