Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival and makes a significant contribution to Munich’s economy. The beer and Bavarian costume prices make you think that you need thousands of euros to have a memorable experience but that’s really not the case. There are ways to save some money and enjoy the whole Oktoberfest 2025 within budget. You can spend that extra money exploring Munich. Many first-time visitors are unaware of the hidden secrets to save huge, like booking accommodation in advance or staying a few subway stations away from the Theresienwiese.
The world’s largest folksfest can be enjoyed without breaking the bank with a little planning and prior bookings.
It is always unpleasant to go overboard with a set budget for a planned event. And if you are coming from outside Germany to attend Oktoberfest without enough funds, you may not be able to experience the world’s largest folk festival to the fullest. Check how to do the Bavarian Beerfest 190th iteration frugally:
To many, Wiesn is a bucket list experience. People start booking their accommodation as soon as the tent reservations begin, which is as early as April. As the spot fills up, a few vacant rooms will be available, giving you limited options to stay.
The accommodation prices will also increase with the passing months. To save some extra cash, get a hotel booked right away to save some money.
There are plenty of online platforms that provide an option to book your accommodation without going anywhere. These online marketplaces offer some steal deals even if you make a plan to book Oktoberfest 2025 accommodations a few days before. Some of the reliable platforms to book accommodation are;
If the distance doesn’t bother you, the towns near the city centre are great places to book accommodation. Four subway stations connect Theresienwiese to the different towns, and some of the towns, like Erding or Holzkirchen, have the most affordable accommodation.
Many first-timers focus only on the Oktoberfest tents, which have great food options. However, the food stalls outside the tents also serve delicious traditional items. The best suggestion to experience every happening is to fill your appetite with the less costly food options inside the tent, and have complete meals from the outside stalls.
If you come to the festival in groups, share your food and split the bill. You’ll taste maximum and pay minimum this way.
Take advantage of lunch specials to save money on food. Many tents have lunch deals that serve traditional Bavarian food at lower prices. The upscale Käfer tent has a lunch special deal for 25 euros, including soup, a quarter duck, potato dumplings, and coffee.
You can find similar affordable lunch options at other tents by searching for "Mittagsmenu," meaning daily lunch specials.
If you plan to go to Oktoberfest 2025 with your family, Tuesday is the best day to visit. The day is dedicated to families, with discounted offers on meals and carnival rides until 7 p.m. Not only will you make many memories as a family, but you will also get a chance to save some cash.
There are ways to save up for the dress part for Oktoberfest 2025. You can buy authentic lederhosen and dirndl dress on a deal from an online Bavarian specialty store, and if you want to save further, it’s better to hunt for secondhand deals at thrift stores, flea markets, or online platforms like eBay.
Brand-new outfits can cost hundreds of euros. Munich’s local markets have traditional clothing at a steep discount. These places are treasure troves for saving money to visit the Bavarian Beerfest on a budget.
Take only the amount you intend to spend at the Oktoberfest 2025. The more cash you take, the more you may spend. It is best to divide all the money you have set aside for the festival into categories like
It’s better to stack all the money in different ziplock bags or money organizers and take only the money you need to control the urge to overspend.
Munich’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable. If you are on a budget, forget the taxi and Uber, in rushy festival days when fares are already too high. The subway is the best way to navigate the city during Oktoberfest.
A single ticket for the U-Bahn or S-Bahn costs around 3 euros, but you can save more with a day pass. A day group ticket is also a cash saver if you travel with friends. Download the MVV app to plan routes and purchase tickets. The bike taxis are also not budget-friendly.
Different Oktoberfest tents have different beer prices, as these are not regulated by the Munich authorities. The tent focused on food—Augustiner-Festhalle and Ochsenbraterei—serves the cheapest beer.
Compare the beer prices of all the tents and save up some money at the 190th iteration of the world’s largest Volksfest by consuming Oktoberfest Marzen at the marquee selling the cheapest beer.
Oktoberfest 2025 doesn’t have to strain your finances. You can enjoy the world's largest folk festival on a budget by booking early, staying strategic with food and drinks, and exploring Munich’s affordable gems. These 10 tips empower you to immerse yourself in Bavaria's music, flavors, and traditions while keeping your wallet happy. Start planning now, and prepare for an unforgettable Wiesn adventure even on a shoestring budget.
