Oktoberfest on a Shoestring

Oktoberfest without breaking the bank? It is possible!

The Outfit
Unless you’re willing to spend a lot of money on a beautiful Alpine dirndl/pair of Lederhosen (the best Munich stores are listed here), just wear jeans and a t-shirt. Please. Cheap, mass-produced Tracht is often a poor fit – the Lederhosen rub, the dirndls fade after a wash – and you’ve still spent a good hundred euros on the outfit. Don’t bother – you’ll only end up het up in a packed store, sweatily trying to find a dirndl you’ll never wear again.

The Accommodation
This is where you end up spending big bucks. Ideally, choose hotels outside the city centre, prices are more reasonable. If you’re willing to spend money on a good hotel, I recommend Room for Rent in Unterhaching – it’s stylish, and just an S-Bahn ride from the city, meaning prices are less expensive than the more central hotels.

Cheaper alternatives include camping in Thalkirchen, where you’ll pay around 25 € a night for a two-person camping spot. Thalkirchen is just a couple of U-Bahn rides away from the Wiesn, and it’s definitely the cheapest yet closest alternative.

If you’re after a little more peace and quiet (the Thalkirchen campsite can get raucous), the campsite in Obermenzing offers a better chance of a decent kip.

The Beer
There’s no getting around the fact that a Maß costs around ten euros a go, so suck it up and get merry.

The Food
It’s worth going all out and treating yourself to an Oktoberfest Hendl – half a roast chicken – they’re just so damned good. Otherwise, make sure you line your stomach in the morning before you start drinking – a pretzel will sort you out, but a Weißwurst breakfast is a hearty way to kick things off. Head to the Gaststätte Großmarkthalle for a reasonably priced traditional Bavarian breakfast.

The Transport
The cheapest way of getting around is via public transport, and the MVG (Munich’s public transport company) offer 3-day group tickets for up to five people for 30 € (valid for the city centre).