ようこそ – Welcome to the Wiesn!
Japan has many Oktoberfests – but the original takes place in Munich. Here you'll find quiet, clean places to stay and tips on the small cultural differences.
Japanese visitors appreciate the tradition, the traditional costumes and the good food at the Wiesn. Many combine Oktoberfest with the Romantic Road, Neuschwanstein or a side trip to Salzburg.
The tents are loud and warm-hearted. All the more important to have quiet accommodation where you can sleep well after a long day – close to the U-Bahn.
Accommodation
During Oktoberfest, Munich is the most expensive city in Germany to stay in. Pick the right category, book early, and you will still find your room.
approx. €40–130 per person/night
Tent camps, campsites, hostel dorms and simple rooms outside the city – ideal for backpackers, groups and anyone who mainly comes to party.
Our tip for you
Hostels with private rooms offer peace and quiet at a low price. Look for your own locker and good reviews for cleanliness.
approx. €150–350 per room/night
Private rooms, guesthouses and mid-range hotels – with your own bathroom, a quiet night and good connections to the Theresienwiese.
Our tip for you
Family-run guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Maxvorstadt or Sendling are quiet, clean and well connected to the U-Bahn.
from approx. €350 per room/night
4- and 5-star hotels and design apartments within walking distance of the Wiesn or in the old town – with concierge, spa and breakfast until noon.
Our tip for you
Hotels in the old town offer high comfort, concierge service and short walks to sights and shopping streets.
Rough guide prices for the Oktoberfest period, no guarantee. Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive; Monday to Wednesday is often much cheaper. Booking 9–12 months ahead gives you the best choice.
Location
The Theresienwiese is central. U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains get you there quickly from almost every neighbourhood – and staying outside the city often saves a lot of money.
5–15 min on foot
Right next to the festival grounds. Perfect for walking home after the tent – but lively, loud and the first area to sell out.
10–20 min on foot
The largest choice of hotels and hostels, direct S-Bahn to the airport and long-distance trains. A little hectic around the station at night.
1–3 stops on U3/U6
Quiet residential areas with cafés and beer gardens, close to the south entrance via Goetheplatz and Poccistraße. A good balance of location and price.
15–25 min by U-Bahn
Museums, university buzz and lovely cafés. Ideal if you want to combine the Wiesn with sightseeing and a bit of calm in the evening.
15–30 min by S-Bahn
Pasing, Laim, Giesing or the area around Ostbahnhof are cheaper. Get off at Hackerbrücke – from there it is about a 10-minute walk to the Wiesn.
20–60 min by regional train
Often half the price of Munich. Plan your last train back – late-evening trains on Oktoberfest weekends are packed.
Practical tips
Unlike in Japan, people tip in Germany: about 5–10 %. When you pay, tell the server the rounded-up total.
As in Japan, cash is still widely used in Germany. Paying cash is fastest in the tents – there are cash machines at the entrances.
When toasting, look each other in the eye. A Maß is a litre and stronger than Japanese beer – drink at your own pace.
At the long beer tables you sit with strangers. Just ask „Ist hier noch frei?“ (Is this seat free?) – it's completely normal.
People sing and dance on the benches in the tents. If you prefer it calmer, visit on a weekday morning or go to the Oide Wiesn.
Travel health insurance is recommended. Emergency: 112, police: 110. The Consulate General of Japan in Munich helps in emergencies.
FAQ
No, stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen area are visa-free. Before you travel, check whether the EU travel authorisation ETIAS is already mandatory.
Yes, about 5–10 %. Waitstaff especially appreciate a tip with your first order.
In Sendling, Maxvorstadt or along the U3 and U6 U-Bahn lines. You're at the Theresienwiese in minutes but sleep more quietly than in the Westend.
Who is it for?