Guide to Oktoberfest in Munich

Did you know that Oktoberfest doesn't actually start in October? Last year, I decided to visit the World's Largest Volksfest in München with a couple of good friends, who I know would piggyback me home if I had one too many steins. Held annually everywhere around the world, this particular site gets approximately 7.2 million visitors within a span of 16-18 days. Let's keep in mind that the ultimate goal at this renowned festival is to have fun & drink beer.

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On behalf of Oktoberfest season, here are some things that I've learned: 


• Prepare to lose your voice. Even if you don't know any of the German songs, sing along like you do. The beer will slowly but surely help you become fluent aka slur & shout uncontrollably but dont worry. No one's judging you. Everyone is on the same level as you are, if not, worse. 


 • 'Ein Prosit’ is a famous drinking song that will inevitably be sung over & over again. The phrase translates to "one cheers." But you're most likely going to take more drinks than that. Granted, it'll be stuck in your head all day. Don't say I didn't warn you. 


• Even though the steins are thick & heavy, don't overestimate them. When clinking glasses with someone, make sure you tap towards the bottom. Broken glass is 'nicht gut.'


• Don't bring any valuables with you. I learned that the hard way. My friend & I both left our GoPro's at a bar resulting in losing a lot of awesome footage. Off the record: I may or may not have been heavily intoxicated.


• Leave your LV's & Osprey's at home. Large bags are prohibited from entering the area. Luckily, there are storage kiosks outside of security. But really, leave it. 


• Do NOT ride any rides while hammered. Initially, it'll sound fun but it won't end well. If you're just tipsy, then by all means. 


• No matter how reserved you are, if you go to Oktoberfest & don't drunkenly dance on a table, did you really go to Oktoberfest? If that's too much, the bench will work just as fine. I just like to live life on the wild side.