Munich is a city shaped by monks and monarchs. Founded in 1158, its name comes from Mönche—monks—whose monastery stood near today’s Marienplatz. The Bavarian capital blends Baroque churches, royal palaces, leafy beer gardens, and tech-forward modernity with uncommon ease.

Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and grew into the world’s most famous beer festival. Locals call it “die Wiesn,” after the Theresienwiese fairgrounds. Expect classic brass bands, 1-liter steins (Maß), roast chicken, pretzels the size of plates, and a carnival of rides from vintage carousels to towering swings.

Practical notes: public transit is the smartest way to reach the festival (U4/U5 to Theresienwiese; also Goetheplatz or Poccistraße to spread out the crowds). Arrive early for non-reserved seats, especially weekends. Card acceptance is improving in tents, but cash still moves faster. Dress up if you like—lederhosen and dirndls are festive, not mandatory. Tip by rounding up or adding ~5–10%.

Munich

Munich rewards wandering: listen for the Glockenspiel at Marienplatz, stroll the Residenz’s courtyards, and watch river surfers on the Eisbach wave in the English Garden. Between history lessons, you’ll snack at Viktualienmarkt, raise steins in traditional beer halls, and linger under chestnut trees at famous beer gardens.

• Top sights: Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, Asamkirche, Munich Residenz, Viktualienmarkt, English Garden, Pinakothek museums, Nymphenburg Palace.
• Oktoberfest tips: tents like Hacker-Festzelt (“Himmel der Bayern”), Augustiner-Festhalle, Schottenhamel, Ochsenbraterei, and Käfer Wiesn-Schänke each have distinct vibes. Weekdays are calmer; mornings are family-friendly; Oide Wiesn is the nostalgic, traditional corner.
• Where to eat between beers: Wirtshaus in der Au (dumplings), Schneider Bräuhaus (wheat beer + pork knuckle), Der Pschorr (local beef and draft), Zum Augustiner (gravity-poured wooden cask beer), and Viktualienmarkt stalls like Caspar Plautz (creative potatoes) and Münchner Suppenküche.

Stay: Browse central options near Altstadt, Hauptbahnhof, or the Glockenbach/Isarvorstadt area for easy Wiesn access. Try VRBO Munich for apartments (great for groups) or compare hotels on Hotels.com Munich near Theresienwiese or Sendlinger Tor.

Getting to Munich: From Europe, search flights and trains on Omio (Flights to/from Europe) and Omio (Trains in Europe); long-distance buses are often budget-friendly via Omio (Buses in Europe). From outside Europe, compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Munich Airport (MUC), the S1/S8 trains reach the center in about 40–45 minutes; taxis take ~35 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Stroll, and a Gentle Start to Oktoberfest

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a walk around Marienplatz—catch the Glockenspiel if timing allows—then step into the serene Asamkirche to admire its theatrical Baroque interior.

Evening: Choose a hearty Bavarian dinner to kick off Wiesn week: Schneider Bräuhaus for weisswurst (before evening hours traditionally), pork knuckle, and classic wheat beers; or Der Pschorr for regional beef and seasonal sides. If energy allows, wander to the festival grounds for a look at the lights and music—aim for a quieter tent like Augustiner-Festhalle and try a half roast chicken with your first Maß. Nightcap options: Zephyr (inventive cocktails) or a calm stroll through the illuminated Viktualienmarkt arcades.

Day 2: Oktoberfest Immersion—Seats, Stories, and Brass Bands

Morning: Fuel at Café Frischhut (schmalznudeln doughnuts and Rohrnudeln) or grab cappuccinos at Man Versus Machine. Head early to the fairgrounds for rides and photos while the lines are short; detour into Oide Wiesn for traditional music and gentler rides.

Afternoon–Evening (Guided Experience): Secure tent seats, a hearty lunch, and local know-how with the Oktoberfest Experience in Munich: Fun, Food, Beer & Seats. Expect reserved space in a popular tent, explanations of beer styles, and classic dishes like roast chicken or ox on a spit at Ochsenbraterei.

Late-night: If you’re still going, stroll the midway for a Ferris wheel view of Munich’s skyline. For a post-tent bite, grab a Leberkäse semmel from a stand or detour to Zum Augustiner on Neuhauser Straße for a quieter beer hall atmosphere.

Day 3: History and Gardens, Then a Guided Beer-and-Food Evening

Morning: Join a powerful, educational visit to the Dachau Memorial with the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train. This small-group tour helps contextualize sites including the former prisoner barracks, memorials, and exhibits. Expect ~5 hours round-trip.

Afternoon: Balance the day with nature in the English Garden. Watch the Eisbach surfers, then wander north to Seehaus for a lakeside lager and a plate of Obazda with pretzels. If you prefer art, the Alte Pinakothek showcases Old Masters; Pinakothek der Moderne is your stop for design and contemporary art.

Evening (Guided Tasting): Dive deeper into Bavarian flavors on the Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich. Taste different beer styles, learn purity law lore (Reinheitsgebot), and pair with regional specialties—an ideal, curated counterpoint to the festival tents.

Day 4: Fairytale Bavaria—Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Trip

Full day: Swap steins for storybooks on the Premium Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP Tour from Munich. Glide past lakes and alpine foothills to King Ludwig II’s palaces: intimate Linderhof with its mirrored halls and manicured gardens, and cliff-perched Neuschwanstein, whose turrets inspired generations of dreamers. Expect a comfortable coach, timed entries, and free time in a Bavarian village—overall ~10 hours.

Evening (back in Munich): Easy-going dinner near your stay: Wirtshaus Hohenwart for a neighborhood feel; or head to Augustiner-Keller’s sprawling beer garden if the weather cooperates. For dessert, grab gelato at Ballabeni.

Day 5: Slow Morning, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Brunch in Glockenbachviertel—try Mural Farmhouse (seasonal plates) or grab a savory Leberkässemmel and coffee to-go. Pick up edible souvenirs at Dallmayr Delicatessen (mustard, nougat, or coffee) or browse Viktualienmarkt for regional cheeses and honey.

Afternoon: If time allows, a final lap at Theresienwiese for a ride and a last pretzel. Otherwise, head to MUC: the S-Bahn takes ~40–45 minutes; allow extra time during festival weeks.

Where to Eat and Drink (Handy Shortlist)

• Breakfast/Coffee: Café Frischhut (fresh pastries), Rischart am Marienplatz (classic bakery), Man Versus Machine (specialty coffee).
• Lunch: Viktualienmarkt stalls (Caspar Plautz, Münchner Suppenküche), Haxnbauer (pork shank), Schneider Bräuhaus (sausages, salads, knuckle).
• Dinner: Wirtshaus in der Au (famous dumplings), Der Pschorr (regional meats), Zum Dürnbräu (old-town comfort), Augustiner-Keller (beer garden institution).
• Drinks: Augustiner-Festhalle or Hacker-Festzelt at Oktoberfest; Seehaus (lake views); Loretta Bar or Zephyr for cocktails.

Oktoberfest Logistics—Fast Facts

• When: Late September to early October (16–18 days). Weekdays are easiest for walk-ins; arrive by late morning on weekends for better chances at seats.
• Costs: A 1-liter beer typically runs around €14–16. Many tents accept cards, but bring cash.
• Dress: Dirndl or lederhosen add to the fun; rent or buy in town if you wish, but comfortable shoes matter more.
• Getting there: U4/U5 to Theresienwiese; also Goetheplatz or Poccistraße (U3/U6) to approach from different gates.
• Family time: Mornings are calmer; Oide Wiesn has traditional music and classic rides (small entry fee).

Optional Add-ons (if you extend): Munich Residenz Treasury, Nymphenburg Palace and park, BMW Welt and Museum, Pinakothek modern art circuit, or a rail day trip to Salzburg via Omio (Trains in Europe).

Summary: In five days, you’ll toast at the world’s grandest beer festival, taste Bavaria’s best bites, and step into the mountains for palace panoramas. Munich’s mix of history, hospitality, and green space makes it easy to love—and easy to revisit when the Wiesn calls again.