Oktoberfest has a reputation for being big, loud, and busy — and it absolutely is. But it’s also fun, welcoming, and worth doing at least once. This was our first time, and even with the crowds and sensory overload, we had a great experience. If you’re planning your first visit, here’s what it really feels like and what we’d want you to know.

Trip Snapshot

When: Late September
Length: 1 full day at Oktoberfest (part of a longer trip - Greece & Turkey Cruise)
Vibe: Lively, crowded, energetic, festive
Good for: First-timers, couples, groups, travelers who like cultural events and people-watching
Highlights: Traditional beer tents, dirndls and lederhosen, music, pretzels, the overall atmosphere
Best pace: Slow arrival, people-watching, one tent experience, early exit before peak crowds

Couple in traditional Oktoberfest outfits smiling inside the Paulaner beer tent in Munich, Germany. — Cheers from Munich! Experiencing Oktoberfest for the first time was everything we hoped for — lively, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Where We Stayed — Hotel Olymp Munich (Eching)

We based ourselves at Hotel Olymp Munich in Eching, about a 40-minute train ride from the festival grounds. It ended up being a smart choice — more cost-friendly than staying directly in Munich and quiet in the evenings, with easy train access when we were ready to head into the city.

For a first Oktoberfest experience, staying just outside the center worked well. We skipped the higher downtown prices and still had a comfortable, convenient base for the day.

Outside Hotel sign to entrance — We stayed at Hotel Olymp Munich, a great value choice just outside the central area.

Hotel room with king size bed, desk and chair — Comfortable, modern rooms and a calm location after busy festival nights.

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

A Festive Start to Our European Adventure

After landing in Munich just after sunrise, we stopped at a nearby café for coffee and a pastry — the perfect pick-me-up after an overnight flight. Once we checked into our hotel and got 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 Oktoberfest. Jet lag or not, the energy of the city pulled us in immediately. By late afternoon, we were joining thousands of others at the festival grounds.

We’d heard plenty about the music, the outfits, and the atmosphere, but seeing it all in person was different. The mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of steins felt like a giant welcome to Bavaria — and to the start of our trip.

Group of friends standing under the Willkommen zum Oktoberfest sign at the Munich festival entrance. — Our travel group ready to celebrate — the perfect kickoff to our European adventure.

Arriving at the Festival

Walking into Oktoberfest for the first time is overwhelming in the best way. The grounds are massive, with traditional outfits, food stalls, rides, and packed tents. Music pours out of nearly every direction.

We gave ourselves time to take it all in rather than rushing straight to a tent. It made the atmosphere feel more manageable and helped us ease into the experience.

Interior of the Paulaner beer tent at Munich Oktoberfest with chandeliers, garlands, and festive crowd.

Inside the Beer Tents

We didn’t have a private table reservation, and for us, that was fine. The tents are crowded but fun — loud music, shared tables, and a friendly atmosphere where people are happy to chat.

We grabbed drinks, soaked up the energy, and enjoyed the people-watching. If you want a guaranteed seat in a specific tent, reservations are helpful. But if you’re flexible, wandering through and finding a spot works just as well for a first visit.

Waiter carrying several one-liter beer mugs through the crowded Oktoberfest tent in Munich. — Servers move quickly through the crowds, balancing a dozen liter-sized beers at once — impressive!

The Outfits (Dirndl & Lederhosen)

Wearing a dirndl ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience. It makes the day feel more festive and helps you blend into the tradition instead of feeling like an outsider. You’ll see everything from simple outfits to very elaborate versions. Comfortable shoes are important — you’ll walk and stand more than you expect.

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.

Traditional Bavarian pretzel and a Paulaner beer served at Oktoberfest in Munich. — Classic Bavarian pretzel and a Paulaner beer — a simple but perfect pairing.

Festival Food & Quick Bites

The food choices are endless: pretzels, sausages, roasted nuts, sweets, and grab-and-go snacks. We kept it simple and stuck to easy options while walking around. If you’re looking for a full meal inside a tent, go earlier in the day before the crowds peak.

Oktoberfest beer tents and carnival rides glowing at night at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich. — The Oktoberfest fairgrounds glow after dark — every tent alive with music and lights.

Favorites & Highlights

Favorite moment: Wearing the dirndl and fully leaning into the tradition
Best atmosphere: Inside the tents with music and shared tables
Best surprise: How friendly and welcoming people were
Easiest win: Keeping our schedule open and flexible
Most helpful choice: Arriving earlier to get our bearings before the crowds grew

Tips / What to Know Before You Go

The festival grounds are huge — plan time just to walk and explore
Go earlier in the day for a calmer start
Comfortable shoes make a big difference
Expect loud music and high energy inside the tents
Reservations help but aren’t required for a fun experience
Keep belongings minimal — small crossbody bags work best
Plan your exit before the late-night crowds build

What We’d Do Differently Next Time

Next time, we’d stay a little longer and try one more tent. Now that we know what to expect, adding one more tent experience feels easier and more doable.

Practical Details

Entry: Free — pay only for food, drinks, and rides
Dress: Dirndl or lederhosen if you want the full experience
Weather: Can vary; bring a light layer
Crowds: Peak in the afternoon and evening
Transportation: Public transit is easiest; trains run frequently
Pace: Let the day unfold without overplanning

Oktoberfest is a lot — in the best possible way. From the music and laughter to the traditional outfits and overflowing tents, the atmosphere pulls you in fast. It’s something everyone should experience at least once, and starting our European trip here felt unforgettable. Even with the crowds and noise, we were glad we went — and now we know how to make our next visit even better.

Our First Oktoberfest Experience: What to Know Before You Go