We'll be 4-6 adults and are very flexible. we'll e there Sept 20 - 23rd, and wondering if we should book a table. Can we just walk around and enjoy things? Thank you in advance! Prost!
Posted by
Atlanta
4897 posts
Yes, you can just walk about and enjoy the atmosphere. If you go early to mid afternoon (which we prefer due to it being less crowded), you probably will not need reservations and can visit several tents. Since some of your time will be during the weekend (and there may be six of you), reservations for the evening might be needed. The only real difference between the afternoon and evening is the size of the crowds. All the rest has always seemed to us to be the same.
Posted by
Chicago, IL 🌭🍕
531 posts
See this recent thread as well
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/germany/oktoberfest-2023
Posted by
Washington, DC
117 posts
If there are just 4 of you, there will be very few tents that allow you to make a reservation (you will just have to wait in line if there is one). I am going with three others and have reservations for three tents and we will just wait at others. If there are six of you, there are more tents you can make a reservation for (if still available) which might help to guarantee spots.
I have heard from friends that have gone that reservations are great, but tents also have to reserve a certain percent of spots for walk-ins. Weekends will definitely be busy and some tents will stop letting people in, which will increase wait time. Weekdays, especially in the morning/early afternoon, will be much easier to get in.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7579 posts
If you are serious about going in the evening, or on a weekend, then sure, try to get a table, it may be too late, especially for the more popular tents, but you can try. Just be aware, the way the reservations work is that you pay for food and drink vouchers for a table of ten, so you are looking at ~350 euro, even if just 4 people.
You should have decent luck in the afternoons of the 20th and 21st, you can go in any tent as long as they are not at capacity, look around, listen to a little of the music, you just can't order a beer unless you are sitting or in a designated area. If there look to be open tables, they have little reservation cards on them, if open for the time you are there, you are free to sit, or ask the waitstaff, they know where free tables are. You can always try at night as well.