The best beer and food in town…wonderful people…great culture! What more can you ask for?
If attending Oktoberfest is a bucket list experience you want to do but you are concerned with how much it will cost, we can help!
Feet Do Travel give travel tips on how to save on costs for this crazy Oktoberfest tour!
With the global pandemic this year, unfortunately, Oktoberfest 2020 has been cancelled. Ugh… But hey, don't worry, there is already a new date for next year!
The next Oktoberfest will run from 18 September to 3 October 2021, in Munich, Germany, and the fact it is a year away will give you more time to prepare.
Oktoberfest is held every year in a place called Theresienwiese.
How much is the entrance at Oktoberfest?
No entrance fee! Yep, it is absolutely free to enter! Don’t be fooled by scammers who might offer you tickets to go inside.
But don’t expect food and beer to be cheap because it isn’t, however you will have an entire year to save for this awesome event.
You have to break down your budget for travel, accommodation, food, and beer. If you are not so careful with your budget, you can easily spend at least €1,000! If you plan your trip well, you shouldn’t break the bank or have unexpected credit card charges.
Transportation expenses will obviously depend on where your accommodation is in relation to the venue, and far you have to travel. The U-bahn tram system in Munich is excellent and very affordable, so you won’t need to catch taxis which will be more expensive.
Also, don't forget to budget for miscellaneous expenses like souvenirs, and any day trips from Munich. There are many things to see and do in and Munich, and it would be a shame to miss them if you have travelled to Germany for the festival.
Even though Oktoberfest is a year away, accommodation does book up quickly. It’s a popular festival, so if you want the accommodation that suits you, start looking as soon as you decide you want to go.
There are many different options to choose from to suit your budget, and hotel prices vary depending on how near or far you are to the venue. If you wanted to save some money, choose an apartment close to a metro line in a suburb near Munich. Being slightly away from the centre will keep costs down.
Other options are hostels or you can even camp.
Beer costs vary per tent, and prices increase ever year. Beer is sold per litre which is the equivalent to around two pints of beer. Last year prices ranged from €11.40-€11.80 for one litre at the main beer tents. Next year, prepare your budget for a beer costing around €12-€13 each.
Obviously the amount of beer you consume will depend on your tolerance level, but here’s a tip to save on beer costs: go to smaller tents and not the large main tents. Beers in smaller tents are cheaper, for example, it was about €10.80 from the Museumszelt (Museum Tent).
What if you don’t like beer? How will you survive Oktoberfest when you don’t drink beer? Order a radler, which is a beer topped with lemonade, alternatively look out for a wine tent.
What about tips?
Although tips are not required, you will receive a better, faster service if you tip your waiter/waitress at the beginning. Oktoberfest is a busy event, and the waiter/waitresses work hard, and will appreciate a decent tip, may consider giving around €1 per litre.
Before you enter Oktoberfest, make sure you have smaller Euro coins to use for tips.
Oktoberfest is not just about great beer! The food here is definitely worth devouring, and is especially good for soaking up the many beers you will consume. It’s very important that you eat at Oktoberfest, and do not drink on an empty stomach otherwise you will not last the distance!
If you are on a tight budget, eat some food before you enter Oktoberfest because it’s cheaper outside, then you will only need to buy one meal or snacks.
Food costs inside vary, and you can either choose from the menu inside a tent, or pick from one of the many food stalls outside.
The most famous foods to try are pretzels which are huge, or Bratwurst sausages. There is also the traditional Oktoberfest meal of a “Wiesn-Hendl.” Which is a grilled chicken costing around €15-€20. It’s quite big for one person, so maybe you could split the meal with a friend to save on costs.
It doesn’t matter where you are travelling from, you will probably want to take home a souvenir. One of the most popular items is a litre Maß stein. They cost about €10 to buy, but do not try and steal one from a tent because all bags are checked upon entry and exit. You will will get caught, it is considered theft and the large security guards will no be happy! Be warned.
Souvenirs can be heavy so think about your baggage weight allowance if you are travelling by plane.
Did we get you all excited for your Oktoberfest tour? We hope so! See you next year!