Munich has brewed beer longer than most cities have been keeping records. The Bavarian capital blends royal palaces and modern design with a relaxed outdoor culture—biergartens shaded by chestnut trees, river surfers on the Eisbach, and museum wings spanning Old Masters to cutting-edge. Every fall, Oktoberfest turns the Theresienwiese into the world’s most famous folk festival, with traditional bands, carnival rides, and the thunder of oompah rhythms.

Oktoberfest started in 1810 as a royal wedding party and grew into a citywide celebration of Bavarian gemütlichkeit. Today, tents like Augustiner-Festhalle (beer from wooden barrels) and Hacker-Festzelt (“Heaven of Bavaria”) pour maß after maß while kitchens roast hendl and crackling pork knuckles. Entry is free, beer runs roughly €13–16 per liter in 2025, and weekdays are calmer than weekends.

Practical notes: Bags larger than ~3 liters aren’t allowed on the grounds, and security is tight—bring an ID and a small daypack. The U4/U5 lines whisk you to Theresienwiese, and card payments are increasingly accepted, but small cash is still handy. Dress the part (dirndl/lederhosen optional but fun), hydrate, and plan a few cultural breathers between steins.

Optional Warm‑Up in Alicante (before you fly)

If you have time before departure, lean into your foodie streak with these local experiences that match your interests (tapas, wine, live performance):

• Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide — Taste market-fresh bites and classic tapas while learning the city’s backstory. Book on Viator

  

• Paella & Sangria Class with Tapas and Market Visit — Shop the Central Market and cook a full Valencian feast—great storytelling, hands-on, and delicious. Book on Viator

  

• Vibrant Flamenco Show and Tapas Menu in Alicante — An intimate tablao night with top-notch musicianship—perfect pre-trip nightlife. Book on Viator

  

Munich

Munich pairs storybook streets with a high-spirited pub culture. By day, explore Marienplatz, the onion domes of Frauenkirche, and the Baroque jewel-box of Asamkirche; by late afternoon, slip into a beer garden for pretzels and Obatzda. Photographers love the views from St. Peter’s Church tower and sunset from Olympiaberg.

For foodies, the Viktualienmarkt is a paradise: grab roast pork sandwiches, cashew-lime salads at Caspar Plautz, or bowls at Münchner Suppenküche. Classic beer halls—Schneider Bräuhaus, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräukeller—serve hearty plates; Giesinger Bräu pours excellent modern craft. Nightlife swings from live bands at Backstage and Muffatwerk to techno at Blitz and big-room anthems at Neuraum.

Getting there from Alicante: Fly into Munich (MUC) or Memmingen (FMM). Nonstop or 1-stop options typically take ~2.5–5 hours; advance one-way fares often range ~$60–180. Search and compare on Omio (flights in Europe). From MUC, the S1/S8 S‑Bahn to the center takes ~45 minutes (~€12–14). From FMM, buses to Munich ZOB take ~1.5–2 hours (~€15–20); compare Omio (buses in Europe).

Where to stay (mid-range/budget mix): Target Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt (walkable to Oktoberfest), Altstadt-Lehel (historic core), Maxvorstadt (museums), or Haidhausen (village vibe). Browse apartments on VRBO Munich or hotels on Hotels.com Munich. For Oktoberfest, book as early as possible; consider U‑Bahn access to Theresienwiese (U4/U5) to save time and money.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Icons, and a Beer Garden Welcome

Morning: Fly Alicante to Munich; aim to land by early afternoon. Use the S‑Bahn (S1 or S8) into the center and drop bags at your hotel or apartment. If hungry, grab a quick Leberkäse sandwich at Rischart near Marienplatz.

Afternoon: Orient yourself in the Altstadt: Marienplatz, the Neues Rathaus (watch the Glockenspiel on the hour), and the slender tower of St. Peter’s (photogenic city panorama). Wander the Viktualienmarkt; snack on a bratwurst at Bratwurstherzl or potato creations at Caspar Plautz.

Evening: Ease into the Munich mood at Augustiner‑Keller beer garden—shared tables, chestnut trees, and malty Helles from wooden barrels. For dinner, choose between Wirtshaus in der Au (excellent dumplings and roast duck) or Schneider Bräuhaus (try Weizenbock Aventinus with pork roast). Nightcap at a calm bar in Gärtnerplatz; rest up for Oktoberfest.

Day 2: Oktoberfest—Tents, Rides, and Traditional Vibes

Morning: Bavarian breakfast: Weißwurst with sweet mustard and pretzel at Schneider Bräuhaus or Andechser am Dom. Arrive at Theresienwiese by 10:00–10:30 to target unreserved tables—weekday mornings are best. Good first-tent options: Augustiner‑Festhalle (traditional bands, mellow), Hacker‑Festzelt (painted “Heaven of Bavaria”), or the more party-forward Hofbräu‑Festzelt.

Afternoon: Explore the Oide Wiesn (a small entry fee buys old-time rides and folk music; great for photos). For lunch, split a crispy half‑chicken (Hendl) or try the ox specialties at Ochsenbraterei. Ride the Ferris wheel or classic roller coaster for skyline shots; budget ~€4–10 per ride, beer ~€13–16 per maß.

Evening: If you want a late seat, the cozy Käfer Wiesn‑Schänke runs later than most. Otherwise, head off‑grounds to Löwenbräukeller for live brass or to Neuraum by the central station for a big-club blowout (multiple rooms, mainstream to electronic). Pro tip: drink water between beers and bring small notes/coins for tips.

Day 3: Recovery Day—Parks, Surfing, Craft Beer, and a Concert

Morning: Specialty coffee at Man Versus Machine (roastery-level espresso) or a sweet Schmalznudel at Café Frischhut. Walk the English Garden from the Eisbachwelle (river surfers—great action shots) to the Chinese Tower beer garden for a low‑key Radler.

Afternoon: Museum time in Maxvorstadt: choose the Alte Pinakothek (Old Masters) or the Pinakothek der Moderne. Late lunch at Giesinger Bräu—sample a tasting flight with Käsespätzle or roast pork. It’s a top local brewery and less touristy than central beer halls.

Evening: Catch live music at Muffatwerk (indie/electronic blends) or Backstage (rock/metal and alternative). For dinner, consider Andy’s Krablergarten (massive, well-priced schnitzel) or Der Pschorr on Viktualienmarkt (regional sourcing). Nightcap at Bahnwärter Thiel, a creative space with art, DJs, and container-car cool.

Day 4: Day Trip to Andechs Monastery Brewery + Olympiapark Sunset

Morning: Take the S‑Bahn/Regionalbahn to Herrsching (~50 minutes; return tickets typically ~€12–16—compare on Omio (trains in Europe)). Hike about an hour through woods to Kloster Andechs—Bavaria’s beloved monastery brewery—with bell views over the Ammersee.

Afternoon: Lunch in the beer garden: pork knuckle with crust that shatters, Obatzda with radishes, and a dunkles Andechser. Stroll the lakeshore in Herrsching; if it’s warm, dip your feet. Train back to Munich and head to Olympiapark—walk up Olympiaberg for a golden-hour skyline (Alps visible on clear days).

Evening: Choose dinner by mood: casual and budget at Türkitch (excellent döner), classic at Spatenhaus an der Oper (sauerbraten, great views of the Nationaltheater), or contemporary Bavarian at Xaver’s. Dance later at Blitz (audiophile techno temple) if you’ve got energy.

Day 5: Design, Cars, and One Last Market Bite—Departure

Morning: If you love design, visit the Pinakothek der Moderne or the Neue Sammlung (industrial design). Car fans should detour to BMW Welt & Museum by Olympiapark—futuristic architecture and a concise history of Bavarian engineering.

Afternoon: Final bites at Viktualienmarkt—try a bratwurst plate at Bratwurstherzl or a soup at Münchner Suppenküche. Pick up luggage and ride the S‑Bahn back to the airport (~45 minutes). Compare flight times and fares back to Spain on Omio (flights in Europe); if you’re using Memmingen, check the Munich–FMM bus on Omio (buses in Europe).

Evening: Fly home with a camera roll full of steins, skyline spires, and park scenes.

Where to Eat & Drink (Save vs. Splurge)

• Breakfast/Coffee: Man Versus Machine (third-wave coffee), Café Frischhut (fresh Schmalznudel), Rischart (bakery staples near Marienplatz).
• Lunch: Viktualienmarkt beer garden (mix-and-match stalls), Caspar Plautz (inventive potato plates), Münchner Suppenküche (rotating soups, budget-friendly).
• Dinner & Beer Halls: Augustiner‑Keller (classic garden), Schneider Bräuhaus (Weissbier and hearty mains), Wirtshaus in der Au (dumpling heaven), Der Pschorr (regional sourcing), Giesinger Bräu (craft).
• Nightlife & Music: Blitz (techno), Neuraum (multi-room club), Bahnwärter Thiel (arts/DJs), Muffatwerk and Backstage (concerts). Check weekly lineups while in town.

Oktoberfest Tips (Budget & Practical)

• Timing: Weekday mornings and early afternoons are calmer; arrive before 11:00 for walk-in seating. Reservations aren’t essential if you time it right.
• Costs: Beer €13–16 per maß; Hendl ~€15–20; rides €4–10. Share plates, alternate beers with water, and step out to nearby supermarkets for cheaper snacks.
• Logistics: U4/U5 to Theresienwiese or Schwanthalerhöhe; small bags only; carry ID. Many tents now accept cards, but bring some cash.
• Photo spots: Ferris wheel skyline, traditional bands inside tents, dusk lights along the midway, and the Bavaria statue viewpoint.

Transport quick-links: Omio (flights in Europe), Omio (trains in Europe), Omio (buses in Europe). Stays: VRBO Munich or Hotels.com Munich.

With five days, you’ll taste Munich’s best: Oktoberfest’s energy, historic squares, mellow parks, and a day in the countryside at Andechs. This plan keeps your budget in check while leaving room for music, late nights, and the kind of meals you’ll talk about long after the last toast—Prost!