Planning a trip to Oktoberfest and wondering how to spend your time once you’re there?
We get this question all the time—from friends, readers, and fellow travelers. So we’ve put together the exact 3-day itinerary we always recommend to international friends who are heading to Oktoberfest for the first time.
It’s perfect if you want to soak up the festival atmosphere without overdoing it and still have time to explore some of the best sights in Munich.
We’ve been to Oktoberfest twice ourselves, and honestly? It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
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Oktoberfest Itinerary for 3 Days of Fun
Here’s exactly how we’d plan it:
| Day | Activities | Notes |
| Day 1: Arrival & Get Ready | – Arrive in Munich- Check into hotel – Rent or buy Dirndl/Lederhosen – Stroll through Marienplatz or- Hop on Hop off Bus – Sightseeing Tour- Dinner at Hofbräuhaus | → Read: Best Hotels near the Oktoberfest → Read: How to get from Munich airport to Oktoberfest → Read: Where to Buy A Dirndl and A Lederhose in Munich |
| Day 2: Oktoberfest Day | – Arrive early at Oktoberfest (by 9 or 10 AM) – Enjoy a Maß of beer, roast chicken, and the atmosphere – Try a ride or two, explore the fairgrounds – Visit at least one traditional and one lively tent – Leave before it gets too wild (late afternoon/early evening) – Dinner at Chinesischer Turm beer garden in English Garden | – Bring cash and ID. – Leave big bags at the hotel → Read: Oktoberfest Food Guide – Must-Try Dishes |
| Day 3: Relax & Sightsee | – Sleep in, slow breakfast- Visit Nymphenburg Palace or BMW Museum – Explore Viktualienmarkt or walk by the Isar river – Light lunch in a calm spot (e.g. Hirschgarten) – Pick up a souvenir or enjoy dessert | – Easy sightseeing day – Great day for non-beer experiences and photo ops |
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Day 1: Arrive in Munich and Get Into the Oktoberfest Spirit
Today is all about arriving, getting settled, and easing into the Oktoberfest mood. You don’t need to hit the tents just yet—this is your day to take it slow, explore Munich a little, and get your outfit ready for the big event tomorrow.
📍 Day 1 Summary
Morning: Arrival and Hotel Check-In
Whether you’re flying into Munich or arriving by train, give yourself time to check into your hotel and freshen up.
If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, now’s the time.
Prices go up fast during Oktoberfest, and the best spots are often booked months in advance — especially in neighborhoods that are convenient for getting to the festival grounds.
And if you already know you want to be close to the action, you’ll find our favorite hotels within walking distance of the Oktoberfest tents right here.
Tip: Staying somewhere central or near Theresienwiese (the official festival grounds) will make your entire trip so much smoother. You’ll be glad you don’t have to battle the U-Bahn crowds after a long day at the Wiesn.
Good to know 👉 Our favorite areas to stay during Oktoberfest – from central spots to quieter options →
Afternoon: Outfit Shopping & Old Town Stroll
A lot of our friends want to wear traditional Bavarian clothing. It’s part of the experience— but it is not an obligation! If you do not feel like it, just wear what feels good to you!
A quick word from us: We actually invested in a good-quality Dirndl over 10 years ago, and it’s still going strong! It wasn’t cheap, but the quality has held up, and we’ve re-worn it several times.
If you’re unsure where to go, there are a few easy spots in Munich to pick up a Dirndl or Lederhosen, whether you’re renting for a day or buying something you’ll reuse. We’ve shared some tried-and-tested places—including our go-to secondhand shop.
Once you’ve handled your outfit situation, head into Munich’s Old Town for a relaxed afternoon. Start at Marienplatz, the city’s central square. You can watch the Glockenspiel, pop into little shops, or just soak up the historic atmosphere.
From there, walk just a couple of minutes around the corner to Dallmayr, a traditional gourmet food shop and café that feels like stepping back in time. The staff wear charming old-fashioned dresses, and the cakes in the pastry case are hard to resist. It’s a lovely spot for a fancy-ish coffee break.
And if none of that sounds appealing because your feet are already saying nope, don’t worry—a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great alternative. You’ll get to see many of Munich’s top sights without walking a marathon. And let’s be real: you’ll probably be dancing and standing a lot tomorrow, so it’s totally okay to pace yourself today.
📌 Need help finding a traditional outfit? 👉 We’ve rounded up the best places in Munich to buy or rent a Dirndl or Lederhosen →
Evening: A Bavarian Dinner to Kick Things Off
By now, you’ve earned a cozy Bavarian dinner. Depending on how you’re feeling after your journey, you’ve got two very different—but equally Bavarian—ways to ease into the local food scene.
If you’re already near Marienplatz, consider heading to the iconic Hofbräuhaus München. It’s just a short walk away and one of the most famous brewery restaurants in the world. The vaulted ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and live brass bands make it feel like stepping into a piece of Bavarian history.
That said: it can get very loud. If you’re hoping for a quiet dinner and a normal conversation, this might not be the best option—especially in the evening hours.
If you feel like staying outdoors and the weather is nice, here’s a lovely alternative: walk over to the Englischer Garten, watch the surfers on the Eisbach wave (yes, real surfers in the middle of Munich!), and have dinner at the Chinesischer Turm beer garden. It’s festive, but in a much more relaxed way, especially in the early evening.
Wrap up the evening with a slow walk back to your hotel. Trust us—you’ll be glad you saved some energy. Tomorrow is the big day, and there’s a lot of music, walking, and dancing waiting for you at the Wiesn.
💌 Planning your first trip to Germany?
We put together a free Germany Itinerary Planner just for travelers like you—complete with tips on where to go, how to get around, and what to skip. It’s designed to make your first visit way less stressful (and way more fun).
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Day 2: Your Oktoberfest Experience
Today’s Oktoberfest day! It’s your main Oktoberfest experience, and we’ve planned it to give you all the fun without the stress. The key is to start early, pace yourself, and leave when you feel like you’ve soaked in enough of the atmosphere—one day is really enough for most people.
📍 Day 2 Summary
Morning: Get an Early Start at the Wiesn
Before heading out, make sure you’ve packed smart:
📍 Not sure what to bring (or what to leave at the hotel)? We’ve listed everything you’ll want to have with you in our → Oktoberfest packing list — no stress, just tick things off as you go.
We highly recommend heading to the festival grounds by 9:30 or 10 AM, especially if you don’t have a reservation. Most tents are open by then, and seats fill up fast—especially at popular ones like Augustiner or Schottenhamel.
You don’t need to sprint there, but do aim to arrive before the crowds start pouring in around lunchtime. The vibe is way more relaxed in the morning, which is perfect for first-timers or anyone who’s not into loud, rowdy crowds.
💌 Planning your first trip to Germany?
We put together a free Germany Itinerary Planner just for travelers like you—complete with tips on where to go, how to get around, and what to skip. It’s designed to make your first visit way less stressful (and way more fun).
Grab your free copy and sign up for our newsletter here →
Midday: Inside the Tents – Eat, Drink & Enjoy the Atmosphere
Once you’ve made it inside a tent and grabbed a seat—relax! There’s no rush. Waitstaff will come around, and you can start your day with a Maß (that’s one liter of beer) or a Radler (half beer, half lemonade) if you want to take it slower.
Food-wise, the tents serve all the Bavarian classics. Roast chicken (Hendl) was our favorite when we still ate meat, but you can also find dishes like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Obatzda (cheesy beer spread), or even vegetarian options like Käsespätzle (this is what we love now!)
If you want to get familiar with what’s on the menu, we’ve rounded up the most popular dishes and what to expect in this Oktoberfest food guide. You’ll feel a lot more confident ordering when you already know what’s good.
And just so you feel totally comfortable once you’re inside: yes, you can dance on benches—but definitely not on tables (that’ll get you kicked out). And don’t forget to tip your waiter or waitress—they’re working long hours, and a little extra kindness goes a long way.
We’ve shared a few more tips like this, including how to toast properly and what not to do, in our guide to Oktoberfest etiquette.
Afternoon: Take a Break & Soak It All In
You can totally stay inside one tent all day if you’re having fun—but it’s also nice to step outside for a bit. The Wiesn isn’t just about beer; there’s a full-on fairground with carnival rides, food stands, and places to people-watch.
Want a great photo op? Head toward the Ferris wheel or the statue of Bavaria—perfect for that iconic Oktoberfest pic.
By mid-afternoon, things usually get louder and more crowded inside the tents. If you’re feeling tired, don’t hesitate to leave and enjoy the rest of your day your own way. One of the best things about Oktoberfest is that you don’t have to do everything to have a great time.
👉 Check out these easy German phrases that are helpful at Oktoberfest →
Evening: Wind Down or Head Out – Your Call
After a few hours inside the tents, you’ve probably had your fill of Bavarian beer, roast chicken, loud music, and clinking steins. For most people—especially first-time visitors—half a day at Oktoberfest is more than enough. So if you’re feeling tired, there’s zero pressure to stay into the night. You won’t miss out on anything essential.
If you’re still up for a bit more fun, you could:
Or, if you’re more in the mood to wind down, just head back to your hotel, grab a quiet bite nearby, or enjoy a nightcap in the hotel bar.
🚀 Pro tip: If you do plan to leave the festival grounds after dark, be aware that the U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains will be much more crowded. This is where staying close to Oktoberfest really pays off—you can skip the train crush and just walk back to your hotel.
Day 3: Recover, Stroll, and See More of Munich
After your Oktoberfest adventure yesterday, today is all about slowing things down. Whether you slept in a little or woke up early for a quiet coffee, we suggest taking it easy and spending your final day soaking up Munich’s charm at your own pace.
📍 Day 3 Summary
Morning: Coffee, Cake & a Light Walk
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast—either at your hotel or in a local café.
From there, take a gentle walk through the city center. If you didn’t explore much of it on Day 1, this is a great chance to wander through the Viktualienmarkt, stroll past the Residenz, or even check out the Asamkirche—a stunning little baroque church that’s easy to miss if you’re rushing.If you’re feeling up for a museum, the Deutsches Museum or Alte Pinakothek are both excellent and centrally located. Or, if you’d rather be outdoors, follow the paths along the Isar River or head back to the Englischer Garten with a snack and a book.
💌 Planning your first trip to Germany?
We put together a free Germany Itinerary Planner just for travelers like you—complete with tips on where to go, how to get around, and what to skip. It’s designed to make your first visit way less stressful (and way more fun).
Grab your free copy and sign up for our newsletter here →
Afternoon: Choose Your Own Pace
If you’re still feeling a bit low-energy, this is the perfect time to find a quiet beer garden or shaded bench and just watch Munich roll by.
But if you’ve got a bit more in the tank, here are two relaxed but worthwhile sightseeing ideas:
Want to leave the city? There are also easy day trips from Munich like Dachau Memorial Site, Lake Tegernsee, Castle Neuschwanstein or even Salzburg—but we actually recommend saving that for a separate day if you can extend your trip.
Evening: A Cozy Send-Off
End your trip with something simple and memorable. Maybe dinner at a quiet Wirtshaus tucked away from the crowds, or just dessert and a glass of wine at a traditional café.
If you’re flying out early the next day, double-check your transportation—if you’re flying from Munich Airport, we’ve explained exactly how to get there without stress. It’s straightforward once you know your options.
📌 Not sure what to bring home from Oktoberfest?
Check our Oktoberfest packing list to make sure you’re not forgetting anything →
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect 3-Day Oktoberfest Trip
You don’t need a full week—or a jam-packed schedule—to enjoy Oktoberfest and Munich. With this 3-day itinerary, you get the best of both worlds: a full-on Bavarian festival day, plus time to relax, explore, and experience the heart of Munich at your own pace.
Here’s a quick summary of how to spend your time:
If you want to explore the city without walking too much, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a fantastic way to see Munich’s top landmarks like the Residenz, Olympic Park, and English Garden—without the stress of navigating public transport or wearing yourself out.
Whether you’re dancing on benches in a Dirndl (but not on tables! 😉), walking through palace gardens, or enjoying a slice of cake near Marienplatz, we hope this plan helps you feel ready—and excited—to discover Germany.
And remember, if this is your first trip to Germany and you’re still figuring things out, we’ve got your back.
→ Download our free Germany itinerary planner and get our best tips straight to your inbox
See you at the Wiesn 2025! 🍻
FAQ: Oktoberfest Itinerary
How many days should you spend at Oktoberfest?
One full day is usually enough to experience the tents, food, and atmosphere. Combine it with sightseeing in Munich for a balanced trip.
