Our First Oktoberfest Experience: What to Know Before You Go

Cheers from Munich! Experiencing Oktoberfest for the first time was everything we hoped for — lively, welcoming, and unforgettable.

A Festive Start to Our European Adventure

After landing in Munich just after sunrise, we stopped at a nearby café for a coffee and pastry — the perfect pick-me-up after an overnight flight. Once checked into our hotel and settled, we met friends for an early dinner nearby before heading to the festival grounds later that afternoon.

There was no better way to kick off our European trip than diving straight into the world’s most famous beer festival — Oktoberfest. Jet lag or not, the energy of the city was contagious, and by late afternoon, we were joining thousands of others in celebration at the festival grounds.

We’d heard so much about the music, the outfits, the atmosphere — but experiencing it in person was something entirely different. The mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of steins felt like one giant welcome to Bavaria.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Hotel Olymp Munich, a great value choice just outside the central area.

We based ourselves at Hotel Olymp Munich, located in Eching, about a 40-minute train ride from the Oktoberfest grounds. The location worked perfectly — more cost-friendly than staying directly in the city and easy to reach by train.

Comfortable, modern rooms and a calm location after busy festival nights.

We chose the hotel because one of our friends was already familiar with the Eching area from a previous trip, and it turned out to be an excellent recommendation. The hotel offered both comfort and convenience, and the train system made getting into Munich simple and stress-free.

The breakfast buffet at Hotel Olymp was outstanding — a massive spread of fresh pastries, local meats, cheeses, and fruit.

Breakfast was a highlight — an incredible variety of European and American options, perfect for fueling up before a long day out. We even had dinner there one evening; the restaurant offered a more elevated dining experience with great service and regional dishes.

Our Oktoberfest Experience

Our travel group ready to celebrate — the perfect kickoff to our European adventure.

We arrived at the festival between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on a Thursday — a strategic choice that worked beautifully. The grounds were lively but not overwhelmingly crowded. It was easy to grab a pretzel, order a beer, and even make it to the restroom without long waits (a rare Oktoberfest win).

Our first stop was the Paulaner tent, one of the largest and most popular at Oktoberfest. We found an open table and settled in for our first drink — a crisp local light beer that was easy to love. Each glass holds a full liter, so pace is key! One of our friends ordered hers mixed with Sprite (a Radler), a refreshing option for anyone who prefers something lighter.

Not long after, we learned how table reservations work firsthand — we were politely asked to vacate our table as the evening reservation time began. Luckily, we quickly found another open spot for our group of seven, and it ended up being even better. The band picked up, people started singing along, and soon, the entire tent was standing on benches, toasting and dancing together.

The live music was the heart of the experience. Every 15 minutes or so, the brass band launched into “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” — the traditional toast song — and the entire tent would raise their steins in unison. Even if you didn’t know the words, you couldn’t help but join in.

Servers move quickly through the crowds, balancing a dozen liter-sized beers at once — impressive!

As the night went on, we explored other tents, including the JW Augustiner Bräu, where we grabbed an outdoor table since the inside was full. Each tent had its own personality — some rowdier and louder, others more relaxed. The atmosphere everywhere was the same combination of friendly and festive that defines Oktoberfest.

Classic Bavarian pretzel and a Paulaner beer — a simple but perfect pairing.

Between the music, the food, and the laughter, the entire evening felt like one long toast to good company.

Later, we wandered through the fairgrounds, a carnival-style area filled with rides, games, and flashing lights. The crowd skewed younger here, but it was fun to walk through and take it all in. We even stopped at the Devil’s Wheel, a chaotic spinning ride where participants try to stay on as long as possible — definitely entertaining to watch!

We left before midnight to catch the train back to our hotel, tired but still smiling from the night’s energy.

The Oktoberfest fairgrounds glow after dark — every tent alive with music and lights.

What We Wore

I wore a red-accented dirndl I ordered online and had tailored to fit just right — proof that you don’t need a pricey outfit to join in the fun. Jack’s blue checked shirt complemented it perfectly. We had brought our outfits from home, knowing we wanted to take part in the fun, though there are plenty of opportunities around Munich to purchase traditional clothing if you prefer to buy locally.

Layering turned out to be key — the weather cooled off once the sun went down. I wore flesh-toned leggings with knee socks, which worked perfectly, and low-heeled booties that were comfortable for walking the festival grounds.

For men, checked shirts and leather shorts were most common, but we saw every level of formality — from traditional attire to everyday outfits. The takeaway: wear what makes you feel festive.

Takeaways and Tips Woven from Experience

Arriving mid-afternoon was one of the best decisions we made. We easily found a table before the evening crowd arrived, and Thursday struck the ideal balance between lively and comfortable.

Cash was handy for quick tipping — about one euro per beer — though cards were accepted at most tents. There wasn’t a visible security or bag check, and moving between tents was simple; they’re clustered close together. Restrooms inside were easy to access, while outdoor facilities sometimes meant a short walk.

If you’re attending for the first time, focus less on having the perfect plan and more on joining the spirit of celebration. Find a table, order a beer, and take it all in — that’s the essence of Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest lived up to every bit of its reputation — joyful, welcoming, and filled with unforgettable moments. From spontaneous songs to endless toasts, it was an evening that reminded us how travel brings people together in the best ways.

Next stop: Athens — where our adventure continued as we boarded our Mediterranean cruise through Greece and Turkey.

Because adventures are better when shared.