Wow... wow... what an amazing event!…read more Oktoberfest absolutely needs to be on everyone's bucket list! If you're thinking about going next year, start planning early in the year. I booked my hotel in January, and if you want to reserve a table in one of the tents, you'll want to take care of that early as well. We spent 2 1/2 days at Oktoberfest, staying at a nice hotel in Munich and taking the train to the festival each day. The train was easy and convenient. And let me give you one very important piece of advice: If you go to Oktoberfest, you need to buy yourself some lederhosen! If you don't wear lederhosen, you don't deserve to drink the beer! Our first day was really about getting the lay of the land. We rode some of the rides, and WOW, I had no idea how many rides and attractions they had! Of course, we had a few beers along the way. Important tip: You need to be sitting at a table to order beer. We spent the first half of the day sitting at non-reserved tables, which worked out great. And while you're enjoying those giant beers, make sure you try the local food. The rotisserie pork knuckles are AMAZING and an absolute must-have! Add some brats, cheese, and several giant pretzels, and you've got yourself one incredible meal. A few things to remember: You need to be sitting at a table to order beer. - Bring plenty of cash--tables are cash only. - Try the local food--you won't regret it. - You can stand on the benches, but do NOT stand on the tables! - Tip your servers well. Take care of them, and they'll take care of you! Oktoberfest was an incredible experience, and I can't recommend it enough. The atmosphere, the people, the food, the rides, the music, and, of course, the beer make it something you'll never forget. Start planning early, get your lederhosen, reserve your hotel and table, and get ready for an amazing time! Prost!!

You haven't been to a party until you've been Munchen Oktoberfest…read more.. World famous and illustrious for a reason, Oktoberfest is unarguably the world's biggest and best party... From bier enthusiasts to foodies to adventure seekers, Oktoberfest has it all. The bier (while different in each tent) is incomparable and unmatched, the food is authentic Bavarian, and the *majority of people are friendly and welcoming. This is the first time we've back in 15 years, and it still feels like an opportunity of a lifetime. Back in our younger years, we always visited the Hofbrau and Lowenbrau tents (aka the international party tents), but we elected for the Hacker Festvelt outdoor bier garten this time around for a more balanced and chill atmosphere. Mostly visited by Munich locals, Bavarians, and some tourists that mostly speak English, this is a good pick if you want to experience authentic Oktoberfest without all out pure chaos and debauchery (still fun, yet more tame). The Hacker Festvelt food is outstanding, the bier is strong and bit more on the bitter side, and the servers (who all speak flawless English) are friendly and attentive. Travel tip: Toss them an extra 10-20E on your first bier order and they'll make sure you're taken care of all day. Some recommendations and need to knows: -Arrive before noon on weekdays and 10:00 am on weekends if you want prime seats -Select the right tent and bier, based on your likes and tolerances - https://www.munichtourism.org/oktoberfest-beer-tents/ -Once you're in a tent/bier garten, stay put... As the day goes on, the busier it gets and the odds of getting other seats are slim to none -Eat something before drinking bier (aka line your stomach... "eine Grundlage im Magen schaffen") -Pace yourself and drink water with the bier... The bier is good (Das bier ist gut) and strong -Bring plenty of Euros as most tents and bier gartens are cash only -Talk to everyone at your table... We sat with a Swedish family and a few Bavarians, and ended up hanging out with them all day -Learn some German phrases ahead of time... Most Germans speak English, but they appreciate you trying to speak German Prost!

It's small but quite fun and has very good food…read more This Christmas market is pretty small but makes up for it with the novelty factor of being medieval themed, and with having some of the better food options of the different Christmas markets we've tried. You can also get some flaming mulled wine (Feuerzangenbowle). In all, definitely a market you should check out, and there are plenty of shops and sights in the area in case you want to do something else before or after.

This is my absolute favourite Christmas market in Munich. It's not very big but done beautifully…read moreand is completely different to all the other markets in town for one main reason - it's medieval style. Traditional craftsmen selling everything from hand made glass ornaments trough to cross bows, swords, shields and so on. Everyone working at the market is dressed in medieval costumes and all the food is cooked over wood fire and the dishes are also old medieval delicacies. The place is packed with people so you need to be patient. The food stalls are packed and you can expect line ups on weekends. This is an extremely popular market with the locals and you will feel it the moment you step in. I would come here everyday if I could. One of the most beautifully done markets in my opinion :-))

Good lord. From guidebooks I thought this place would be smaller, but no. It's basically the size…read moreof Oktoberfest... and it's definitely as packed. People were packed like sardines. Walking through, I was suddenly extremely ill at ease and realized it wasn't a safe place for a woman alone. And the crowds were aggressor not moving. I asked someone to let me pass please (in German) and he snarled at me, so I said something colorful and shouldered him aside. If you aren't super assertive or get overwhelmed (I'm not and I do) please don't go alone at night. I found some delicious food elsewhere and never got roofied.

It's a Christmas market and festival that offers an outside and an inside, both very crowded!…read more Outside there are plenty of places to grab drinks and also some craft places. You can go into a tent and you will find even more crafts places (some very nice ones!) and all kinds of food. If you're lucky, you can even find a place at a table to sit while you eat. The only downside is that it's pretty crowded, and the bathroom line can be long. But it's definitely a nice place to check out and has a distinct feel of its own.

This is one amazing festival and, a great way to break the dull cold month of March and, enjoy a…read morefestival that is mostly for locals, without all the crowds of Oktoberfest :-))) Ok so I am not a fan of Paulaner, but their Starkbier, I am totally in love with :-) Sickly sweet, potent and dark this is beer of the gods :-) no wonder the monks invented this as a meal for lent, and I am glad they did :-)) The festival itself is not massive, but goes over three weeks I think (during Lent) and, ends just before Easter. It's held at the old Paulaner biergarten and if you have reservations then it's easier to get in and have a great day. You are surrounded by people in traditional wear and it's just one big beer party :-) Germans do this type of thing in grand style and organized exceptionally well. I am definitely a fan of this festival and will return again and again just for the beer :-))