Oktoberfest

The first thing you need to know about the event that most of the world associates with Munich: it’s held in September, more precisely the two weeks leading up to the first weekend in October.

The Oktoberfest (locals call it “die Wiesn”) originated here in 1810, in honor of the marriage of King Ludwig I, and every year the city virtually shuts down for two weeks of beer-drenched celebration. If you are planning your trip to coincide, it’s best to book way in advance.

The festivities are relegated to the Theresienwiese, a large meadow outside the city center, so non-partiers are not impacted by drunken revelers. But the city overall is a lot more crowded during this time, so if the Oktoberfest is not a draw for you, it’s best to avoid these weeks.