1. Getting into the tent is difficult
The earlier you come and the fewer people you are the higher are your chances of finding a table inside or in the Biergarten outside of each big tent. Simply ask the people at the table if they have a place for 2 or 3 or 4.
2. Going to Oktoberfest in big groups without reservation doesn’t make sense
Unless you go early in the mornings during the week. Because you might have to split or you will take a lot of time searching for a table and you might not even find it! You can reserve tables a year in advance and many people do so! If you don’t have a reservation it can get very crowded and a very daunting experience. The average search time for a table is 40 minutes.
3. Do not underestimate the power of the German beer and the amounts
The minimum you can drink on Oktoberfest is 1 liter, that is the way beer is served in 1 liter Steins called Mass (Maß). Considering you would most probably be tired by the time you sit down, the first beer will evaporate. Consider your minimum would be 2 liters. 2 Liters of beer to start the day? Not everyone can handle that.
Moreover, the beer here is stronger than something you are used to.
4. Do not order other alcohol drinks than beer
They most probably won’t have them and they will get offended. Who are they? Everyone. There is just one tent offering Wine (Weinzelt) but the vibe there is different.
5. Hydrate: drink a lot of water while you’re there
6. Drink slow
If you start at 10:00 you can also be done at 2 PM this way. You can manage to drink large amounts of beer if you drink slowly and pace it with the food.
7. Do not dance on the tables
Dance everywhere else: in the streets, at the tent, in the Biergarten, on the benches, but not on the table (you will be punished). People fall all the time by the way and so will you. So get ready for some bruises.
8. Do not carry big bags or backpacks
Either you will be refused in the entry, or you would have to store your things at the entrance.
9. Be careful not to underestimate the weather
Everyone has Oktoberfest flu, because it is the end of September and not very warm in the mornings and the evenings, make sure to take a jacket with you and put on comfortable and warm socks.
10. For girls, it is not recommended to wear heels
Because the roads are in pavement blocks or in the grass and generally, you can hurt yourself if you are dancing on the bench. Also: the majority won’t last all day on the heels, it is not worth it. Put on something that you do not regret getting dirty and messy and /or destroyed.
11. Wear good and comfortable clothes, which you do not necessary care about
Because the rivers of the beer will be spilled on it!
12. Be ready that you will lose your credit cards, your bag, your phone, your jacket
Do not take anything you are afraid of losing.
13. Make sure to remember where you stay
Write it on your arm or on a piece of paper or smart people take their hotel business card. You will be lost! And you will lose your group of people – it happens all the time!
14. Set a meet-up point
The grounds are huge. If you’re there with friends, set a meeting point in case you get separated (which is inevitable).
Oktoberfest Food & Drink choices
