If there’s a party that turns Munich into one of Europe’s most fun destinations, that is Oktoberfest.
And listen, it’s not just about beer: it is a celebration of Bavarian culture, with music, gastronomy, traditional clothes, mechanical games, and giant tents where the party is at its peak.
This year, Oktoberfest will be from Saturday September 19th to Sunday October 4th, in the traditional Theresienwiese. It will be the 191st edition of this famous German party.
HOW TO GET THERE
One of the first questions when planning a trip is how to get to Munich from Chile.
The easiest option is to fly from Santiago to Munich International Airport with a layover, since there are no direct flights between those two cities.
Your layover could be in Madrid, São Paulo, Barcelona, London, or Paris, among others. Madrid is one of the most convenient places, with multiple airlines having connections to Munich.
Another option is to fly from Santiago to Brazil and then head to Germany. Paris, London, or Barcelona let you combine Oktoberfest with some days in one of these big cities, making the most of the trip.
You can also fly through the United States or Canada, though you may have longer travel times or additional immigration requirements.
That’s why, if you’re traveling to Munich, you should not only buy the airplane ticket, but also check the duration and conditions of each connecting flight. The mistakes most travelers make—find out more here.
Once you’re in Munich, public transportation is the most comfortable way to move around the city. During Oktoberfest, stations and trains get many visitors, so plan ahead.
Remember to download city maps and transportation apps so you don’t miss anything.
WHAT TO DO DURING OKTOBERFEST?
Once you’re in the city, you should visit Theresienwiese, where the big beer tents get installed. You can stop at all of them, enjoy typical Bavarian dishes, listen to live music, and try the traditional Maß, the iconic 1L beer mug.
Key tip: you don’t need to buy tickets to get into the tents, access is free and there are areas available for those without a reservation. However, in the afternoons, on weekends, and on high-demand days, it can be harder to find a spot.
And if you want to make the most out of your trip, spare some time to visit Munich’s historic center, Marienplatz, the Viktualienmarkt, and its traditional breweries. That way you’ll combine the party with the charm of one of Germany’s most beautiful cities.
BOOK
During Oktoberfest, hotel demand skyrockets, so you will need to start early to find well-located accommodation at a good price.
Remember, Royal Holiday members can check TravelXtra, the platform that helps you find accommodation at incredible prices.
Now you just have to pack your bags, put on some Lederhosen, and get ready to experience one of the most famous parties in the world. Prost!