Oktoberfest, Munich and More!

Bavarian Outfitters: Dressing up is half of the fun! Pickup your dirndl or lederhosen before you get to the fest. Make your reservation online before you arrive. Stop by either of their locations to get fitted, and you will leave with everything you need. Rent for however many days you’ll need, and drop off your outfits the following day.

Oktoberfest Location: Oktoberfest takes place on the Theresienwiese, not far from the Old Town. Depending on your hotel location, you can likely walk there. You won’t get lost if you follow the crowds. There is no cost for entry. Wear your most comfortable shoes. You will be walking and dancing the day away!

Oktoberfest Experience: Oktoberfest is a celebration filled with drinking, eating and singing. The tradition, atmosphere and people make it so magical. Wander through the fairgrounds, and check out the giant beer tents, food stands, carnival rides and games.

Altstadt (Old Town) Exploration: Don’t skip the old town, or as locals call it, Altstadt. Marienplatz square has been the city's main square since 1158, and contains sites like the Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century.

Hofbräuhaus: Although you can visit Oktoberfest’s Hofbräuhaus tent at the Theresienwiese, check out the original location at Platzl 9 in the old town, founded in 1589. After hundreds of years producing beer for the royals, the Hofbräuhaus was opened to the public in 1828 and quickly became a popular spot in Munich, with famous regulars such as Mozart and Lenin.

Viktualienmarkt: Viktualienmarkt, is both a market and a square in the center of Munich. Since 1807, the market has been held daily. Come by between 8am to 8pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. There are around 100 stalls, so everyone will find something to their liking.

English Gardens: The English Gardens - not only Munich's largest park, but also larger than Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York. Relax on the shores of Lake Kleinhessloher, or check out the panoramic view of the city from Monopteros. Watch (or join) the surfers on the Eisbach wave. Travel through Asia by visiting the Chinese Tower or the Japanese tea house for the traditional tea ceremony.

Residenz Museum: The Residenz Museum — located in central Munich, is a former royal palace turned museum. For only 10 euros, you can explore the largest city palace in Germany and you’ll surely be awestruck by its architecture, room decorations and displays from the former royal collections. The complex contains ten courtyards and displays 130 rooms. Reminiscent of Versailles, it’s worth a stop

Day Trips:

Germany

• Small Medieval Towns: South of Munich, there are numerous small medieval towns worth exploring, including Füssen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Eibsee, and Zugspitze.

• Berchtesgaden: This town offers a National Park, Old Town and Salt Mine. Take a boat ride at the national park and then venture 650 meters (2,133 feet) into the mountains on a miners' train to visit an underground salt lake and learn more about the mine.

Eagle's Nest: A WW2 historic landmark near Berchtesgaden. Although Eagle's Nest itself is free to visit, the round-trip bus ticket costs 30 euros. Enjoy a meal at Kehlsteinhaus, a restaurant offering indoor dining and an outdoor beer garden, before you leave.

Austria

• Salzburg: Only a 90-minute drive from Munich, Salzburg is a beautiful city set on the Salzach River. Explore the medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right. Visit St. Peter's Archabbey, legendary for being the oldest restaurant in Europe, and marvel at one of the oldest walls in Salzburg.

• Schloss Hellbrunn: Just 15 minutes from Salzburg, you'll find the 17th-century villa of Schloss Hellbrunn. Explore a museum highlighting the lavish lifestyle of Salzburg's royals, and tour the "Trick Fountains" open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

• Sommerrodelbahn "Keltenblitz" (Durnberg Toboggan Slide): Located only 30 minutes south of Salzburg, this attraction offers stunning views of the Alps. Take the ski lift to the top, enjoy food and drinks at the mountain top restaurant and then experience the thrill of the Toboggan slide down. Don’t forget to pick up your picture at the end!

• Hallstatt: An hour east of Salzburg, Hallstatt is a picturesque village nestled amid the Alps. Explore its 16th-century Alpine houses, cafes, shops and more. Take the funicular railway to the Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform for stunning vistas, or visit Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine. Don’t miss the trail leading to the Echern Valley glacier garden with views of the Waldbachstrub Waterfall.

Czechia

• Cesky Krumlov: A 3-hour drive from Munich, Cesky Krumlov is worth the trip. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, marvel at the beautiful architecture and explore the Cesky Krumlov Castle Complex. Don’t miss seeing the live bears that reside in the moat. Climb the castle tower for the highest viewpoint in the city. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Namesti Svornosti square, and consider continuing your journey to Prague or Vienna.

• Cafe Glockenspiel: Enjoy brunch with views over Marienplatz. A great place to fuel up before a day of sightseeing.

• Viktualienmarkt: Don’t skip the market if you want to get a taste of traditional Bavarian delicacies. Beers from all six of the Munich breweries are served in rotation.

• Sinbad: Hole in the wall pick for Middle Eastern cuisine, including doner kebabs, falafels & meat skewers, to eat in or take out. Large portions for a great price.

• Sip & Dip Coffee: Stop by this local spot near the old town for delicious flavored lattes, coffees and pastries.

• La Bohème: Fine cuts of meat are flambeed at your table. They offer an upscale weekend brunch buffet as well.

• Löwenbräu: A great place to eat at Oktoberfest. Don’t miss the chicken!

• Julius Brantner Brothandwerk: Arrive at the opening to try daily specials, such as croissants and cinnamon buns before they’re gone.

• Chinesischer Turm Beer Garden: Located in the English Gardens, this is the second largest beer garden in Munich. There are food stalls which offer traditional food and lagers of beer.

• Paulaner am Nockherberg: The restaurant is connected to one of the biggest names in Munich’s beer scene.