A Quick 48 Hours in Munich During Oktoberfest: What Travelers Should Know

Munich is often associated with beer halls, Bavarian traditions, and its world-famous festival, Oktoberfest. But beyond the celebrations, the city offers a charming historic centre, impressive churches, and vibrant public squares that can easily fill a short visit.

Even with just two nights in Munich, travelers can explore the highlights of the old town, climb church towers for sweeping views, and wander through streets that feel straight out of a storybook.

However, visiting during Oktoberfest comes with its own unique surprises — from packed hotels to crowded streets — making preparation especially important.

Karlstor gate

Here's what travelers can expect from a visit in Munich during festival season, along with helpful tips to make the most of the experience.

Visiting Munich During Oktoberfest

Many travelers assume Oktoberfest takes place in October, but the festival actually begins in mid-late September and runs into the first week of October, specifically first Sunday.

During this period, Munich transforms into one of the busiest cities in Europe. Millions of visitors arrive from around the world, filling beer tents, streets, and public squares.

The festive atmosphere is unmistakable:

• Traditional Bavarian clothing such as lederhosen and dirndl becomes a common sight across the city

• Beer halls and outdoor areas stay lively throughout the day

• Major attractions and public transport see significantly higher crowds

While the energy is exciting, it also means travelers should plan ahead — especially when it comes to accommodation and transportation.

Exploring the Historic Heart of Munich

The best place to begin exploring Munich is Marienplatz, the city’s historic central square that has served as Munich’s main gathering place since the 12th century.

Dominating the square is the striking Neues Rathaus, a Gothic Revival building famous for its Glockenspiel, a mechanical clock that performs daily with life-sized figurines reenacting historical Bavarian events.

From Marienplatz, narrow streets and charming alleys branch out in every direction. Exploring these lanes often reveals unique architecture, hidden courtyards, traditional shops, and lively cafés.

During Oktoberfest season, the square becomes even more animated, as travelers from around the world pass through on their way to the festival grounds.

Don’t Miss Munich’s Beautiful Churches

Munich’s old town is filled with remarkable churches, each offering a different architectural style and atmosphere.

One of the most unforgettable is Asamkirche. Despite being relatively small, its interior is incredibly dramatic — filled with elaborate gold decorations, sculptures, and intricate ceiling frescoes. The church was privately built by the Asam brothers in the 18th century and is widely considered one of Munich’s most stunning Baroque masterpieces.

Other notable churches worth visiting nearby include:

• Frauenkirche – Munich’s iconic cathedral, recognizable by its twin towers that dominate the skyline.

• St. Peter's Church – the oldest parish church in Munich, located just beside Marienplatz.

• Theatine Church – a striking yellow Baroque church inspired by Italian architecture.

Frauenkirche

Heilig-Geist-Kirche

St Michael Munchen

Each church reveals a different side of Munich’s history, from Gothic to Baroque design, making church-hopping around the old town surprisingly rewarding.

Climbing for the Best View of Munich

For panoramic views of Munich’s old town, few places compare to the tower of St. Peter's Church.

After climbing a long and narrow staircase, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city. From the observation platform, it’s possible to see:

• The rooftops surrounding Marienplatz

• The twin domes of Frauenkirche

• The Bavarian Alps in the distance on clear days

The climb can feel steep and tiring, but the view is one of the most memorable experiences in Munich.

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Munich During Oktoberfest

A short trip to Munich during festival season can still be very enjoyable with the right preparation.

Book accommodation early

- Hotels and apartments often sell out months in advance during Oktoberfest, and prices increase significantly as demand grows.

Reserve train tickets ahead of time

- Popular routes and regional trains can sell out or become extremely expensive when booked last minute.

Plan day trips early

- Destinations such as Nuremberg are popular day trips from Munich, and tickets may become limited during peak travel periods.

Prepare for crowds in the old town

- Areas around Marienplatz can be packed with visitors during the festival.

Carry small coins for luggage lockers

- At Munich Hauptbahnhof, luggage lockers are often coin-operated, so having small change on hand can be helpful.

Munich may be famous for Oktoberfest, but the city offers much more than its iconic beer festival. Even within a short stay, travelers can explore historic squares, admire remarkable churches, and experience the unique Bavarian character that makes the city so beloved.

Sendlinger Tor

Visiting during Oktoberfest adds another layer of energy to the experience — a lively blend of culture, celebration, and international visitors. With a bit of planning, even a quick 48-hour stop can reveal why Munich remains one of Germany’s most fascinating destinations.

26 - 28 Sep '24