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Deciding which tent to choose
“Which tent should I choose?”. This is the most common question everyone ask themselves going to Oktoberfest in Munich for the first time – for me it was no different. I was living there, so I had plenty of time to get to know all of them, but this is not the reality for most of the visitors, as they have just a few days to enjoy this festival. I want to help you with some insider tips after 10 years living in Munich.
“The Big Six”
If you’ve ever wondered why Oktoberfest feels a bit like beer Disneyland, it’s because of the “Big Six.” These are the six legendary breweries that call Munich home: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. They’ve been brewing for centuries, perfecting their craft long before Oktoberfest was even a thing. And here’s the kicker: only breweries located within Munich’s city limits and that meet certain specifications are allowed to serve beer at Oktoberfest. That’s right, no matter how good your favorite Bavarian beer from outside Munich might be, it’s not getting a seat at this party.
At the festival, each of the breweries serve their own beer in glorious 1-liter Maß mugs. It’s a tradition rooted in Munich’s beer culture, where even local restaurants and bars typically serve just one brewery’s beer year-round. Step into a tent, and you’re not just choosing a drink. You’re committing to the atmosphere, music, and crowd that comes with that brewery’s style.
The tents themselves are lined up side by side along the festival’s main street, so wandering between them is like strolling through a beer lover’s dream neighborhood. One moment you’re under the painted blue skies of Hacker-Festhalle, the next you’re passing the giant lion at Löwenbräu or the spinning beer glass above Paulaner. Each has its own vibe, but together they make up the beating heart of Oktoberfest.

The 14 Big Oktoberfest Tents
Besides the BIG SIX, there are also other brewery tents at the festival. Every tent has it’s own decorations and vibe. You can’t choose it wrong, specially if this is your first time visiting. Some have a more party vibe and others are more local.
Marstall – Modern and inventive. Also offers vegan food and champaign. More difficult to enter without a reservation.
Armbrustschützenzelt– Comfortable and smaller. Sits 5.800 people. A Crossbow Shooting Championship happens there but it won’t be evident to guests as it takes place in a tent extention.
Hofbräu Festzelt – International favorite, especially among Americans. Second largest tent (10.000 people). Big, busy, and famous. Known for younger crowds and being the part tent.
Hacker-Festzelt – My personal favorite. You get a “wow-factor” once stepping inside. Known for its painted “Bavarian sky” ceiling. Lively atmosphere and always buzzing. Audience is very mixes from young to old.
Festhalle Schottenhamel – The oldest tent and where the mayor taps the first keg on the first day and the festival officially opens. Seats over 6,000. Very popular with locals and one of my favorites
Paulaner Festzelt – One of the largest tents, with over 8,000 seats and a giant rotating beer glass outside. Locals and FC Bayern players go to this tent (although I’ve never saw them). Biergarten known for most beautiful sunny spots and to serve beer fast

Image source: Oktoberfest.de. We do not own the rights to this image.
- Curiosity
You’ll quickly notice a pattern at Oktoberfest: the band plays “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit”, everyone cheers, clinks glasses, and drinks. Five minutes later—same song, same routine. This short drinking song, which roughly means “a toast to cheer and good times”, has been a staple at Oktoberfest for over a century. Traditionally, it was played to encourage camaraderie and lift the mood, but there’s a clever side to it too: every time the band plays, everyone raises their Maß, takes a big sip… and soon enough, you’re ready to order another round. It’s Bavarian hospitality mixed with a dash of business savvy, and it works every single time.
- Schützen-Festzelt – Slightly off the main drag, so you might dodge the worst of the crowds here. Here you will also find more locals.
Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke – Another favorite of mine. Cozier & rustic feel, more chic, family-friendly, and slightly smaller than other tents. Normally, locals and high society go to this tent.
Fischer Vroni – For when you’ve had enough pork—this one specializes in fish. Smaller than the others on this list.
Ochsenbraterei – The name says it all, the roast ox is the most ordered dish here. But you can also find other Oktoberfest favorite dishes here. More visited by companies and locals, and of course, ox lovers.
Augustiner-Festhalle – Family-friendly tent, beloved by locals. Serves smooth beer from wooden barrels.
Pschorr-Bräurosl – Sits 8.000+ people inside and it has a tradition on the first Sunday of the festivall called “Gay Sunday”. The rainbow flag is hoisted on the stage.
Löwenbräu-Festhalle – Marked by a giant 15-foot lion at the entrance and fits 8.500 poeple inside. Regular visitors include fans and players of soccer club TSV 1860 München.
Kufflers Weinzelt – Offers wine if you are not into beer. More family-friendly, with a different vibe from the beer tents.
Tradition – Located on the Oide Wiesn (“Old Oktoberfest”), focused on an old-school Oktoberfest experience. There is a small fee at the entrance.
The Mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent, proclaiming “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”) at exactly noon on opening day. No beer is served before this moment.
Want to know more about the Oktoberfest?
Check out this complete Oktoberfest Guide to find out what to wear and more tips.
So, Which Tent Should You Choose?
If you’re a first-timer, don’t stress too much, every tent delivers music, hearty food, and a Maß of Munich’s best beer. My personal tip? Start in Hacker-Festhalle for that magical open-sky ceiling, then choose another one for the next day: Hofbräu for party vibes and Käfer for a more sit down enjoy food experience.
All tents also have an outside are where you can sit order beer and food. This area is called “Biergarten” (beer garden). The difference is that you don’t see the band playing and the vibe is a little quiter outside.

Tips for Enjoying the Tents
Set a meet-up point: The Wiesn grounds are huge, and getting separated is almost guaranteed. Pick a clear landmark where your group can reconnect. Also have an installed eSIM to be able to contact your family and friends.
Bring cash: It’s faster for you and your server. Many tents don’t take cards.
Get a table early: Without a reservation, aim to arrive before 10:30. Once the lunch crowd is settled, your chances drop sharply, especially during weekends and when reserved tables switch over and everyone’s scrambling for seats. You can check last-minute reservations for one or more people here.
Don’t overthink it: The differences between tents aren’t drastic. Find one you like, get comfortable, and enjoy.
General Advice for a Stress-Free Visit
Avoiding overcrowds
- avoid the first day of Oktoberfest, specially in the morning. People wake up super eraly to run like the walking dead to seccure a spot.
- avoid weekends if you haven’t made a reservation. You can still enjoy the festival outside, eating food and going to rides.
- During the week, specially at the beginning fo the week you can still visit all tends with no reservation. Be aware that locals tend to go to Oktoberfest after workig hours so excpect it fo get full after 5pm.
- If the tents are full, the staff will close and not let anyone in
- Don’t bring big backpacks and purses as they are not allowed in the festival
Curiosities
- Nights can get crazy, you will see some body bags being carried around by local doctors but it’s only made like this to keep the privacy of the drunk person. No need to freak out.

Prices Estimate 2025
- 1-liter Maß beer: ~€14–16 in 2025* Beer can only be ordered and drunk inside of a tent or Biergarten. Waiter expects tip (usually €1-2 minimum)
- Half roast chicken (halbes Hendl): ~€17.
- A comfortable daily budget: €100–120 per person including food, drinks (2x Maß), local transport, and one or two rides.
And unfortunately they don’t let you leave the tent with the beer glasses as a souvenir. You need to leave it behind.

Food: German Cousine Inside of the Tents
Oktoberfest may be all about the beer, but the food in the tents is just as much a reason to go. For meat lovers, it’s paradise: crispy Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), juicy Hendl (roast chicken), Bratwurst with sauerkraut, and the famous Ochsenbraterei ox dishes slow-roasted to perfection.
If you’re more into vegetarian options, don’t worry. You’re not stuck with just pretzels (though the giant Brezn are amazing). Many tents now serve cheese spreads like Obatzda, creamy potato salad, roasted vegetables, Spätzle (kind of noodles with cheese and onion), and even vegan schnitzels.
No matter your choice, everything tastes better with a 1-liter beer and a crowd singing along to Bavarian tunes.
Making the most of your trip
Although you plan to visit and enjoy the Oktoberfest festival, I highly recommend taking some time to explore Munich and Bavaria. Spend 2-3 days at the festival and add 3-4 days to explore the city and surroundings. Munich is beautiful and rich in history. If there is enough time, also check some amazing and magical one day trips from Munich.
Conclusion
I would recommend staying at least 2-3 days at Oktoberfest so you can enjoy it. Maybe a day outside and the other inside of a tent or a mix. Spending only a day there isn’t enough. When I was younger, I went almost 10x, which is almost every day, but I think I can’t do this anymore – one it’s too expensive and two I don’t drink as much anymore. Also, if possible, plan ahead to avoid high hotel prices and guarantee your spot at Oktoberfest. Dressing like a local is part of the experience and makes it even more fun! Stay safe, one liter of beer is quite a lot, so take it easy. And most important of all, have a good time!