Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls because Oktoberfest is here again! The 16-day festival attracted 7.2 million visitors in 2023 and is the perfect celebration of beer and Bavarian culture.
The event takes place on the world-famous Theresienwiese meadow, the same venue that’s hosted Oktoberfest’s revellers for over 200 years, but did you know that there are plenty more exciting things to do in Munich around the city during the festival?
Munich is the jewel of Bavaria, Germany’s largest state, and is characterised by stunning traditions, striking architecture, and a relaxed approach to life. These qualities make Munich a truly unique city to experience for visitors.
The Bavarian capital comes to life during Oktoberfest, and the city becomes abuzz with life.
With Munich’s cultural center, Marienplatz, located a short walk away, you should tour Munich on foot to fill your senses with a place that’s like no other.
With this in mind, let’s explore four must-see places that you can discover on foot:
- Take a Walk to Hofbrauhaus
Nestled in the heart of Munich’s Old Town near the striking Marienplatz central square stands the unmissable Hofbrauhaus, a 400-year-old beer hall that has the capacity to hold 5,000 revellers.
The relationship between Hofbrauhaus and Oktoberfest is strong, and the venue also hosts the second-largest beer tent at the festival itself.
Upon entering Hofbrauhaus, it’s impossible not to be taken aback by the impressive traditional decor, which features Bavarian art adorning the walls and ceiling of the hall.
Hofbrauhaus is Oktoberfest’s home from home and is an essential consideration when visiting the city for those two magical weeks when Munich comes to life.
The iconic beer hall is much loved for its excellent Braustüberl restaurant located on the first floor serving traditional food all year round. Hofbrauhaus is also much loved for its live music to complete the full Bavarian experience.
Few places in history can boast a range of clientele that includes the likes of Mozart, Louis Armstrong, Marcel Duchamp, Lenin, Mikhail Gorbachev, and President John F. Kennedy, but Hofbrauhaus truly is a location like no other.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful nearby Marienplatz, be sure to plan a visit to Hofbrauhaus as a priority for your Oktoberfest itinerary to see Munich’s Old Town in all its glory.
2. Soothe Your Recovery in Englischer Garten
It’s fitting that Munich not only hosts the world’s biggest beer festival but is also home to Englischer Garten, one of the biggest inner-city parks worldwide, to help with some of the inevitable sore heads that can arise after a day of overindulging.
Representing a scale of around five and a half kilometres, Englischer Garten is comfortably larger in scale than the likes of New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park and offers a level of tranquillity that’s the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Munich during Oktoberfest.
Offering a natural landscape of the Isar meadows to the north of the city, Englischer Garten has everything from its very own Japanese Tea House and even a man-made Eisbach wave that’s perfect for local surfers to hone their skills all year round.
At the heart of the park is Monopteros, a Greek-themed colonnade that offers stunning views of Munich’s idiosyncratic skyline.
3. Get a Bird’s-Eye View in Munich’s Stylish Rooftop Bars
Bavarian architecture makes Munich feel as though it’s a city lost in time. This means that a perfect way to balance your Oktoberfest trip to the city is to enjoy Munich’s iconic skyline from one of many great rooftop bars.
For the best possible views, be sure to set yourself up with a drink and a panoramic look over the city in time for sunset.
Populating the Munich skyline is the spectacular sight of Frauenkirche, which takes the unique appearance of salt and pepper shakers peeping over the vast suburban rooftops and churches.
Thanks to Munich’s beauty, there are plenty of excellent rooftop bars and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Top selections include Mahjong Roof Garden, Absolutely Upside East, and Fitzroy Munich, and you’ll certainly not be disappointed by the Bavarian beauty on offer as you continue your Oktoberfest celebrations with a cool beer or even a cocktail.
4. Get Thrifty at Viktualienmarkt
If you need to take a break from Oktoberfest’s bustling beer tents, you could take a moment to enjoy Viktualienmarkt, a farmers market that’s full of Bavarian charm.
Taking a stroll to Viktualienmarkt could also be highly rewarding if you’re seeking a little traditional food in the city before heading back towards Theresienwiese.
With around 140 stalls and shops, the market is a safe bet to showcase everything you need for a pit stop away from Oktoberfest. If, on the off-chance, you still have the energy to burn, the Maypole in the middle of the market is a fitting centrepiece to check out, while many statues and fountains are nearby to add to Viktualienmarkt’s charm.
Located at Marienplatz, which is around a 25-minute walk from the main Oktoberfest site, this particular attraction can be the perfect place to stop by for some relaxing retail therapy. After an afternoon surrounded by Maßkrugs, it could offer some much-needed respite!
