Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the top European bucket list trips – it’s an extravaganza of beer, stalls, parades and just having fun.
(Photo: Tourradar.com)
There are a couple of things you might not know about Oktoberfest. Firstly, it actually starts in September (September 21 to October 6, 2024) and secondly that it is the world’s largest folk festival, not just an opportunity to try every type of beer Munich has to offer. There is of course much merriment to be had but it is accompanied by concerts, parades, stalls, a fairground, and plenty of beer tents. Oktoberfest is one of those events that you really have to try (at least) once in your life. Here are the best tours and packages for Oktoberfest.
Munich Oktoberfest
This is an ultra budget trip but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a blast at Oktoberfest. The accommodation starts from the option of a dormitory bed, but this works out just fine especially if you have a group of friends. The three-day trip starts with a free day in Munich and then day two you get to have a full day of Oktoberfest – remember festivities start early and finish late – and the opportunity to check out one of the world’s largest beer gardens. Then the next morning there is an 11am checkout – but at least a nice breakfast is included to refuel you for a day of sightseeing. From €389.
Book at Tourradar.com
Oktoberfest Munich (5-Star Le Meridien hotel)
(Photo: Tourradar.com)
Same festival but a completely different way of doing it. This tour is four days long and, when you’re not in a beer hall, you get to enjoy some serious luxury. Accommodation is at the five-star Le Meridien Hotel in Munich and the operators are the well-reviewed Thirsty Swagman crew who provide you with a welcome pack on arrival. The first day is relatively sedate, with options to check out the fairground and the food offerings. The second day heads to Hofbräu Tent, one of the largest at the festival with 6,900 seats. The third day includes beer tent reservations and vouchers for lunch and one or two beers. From €1.595.
Book at Tourradar.com
Oktoberfest
Contiki trips are designed for 18 to 35s and are always extremely good fun – you know the Oktoberfest trip is going to be pretty lively. The tour is four days long and breakfast on two of the days is included. The first day is a full festival extravaganza, eating traditional food like pork knuckle, drinking beer out of steins, hopping from festival tents to amusement rides and mainly just having a great time. The next day is designed to be a little more easy going starting with a bike tour through the city (summer trips only) before sinking a few more steins if you fancy. From €734.
Book at Contiki.com