Visiting Oktoberfest for the first time? I bet you’re very excited. But with packed beer tents, deep-rooted traditions, and unspoken rules, a few missteps can derail your fun. No worries, I got you covered with this Oktoberfest Dos and Don’ts guide for first time visitors.
1. Call it Wiesn instead of Oktoberfest
While the festival’s official name is Oktoberfest, locals call it “Wiesn”. But what does “Wiesn” actually mean? The term is Bavarian dialect and is derived from the name of the festival grounds where Oktoberfest takes place. The site in the middle of Munich is called “Theresienwiese” or, translated, “Therese’s Meadow.” The meadow is named after Princess Therese, who married King Ludwig I of Bavaria (which is the origin of Oktoberfest). Since Bavarians are known for not talking too much, it’s not surprising that they shortened the term, as they often do. So here’s my pro tip: say “Wiesn” (pronounced “weezn”) instead of Oktoberfest to sound like a seasoned visitor and not like a tourist.
2. Bring Enough Cash
Most beer tents, stalls and rides do not accept Credit Cards. Make sure you have enough cash on you to pay for food, drinks and rides.
Of course there are ATM’s on the festival grounds, but expect very long waiting lines. You can use your time better. So plan ahead. You can check my article about the prices in the Oktoberfest beer tents 2025 to get a feeling what to expect. Pro tip: get smaller bills (like 5, 10 or 20 Euro bills), so you’re always ready to raise your Maß without waiting.
3. Learn A Few German And Bavarian terms for Oktoberfest
It is always polite to use a few words in the native language, when you travel abroad. Even if you do not speak fluent German, it will be a friendly opener for ordering and talking to others.
Here are some words you can use:
- “Servus!” – Hello! Can also be used as Goodbye! (Bavarian)
- “Eine Mass, bitte!” – One Mass (liter mug of beer) please! (German)
- “Danke” – Thank you! (German)
- “Prost” – Cheers! (German)
4. Know Your Limits When Drinking Oktoberfest-Beer
Oktoberfest-beer is a special and therefore stronger brew than the regular Munich beer. And it will be served in one liter mugs, which equals approximately two pints. So know your limits when drinking beer at Oktoberfest. Pro tip to not get drunk early: Either start with a “Radler-Maß” (which is a shandy, half sprite-like lemonade and half beer) or drink alcohol-free beer, which is also available. Also have a bite from time to time and pace yourself so you remember the fun – not the hangover.
5. Arrive Early For The Beer Tents
Beer tents and the whole Oktoberfest gets crowded in the afternoon and evening. So if you want the best experience with short waiting lines and free tables, try to arrive early. Best time to arrive is before noon. Beer tents often reach their maximum capacity by late afternoon and will be closed (no entrance).
Rule of thumb: Weekdays? Hit the tents before 2 PM. Weekends? Target noon, better 11 AM.
6. Boost Your Immune System
Crowds, literally Millions of people and drinking alcohol can get you catching a cold. So try to boost your immunge system beforhand. Get vitamins and maybe supplements for your health and also bring a jacket even if the weather is nice. Evenings in late September can get rather cold in Munich. If you like to learn more about Munich during fall, have a look at my article “Visiting Munich in Fall” – A Good Idea?”.
7. Do Not Bring Large Bags or Backpacks
Before entering the Oktoberfest grounds, you will encounter strict bag checks. Large bags or even backpacks are not allowed. Leave them at home or at your hotel. Small handbags are allowed, but will usually be checked. Keep in mind that any type of tool that can be used as weapon (e.g. pepper spray) will be confiscated and may even lead to the point you’re not allowed in.
8. Do Not Jug Beer In One Sip
One trend that is particularly popular among young male tourists is drinking an entire liter of beer in one go. This is usually done standing on a table, cheered on by other beer tent visitors. Please note that this is illegal and will result in immediate expulsion from the tent. And believe me, the tent security guards are not exactly on their best behavior when seeing such action.
9. Prepare To Sit With Strangers
Oktoberfest is a festival for all people. Especially the beer tents have traditional tables wich are designed for up to 10 people. So be prepared to share a table with other people you do not know. This is a great chance to meet locals or people from all over the world. Pro tip: If you are a tourists (and maybe not more than three persons) and love to chat with locals, look out for the most traditional looking people, dressed in very traditional clothes and usually with fancy hats and accesoires. When all of them wear the same traditional dresses, the chance is high you found an association which tries to keep culture and heritage alive. They are usually very friendly and are likely to share stories about Bavarian culture of their region while having a beer.
10. Do Not Use The Subway to Oktoberfest
The festival grounds have a subway station. First time visitors often make the mistake to take the subway there. It is possible and convenient, but your will face crowded trains, and often you will have to wait up to three trains as they reach maximum capacity and you can not enter the fully packed train. Also taking a taxi or Uber to the main entrance is not a good idea. The streets around Oktoberfest are fully packed and you still have to walk as no cars are allowed in the street directly next and around Oktoberfest. Do this instead:
- Use the S-Bahn (urban rail) to Hackerbrücke station and follow the crowds for 15 minutes by foot.
- Use the tramway to Holzapfelstraße station and walk for about 10-15 minutes
- Use a Taxi or Uber, but tell the driver to bring you to the stations mentioned above
Your Short Essential Check-List for Oktoberfest
- Bring cash
- Do not bring large bags
- Learn basic German (and Bavarian) words
- Use alternative public transport stations
- Know your drinking limits
- Boost your immune system beforehand