Welcome to Oktoberfest!
Americans love the Wiesn – and for many it's a bucket-list trip. Find out where to stay in Munich and what's different from back home.
Every year the USA sends one of the largest groups of visitors to Oktoberfest. Many combine the Wiesn with a longer trip through Europe – which makes it all the more important to stay somewhere easy to reach where you can sleep well after long days.
Since most visitors arrive at Munich Airport, a room along the S1 and S8 S-Bahn lines or around Central Station is a smart choice. Plan for jet lag and stay somewhere quiet for the first nights, and you'll get more out of the Wiesn.
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 near Central Station are ideal for solo travellers and groups. Book weekend dorm beds very early – they are often gone by spring.
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
A private room or guesthouse in Sendling or Maxvorstadt gives you a real Munich feel and is quieter than the hotels right next to the Wiesn.
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 or at Central Station often help with restaurant bookings and day trips, for example to Neuschwanstein or Salzburg.
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
Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure. At your first border crossing, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints and photo – allow some extra time.
20 % isn't expected. 5–10 % is customary, often simply rounded up. Tell the server the total when you pay instead of leaving money on the table.
Prices already include sales tax. Cards are accepted more widely than before, but not always Amex – in the tents, cash is fastest.
Beer and wine are legal from 16, spirits from 18. A Maß is a full litre of strong festival beer – drink water in between and eat a pretzel.
Don't plan your first Wiesn visit on the day you land. A quiet room with blackout curtains helps you adjust to German time quickly.
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency: 112, police: 110. The US Consulate General in Munich helps with lost passports.
FAQ
No, you don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in the Schengen area. Before you travel, check whether the EU travel authorisation ETIAS is already mandatory.
About 5–10 %. Many people round up each litre to an even amount. A good tip with your first order often means especially attentive service.
For short walks to the Wiesn, choose the Westend or the Central Station area. For a quieter stay, pick Sendling, Maxvorstadt or a room along the S-Bahn – with a direct connection to the airport.
Who is it for?