Oktoberfest in Munich (2025 Guide): Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Oktoberfest in Munich, 2025 is the year to finally make it happen.

From September 20 to October 5, 2025, the city will transform into one giant party celebrating Bavarian culture, beer, food, and tradition.

In 2024, over 6.7 million people showed up and drank around 7 million liters of beer.

Wild right? But it’s not just about the beer. 

Picture yourself in one of the massive beer tents, the band playing, everyone singing along, tables stacked with pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken.

Locals are dressed in traditional Lederhosen and Dirndls. Outside, colorful parades, carnival rides, and the buzz of thousands of people fill the street.

But to get there, it can feel overwhelming to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time. When should you go to Oktoberfest? Do you really need to dress up? How much money should you budget? And more.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know and can expect at Oktoberfest 2025, so you can skip the stress and go straight to the fun.

Keep reading!

A Quick History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest started way back in 1810 as a wedding celebration in Munich, Germany. 

When Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, Munich threw a massive party in their honor.

The festivities were held on a large meadow outside the city, which was later named Theresienwiese (“Therese’s Meadow”) in the princess’s honor.

There were parades, horse races, music, and—of course—beer.

The celebration was such a hit that locals decided, “Let’s do that again next year!” And they did. Again. And again.

Fast forward more than 200 years, and what had begun as a royal wedding reception has turned into a great festival of Bavarian culture.

Fun Fact: Despite being called Oktoberfest, most of the event takes place in September. This change was made in the late 1800s to take advantage of Munich’s milder September weather.

Thus, this is how Oktoberfest became a festival mixed with traditional and modern celebrations as we know it today.

When and Where is Oktoberfest 2025 in Munich?

Oktoberfest 2025 takes place from September 20 to October 5, 2025, and will be turning Munich into the ultimate Bavarian festival grounds for two weeks. 

The festival takes place at Theresienwiese, a massive fairground just outside the city center. 

When Exactly to Attend Oktoberfest?

Weekdays and early afternoons tend to be less crowded, while evenings and weekends bring the full festival energy.

Where to Stay in Munich? How to get to Oktoberfest from There? 

Choosing the right place to stay can make your Oktoberfest experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

Location Matters: Being within walking distance of Theresienwiese allows you to get there quickly, take breaks during the day, or grab food without relying on public transport.

Accommodation Options for all Budgets:

• Hotels: Comfortable and convenient, often near public transport. Ideal if you want a private stay and plan to explore Munich beyond Oktoberfest.

• Hostels: Affordable and social, perfect for solo travelers or groups of friends looking to meet others.

• Airbnb: Cozy, local-feeling options, but they fill up fast during Oktoberfest, so book early.

Staying further away: Accommodations outside the city center are usually cheaper, but late-night public transport or taxis can be difficult after a long day at the festival.

PRO Tip: Book your accommodation as early as possible. Oktoberfest draws large crowds.

German Things You Should Know

• S-Bahn (S) = Suburban train (green “S” sign). Connects the airport and outer districts to central Munich.
  

• U-Bahn (U) = Underground metro (blue “U” sign). Fastest way around central Munich.
  

• MVV Tickets (S-bahn, U-bahn, trains) = Buy at machines (English available) or in the MVV app. 

  • From Munich Airport to the city center, you need a ticket that covers Zone M. This is typically called an "Airport-City-Day-Ticket" or a "Single-Day Ticket Zone M" (~45–50 min ride).
    

• Theresienwiese = The U-Bahn station right at the Oktoberfest grounds. (You’ll hear locals say “meet at Wiesn.”)
  

• Hauptbahnhof = Munich Central Station, main hub for S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and regional trains.

Top Places to Stay During Oktoberfest 2025

Munich offers plenty of options for Oktoberfest, but the best neighborhoods can be grouped into four categories. 

1. Closest to Oktoberfest 

2. Trendy and Nightlife Neighborhoods

3. Historic and Central Munich

4. Cultural and Quieter Stays

How to Access the Internet during Oktoberfest?

Navigating Munich Oktoberfest without internet can be tricky. 

Between checking and booking transportation, finding your friends via texts in the crowded tents, and looking up which beer tent or ride to visit next, you’ll want reliable connectivity.

Using your home SIM in Germany usually costs between $0.50 to $3.00 per MB, resulting in high roaming charges, so many travelers turn to a Germany eSIM.

A Germany eSIM is a digital SIM that lets your phone use local German mobile networks for data (internet) across Germany, without swapping physical SIM cards and saving up to 90% roaming fees.

Get the right Germany eSIM plan for you:

• Germany eSIM 1 GB (1-2 days trip)

• Germany eSIM 3 GB (5-7 days trip)

• Germany eSIM 5 GB (7-10 days trip)

• Germany eSIM 10 GB (15 days trip)

• Germany eSIM 20 GB (30 days trip)
  

You just need to purchase and download the eSIM. Activate it at home. And then enable the eSIM once you reach Germany.

• How to activate eSIM on iPhone and iPad

• How to activate eSIM on Android

Tada, you now have access to data (internet) in Germany. 

Having a Germany eSIM is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected during Oktoberfest and in Germany.

How to Prepare for Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is massive, lively, and full of energy, so a bit of planning goes a long way. 

Get a few things sorted ahead of time, and you’ll be free to soak up the music, food, rides, and of course, the beer, without stress.

How do the Germans Celebrate Oktoberfest?

Germans take Oktoberfest seriously. They celebrate with traditional music, parades, and plenty of Bavarian food and beer. Locals wear Lederhosen and Dirndls, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The festival officially starts when the Mayor of Munich taps the first beer in the Schottenhamel tent, shouting “O’ Zapft is” (“It’s tapped”). 

This signals the opening, and from that moment, the beer tents are officially opened.

Families, couples, and friends all join in. Between rides, games, and food stalls, there’s more to Oktoberfest than drinking. It’s a complete Bavarian culture for everyone!

What to Wear at Oktoberfest?

Dressing up is part of the fun at Oktoberfest, but it’s totally optional. 

Men usually wear Lederhosen and women wear Dirndls, but you’ll see plenty of visitors in casual clothes too.

Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be walking and standing a lot. September evenings can get chilly, so a light jacket or sweater is a smart addition.

Pro Tip: Locals wear Lederhosen and Dirndls proudly; it’s not just a tourist thing. Dressing up helps you blend in and makes the Munich Oktoberfest experience even more fun.

What to Eat and Drink at Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is famous for its beer, originally Märzen-style lagers, though today Festbier is more commonly served in the iconic one-liter steins throughout the festival.

The drinking age is 16 for beer and 18 for spirits, so everyone can enjoy responsibly.

The food is just as iconic. Pretzels (Brezn) are a must-have for snacking between sips of beer.

Hearty dishes like roast chicken (Hendl), sausages (Würstl), and pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe) fuel you through long days of festivities. 

You’ll also find roasted nuts, potato pancakes, and sweet treats like apple strudel for any cravings.

Not a beer drinker? No problem. Most tents offer wine, cider, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beers, so everyone has something to enjoy.

What are the Top Events, Attractions, and Tents at Oktoberfest?

Beyond drinking and eating, Munich Oktoberfest has rides, games, parades, and live music, making it a full cultural experience.

It also has several events for attendees to enjoy. Don’t miss these key events!

Key Oktoberfest 2025 Events

Beer Tents: The Heart of Action

Oktoberfest is built around its 14 big tents (plus 20+ smaller ones), and each one has a different personality. 

• Schottenhamel: This is where it all begins. The first keg gets tapped, and it’s a younger crowd later in the day.

• Hacker-Festzelt: Nicknamed as “Heaven of Bavarians” for its dreamy painted ceilings. Feels like Oktoberfest meets a rock concert once the band kicks in.

• Augustiner-Festhalle: Beloved by locals. Augustiner is the only beer still tapped from wooden barrels, and it really does taste smoother. 

• Bräurosl (Pschorr Bräurosl): Famous for its yodeling tradition and liberal crowd. Warm, welcoming vibes.

• Ochsenbraterei: If you like food with your beer, this is the place. It is famous for its specialty: roasted oxen.

• Weinzelt (Wine Tent): Not a beer fan, no problem. This place serves wine, champagne, and cocktails. Open later than others.

• Hofbräu-Festzelt: If you want to meet people from international countries, this is the right place to go. A social hub. Huge, loud, and always rocking.

• Winzerer Fähndl: The biggest tent in Oktoberfest (over 8K+ seats), with a massive Paulaner beer tower out front. Always lively, always packed.

• Armbrustschützenzelt: Home to the traditional crossbow shooting competiton. Rustic, hearty, and very Bavarian.

• Marstall: Stylish, bright, and one of the first tents you’ll see in the main entrance. Modern, popular with couples and groups who want a calm atmosphere.

• Löwenbräu-Festhalle: You can’t miss the giant lion roaring outside the entrance. Inside: upbeat vibes and plenty of singing, especially with sports fans.

• Fischer-Vroni: The go-to tent for fresh grilled fish (Steckerlfisch). Smaller, calmer, and a nice change of pace from meat-heavy menus.

• Schützen-Festzelt: Overlooks the Bavaria statue. Known for hearty Bavarian food, shooting competitions, plus great balcony seating. 

• Käfer Wiesn-Schänke: The celebrity hotspot. Small, cozy, and a little more upscale, serving gourmet Bavarian dishes along with Paulaner beer.

And many others…

PRO Tip: Reservations help, but if you go early (before 3 PM on weekdays), you can usually find a spot without one. 

Rides and Classic Attractions

Oktoberfest includes a full carnival experience. Whether you’re an adrenaline junky or just looking for some nostalgic fun.

Here are some must-try rides:

• SkyFall: A 262-foot drop tower that lifts you before plunging you in a thrilling free fall.

• Dr. Archibald - Master of Time: VR ride that takes you through prehistoric times, Atlantis, and the industrial age.

• Predator: An inverted ride that flips and spins you high above the ground.

• The Wild Mouse: Classic coaster with tight hairpin turns and sudden drops. 

• Pitt's Todeswand (Wall of Death): Daring motorcycle and go-kart stunt show inside an 8-meter-tall vertical wooden cylinder.

• The Toboggan: Classic wooden slide where you ride down on a burlap sack, climbing back up via conveyor belt.

• Olympia Looping: The World's largest traveling roller coaster with five loops that gets rebuilt every year. 

• The Rotor: A spinning ride that pins you to the wall as the floor drops away.

• The Ghost Palace: Multi-room haunted house with elaborate scares and effects.

• The Flip Fly: Giant boat swing that rotates around three axes, flipping and spinning you high above the ground.

• Feldl’s Teufelsrad (Devil's Wheel): Traditional German challenge where you try to stay on a spinning wooden disk. 

• The Voodoo Jumper: Individual bungee-jump style ride with spooky decorations and effects.

• Jumanji: Three-story funhouse filled with optical illusions, wobbling stairs, and a fast jungle slide.

• Kettenflieger Bayern Tower: Chain swing ride that spins you high in the air with Bavarian-themed decorations.

• Jules Verne Tower: World’s tallest mobile swing ride at 80 meters, offering panoramic views of Munich and Oktoberfest.

• The Kick Down: Dynamic ride with rotating gondolas reaching speeds up to 50 km/h, offering intense thrills.

• Jim and Jasper Wild Wasser: Western-themed log flume that ends with a big splash. 

• The Ferris Wheel: A 50-meter-tall wheel with 40 gondolas offering panoramic views of Oktoberfest and Munich.

• Distel Bumper Cars: Classic bumper cars with a fun German carnival vibe.

• The Wellenflug: Gentle ride where you sit in flying seats that move up and down in wave motions while spinning slowly. 

Check out all Oktoberfest 2025 rides here.

Oide Wiesn: Oktoberfest’s Nostalgic Side

If the main fairground gets too wild, wander over to the Oide Wiesn (“Old Oktoberfest”).

It’s calmer, more traditional, and feels like stepping into a Bavarian time capsule.

Expect:

• Classic carousels and wooden rides

• Folk music and dancing

• Beer in ceramic steins

• Cozy tents with regional dishes

It’s perfect for families, history buffs, or just catching your breath.

Oktoberfest Stalls (Standl)

Beyond the thrilling rides and lively beer tents, the stalls, or “Standl,” are a magical part of the Oktoberfest experience. These traditional booths offer a wide range of attractions, from games to food and unique souvenirs. 

You can test your strength at a classic “Hau den Lukas,” find special bird whistles at the “Vogelpfeifer,” or get a unique souvenir from the many shops. 

There are also stands like the “Glückshafen,” which supports local welfare organizations, and the “Münchner Bauern Stadl,” which serves Bavarian delicacies. 

For a fun memento, you can even get a retro photo taken at the “Be Marilyn” studio.

Costs and Budgeting at Oktoberfest

Let’s get real, Oktoberfest is an unforgettable experience, but it’s not a cheap one. A little planning helps so you don’t get a bill shock once you’re inside the tent.

You do not have to pay to get inside Oktoberfest or to enter the beer tents. But you do have to pay for the rest.

Beer and Drinks

• Beer (Maß, 1 liter): €14.50–15.80, plus €1–2 tip.
  

• Non-alcoholic drinks: €4–6 for soda, juice, or water.

Food 

• Pretzels: €5–7
  

• Appetizers: €14
  

• Soups: €10+
  

• Vegetarian mains: €17
  

• Half-chicken: €17.20–17.80
  

• Bratwurst plate: €19
  

• Pork knuckle: €24.90
  

• Roast pork: €22.90–26.50
  

• Sausage plate: €13.50
  

• Steak dishes: €38+
  

• Desserts: €11–13

Snacks

• Obatzda (cheese spread): €4.50
  

• Sandwiches: €5.50+
  

• Roasted almonds: €5
  

• Crepes: €5–9
  

• Fries: €5.50
  

• Bratwurst with sauerkraut: €8.50
  

• Currywurst and fries: €8.50
  

• Ox burger with sides: €9.90

Rides and Funfair

• Thrill rides: €10–12.50
  

• Classic rides: €5–8
  

• Oide Wiesn entry: €4 (free after 9 PM)
  

• Carnival games: €1–25

Accomodation

Hotels and Airbnbs shoot up in price during Oktoberfest. Expect €200–500+ per night, especially near the Theresienwiese. 

Traditional Outfits

• Dirndl: €70–200+ (quality versions €250+)
  

• Lederhosen: €100–250+
  

• Loferl (calf socks): €40
  

• Outfit rental: €50–80/day

Souveniers

• T-shirts: €20–30
  

• Magnets: €5.90–7
  

• Pins: €6–18.90
  

• Mugs/steins: €11–60
  

• Keychain: €14.90
  

• Postcards: €1.50
  

• Lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread hearts): €5–85+
  

• Bottle of Wiesnkoks: €5

Other Essentials

• Luggage storage: €3–5/day
  

• ATM fees: €2–5 per withdrawal 

For most people, a comfortable Oktoberfest day runs €100–150 per person (beer, food, rides, and a few extras). 

Couples or groups can save by sharing dishes, splitting rides, and planning ahead on outfits and hotels.

PRO Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, hit the festival on Tuesday (Family Days), when rides are discounted, and try smaller tents or Oide Wisen for a more affordable and authentic experience.

Last-Minute Oktoberfest Checklist

Before you head out, make sure you’ve got the essentials covered:

• Accommodation booked (prices skyrocket if you wait last minute)
  
  
• Germany eSIM activated to get affordable internet that works in Germany
  
  

• Cash and card (some tents and rides are cash-only; ATMs get crowded)

• Table reservations (if you want guaranteed seating in a big tent)
  

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll be standing and walking all day)
  

• Traditional outfit (Dirndl or Lederhosen—or comfy casual if you prefer)
  

• Light jacket for chilly evenings
  

• Reusable water bottle (You can bring an empty one to fill at water fountains on the fairgrounds, but you are not allowed to bring it full into the beer tents)
  

• ID / Passport (you’ll need it for age checks or emergencies)
  

• Festival schedule marked (parades, concerts, Family Days, closing gun salute)

• Sun Protection (sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for sunny daytime hours)

Final Thoughts

Oktoberfest is loud, crowded, and full of energy, which makes it unforgettable.

But it's also welcoming, traditional, and surprisingly family-friendly during the day. Whether you're there for the beer, the food, the music, or just to soak up authentic Bavarian culture, you're in for something special.

The key is going in with realistic expectations about costs and crowds, but an open mind about everything else. 

You might find yourself singing along to German folk songs you've never heard, making friends with locals in lederhosen, or discovering that a giant pretzel really does pair perfectly with a liter of beer.

So grab your outfit (or don't - casual clothes work fine too), mark your calendar, and get ready to raise a stein in Munich this fall.

Prost, and see you at Oktoberfest 2025!