Oktoberfest is one of the biggest and most exciting festivals in the world, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From affordable beer and food choices to smart accommodation hacks, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of Oktoberfest in Munich without overspending. Here’s how to make the most of Oktoberfest on a budget.
📅 Plan Ahead: The Best Time to Visit
✔ Go on a Weekday – Weekends are the busiest and most expensive days to attend Oktoberfest. Tents are easier to get into on weekdays, and you’ll find better deals on flights and accommodations.
✔ Avoid the Last Weekend – The final weekend of Oktoberfest is one of the most crowded and expensive.
✔ Book Flights & Hotels Early – Prices skyrocket the closer you get to the event, so book at least six months in advance.
🏨 Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options
Finding affordable accommodation in Munich during Oktoberfest is a challenge, but here are a few ways to save money:
✔ Stay in a Hostel – Munich has plenty of budget-friendly hostels that fill up fast, so book early.
✔ Try a Camping Experience – Oktoberfest campgrounds offer cheap tent rentals and budget-friendly dorm tents. Some even include free breakfast.
✔ Stay Outside Munich – Cities like Augsburg, Ingolstadt, or Freising are cheaper and just a short train ride away.
✔ Use Couchsurfing or Airbnb – If you’re traveling with a group, splitting an Airbnb outside the city center can save you money.
⏳ Pro Tip: The earlier you book, the cheaper your accommodation will be!
🍻 How to Drink for Less at Oktoberfest
✔ Stick to Maß (One-Liter Steins) – Oktoberfest beer is served in 1-liter mugs (called Maß), and prices vary by tent. Expect to pay €12–€15 per beer, so budget wisely.
✔ Pre-Game Before Arriving – Beer at Oktoberfest is expensive. Have a couple of cheaper beers from a grocery store before heading to the tents.
✔ Share a Beer – If you’re not a big drinker, split a Maß with a friend instead of ordering a whole liter.
✔ Drink Outside the Festival – Visit local beer halls and breweries outside of the festival grounds for cheaper drinks.
⏳ Pro Tip: Tipping your waiter €1-2 will keep your beer flowing faster!
🥨 Save Money on Food
✔ Eat Before You Arrive – Oktoberfest food is delicious but pricey. Have a filling meal before heading to the festival.
✔ Bring Your Own Snacks – While large meals must be purchased inside, you can bring your own pretzels, sandwiches, or snacks.
✔ Find Affordable Stalls – The main tents have expensive food, but smaller food stalls outside the tents offer budget-friendly options.
✔ Go for Classic Street Food – Instead of a sit-down meal, grab an affordable bratwurst (€5–€7) or a pretzel (€3–€5).
⏳ Pro Tip: Avoid buying overpriced bottled water in the tents—ask for tap water (“Leitungswasser”) instead!
🎟️ Free & Cheap Oktoberfest Activities
✔ Explore the Tents Without Buying Beer – You don’t have to order beer to enjoy the atmosphere, especially in the afternoon before the crowds arrive.
✔ Watch the Oktoberfest Parade (for Free!) – The Oktoberfest opening parade is a great way to see traditional Bavarian costumes, marching bands, and decorated beer wagons without spending a dime.
✔ Go on Monday-Thursday for Discounted Rides – Many carnival rides offer cheaper tickets on weekdays before 6 PM.
✔ Enjoy the Beer Gardens – If you don’t want to commit to an expensive tent, beer gardens outside the festival offer a lively atmosphere at lower prices.
🚆 Save on Transportation
✔ Use Public Transport – Don’t take overpriced taxis! Munich’s U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (train) systems are cheap and efficient.
✔ Buy a Day Pass – Instead of single tickets, get a Munich CityTourCard or Group Ticket for unlimited rides.
✔ Walk When You Can – Oktoberfest is centrally located, and you can walk to many nearby areas without spending a cent.
⏳ Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with friends, get a Group Ticket, which is much cheaper than individual fares!
🎯 Extra Budget Tips for Oktoberfest
✅ Wear a Budget-Friendly Dirndl or Lederhosen – Traditional Bavarian outfits can be expensive. Instead of buying a new one, try:
- Renting a Dirndl or Lederhosen for a fraction of the price.
- Buying a second-hand outfit from thrift stores or online.
✅ Use Cash, Not Cards – Many tents only accept cash, and using a credit card often means foreign transaction fees.
✅ Avoid Overpriced Souvenirs – Instead of expensive Oktoberfest souvenirs, pick up a cheap beer stein from a local shop instead.
💰 Sample Budget for a Day at Oktoberfest
| Expense | Budget Option (€) | Mid-Range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 30-50 (Hostel/Camping) | 100-150 (Hotel) |
| Beer (2 Maß) | 25-30 | 30-40 |
| Food | 10-15 | 20-30 |
| Transport | 8 (Day Pass) | 8-12 |
| Rides & Fun | 5-10 | 15-20 |
| Total Cost | €80–120 | €150–250 |
With smart planning, you can experience Oktoberfest for under €100 per day while still enjoying the festival’s best traditions.
🎉 Prost to an Affordable Oktoberfest!
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable time at Oktoberfest. With a little planning and budgeting, you can enjoy traditional Bavarian beer, delicious food, and lively festivities without breaking the bank.
So grab your beer stein, dress up in your best budget-friendly Dirndl or Lederhosen, and say “Prost!” to an epic Oktoberfest experience—without the hefty price tag! 🍻🎡🥨