The Ultimate Oktoberfest First-Timer Guide
Your first time at Oktoberfest? You are in the right place. Everything you need to know — from A to Z.
What to Expect
Massive Beer Tents
14 large and 21 small beer tents holding up to 10,000 people each. Every tent has its own character — from the traditional Augustiner to the party-vibes of Hofbräu.
Bavarian Cuisine
Hendl, Schweinshaxe, Brezen, Obatzda — the full Bavarian program. Plus the famous Maß of beer (1 liter) from the six München breweries.
Live Music & Atmosphere
Every tent has its own brass band. From traditional folk music to pop hits — by the time 'Ein Prosit' starts, everyone is singing along.
Rides & Attractions
Roller coasters, Ferris wheel, bumper cars and more — Oktoberfest is also a massive fairground with over 200 showmen and attractions.
Tracht Everywhere
About 80% of visitors wear Dirndl or Lederhosen. It is simply part of the experience and makes for a wonderful atmosphere.
International Guests
Oktoberfest is a truly global event. You will meet people from all over the world — perfect for making new friends.
When Should You Go?
The right timing makes a huge difference. Here is when it is worth visiting:
Monday – Thursday
Best ChoiceCrowds: Low to moderateWeekdays are the best time to visit! Less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere and much easier to find a seat without a reservation.
Friday
GoodCrowds: HighGets busy from the afternoon onwards. Mornings are still relaxed, but tents fill up quickly after 2 PM.
Saturday
DifficultCrowds: Very highThe busiest day! Without a reservation, arrive before 9 AM. Many tents close their doors by noon.
Sunday
MediumCrowds: HighFamily-friendly in the morning. Gets busier after noon. Better than Saturday, but still challenging.
Opening Day
Experts OnlyCrowds: Extremely highThe first Saturday is legendary — 'O'zapft is!' at 12 PM. But: only go with a reservation or arrive very early (before 8 AM).
Italian Weekend
CautionCrowds: Extremely highThe second weekend is traditionally the 'Italian Weekend'. Very crowded, but with a special atmosphere.
Gay Sunday
SpecialCrowds: HighThe first Sunday is the unofficial 'Gay Sunday', especially at the Bräurosl and Fischer-Vroni. Colorful, exuberant atmosphere!
The Perfect Oktoberfest Day — Hour by Hour
Here is what your ideal first day at Oktoberfest could look like:
Breakfast at Your Hotel
Eat a proper breakfast before heading out. Going to Oktoberfest on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Drink plenty of water too.
Head to the Wiesn
Take the U-Bahn to Goetheplatz or Schwanthaler Höhe — less crowded than Theresienwiese. On weekends, make sure you arrive before 9:30 AM!
Entrance & Orientation
Tents open between 9:00 AM (weekends) and 10:00 AM (weekdays). Take a moment to get your bearings and pick your tent.
Secure a Seat
Get to your chosen tent early and grab a seat. Without a reservation, it is first come, first served. Sit down with other visitors — that is part of the experience!
Weißwurst Breakfast
Start the traditional way with Weißwürste (white sausages), sweet mustard and a pretzel. Pair it with your first Maß or a non-alcoholic wheat beer.
First Maß & Lunch
Time for your first proper Maß and a Hendl or Schweinshaxe. The atmosphere is slowly building — savor the moment!
Explore the Grounds & Rides
Take a beer break and explore the fairground. Ferris wheel, roller coasters, shooting galleries — there is plenty to discover.
Back to the Tent
From 4 PM the atmosphere in the tents really heats up. The brass band plays hit after hit, everyone sings along. This is the highlight!
Peak Atmosphere
Now the atmosphere is at its best: 'Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit' echoes through the tent, everyone stands on the benches. Unforgettable!
Dinner
Order another meal — it slows down the alcohol and gives you energy. Kaiserschmarrn or another Hendl are great choices.
Last Round
Last call is at 10:30 PM — no more beer is served after that. Place your final order in time! The tents close at 11:30 PM.
Head Home
Off to the U-Bahn or into a taxi. During Oktoberfest, U-Bahn trains run all night on weekends. Or: continue the party at an Afterwiesn club!
Dos & Don'ts
Do This
- +Wear Tracht — Dirndl or Lederhosen are part of the experience and increase your chances of getting a seat
- +Arrive early — especially on weekends, be at the tent before 10 AM
- +Wait for your server — only the official waitstaff (Bedienung) takes orders, do not go to the bar yourself
- +Tip generously — 1 to 2 EUR per Maß, 5 to 10% on food
- +Drink water — order water in between beers to prevent a hangover
- +Accept a toast (Prost!) — when someone raises their glass, always make eye contact!
- +Squeeze together — making room and sharing tables is part of Wiesn culture
- +Use the restrooms while you still can — the lines get very long later in the evening
- +Keep your valuables secure — wear your bag in front, split cash across different pockets
- +Put your phone away sometimes — soak in the unique atmosphere and live in the moment
Avoid This
- -Do NOT stand on benches when security tells you not to — you risk being kicked out!
- -Do NOT bring a backpack larger than 3 liters — you will be turned away at the entrance
- -Do NOT drink too much too fast — a Maß is 1 liter at 6% alcohol, take it slow!
- -Do NOT call it 'Oktoberfest' loudly — locals call it 'the Wiesn'
- -Do NOT steal beer glasses (Maßkrüge) — it is theft and you face fines up to 500 EUR
- -Do NOT drink without eating — always order food alongside your beer
- -Do NOT wander the grounds alone at night — stay with your group
- -Do NOT bring glass bottles or cans — glass is banned from the grounds
- -Do NOT touch or yell at the waitstaff — respect is a given
- -Do NOT block a seat if you are not ordering — others are waiting for a spot
Insider Tips
The 10 AM Trick (Weekends)
On weekends, be at the tent before 10 AM — you will almost always still find a seat. After 11 AM, many tents close their doors due to overcrowding.
Weekday Afternoons
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the coziest times. Perfect for first-timers who want to experience the atmosphere without the crush.
Augustiner = Locals' Choice
Want to experience the Wiesn like a Münchner? Head to the Augustiner tent. That is where the locals go — the beer comes from wooden casks and the atmosphere is authentic.
Käferschänke for the Late Crowd
The Käferschänke is the only tent open until 1:00 AM (instead of 11:30 PM). Perfect for finishing the night, but hard to get a seat.
Beer Garden Alternative
When the tents are full: The outdoor beer gardens (Biergärten) attached to tents often still have room. Same drinks, just without a roof.
Share a Reservation
A table reservation is usually for 8 to 10 people. Find other visitors online to share a reservation and split the costs.