Our First Oktoberfest Experience: What to Know Before You Go
Our first Oktoberfest in Munich was the perfect start to our European adventure. From the lively Paulaner tent to the traditional outfits and toasts, it was everything we imagined and more. Here’s what we learned and the tips we’d share with first-time visitors.
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
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.
We stayed at Hotel Olymp Munich, a great value choice just outside the central area.
Comfortable, modern rooms and a calm location after busy festival nights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hocking Hills Weekend Getaway: Caves, Waterfalls & Forest Trails
From waterfalls and caves to cozy evenings with wine, Hocking Hills turned out to be the perfect Ohio getaway. Here are the hikes we loved most and a few tips we picked up along the way.
Hocking Hills is one of those easy weekend escapes that feels far from home without a long travel day. We wanted a trip with hiking, waterfalls, and a cozy place to slow down after exploring — and this part of southeast Ohio delivered. Between cave trails, shaded forests, and scenic drives, the weekend felt full but never rushed.
Trip Snapshot
When: Fall and early spring (both ideal for moderate temps)
Length: 2–3 nights
Vibe: Outdoorsy, scenic, peaceful
Good for: Couples, friends, and anyone who likes manageable hikes, waterfalls, and nature-focused weekends
Highlights: Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, rock shelters, forest trails, winery stop, scenic drives
Where We Stayed
I’ve been to Hocking Hills twice — once on a girls’ weekend and once with my husband — and both trips had very different but equally practical lodging setups.
On the girls’ trip, we stayed in a rustic Airbnb cabin tucked into the woods. It felt like an Up North cottage: cozy, quiet, and perfect for long trail days followed by late-night hot tub chats.
When I returned with my husband, we stayed at a simple hotel near the main road. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was clean, included breakfast, and sat right next to a local brewery and BBQ spot. It worked well as an easy, no-frills base for exploring the trails.
Lodging here doesn’t need to be the highlight. In Hocking Hills, the trails are always the main event — everything else just supports the days you spend outdoors.
What We Did
Old Man’s Cave
This is the most popular hike in Hocking Hills for good reason. The combination of bridges, rock formations, and canyon views makes it a great first stop. The trail can be busy, but it never loses its sense of place — especially if you go early.
Cedar Falls
An easy, peaceful hike that leads to one of the region’s most recognizable waterfalls. Even with light crowds, this area feels relaxed. The trail is short, scenic, and perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon stop.
Ash Cave
This was our favorite of the three major trails. The large recessed cave is impressive, and the walkway leading in feels calm and quiet. It’s the easiest trail in the park — flat, accessible, and great for all levels.
Rock Shelters & Short Trails
Between the major spots, we explored a few smaller trails and rock shelters. These were less crowded and gave us a chance to slow our pace and enjoy the quieter parts of the park.
Pro tip: Parking lots at main trailheads fill early. Starting before 9 a.m. makes a big difference.
Inside Rock House — the only true cave in the park, with its towering sandstone walls and ‘windows’.
Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail — the views are worth the climb.
Ash Cave’s waterfall makes even a short hike feel rewarding.
Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave — one of the park’s most photographed spots.
Cedar Falls — one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Hocking Hills.
Just steps from our cabin, this preserve has four caves and a rugged trail that’s less traveled. A free online permit is required, though we never saw anyone checking. Our group rated it a favorite thanks to the massive rock formations.
Where We Ate & Drank
After hiking, we stopped at Hocking Hills Winery for wine and a relaxed atmosphere — perfect after a day on the trails. We also grabbed simple, hearty meals in the area to keep things easy. Dining here isn’t fancy, but it fits the vibe: cozy, friendly, and low-stress.
Wine flight at Hocking Hills Winery — charcuterie and live music made it a group favorite.
Hocking Hills Winery – Charcuterie boards, a wide variety of wines, and live music on weekends. A group favorite.
Le Petit Chevalier Winery – Pretty setting, but the wines weren’t our favorite
Ale House 1890 (Lancaster) – A solid meal if you’re venturing outside the park.
The Lodge at Hocking Hills – Make reservations if you want to dine here; walk-ins fill up quickly.
Favorites & Highlights
Favorite trail: Ash Cave for its easy walk and dramatic scenery
Best waterfall stop: Cedar Falls
Most fun to explore: Old Man’s Cave bridges and rock formations
Best relaxing moment: Wine tasting after a full hiking day
Unexpected highlight: The quiet side trails between the major stops
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Parking fills early at Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave
Trails can be muddy depending on season
Cell service is inconsistent — download maps ahead of time
Bring good hiking shoes; stairs and rocks can be slick
Plan meals ahead if visiting in off-season (restaurants sometimes close early)
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d pack a small picnic to enjoy on one of the quieter trails. There were several spots that would’ve made an easy scenic break.
Practical Details
When we went: Fall and early spring
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Nature-focused weekends with manageable hikes
Crowds: Heaviest midday — early starts help
Gear: Hiking shoes, layers, small backpack, downloaded trail maps
Hocking Hills gave us exactly what we wanted — fresh air, waterfalls, quiet trails, and an uncomplicated weekend surrounded by nature. It’s close enough for a quick getaway and filled with enough variety to make the days feel full without being tiring. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with beautiful scenery, this one is an easy yes.