The Five Best Cities to Celebrate Oktoberfest

Germany is famous for its fall celebration of all things beer: Here are the Oktoberfests no Beer Lover Wants to Miss

By Oscar Davis

Oktoberfest. Every beer lover’s dream vacation. This staple of Bavarian culture has spread around the globe, but celebrations in other parts of the world are pale imitations compared to the real thing.

It’s no wonder it has become one of the top reasons to visit Germany at the end of September.

But Germany is a big country. There are beer festivals (Volksfest) all over. The question is: where is the best place to go for Oktoberfest?

Here are our top 5 picks for the best Oktoberfest celebrations (all in Germany — no surprises there!).

It’s worth being aware that Germany, as part of the European Union (EU) is introducing a new visa waiver system in 2023.

If you’re from a country outside the EU and are planning to go to Oktoberfest from September 2023 onwards, you might need to complete a quick Germany ETIAS application online before traveling.

Once that’s done, you can get into Germany visa-free to enjoy the world’s biggest celebration of beer! And don’t forget about Oktoberfest food!

Munich — Home of Oktoberfest

The one and only original Oktoberfest has to come top of our list. Munich is the home of Oktoberfest and its annual celebration is the biggest beer festival in the world.

The Oktoberfest is a huge part of the culture of Bavaria, of which Munich is the capital.

Originally started in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, it quickly grew into a yearly event, incorporating fairgrounds, parades, and shows. And, of course, beer.

Germany is well-known for its outstanding beer-brewing culture. From lagers to wheat beers, from pilsners to bock, there is such a variety on tap at Munich’s Oktoberfest, just waiting to be sampled.

As tradition dictates, no beer may be drunk until the first keg is tapped by Munich’s mayor on the first day opening the festival. After this, the beer flows freely — in 2019 around 7.3 million liters were drunk!

Nowadays, the festival in Munich runs for around 2 whole weeks, with millions of people from around the world heading to the city to join in the festivities. Attractions include a fairground with rides, the costume and riflemen parade, live music, and the many, many beer tents.

It’s true what they say: the original is the best.

Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart

Stuttgart’s Volksfest at Cannstatter Wasen runs every year at the same time as Munich’s Oktoberfest and gives the more famous festival a run for its money. It is regarded as the second-largest beer festival in the world, drawing around 4 million people a year.

Originating as an agricultural festival, it has evolved into a modern Volksfest, complete with beer tents, amusement rides, a parade, fireworks, a balloon race, and an Alpine village.

The festival still sometimes returns to its roots and hosts an agricultural exhibition every few years along with the other attractions.

You’ll also find a Krämermarkt (craft market), where you can find handmade leather, jewelry, art, household goods, and much more.

Berlin — Oktoberfest in the Capital

Although Oktoberfest is very much a Bavarian tradition, its popularity has spread throughout Germany (and indeed the rest of the world).

Many cities now host their own celebrations at the end of September and the start of October. And nowhere goes bigger than the capital.

Berlin is an amazing city to visit at the best of times, both vibrant and historic.

It is well worth spending Oktoberfest here as the capital goes all out to emulate Munich, with Bavarian specialties and an original Paulaner tent to enjoy.

Party to the live music — bands and DJs provide the soundtrack to Berlin’s festival — as you enjoy the best beer from around Germany.

There are plenty of rides, attractions, and games to thrill everyone, with many geared towards children. Wednesdays are family days, which come with special offers. It’s not all about the beer!

Cologne: a New Contender

Cologne is the new kid on the scene. The first Oktoberfest in Cologne only happened in 2004. In less than 2 decades, it has become one of the most popular in Germany.

The festival takes place in one huge 3,000-square-meter tent, where the lager just keeps on flowing.

The mood is pumping as Cologne-based bands share the stage with original Limbachtal musicians. The entertainment just keeps on coming.

Unlike many of the other Oktoberfest celebrations around Germany, which tend to be free, you have to pay an entrance fee at Cologne. That’s not to say it isn’t worth it, though.

If you’re in Cologne at the end of September, you’ll have the time of your life for around €30.

Frankfurt Oktoberfest

The Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt plays host to one of Germany’s most popular Oktoberfest celebrations. With a diverse program to complement its range of beer, this festival is up there with the best of them.

Let’s start off with the beer! One of the best things about Frankfurt’s celebrations is that the festival has its very own beer on tap — and it isn’t half bad. Of course, there are many others on tap from all over Germany. You’re spoiled for choice.

When it comes to live entertainment, Frankfurt may well be the best Oktoberfest out there. The live music just keeps coming, with special guests sharing the stage with the Frankfurt Oktoberfest Band. All types of music keep the party going throughout the 3-week festival.

Like Cologne, Frankfurt loses points for having to pay admission, although again, if you’re a fan of beer, you can’t miss it.

Oscar Davis has always enjoyed his local brews in his hometown of Leeds, UK, he’s a regular beer writer for many publications around UK.

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