As a solo traveler, I tend to plan my trips in such a way that I would have about 10 hours plus layover in a city I’d enjoy exploring before flying back home. It’s just another destination included in your overall trip for no extra cost.

This time around I had 18 hour layover in Munich as I travelled from Zagreb, Croatia. Keep in mind Munich is about 1.5 hour by plane from Zagreb. I wanted to attend Oktoberfest 2019 in Munich during the nighttime. This would be my 2nd time in Munich for Oktoberfest.

With that said, I flew out of Zagreb, Croatia on September 23, 2019 at 5:20 PM and landed in Munich that same day around 6:30 PM.

My flight out of Munich back to NYC was scheduled for the following day, September 24, 2019 at 12:25 PM. That obviously would give me enough time to enjoy myself at Oktoberfest.

Is it worth staying at a hotel or hostel in Munich?

• Honestly for such a short stay in Munich especially during Oktoberfest it was expensive to stay at a hotel so I decided to step out of my comfort zone and killed time at the airport after partying it up at Oktoberfest. Just be mindful that Munich’s airport is one of the safest, cleanest and happening airport in Europe. Just be sure to be at terminal 2. They have security guards patrolling every 30 minutes or so in the airport. Lots of folks sleep on the benches. During the colder months, they have heat in the airport so don’t worry about freezing. There is also a shower if you need to freshen up. Not to mention there are tons of bars, cafes and restaurants. Most importantly they have wifi for free! Yay!!! This will allow you to catch up with your daily tasks or read my blog.

• In case you want to sleep in the napcab in Munich airport, the prices varies but you may want to book in advance to ensure you secure a spot.

Where can you store your luggage/carry on in Munich Airport?

• There is storage on the ground floor as you exit custom. I paid $12 Euro to store by carry on for about 11 hours. I believe they close at midnight, but definitely open at 6 AM. Be sure to take your personal items and charger before leaving your bag in storage and venturing out to city centre in Munich.

What is the cheapest way to travel from the airport to city centre in Munich?

• As you leave the airport, the train station is steps away from terminal 2 and so convenient to get to the city. I paid about $20 Euro round trip for my train ticket from the airport to where Oktoberfest was held. My ride was about 1 hour considering it was rush hour and pretty much the train was packed with lots of locals and visitors making their way to Oktoberfest.

• The Germans are super friendly and you will know what train stop to get off. As you make yourself to the park, you’ll see signs you can use as a guide or just follow the crowd. It’s so safe and the police are all over the place.

How to spend your time at Oktoberfest as a solo female traveler?

• First of all, wear comfy shoes cause you’ll be walking a lot from the train station to the festival, possibly standing a lot in the beer tents and obviously exploring this huge park by foot.

• A litter of beer is about $11 Euro. There are tons and tons of beer tents that will get packed very quickly during the evening. I highly recommend going to Paulaner’s tent…seriously love the band there and most likely you will run into so many people from all over the world. It will not be difficult to connect with people. I say drink no more than 2 litters since the beer is brewed in Munich for Oktoberfest and the alcohol level is a bit stronger.

• Wear comfortable clothing and don’t show too much skin since you will be at the world’s famous beer festival and there will be a lot of drunk people
• Have cash on you, I’d say about $60 Euros just in case.

• Definitely go on the Ferris wheel, you’ll have the most beautiful view of lovely Munich in the night. The ride is lovely and you won’t be riding alone. Hence there are tons of other rides and games to partake in.

• There are also tons of food vendors in the park. So many choices….I recommend trying their breaded turkey sandwich with extra mayo and mustard…yummy!!!

• Buy one of the heart ginger ornament to take back with you home. It’s the cutest thing ever.

 

• As you make your way back to the train, stop here and there and support the German street bands singing their heart away. I kid you not they were pretty awesome.

Overall, I personally feel as though everyone should experience Oktoberfest in Munich at least once. You do not have to be a beer lover to fully enjoy your time at the festival. There is so much to explore in the park. Please be safe and enjoy your time. I hope my blog was helpful with planning your trip.