It’s almost Oktoberfest! (no really!)

If you want to go to Oktoberfest, circle September on your calendar [View in browser]( [TikTok]( [instagram]( [facebook]( PICTURE YOURSELF IN… Munich [People dancing at Oktoberfest]( Prost! Oktoberfest starts September 16! I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited [Munich](. It’s one of those cities that calls me back over and over again, for a gig or an exhibition, vintage shopping, the amazing food scene, or just to take a break and be inspired strolling the laid-back neighborhoods. Of course, [Oktoberfest]( is also a draw. That was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for me — so far that is. On my very first trip to Munich, after picking up a second-hand Dirndl to look the part, my group and I arrived early at the Wiesn to check out the funfair and stalls before picking a tent to settle in. The whole fest must be seen to be believed. The sheer quantity (and quality!) of beer, watching the waitresses carrying it in those heavy Mass, all the tradition and history, and that oompah music just gets under your skin. [Kate Mann]( is our expert on the ground in Munich. She has called the Bavarian capital home for seven years and lived elsewhere in [Germany]( before that. She writes about travel and culture and blogs about Munich’s exciting food scene at[Munich Bites](. Read on for her tips and insights on exploring the city and taking in its biggest festival. [Read what you should know about Munich]( [Sandie Kestell](   [Sandie Kestell](   Destination Editor       Immerse yourself Here’s all the information you need to plan your trip to Munich and Oktoberfest. First-timer's Guide to Oktoberfest Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival in the world. Advance planning is key to get the most out of the fest. [Read our first-timer’s guide for everything you need to know]( Planning Tip: Book early – up to a year in advance is not uncommon. Things to do Munich has no shortage of beer halls and gardens to make merry in, but there’s much more to see in the Bavarian capital. [Check out the best things to see]( Booking Tip: [Our partners at Get Your Guide]( can connect you with the perfect tour experience When to visit September is all about Oktoberfest. Spring and summer host numerous festivals, including the Opernfestspiele, while the Christmas markets begin in late November. [Read more]( Fun fact: Despite the name, Oktoberfest mostly takes place in September, with only the last weekend of the fest happening in October. Ways to get around Explore the city center on foot and make use of the excellent public transport system to get around the neighborhoods. [Read more]( Did you know? The escalator speed at Theresienwiese U-Bahn station increases a pip during Oktoberfest to reduce crowding.       Ask an Insider Munich local Kate Mann writes about food and travel. Here she shares an insider view on this enticing city and its iconic Oktoberfest. Where's your first stop when you have visitors to the city? I always take friends to watch the river surfers in [Englischer Garten](. Just beyond a bridge on the edge of the park, you’ll find local pros practicing their skills on the stationary Eisbach wave. They are there day and night and completely mesmerizing to watch. Even Jack Johnson had a go once! What’s something about Munich that most surprises travelers? I think some visitors assume that Lederhosen are mainly reserved for the beer halls or Oktoberfest, but you’ll actually see people wearing them all the time. Look out for the cool kids pairing them with a T-shirt and a baseball cap. [Bio image of Kate Mann]( “It takes a couple of days to cover the main sights, so definitely add some more time if you want to discover another side to the city.” — Kate Mann Besides the beer, what do you love to do at Oktoberfest? I’m a big fan of the Oide Wiesn – an area dedicated to Oktoberfest of the past. With old-school fairground rides, traditional games and live folk music, it has a bit of a village-fete vibe and is much more relaxed than the madness of the main tents. What food do you eat at Oktoberfest? The first time I went to Oktoberfest, I ate beforehand to line my stomach – but this was completely unnecessary. There’s food everywhere and the portions are huge. I normally stick to the classics, such as roast chicken and potato salad, and take a Lebkuchen heart or some candied almonds for the road. How much time do travelers need to really get under the skin of Munich? It takes a couple of days to cover the main sights, so definitely add some more time if you want to discover another side to the city. Use this to explore different neighborhoods and investigate what’s on. In summer, there are a number of open-air theatres, cinemas and concerts, for example. [Read our first-timer's guide](   WHERE TO GO WHEN September Laze on uncrowded Mediterranean sands, see [South American]( rainforests or experience culture in Central Asia, September has something for everyone. [See more places to go]( [Waterfalls in South America]( [Mongolian man on horse]( GetYourGuide is a partner of Lonely Planet. We may receive compensation when you purchase through select links. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners.   Love travel inspiration in your inbox? Share with a fellow travel-lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? 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