Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Arrival & Old Town Discovery
Morning Marienplatz & Glockenspiel
Start your Munich adventure at the iconic Marienplatz, the beating heart of the city since 1158. Watch the famous Glockenspiel chime at 11:00 AM — the mechanical figures reenact stories from Munich's history in a charming 15-minute show. Take time to admire the Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) facade and soak in the buzzing atmosphere of the square.
Afternoon Viktualienmarkt Food Market
Stroll through the Viktualienmarkt, Munich's beloved open-air food market operating daily since 1807. Sample local specialties like Obatzda (creamy Bavarian cheese spread), freshly baked Brezn (pretzels), and Weißwurst (white sausage) at one of the many stands. Grab a Mass (1-liter beer) at the central beer garden under the chestnut trees — it's the perfect introduction to Bavarian food culture before the fest begins.
Evening Evening at the Hofbräuhaus
Experience the world's most famous beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V. Order a Mass of Hofbräu Original and a hearty Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) with Knödel (dumplings). Enjoy the live Bavarian brass band, sing along to traditional songs, and get into the Gemütlichkeit spirit. This is the ideal warm-up for the Oktoberfest days ahead.
Day 2 Full Day at the Oktoberfest Grounds
Morning Beer Tent Opening at Theresienwiese
Arrive early at the Theresienwiese (Wiesn) to secure unreserved seats inside one of the 14 large beer tents. Gates open at 9:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM on weekends, but beer service starts at 10:00 AM. Head to the Augustiner-Festhalle — widely considered to serve the best beer, drawn directly from wooden barrels. Order your first Mass and a plate of Hendl (roast chicken), the quintessential Oktoberfest meal.
Afternoon Rides & Fairground Fun
Explore the massive fairground area of the Wiesn with over 200 attractions. Ride the Teufelsrad (Devil's Wheel), try the traditional Toboggan wooden slide, or brave the Olympia Looping — one of the world's largest portable roller coasters with 5 loops. Browse the souvenir stalls for a Lebkuchenherz (gingerbread heart) with a sweet message, a classic Oktoberfest keepsake. Don't miss the Ochsenbraterei tent for a lunch of spit-roasted ox.
Evening Evening at the Hacker-Pschorr Tent
End this epic day at the Hacker-Festzelt, nicknamed 'Himmel der Bayern' (Heaven of Bavaria) thanks to its stunning painted sky ceiling. This tent is known for its electric party atmosphere, especially in the evening when the band plays and the whole tent sways together. Order Schweinswürstl (pork sausages) with Sauerkraut and another Mass of Hacker-Pschorr. Sing along to 'Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit' — the song played every 15 minutes to prompt a toast.
Day 3 Bavarian Excursion & Back to the Fest
Morning Morning at the Englischer Garten
Start the day with a peaceful walk through the Englischer Garten, one of the world's largest urban parks — bigger than Central Park. Watch the famous Eisbach surfers catch waves on the standing wave near the park entrance, a uniquely Munich spectacle year-round. Stroll past the Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) and its beer garden, one of Munich's oldest and most charming, seating 7,000 under the chestnut trees.
Afternoon Nymphenburg Palace
Visit the magnificent Schloss Nymphenburg, the summer residence of Bavarian rulers for over 300 years. Explore the opulent Great Hall with its stunning Rococo frescoes, the Gallery of Beauties commissioned by King Ludwig I, and the fascinating Marstallmuseum with its collection of royal carriages and sleighs. The surrounding park with its canals, pavilions, and the Amalienburg hunting lodge is breathtaking in autumn colors.
Evening Back to the Wiesn — Schottenhamel Tent
Head back to the Theresienwiese for your evening session at the Schottenhamel, the oldest and most historically significant tent — this is where the Mayor taps the first keg to open Oktoberfest each year with the famous cry 'O'zapft is!' (It's tapped!). The atmosphere here is particularly popular with younger crowds. Order a classic Brezn with Obatzda and a final Mass to toast to your Bavarian excursion day.
Day 4 Final Fest Day & Departure
Morning Souvenir Shopping at Viktualienmarkt
Return to the Viktualienmarkt for last-minute souvenir shopping. Pick up local specialties to bring home: Bavarian mustard (süßer Senf), artisanal honey, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), miniature beer steins, or traditional Bavarian crafts. Stop by the Schmalznudel café (Café Frischhut) nearby for their legendary deep-fried pastries — a local institution since 1973 and the perfect breakfast treat.
Afternoon Final Beer Tent Session
Make the most of your last afternoon at Oktoberfest. Head to the Armbrustschützenzelt (Crossbow Shooters' Tent), a slightly less crowded gem known for excellent food and a more relaxed atmosphere than the bigger tents. Order a farewell Schweinshaxe — crispy on the outside, tender inside — with Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and one final Mass. Take in the atmosphere, snap your last photos, and raise your glass one more time to an unforgettable Munich experience.
Evening Departure from Munich
Wrap up your Oktoberfest adventure and head to Munich's main transport hubs. If flying, take the S-Bahn lines S1 or S8 from München Hauptbahnhof to Munich Airport (MUC) — the journey takes about 40 minutes. For a last taste of Bavaria, grab a Brezn and a coffee at one of the station bakeries. Reflect on four incredible days of Bavarian culture, beer tradition, and unforgettable memories.