Oktoberfest was such a fun experience and definitely something I'm glad we got to experience while…read morein Munich! There is so much more to it than just the beer tents -- tons of food stands, rides, games, merchandise, music and people dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing. We went on a Thursday, which I would definitely recommend if you want to experience Oktoberfest without quite as much craziness as the weekend. It was still very busy and crowded, but manageable for most of the day. Around 8 PM, we definitely noticed the atmosphere starting to change -- the crowds became more rowdy and there were a lot more very drunk people. If that's not your scene, I would recommend going during the day and leaving earlier in the evening. We went on a couple of the rides, which were a lot of fun, although the cost can add up pretty quickly between rides, food and drinks. Definitely bring plenty of cash, as many places require it. For anyone who isn't a beer drinker, there are also places throughout the festival where you can find wine, liquor and mixed drinks. One thing we learned is that some places charge a deposit for the glass, so don't throw it away or walk off with it! You return the glass afterward to get your deposit back. Overall, we had a great time at Oktoberfest. It's crowded, expensive and gets a little wild later at night, but it's also such a unique experience. Going on a weekday and earlier in the day was perfect for us, and I would absolutely recommend experiencing Oktoberfest at least once!

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 :-))

Munich was the last leg of our trip and we came specifically to attend the Frühlingsfest. It was…read moreexplained as the mini Oktoberfest and much more fun and civilized. Civilized because its main attendees are locals and not the crazy visitors that turn Oktoberfest into a festival of bad behavior and much public vomiting. We had a great time in both tents - beer, food, and entertainment were fabulous. Would love to come back!!

We had such a good time here! I was in town with my fiancee on a work trip exploring the city and…read moresurrounding areas and was thrilled to find out we just happened to be here during the two weeks this smaller, spring version of Oktoberfest was in Munich. Awesome! We rode the subway here and walked about 10 minutes into the large parade grounds/open field where this event (and Oktoberfest) is held annually. It was very easy to find with signage pointing us in the right direction. It's free to enter and roam around and shop and eat. We ate all kinds of street foods from the vendors and saw a few small "beer gardens" you can walk into and get a drink and stand and eat and talk. There are only two main tents at this spring festival, which is fine with me, because it hasn't happened in a few years due to COVID, both were completely packed with prior reservations and we weren't able to find a seat inside to eat. So, for the foreseeable future, I suggest you make reservation in advance if you really, really want to eat inside. You can find tons of traditional Bavarian food here and other things like churros and crepes to help satisfy you. There are a ton of fun rides as well that the younger crowd seemed to really be enjoying. With all of the foods I ate, didn't seem like a good idea to me! Make sure to bring cash because, most of the vendors aren't going to take cards. Some might, but it's just a better bet to have around $50-70 and if you plan to drink a lot, I'd bring even more.

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 :-))