Weekend at the Wiesn: A 48-Hour Guide to Oktoberfest in Munich

Getting to Munich for Oktoberfest is effortless from Ireland, with direct flights from Dublin to Munich on Aer Lingus and Lufthansa, and seasonal nonstop routes from Cork with Aer Lingus. Two short hours in the air and you’re stepping into a city awash with Bavarian cheer.

With frothy beer steins, swirling dirndls, and the scent of roast chicken in the air, Munich’s Oktoberfest is Bavaria at its boldest. This legendary festival blends centuries-old tradition with unabashed revelry, serving up music, merriment, and a contagious energy that makes every toast feel like a celebration of life itself.

For a stylish base close to both the festival and the city’s cultural heart, consider Roomers Munich, a chic, design-forward hotel with moody interiors, a buzzing bar, and a spa perfect for unwinding after a long day at the Wiesn. Another fashionable choice is 25hours Hotel The Royal Bavarian, set in a former post office near the main station. Its quirky décor, lively lobby, and rooftop views make it a hit with younger travellers and design lovers.

Day 1 — Dirndls, Lederhosen & the “Wiesn” buzz

Check into your hotel and drop your bag, the Theresienwiese awaits. This sprawling fairground in the Ludwigsvorstadt district is the heart of Oktoberfest and easily reached on foot or by U-Bahn from the city centre. Arrive by late morning to secure a seat inside one of the vast beer tents. Afternoons tend to be more forgiving for walk-ins than the lively evening rush. Order your first Maß, the traditional litre of golden Märzen beer, pair it with roast chicken and potato salad, and soak up the brass bands, clinking steins, and joyful chaos. Your camera will be busy from the start. The towering Bavaria statue offers panoramic views from its crown, while St. Paul’s Church frames the festival lights beautifully at night. Capture the motion and music of the carousel-like Krinoline ride, or the joyful energy inside the tents, though always be mindful of your fellow revellers. If tables are scarce in the evening, the outdoor beer gardens attached to the tents offer the same music and atmosphere without the crush. Round off the night with a stroll past twinkling rides, candy stands, and heart-shaped gingerbread stalls.

Day 2 — Old Town icons & leafy escapes The morning after calls for something gentler. Begin in Marienplatz, where the neo-Gothic New Town Hall dominates the square and the Glockenspiel chimes its animated show. At nearby Viktualienmarkt, sip a smooth melange coffee while browsing colourful flower stands and artisanal cheeses. If you can handle the climb, St. Peter’s Church, affectionately known as Alter Peter, rewards with rooftop views stretching from the city’s spires to the Alps on a clear day.

Art lovers can make their way to Maxvorstadt, where the Pinakothek museums house European masterpieces and the Brandhorst bursts with pop-colour contemporary works. For a breath of fresh air, nothing beats the Englischer Garten, where surfers ride the standing wave on the Eisbach river. In the late afternoon, head to Nymphenburg Palace, where long canals, elegant swans, and gilded pavilions glow in the golden light.

Between sightseeing stops, Munich’s food scene rewards exploration. For traditional Bavarian fare without the Oktoberfest crowds, book a table at Schneider Bräuhaus or Augustiner Keller. For a more refined take on classics, try Wirtshaus in der Au, famous for its delicate dumplings and roast duck. In the Gärtnerplatz quarter, Theresa Grill serves a modern Bavarian-Mediterranean menu with impeccable wine pairings.

As the day fades, head upwards for a toast to your weekend. The Café Glockenspiel terrace overlooks Marienplatz with front-row views of the Town Hall and Glockenspiel. Nearby, the rooftop bar at Bayerischer Hof offers sweeping panoramas and a polished cocktail list. If you prefer something more relaxed, The Roof at Mandarin Oriental blends understated luxury with a 360-degree city view that glows at sunset.

Pack comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets, a light jacket for cool evenings, and a bit of cash for smaller vendors. Whether you stay near Theresienwiese for quick tent access or in the Old Town for postcard charm, a weekend in Munich during Oktoberfest delivers music, laughter, and unforgettable moments, made all the easier with those direct flights from Dublin or Cork.