Is Oktoberfest in Munich Worth It This Year?

July 24, 2025
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Oktoberfest, the 2-week long celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions, is the biggest beer festival in the world. But is it worth the journey and cost of heading to the original Oktoberfest in Munich this year? Here is my opinion and experience as a local turned tourist.

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Is it worth travelling to Munich for Oktoberfest?

Munich itself is a beautiful city and one that is certainly worth a visit anytime of year. However, if you are to visit during Oktoberfest times, it is certainly not the best time for exploring everything Munich has to offer.

That being said, many travel specifically for Oktoberfest to Munich, and you may be considering doing the same. But is it really worth it?

My personal opinion and experience of visiting Oktoberfest in Munich

Munich is my hometown and though I don’t live there anymore, I have visited Oktoberfest many a time. If I am in the area during the time of Oktoberfest, I will go.

There is something special about the atmosphere at Oktoberfest, something none of the replicas I have seen across the world are able to recreate. From the amazing beer (coming from someone who is usually not a fan of beer) to the great food to the fun rides and souvenirs.

I’d say Oktoberfest is one of those bucket list experiences. Don’t just come to get as drunk as possible on German beer, come to enjoy the whole festival. You will get lots of Bavarian music and traditions, amazing rides, fun snacks (definitely buy one of the hearts) and just a great time.

That being said, Oktoberfest is expensive. Accommodation prices triple during the two weeks of the festival and so does seemingly everything in Munich. The city becomes overrun, making transport a little bit of a nightmare. One of the huge beer glasses now costs 15€ and food is even more.

I do think it is still possible visiting Oktoberfest on a budget. I’ve written a whole guide on budget accommodation during Oktoberfest here. You can also find a Dirndl or Lederhosen (traditional German wear) at a second-hand shop for super cheap and it’s not even necessary to wear them.

If on a budget, I would eat outside of the festival and even bring in your own Pretzels (Breze in German) and only buy a beer or two. Some tents require a minimum spend in the evening to book a table, you can avoid this by coming earlier.

The festival itself is super fun, but VERY busy. If you aren’t good with crowds, this won’t be for you. Weekdays tend to be a lot less busy than weekends. The safety aspect for women has improved a ton the past years and I had no issues when I went. I’d highly recommend not going alone though, both for the fun and safety aspect of it.

All in all, I still think it is worth it to come to Munich for Oktoberfest as you won’t find anything like it anywhere else. Make sure the trip is within your budget and that this sort of festival is something you’ll enjoy.

Other German cities will put on their own Oktoberfest too, though I’d say it’s never quite the same as the one in Munich. Can be a good option for those on a stricter budget though.

FAQ about Oktoberfest

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is the biggest Folk festival in the world, a celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions. Around 6 million visitors head to the festival grounds each year to join the fun in one of the beer tents.

When is Oktoberfest in Munich in 2025?

Oktoberfest always starts towards the end of September and finishes on the first Sunday of October. In 2025, Oktoberfest will run from Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, October 5th.

Do I need tickets for Oktoberfest or to enter the beer tents?

Oktoberfest grounds are free to enter. There is a security check at the entrance and you are only allowed to bring bags of up to 3l or 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm. Water bottles made of plastic are allowed but not in the tents.

You usually don’t need tickets or a reservation for the beer tents. The beer gardens never have reservations. Beer tents are worth to reserve if you are in a bigger group and going in the evening, as the reservation-free areas get full quickly. You are able to book them here.

What should I wear? Do I need a Dirndl or Lederhosen?

You can wear a Dirndl or Lederhosen and most from Bavaria will do so as this is our traditional wear. However, it is not a requirement and a ton of tourists don’t.

Personally, I am not a fan of the cheap Dirndl/Lederhosen that I see some tourists wear. I understand that they are available on Amazon or similar, but they are such a bad representation of the actual clothing that it doesn’t feel super respectful.

I’d say either go in normal clothes or get a second-hand Dirndl/Lederhosen for cheap in Munich.

Is it cash-only or are credit cards accepted?

Cash has always been king at Oktoberfest and most tents would only let you pay with Debit card on big reservations. It has been said that this will change this year, but it is safest to bring cash. Get your cash OUTSIDE OF OKTOBERFEST! The ATMs inside have huge queues and fees.