This weekend is a big deal for lovers of beer. We wanted to share our top 5 tips for visiting Oktoberfest 2013, and how to make the most of your time from our own experiences last year.
5 Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest 2013
Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest 2013
Top 5 Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest 2013
These are our top 5 tips for visiting Oktoberfest 2013!
When to Go
We went for the last 4 days of Oktoberfest (Thursday – Sunday). We had grand plans to go visit the tents at least 3 of the days.
Unfortunately we only managed to find an unreserved table on the Thursday, before getting kicked off a reserved table on the Friday at 4pm.
Having no table means no service. A good rule so the beer tents don’t get overrun, but it does mean you need a seat.
A few brave souls tried to go on the Saturday morning. They gave up after arriving at 9am and joining a queue of over 400 people trying to get into one of the tents. Nightmare.
Bonus tip: Go once during the day, from around 10am/11am. Then also try to get in one night after 7pm (or stay all day). They are two completely different atmospheres with a family affair during the day, before the party really gets going during the night.
Tips for visiting Oktoberfest 2013 – Get there early for a seat
Finding Accommodation
If you are reading this now and looking for accommodation… well, good luck. It is probably too late. However, there may be last minute accommodation so check out the campgrounds here.
Bonus tip: Print out your address so when you stumble out of the Oktoberfest grounds you can pass them to the taxi driver or people around you so that you make it home safely.
Spending
Oktoberfest is not cheap. We budgeted $50 a day each but ended up well over that.
Each stein costs $10 (with a tip). While you only drink a few that does add up quickly. Especially when you hang out with the locals and offer to buy them all a drink!
Unfortunately, there really isn’t any way you can save money. You don’t want to pre-drink as you will be drunk enough as it is. Just pace yourself and stick to a budget.
Bonus tip: Take a limited amount of cash with you, and no cards. This way you won’t overspend.
Tips for visiting Oktoberfest 2013 – Dress Appropriately
Getting into Character
We made the mistake of trying to fit in by buying a pair of cheap lederhosens on eBay.
Don’t do it.
They looked exactly like they cost. Cheap. Either fork out for a proper pair of real leather Lederhosens ($100+). Or just wear jeans and a shirt.
Girls are able to just wear a nice long dress (below the knee) and a shirt. A few ribbons in the hair and you will be set.
Bonus tip: Don’t get caught staring down the girls tops. They look nice, but may not appreciate your over eager stares.
Drinking (and Eating) at Oktoberfest 2013
Beer is generally delicious. Oktoberfest beer is ridiculously delicious. And twice as strong as the beer women carrying them!
Take it slow. There is no need to chug the beers as if you are at your local tavern down the road. Sit back, relax and follow the locals example. They are quite happy to chat, sing and share the odd toast.
No one wants to see you throwing up in the garden outside. Nor do your friends want to have to leave early just to look after your sorry ass.
Luckily the delicious beer is equaled by scrumptious food. Don’t expect miniature portions of dainty food. Just expect meat. And lots of it. For example, when you buy a half chicken that’s what you get. No salad, no potatoes, no sides whatsoever. Elegance simplified.
Bonus tip: For every stein you drink, grab something to eat. Pretzels are cheap and perfect at soaking up booze.
Take it easy and we hope you enjoy Oktoberfest 2013 as much as we did.
Prost!
Tips for visiting Oktoberfest 2013 – Take it slow!
If you ever planning a trip to Germany we found the collection of Germany vacation rentals on Live Like a German very helpful. Book you Visit Oktoberfest 2013 with Busabout now:
We originally posted a few similar travel tips on TravelDudes, but they really needed updating for this year.