Lifestyle is a priority in Munich. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: The people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.
A city with a big heart, as suave as it is easygoing, buzzing and yet tranquil. Munich is Germany's lifestyle capital. And on top of all this, it boasts one of the country's most beautiful squares: Marienplatz, at the heart of the city and home to the Old and New Town Halls. The famous town hall glockenspiel is as much a part of the city's identity as the Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the iconic Church of Our Lady with its green dome-crested towers. Browsing the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt is a feast for the senses, while the luxury shopping boulevards such as Ludwigstrasse or Maximilianstrasse are designed for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life. For a far more affordable, not to mention more relaxed, shopping experience, head to Munich's trendy Glockenbachviertel district and Gärtnerplatz square.
Important Oktoberfest decisions you need to make
There’s much more to Oktoberfest than just beer and pretzels. Make the wrong decision and you’ll miss the best bits…
Late September begins Germany's famous Oktoberfest, the world's most well-known drinking festival. Although many people associate it with beer, many age-old traditions add depth and meaning to the celebrations.
One of the traditions is the Parade of Tent Hosts into Theresienwiese on the first day of Oktoberfest, followed by the mayor tapping the first keg of beer.
During this time, you'll have to make a decision. Do you want to watch the Parade of Tent Hosts with their brewery horses and beautifully decorated wagons, or do you want to secure a good seat for tapping the first keg? Unfortunately, you can't do both.
The Parade of Tent Hosts
The Parade of Tent Hosts and Breweries is well worth a visit. A huge and varied assortment of horse-drawn carts weaves through the cheering crowd on the way to their tents, accompanied by brass and woodwind musicians.
History of the Parade
Since 1887, the march has been a staple part of the Oktoberfest tradition. The first parade happened a few years earlier, in 1879, when the Styrian Hansa (master butcher, proprietor of an inn on Tegernseer Landstraβe in Munich, and ‘Bavarian Hercules’) drove to Theresienwiese with many guests, two coaches and lots of fuss. However, he was stopped by guards and forced to pay an exorbitant fine of 150 Deutsch Marks – but that didn’t stop him from getting a permit for it during next year’s Oktoberfest, and with that, started a lovely tradition.
If you plan to get a good spot for the beer
You should wake up early. The best seats are highly sought-after, and you should research the events in each tent. If you want to see the mayor tap the first keg, you have to go to the Schottenhamel tent. It’s very hard to find a seat in here since so many people want to see how many strikes with a big hammer it takes the master of ceremonies to tap the 200-litre beer keg (which has a lifespan of about 11 minutes at Oktoberfest!). So set that alarm extra early!
Tip: Follow the Sidewalk Signs to Reach the Wiesn!
Whether you got turned around while trying to walk to the Wiesn or are too tipsy to remember how to get back to the trains, the city of Munich has got you covered!
From the central station (Hauptbahnhof) all the way to Wiesn, there are very obvious markers on the sidewalk that lead you to Oktoberfest. They say “Oktoberfest München” and have an arrow — it doesn’t get simpler than that!
Oktoberfest 2024 Dates, Location & Opening Hours
Dates: September 21 – October 6, 2024
Location: Theresienwiese in Munich
How to get there: It’s a 15-minute walk to the Wiesen from the central train station, or you can ride the U-Bahn (lines U4 or U5) 1 stop to the station “Theresienwiese.”
Beer service hours: 10 am – 10:30 pm (tents open at 9 am on weekends and on October 3rd)
Stall opening hours: Mo – Th 10 am – 11:30 pm; Fr 10am-midnight; Sa 9am-midnight; Su 9 am – 11:30 pm
Oktoberfest Foods & Drinks
The food and drinks at Oktoberfest are delicious, although a bit expensive
Here are just some of the foods and drinks you need to try at Oktoberfest:
Beer
— The star attraction! The beer is brewed exclusively for Oktoberfest by Munich’s Big Six breweries. It’s a true heritage product that supports the local breweries.
Pretzels (Brezeln)
— The ones sold in the tents are bigger than your head and are actually so good! Bavaria is where pretzels originated, and they’re always perfectly fluffy and not too dry.
Pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe)
— The most succulent cut of pork you’ll ever eat! The ultra-crispy skin coating of the pork is to die for. You’d be hard-pressed to eat an entire pork knuckle on your own, so order some meat shaved off the bone and made into a sandwich or split a whole one with a friend.
Bratwurst
— Grilled sausages are easy to find all over the Wiesn and are one of the more affordable food items. Get yours topped with sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) for the full Oktoberfest experience.
Roast ox (Ochsenbraten)
— Super tender roast beef, typically sold inside the tents and not at the outdoor stalls. Head to the Ochsenbraterei tent to sample the best of the best.
Where to Stay in Munich for Oktoberfest
If your budget allows, I highly suggest staying within walking distance of the Theresienwiese. That way you won’t have to mess with public transportation or taxis. (Remember that you will NOT be able to drive to and from the Wiesn since you’ll be drinking alcohol!)
However, if you end up booking a hotel further away to save money, select one with easy access to the U3, U4, U5 or U6 subway — those will all take you straight to the Wiesn.
Top-rated Munich hotels that would be a good place to base your Oktoberfest adventures include:
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Lizz Hotel Munich — 10 minute walk
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Schwan Locke — 5 minute walk
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Relexa Hotel München — 10 minute walk
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Bold Hotel München Zentrum — 5 minute walk
Final Thoughts
For as long as this guide is, it still doesn’t cover all there is to know about visiting Oktoberfest for the first time. Leave me additional questions below, and if you visit Oktoberfest with the help of this guide please let me know!
Lifestyle is a priority in Munich. It might be down to the clear blue skies or simply the city's beauty, but one thing's for certain: The people of Munich always like to show their best side, whether they're in a beer garden, on one of the exclusive shopping streets, or in Bayern Munich's stadium.
A city with a big heart, as suave as it is easygoing, buzzing and yet tranquil. Munich is Germany's lifestyle capital. And on top of all this, it boasts one of the country's most beautiful squares: Marienplatz, at the heart of the city and home to the Old and New Town Halls. The famous town hall glockenspiel is as much a part of the city's identity as the Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the iconic Church of Our Lady with its green dome-crested towers. Browsing the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt is a feast for the senses, while the luxury shopping boulevards such as Ludwigstrasse or Maximilianstrasse are designed for those with an appreciation of the finer things in life. For a far more affordable, not to mention more relaxed, shopping experience, head to Munich's trendy Glockenbachviertel district and Gärtnerplatz square.
A trip to the English Garden, Munich's very own slice of paradise wedged in between the Isar River and the city centre, doesn't cost you a penny. From the art of lazing around to surfing the Eisbach River, anything goes here. Add to this two of Munich's most beautiful beer gardens, one at the Chinese Tower, the other at a picturesque lakeside spot, and you've got the perfect recipe for a relaxing afternoon. The people of Munich are also proud of the city's museums, many of which are of international standing, such as the German Museum, the world's biggest science and technology museum, the Alte Pinakothek, the Neue Pinakothek, the Pinakothek der Moderne, the Lenbachhaus Museum, the Brandhorst Museum and many more. The BMW Museum has the city's automotive heritage covered, while the football stars of Bayern Munich show teams visiting the Allianz Arena what it's really like to be on top. It's well worth trying to get a ticket to see them play, as the stadium atmosphere alone is world-class.
The Frauenkirche is the city's landmark par excellence
The Towers of the Frauenkirche Munich
Visible from far and wide, the two towers of the Frauenkirche (cathedral) jut out against the clouds, shaping Munich's skyline more than any other building in the city. And the inhabitants of Munich are keen on making sure it stays this way for a long time to come: In 2004, they voted in a city referendum to stop any new buildings in Munich exceeding the height of the Frauenkirche at 98.57 metres.
The Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Munich and is officially known as “Zu Unserer Lieben Frau“ (Cathedral Of Our Dear Lady). Erected by the Munich-based architect and master builder Jörg von Halsbach in the 15th century, the building was constructed using bricks to save money due to the lack of quarries in the region. Apart from the tops of the two towers, the building was completed in 1488 after just 20 years of construction work.
There's always something going on in this world-famous square – whether it's the Christmas market, the city's anniversary celebrations, the Glockenspiel, championship celebrations for FC Bayern or public gatherings for a variety of occasions. Here you can find out everything you need to know about Marienplatz.
Marienplatz (square) has been at the centre of the city since Munich was founded by Henry the Lion in 1158. It was the point at which all of the new city’s most important streets met and for centuries it was the centre of Munich's life. And even today, between the Isartor and Karlsplatz-Stachus, Odeonsplatz and Sendlinger Tor, Marienplatz is a popular meeting place, the start of the pedestrian zone and the place from which distances in the city are measured.
The New Town Hall is the home of politics in Munich and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they’ve won the championships.
With its ornate, Neo-Gothic facade, the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) at Marienplatz (square) looks slightly older than it actually is. As a matter of fact, initial construction took place between 1867 and 1905 after the neighbouring Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) became too small for Munich’s city council.
Glockenspiel
One of the most important attractions is the Glockenspiel in the hall's tower, whose daily performances at 11 am and 12 am (and 5 pm in the summer months) attract audiences from around the world.
