World-famous Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest Volksfest (folk festival) in the world. Every year, millions of visitors from across the globe come to Munich to enjoy two weeks of festivities, savour delicious Bavarian cuisine and taste the exclusive beers brewed especially for the festival.
Oktoberfest officially opens when the Lord Mayor of Munich taps the first beer keg and proclaims “O'zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”) — a ceremony that traditionally takes place in the Schottenhamel tent.
All beer served at the festival is produced by six Munich breweries that meet the special requirements for official “Oktoberfest beer”.
Among visitors’ favourites are Hendl (roast chicken), Obatzda (a traditional Bavarian cheese delicacy), Ochsenfetzensemmel (a bread roll filled with roast beef), bratwurst and giant pretzels.
Guests can choose from 14 tents, each with its own size, style and atmosphere: Heimer's Enten- und Hendlbraterei, popular with locals and known for its grilled duck and chicken; Café Kaiserschmarrn by the renowned Rischart bakery; Zur Bratwurst with its signature sausages; the famous Schottenhamel, the largest tent; and the tiny Glöckle Wirt with its cheerful Bavarian atmosphere.
Oktoberfest is not only about beer — it is also a family-friendly festival. The amusement park offers attractions ranging from the traditional Krinoline carousel with a live orchestra to the thrilling Olympia Looping roller coaster. Numerous stalls, games and shooting galleries also make it a perfect place to pick up memorable souvenirs.
Where to stay during Oktoberfest
During Oktoberfest, we recommend staying at the following excellent hotels in Munich:
Theresienwiese — the site of Oktoberfest — is easily accessible from Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski München on foot, by public transport or by car.
The famous traditional costume parade passes directly by the hotel along Maximilianstrasse, allowing guests to become part of the festivities right from the doorstep. Guests can admire traditional Bavarian costumes and watch the procession of horses and brass bands while avoiding the largest crowds. With more than six million visitors attending the festival each year, Munich becomes exceptionally busy during Oktoberfest.
Throughout the festival, Kempinski guests can also enjoy a special Oktoberfest corner at breakfast, featuring Bavarian delicacies to prepare them for a full day in the festival tents.
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A classic grand hotel located on Promenadeplatz in the heart of Munich’s historic centre, the Altstadt.
The hotel is surrounded by luxury shopping and cultural landmarks, close to the Bavarian State Opera and the cathedral. Theresienwiese is approximately a 25-minute walk away, but one of the hotel’s main advantages is its proximity to Odeonsplatz underground station (U4/U5 lines), from where the festival can be reached in just 3–4 minutes, helping guests avoid long walks and heavy crowds.
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An intimate and elegant boutique hotel with a beautifully preserved Neo-Renaissance façade, located close to the prestigious Maximilianstrasse and the famous Hofbräuhaus.
It is an ideal base for guests who would like to combine Oktoberfest with walks through Munich’s Old Town. Theresienwiese is around a 30-minute walk away, while the hotel is only a few steps from Isartor S-Bahn station and nearby underground connections, allowing guests to reach the festival tents in approximately 10 minutes. After Oktoberfest, the evening can easily continue at the legendary Hofbräuhaus, located just nearby.
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A spacious and stylish hotel located beside the Old Botanical Garden, close to Karlsplatz (Stachus).
The hotel is known for its large, elegantly designed rooms with limestone finishes and its beautiful terrace.
It offers one of the best locations for Oktoberfest. The hotel is only around 5 minutes away by car or approximately 15–18 minutes on foot from Theresienwiese.
Its proximity to Munich Central Station — around a 10-minute walk — provides guests with a wide choice of transport connections and makes it easy to reach the festival tents and return comfortably to the tranquillity of the hotel afterwards.
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An ultra-luxury hotel occupying two historic buildings, including the former Palais Neuhaus-Preysing dating from 1703.
Rosewood sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in Bavaria, combining aristocratic heritage with contemporary design and the brand’s “Sense of Place” philosophy.
The hotel is located in the prestigious Altstadt district, away from the main festival noise while offering excellent access to public transport, with Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz nearby. Oktoberfest is approximately a 25-minute walk away. It is an ideal choice for guests who, after the lively atmosphere of the beer tents, would like to return to an environment of impeccable tranquillity, historic grandeur and premium service.
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An exclusive boutique hotel with just 19 private rooms, located directly on Marienplatz opposite Munich’s New Town Hall.
The interiors feature contemporary classic design, while floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offer impressive views over the heart of Munich.
Its position on the city’s main square provides immediate access to all major underground and S-Bahn lines, as Marienplatz is one of Munich’s key transport hubs. Theresienwiese can be reached in around 25 minutes on foot or 5–7 minutes by underground. It is an excellent choice for guests who value privacy, a boutique atmosphere and a central location close to the city’s main attractions.
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A legendary Munich hotel that reopened in June 2024 following an extensive reconstruction.
It became the first Luxury Collection hotel in Germany, combining the property’s heritage with cutting-edge contemporary luxury.
The hotel is located on Karlsplatz (Stachus), making it one of the closest luxury hotels to Theresienwiese. Oktoberfest can be reached in approximately 15–20 minutes on foot, while the nearby Central Station provides easy access to all forms of public transport. Guests benefit from completely new interiors and facilities together with exceptionally convenient access to the festival tents.
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A stylish hotel occupying the magnificent former Royal Bavarian Post Office building with its impressive neoclassical façade.
Its design elegantly combines the French character of the Sofitel brand with Bavarian traditions.
From a logistical point of view, this is one of the most convenient locations for Oktoberfest. The hotel is situated immediately next to Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). Theresienwiese can be reached in approximately 15 minutes on foot or in just one stop by S-Bahn or U-Bahn, taking only 2–3 minutes. It is an excellent option for guests planning to spend a significant amount of time in the festival tents and who would prefer an easy and effortless journey back to the hotel.
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