Getting an early start planning my 50th a couple of years down the road. Target - Oktoberfest in 2026. My wife is already on board. She is the one that told me to start planning whatever I want to do. She quickly ruled out 2 or more chicks at the same time and made it clear there is zero wiggle room on her decision.

The things I think I know -

• Avoid the weekends to avoid waiting in line for hours from the crack of dawn to get a seat in a tent
• Don't pay tour companies for guaranteed seating
• Wear real lederhosen unless you want to stick out for the wrong reasons

My initial thought is our itinerary will be something along these lines - arrive from US in Munich on a Monday, Oktoberfest on Tuesday and Wednesday, then we'll spend a week or so visiting places we haven't been before - Vienna/Austria, other countries, northern Italy, etc. Not all of those but something. That latter will be a separate thread for another day. I'd rather do the festival at the beginning of the trip than towards the end to minimize getting worn out/sick before the main event. We've previously visited Munich, Innsbrook, Zurich, Neuschwanstein Castle, etc.

Do you prefer one of the hotels within walking distance? Or a little further out and using public transportation? If money were no object where would you stay (still realistic - not renting a castle for yourself)?

What is the earliest you can book accomodations and do you book direct or use a travel agent?

Is 2 days enough for a few people that are 50 give or take?

I love German food and want to eat it all - any must eat recs at the festival? I know that chicken or sausage is pretty standard in the tents.

Thanks!

Question: Avoid the weekends to avoid waiting in line for hours from the crack of dawn to get a seat in a tent.

Generally yes if you had one day to go to Wiesn. The morning is when the older (Boomer) generations attend. Mid day to late afternoon is middle aged. Evening is generally when the younger generation attend. Very lively compared to the other time windows.

Not all tents are created equal. I always goto Augustiner because it is one of the oldest bierhouses in Munich and is my favorite German beer.

Question: Don't pay tour companies for guaranteed seating.

I wouldn't unless it is absolutely necessary. Knowing someone local is a great way of getting into a good tent and a good table.

Question: Wear real lederhosen unless you want to stick out for the wrong reasons.

Correct. There are plenty of places in Bavaria where you can purchase them.

Question: Avoid the weekends to avoid waiting in line for hours from the crack of dawn to get a seat in a tent.

Correct. Although the weekends are lively and good people watching.

Question: Don't pay tour companies for guaranteed seating.

Correct.

Question: My initial thought is our itinerary will be something along these lines - arrive from US in Munich on a Monday, Oktoberfest on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Going mid week is good. Won't be as crowded as the weekend. But the weekend can be lively.

Question: Do you prefer one of the hotels within walking distance? Or a little further out and using public transportation?

I would avoid for at least two reasons. You can catch the U-bahn from any neighborhood. Take U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese and walk to the grounds.

Question: If money were no object where would you stay (still realistic - not renting a castle for yourself)?

Bayerischer Hof for sure. Near Marienplatz and the Theatre District.

Question: What is the earliest you can book accomodations and do you book direct or use a travel agent?

In the digital age we are in, I never use a travel agent. Plenty of web platforms to arrange things. I would suggest booking within 12 months.

Question: Is 2 days enough for a few people that are 50 give or take?

Two days for Wiesn? Yes for sure. I would do Tuesday and Thurs/Fri. Towards the weekend will offer a different vibe.

Question: I love German food and want to eat it all - any must eat recs at the festival? I know that chicken or sausage is pretty standard in the tents.

Roasted chicken, potato salad, and pretzels. I travel to Germany almost annually, and dislike the traditional cuisine other than roasted chicken, pretzels, and potato salad. Munich has really Turkish and Italian cuisine.

Enjoy the planning and the trip!!!!

we like these two hotels in the Altstadt

Hotel Concorde (Herrenstrasse)
Hotel an der Oper (Falkenturm Strasse)

Pro tip: Pussers Rum Bar across from the Hotel an Der Oper is really fun; I know, it doesn't make any sense but trust me. Best painkillers outside of the BVI's.

It closes at 10 PM. How lame is that I thought!

In reality it was probably a lifesaver.

So we tipped the band leader a lot of euros to get on stage in front of a few thousand people to sing a few John Denver songs. It was Euros well spent.