In my Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest, you can find all the useful information you need when you visit Oktoberfest for the first time. In this post, I want to share my Oktoberfest Insider Tips with you, as it is that time of the year again!
Take care of your belongings
Or don't bring any valuables in the first place. I've never been robbed at Oktoberfest, but just like at any other big event it is the perfect opportunity for pic pocketing. A purse with a strap and zipper is a good start - you might not want to put it on the floor since people can easily grab it from there without you noticing it. Also, you might lose your stuff after a couple of beers so you better not risk it.
Wear Tracht
It will be way more fun if you wear a traditional Bavarian Tracht. Lederhosen (for the guys) and Dirndl (for the girls) range between 80€ up to 1000€ or even more. It's not mandatory to wear Tracht but I would definitely recommend it. They make for great pictures and souvenirs, too! There are many different shops that sell them in Munich. If you are looking for a less pricey option, you can check out some bigger clothing chains that usually sell a variety for around 80€. Don#t get your outfit from a costume shop. While I personally don’t see this as an insult, it’s just not the real deal (you can really see that they are costumes), and some people might not find it so amusing after all.
Watch out if you tie your Dirndl bow though, the location of the bow indicates your relationship status (#germaneffeciency):
left: single
middle: virgin
right: married / in a relationship
But don't wear high heels
Having to wear high heels for a whole day while you're waiting in line to get into a tent or dance to the best Oktoberfest music won't be fun for long. Ballerinas, sandals, or sneakers are much comfortable alternative. But you might want to bring blister aids anyways.
Bring cash
As I mentioned in my previous post about Oktoberfest, you will have to pay in cash when you order drinks and foods in the tents. Even though you can find some ATMs at Oktoberfest, you definitely want to get enough cash before you arrive,. The ATMs are mostly hard to find and there's probably a huge line in front of them. However, take good care of your money!
Ride the ferris wheel
I am a huge fan of ferris wheels but even if you are not, I would definitely recommend a ride with the ferris wheel at Oktoberfest. You will have an amazing view of the Oktoberfest and Munich so it's definitely worth it!
Don't drink too much!
Oktoberfest is mostly about drinking - who are we kidding. Keep in mind though, that beer is served in a Mass, which is one entire liter. Plus, the special Oktoberfest beers have more alcohol than the regular beers. Even though sharing a mug is a good alternative, I don't particularly like doing that as you can't prost each other! Drinking Radler solves this problem. Radler is a mix of beer and soda (kind of like a shandy). It doesn't only have less alcohol (since you're not drinking that much beer) but is also very refreshing. Other than that just don't drink too fast and much - cause that makes you pee a lot anyways.
Try to come during the week
Oktoberfest is super popular! During its 16 days more than 7 million people come to the Theresienwiese. That is why there are usually long lines for everything and it's often hard to even get into a tent in the first place. Even though I understand that this isn't possible for everyone, I would definitely recommend it if you have the chance. Accommodations might be a bit cheaper during the week, too (though don't fool yourself, it's still gonna be expensive).
Don't Waste your Spot in a Tent
Once you get into a tent, it is a really bad idea to leave it, as you might not be able to get back in. On a busy day, you also shouldn't tent hop as you might not get in twice. Once you have a spot, you might want to stay there and enjoy the beer, food, and atmosphere. If you want to leave the tent for a second, check with security if you can get back in. When you are leaving the tent, don't try to steal a mug - it's not allowed and you will get into some serious security trouble ;)
I hope those insider tips are helpful to some of you. Is there anything else you think people have to know when they are visiting Oktoberfest? What is your number one tip for visiting?
Kate recommends: Fool by Christopher Moore is a novel based on the plot of Shakespeare’s Kind Lear, narrated from the perspective of Pocket the king’s fool. And like a fool you might feel when looking at the pictures taken at Oktoberfest the next day :-)