Most of this post, except the prices, are applicable any year. If you are reading this for 2025 book asap!

Damian and I celebrated our honeymoon in 2022 in Munich for Oktoberfest aka Wiesn as they call it. It was so fun, but the fun definitely came with a price tag. We decided to add some tips on how we saved money and things we wish we would have done to save money!

BYOB/F (Outside the Tents!):

We like the food here, especially käsespätzle, but bringing food is one of the best ways to save money. You can bring it on the festival grounds, just not in the tents! A pretzel from a local bakery is only €1-€3!

Pack a water bottle! We love using our collapsible water bottle that doesn’t take up much space and allows us to use the free water fountains on the grounds. Balancing water with the beer is super important and this thing is only like $5 on Amazon.

It is super important to remember to NOT bring these into any beer gardens or tents!

• Pacing Your Beer Consumption:
  • Maß (liter mugs) cost around €13-€15 in 2024 (expect a slight increase for 2025).
  • Enjoy one or two to soak in the atmosphere without overspending.
• Bathroom Costs:
  • Generally free to use the toilets.
  • It’s customary to tip the attendants €0.50 – €1.
• Tipping at Oktoberfest:
  • Beer Tents: Tip servers €1 per drink when paying.
  • Food Inside Tents: Tip 5-10% of the bill for good service.
• Midway Thrills on a Budget:
  • Choose one or two must-do rides (€5-€8) and skip the rest.
• Souvenir Savvy:
  • Opt for smaller, inexpensive mementos like gingerbread hearts (€5-€10) or pins.
• Cash is King: While cards are becoming more common, having a good amount of Euros in cash is still recommended, especially for smaller stalls, tips, and sometimes even in the tents.

Navigating the Beer Tents (Especially Hofbräu!):

• Hofbräu Tent Vibe: If you love a lively atmosphere and singing along (especially to “Sweet Caroline”!), the Hofbräu Tent is a must-visit.
• Booking Beer Tents:
  • Oktoberfest 2025 Dates: Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, October 5th, 2025.
  • Each tent has its own website for reservations (typically opened in spring for the current year’s festival). Prime slots book up FAST, so check websites regularly NOW!
  • Most reservations are for tables of 8-10 people.
  • Minimum Consumption Vouchers: Expect to pre-pay, often including one Maß of beer and one halbes Hendl (half roast chicken).
  • Some tents offer general food/drink vouchers or alternative food options.
  • Check the specific tent’s website for details on their voucher system.
  • Walk-ins are possible, especially during off-peak hours.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Munich:

• Hostels: Look for options slightly outside the city center (with good transport links) for €30-€60+ per night (book NOW if you haven’t already!).
• Budget Hotels/Guesthouses (Pensionen): Can be more expensive but might offer private rooms from €80-€150+ per night (early booking crucial!).
• Airbnb: Consider private rooms or apartments outside the center, especially for groups. Check out options here: https://expedia.com/affiliates/hotel-search-munich.NNudOeb
• Camping: Cheapest option for the adventurous, but books up incredibly quickly.

Transportation Tips:

• Public Transport is Your Friend: Purchase a day ticket or multi-day pass for the MVV.
• Walk When Possible: Explore the city center on foot to save on transport.

Lederhosen Logistics:

• Amazon for Decent Deals: Find Lederhosen sets (including shirt) for around $100 (€90-€95).
• Quality Over “Costume”: Opt for a more traditional look and avoid cheap, shiny versions.

Staying Connected on a Budget:

• eSIM is the Way to Go: Save on international data roaming with an eSIM. We recommend Airalo: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://airalo.pxf.io/9L2xR3.

Local Customs & Useful Phrases:

• Prost! (Cheers!)
• Danke! (Thank you!)
• Bitte! (Please! / You’re welcome!)
• Entschuldigung! (Excuse me!)

Enjoying Your Time:

• Pace yourself throughout the day.
• Stay hydrated (use those free water fountains!).
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Be mindful of crowds and your belongings.
• Respect the local culture and traditions.