Munich Masterclass: Germany’s Oktoberfest
How to Do Oktoberfest Right: Pro-Tips from Munich’s Legendary Beer Festival
The decision to experience Oktoberfest in Munich was a spontaneous one, but the memories made were unforgettable. It wasn’t something I had always dreamed of doing, but after hearing about a friend’s incredible experience at the festival, I knew I had to go. I was drawn to the idea of diving into such a deeply rooted tradition—one that draws people from all walks of life together over great food, drink, and celebration.
This isn’t just an event for college students or twenty-somethings. Oktoberfest is for anyone with a sense of curiosity and joy—from 18 to 80. Whether you're going for the beer, the cultural immersion, or the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere, you’ll find something in Munich that sticks with you long after you return home.
So, with little more than a few shared plans and an open mind, I booked a flight from Dublin to Munich, ready to see what all the fuss was about.
The Journey Begins: Early Mornings and Efficient Travel
The flight from Dublin to Munich was direct and early—so early, in fact, that we were up by 2 a.m. to catch our flight. It felt a bit grueling at the time, but the excitement of what lay ahead kept me going. I arrived in Munich after a power nap on the plane, eager to jump straight into the experience.
Navigating Munich’s public transportation system was my first challenge. As someone who had never used it before, I was surprised by the ease with which the locals seemed to glide through the airport and onto their trains. With an all-day group pass, we took the train from Munich Airport to a station just around the corner from our hotel near Marienplatz. It was fast, efficient, and easy to navigate, especially after I managed to decipher the platform signs. The train system is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to get around the city.
Pro Tip: Don’t waste money or time on taxis. Munich’s train system is fast, clean, intuitive, and delivers you almost anywhere you want to go—including directly from the airport to the city center.
Finding the Dirndl: A Lesson in Patience and Perseverance
After getting settled, the next item on the agenda was purchasing our dirndls. I’d heard how important it was to dress the part at Oktoberfest, and we were determined to find the perfect traditional Bavarian dresses. We headed straight to Marienplatz, thinking we could easily find them at one of the many shops. However, it turned out to be more of a hunt than we expected.
We spent hours searching, and by the time we finally found a department store with the last available dirndls, it was well into the afternoon. The store was packed, the selection was limited, and we were left hoping to find something that fit. After some trial and error, we found what we needed—though not exactly what we envisioned.
A curious moment occurred when a man stopped us on the street to point out that the bow on our aprons was tied incorrectly. According to Bavarian tradition, where you place the bow on your dirndl has significance—left means single, right means taken, and behind the back means either a waitress or a widow. It was a small detail, but it reminded me how traditions shape these experiences in ways that often go unnoticed.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to find your dirndl or lederhosen. They sell out fast, especially toward the final weekend of the festival. And yes, make sure you tie that bow on the correct side.
Oktoberfest: The Quest for a Seat and the Power of Unexpected Connections
After we finally donned our dirndls, it was time to head to the festival grounds. The sheer scale of Oktoberfest was staggering. Thousands of people, all in their traditional outfits, filled the streets and tents, and the energy was infectious. However, I quickly realized that Oktoberfest isn’t just about enjoying the festival—it’s about navigating the crowd, finding a seat, and embracing the experience.
We chose a beer tent with what seemed like a manageable line, but once inside, we faced another challenge: we couldn’t order drinks or food unless we were seated at a table. And every table was full. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, we finally found an empty spot—only to be seated next to a couple from Munich. This turned out to be a serendipitous moment, as they shared their insider knowledge of Oktoberfest with us, offering suggestions on what to eat and drink.
There’s something about Oktoberfest that encourages camaraderie. It wasn’t just about drinking beer—it was about coming together, learning from one another, and embracing the spirit of the festival. A few minutes into our meal, our new friends invited us into a VIP section of one of the 14 different beer tents, which completely changed our perspective on the experience. Inside, the atmosphere was vibrant, with live music playing everything from traditional Bavarian tunes to American classics like Country Roads. The energy in that tent was something I’ll never forget.
Pro Tip: You must be seated at a table to order food or drink, and tables fill up fast. Get there early, or make friends quickly. A little kindness can open surprising doors.
Embracing the True Spirit of Oktoberfest
As the festival continued, I was struck by how it wasn’t just about the beer or the food—it was about the spirit of the gathering. Oktoberfest is a celebration of life, community, and tradition, and those values were evident in every moment. From the initial chaos of trying to find our seats to the joy of connecting with locals, I realized that this was more than a party—it was an opportunity to experience something truly unique and authentic.
By the final day, I felt as though I had learned not only about Oktoberfest but also about embracing the unknown. We wandered the grounds one last time, indulging in too many bratwursts, pretzels, and beers, but more importantly, I took the time to appreciate the moments—the sights, the sounds, and the people—around me. It was a reminder that the most memorable experiences aren’t always the ones that go according to plan, but rather those that unfold as you embrace the unexpected.
Pro Tip: Don’t over-plan your second day. Use it to soak it all in: wander the fairgrounds, ride the Ferris wheel, eat what you didn’t get to the day before. Give yourself time to simply enjoy.
Why Oktoberfest Will Always Be Worth It
Looking back on the trip, I can confidently say that Oktoberfest was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. It wasn’t always perfect—there were moments of frustration, confusion, and miscommunication—but those were the moments that taught me the most. The festival isn’t just about beer; it’s about community, culture, and embracing the unexpected.
Oktoberfest showed me that sometimes, it’s not about ticking off every box on a list. It’s about enjoying the moment, laughing at yourself when things go wrong, and savoring the memories that stay with you long after you leave.
If you’re considering going to Oktoberfest, my advice is simple: book the flight, find your dirndl or lederhosen, and let the experience unfold. Yes, there will be lines and crowds, but it’s all part of the adventure. Trust me, it will be worth it. You’ll return home with stories, memories, and a new appreciation for the power of tradition and celebration.