Oktoberfest
If Oktoberfest is not on your bucket list, then you’re doing something wrong in life. Really, it is one of the best things I have ever experienced and I have done some pretty cool shit. Imagine sitting at a table with complete strangers, who will quickly become your friends (after your first beer), drinking some of the best beer in the world, prosting while singing and dancing on benches. It truly doesn’t get much better than that.
Tip #1: Go during the weekdays, the chances of getting a seat at a table are much higher and worth it. I never had a problem getting a seat at a table during the week. Choose where you sit wisely, if you sit at a reserved table you will need to leave at the time of the reservation. Be sure to get there before 4 o’clock, but don’t get there too early, remember it is a marathon, not a sprint! Plus, you’ll want to not be blacked out when the afternoon hits and everything starts to pick up. If you can only go during the weekend, get there early, like really early, there will be a line to get in. Don’t travel all the way to Munich to not get into a tent!
Tip #2: Wear a lederhosen or dirndl, you will feel more uncomfortable not being in one. Nothing says tourist like being at Oktoberfest in regular clothes ( I know first hand #Rookie). I bought my dirndl on Amazon, balling on a budget, it was $75 and worth every penny. Ladies, when tying the apron remember this, bow on the right means you’re taken and bow on the left means you’re single and ready to mingle.
Tip #3: Accommodations can be tricky, it is Oktoberfest so it is going to be expensive. My first year I stayed in an Airbnb and got a decent deal, it was only a short train ride away (Munich is extremely easy to get around). The second year my friend and I couchsurfed and it was absolutely amazing, we had a wonderful host and we didn’t have to pay (does it get any better? Let me tell you, NO). Hotels and hostels definitely up their prices during this time. I do not suggest trying to sneak people in, we did this at Springfest and it is not easy or worth the stress. Hotels/hostels are extremely strict, you will most likely need a wristband to get into your hotel or hostel.
Tip #4: Explore the tents, all the tents have different vibes, check out as many as you can. See which tent fits your taste before it starts to get too busy. If you go during the weekend do your research, get there early enough to get in line to get into a specific tent. Once you’re in do not leave, you will not be able to get back in.
Paulaner: I love their beer, this tent isn’t as big as some of the others but still a great time.
Haufbrauhaus: Extremely fun, if you are looking to truly party then this will be the tent for you, but keep in mind this tent has an international crowd aka tourist.
Hacker: It is lively, has a wide age range and great music.
Marstall- One of the newest tents with an older crowd, this was my first Oktoberfest tent so it holds a special place in my heart.
Schottemhamel: This is oldest and “local” tent, it is def a favorite and crowd pleaser!
No matter which tent you end up in you’re going to have a good time, once the beer is flowing and your belting out songs while prosting.
Tip #5: Beers in 2015 & 2016 cost about 11 euros and don’t forget to tip. These poor waiters and waitresses have to put up with drunk people all day, it’s the least you can do.
Tip #6: If you are anything like me, once I start drinking, especially beer my mind doesn’t even think about food, shocking, I know. Drinking basics 101: eat a nice hardy breakfast or lunch and once you start drinking don’t forget to eat again. The food is delicious and the beer is strong. Order the heindl- half chicken or a big pretzel, you can’t go wrong with either one.
Tip #7: If you are also cheap like me then you can get a bratwurst coming into the park or at the end of the night on your way out #DrunkEats
Tip #8: Once you break the seal it is all downhill from there…the lines for the toilets are V long. When that feeling hits, go wait in line, especially you ladies. We all know how long it takes for us women to use the toilet, the last thing you want is to pee yourself at Oktoberfest.
Tip #9: You may or may not be hungover at some point, but suck it up buttercup. Power through that first stein and you’ll start to feel like a real champ again (believe me, I know firsthand).
Tip #10: Now I know there are some poor souls out there who do not like beer, that should not stop you from going to Oktoberfest. Some tents offer wine and another good choice is a Radler, beer mixed with soda. Also, if you feel yourself getting too drunk, a radler is a good plan B.
Tip #11: If you are ballsy enough to stand up and chug your beer be ready to finish it. The whole tent will cheer you on and if you fail the whole tent will boo you. Expect everyone to throw napkins, pretzels, food and whatever else at you if you fail.
Tip #12: There are rides, just like a fair in the States…but I do not like rides, google to find deets about them.
Tip #13: There are fun songs to singalong to, you will want to be singing and dancing and making a fool of yourself. Here is a list of songs to prepare you: Ein Prosit ( V important), Fliegerlied, So Ein Shöner tag (my personal fav), Viva Colonia, Country Roads, Take Me Home & Sweet Home Alabama.
Tip #14: The lingo: A stein of beer: Ein Maß (Pronounced mass), Thank you: Danke, Please: Bitte, Cheers: Prost.
Tip #15:Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, it is absolutely stunning and worth the journey (I’ll write another blog post about this at a different time). Nuremberg and Salzburg are also both solid day trip options.
Tip #16: Walk around the city and explore before drowning yourself in beer.
Like I said before it is one of the greatest things to ever experience, from the people, to the beer to the atmosphere you are guaranteed a good time.
