Oktoberfest guide for first-time visitors - what you need to know!

In just a few weeks, it will be O'Zapft is again! The Oktoberfest 2024 will take place from September 21 to October 6 on the Theresienwiese. For all those who will be at the Oktoberfest for the first time or are combining their visit with a city trip to Munich lasting several days, we have put together a guide with tips worth knowing for your visit.

1. Getting around Munich
2. Rules for a stress-free stay at the Oktoberfest
3. Important information for first-time visitors

Photo: Olaf Luft

Getting around Munich

• Use public transport instead of the car
• Attention at the main station: plan enough time!
• CityTourCard Taifzone M for Munich and M-6 for the airport
• Walk to Theresienwiese instead of driving
• Public transport tickets can be purchased online and on site

To get around the city, we recommend that you leave your car at home and use public transport in Munich. For all those arriving and departing by train, please note that there is a very large construction site at Munich Central Station. Plan enough time and a lot of patience to arrive and leave in good time. Orientation on site is incredibly difficult for first-time visitors due to the construction work and you have to be prepared for lots of hectic people running all over the station concourse with their luggage. If you have the opportunity to travel by night train, for example, you should take advantage of this.

Fare zones, validity and groups

The fare system for public transport within the city of Munich is actually quite simple: you need a ticket for Zone M. Of course, this also gets you to Theresienwiese. If you are coming from the airport, the Zone M ticket is unfortunately not enough and you have to extend the zones. The best thing to do is to get a CityTourCard Munich for Zone M-6, which automatically covers the zones to the airport and theoretically also allows you to visit the surrounding area and the small town of Bad Tölz. There are various options for validity. With the CityTourCard Munich, you can choose between 24 hours, 48 hours, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days and travel on public transport as often as you like during the selected period. There are also group tickets for 2-5 people, so you can share the fare in the group, but the group must always travel together with the ticket and may not split up!

Photo: Stefanie Jost

Points of sale

You can buy tickets for public transport on site at the ticket machines and customer centers of the transport companies, as well as online in the apps and online stores. This also applies to the CityTourCard Munich (note: all tickets purchased online are personalized and cannot be cancelled or changed after purchase). Remember to stamp machine and counter tickets before use. This does not apply to online tickets.

The way to Theresienwiese

You should only travel to Theresienwiese by public transport, on foot or by cab. There will be no separate parking facilities on site. The parking lots in the surrounding area cannot be used due to extensive area closures. Use the MVGO or MVV app to find the quickest route and monitor the crowds in real time. You can also find detailed information on the subway, S-Bahn etc. here.

Tip: The subway announcements at the Wiesn stations (Theresienwiese) are legendary. But a little walk can also be more relaxing with so many people. A nice route, for example, is from Hackerbrücke to Theresienwiese. The police will also get you in the mood with the right music 😉

Photo: Fivelakes on Getty Images

Rules for a stress-free stay at the Wiesn

For a particularly enjoyable visit to the Oktoberfest without stress and conflict, it is important to observe a few rules.

The following things are NOT allowed on the grounds:

• Large bags and backpacks (only a maximum capacity of 3 liters and 20x15x10 cm are permitted)
• Glass bottles and spray cans (also sprayable cosmetics)
• Dangerous objects & weapons (e.g. pocket knives)
• Bicycles, skateboards, scooters
• Animals (with the exception of assistance dogs)
• No access to the site between 01:30 and 09:00
• Please do not bring baby carriages on Saturdays and on 03.10. until 6 p.m.

So please only take the essentials with you. This not only makes it easier for you, but also for the security staff at the entrance and the waiting time for admission is not unnecessarily delayed. You can also find the official 10 golden rules here.

Photo: Olaf Luft

Important information for first-time visitors

• Don't forget your dirndl/ lederhosen
• Wiesn Barometer
• Plan six months in advance who would like to have a table
• Be sure to watch the Oktoberfest parades
• Don't overdo it with the drinking & take a walk regularly

For Oktoberfest first-timers, one thing should definitely be kept in mind: The dress code in traditional costume is mandatory...at least unofficially. If you're too “fine” for a dirndl or lederhosen, you won't have any fun at the Oktoberfest anyway and can just stay at home 😉

Furthermore, it is no secret that the Wiesn is well attended.
Tip: There is a Wiesn Barometer where you can check how crowded it is at different times and days. People with claustrophobia, for example, can avoid the busiest times.

If you don't care about the crowds and want to enjoy everything to the full and make sure you have a table in the tent, here's a pro tip: you should ask the tents or hosts about six months in advance whether a reservation is possible. This is of course too late for 2024, but make a note of it for the next few years!

A good tip for those who want to understand and experience tradition is to visit the first Wiesn weekend with the parade of the Wiesn hosts (Saturday) and the traditional costume parade (Sunday). The parades go through the city and are great to watch!

Photo: Nikada on Getty Images

How you “survive” the beer tents

If you are staying in the beer tents and even have a table, here are important points to “survive”:

• Go out and experience the funfair:
  • Visit the Oide Wiesn
  • Ride a bumper car
  • Move a swing boat again
  • Visit the flea circus
  • Amuse others or be part of the amusement yourself and have fun at the same time
  • Visit the Devil's Wheel
  • Toboggan (standing on a conveyor belt and sliding up and down on leather)
  • Eating fresh candied (too expensive) peanuts
• Use the meadow areas behind the tents to relax (Kotzhügel, it's real)
• Don't forget to drink water in between or order a “sour” Radler (diluted with water - still tastes good)
• Don't drink every measure alone - sharing is caring

With all these tips, you'll be perfectly prepared for your first Oktoberfest visit!

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