The 10 Best Tents at Oktoberfest
From brew-soaked party tents to hidden gems for foodies and wine lovers, here are the 10 best tents at Oktoberfest in Munich—plus tips on where to drink, dance, and make new friends.
If you think Oktoberfest in Munich is just steins, lederhosen, and people cheering on tables…okay yes, it is that. But it’s also so much more. Picture twinkling festival lights, Bavarian brass bands playing your new favorite feel-good song, platters of rich, roast chicken big enough to feed a small village, and the most joyful chaos you’ll ever experience in your adulthood. And it doesn’t stop there! If drinking isn’t your thing, but you still want to experience the culture, check out our sober guide to Oktoberfest.
With more than a dozen massive beer tents plus a ton of smaller ones, each with its own vibe, soundtrack, specialty, and crowd, figuring out where to go (and in what order) can feel like a full-on strategy game. Whether you’re here for the prost, the pretzels, the party, or the people-watching, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss tents so you can live your very best Bavarian festival fantasy.
1. Hofbräu-Festzelt
Best for: Meeting people from all over the world & dancing on benches
The Hofbräu tent is the international hotspot of Oktoberfest. If you’re looking for a rowdy, high-energy tent where the beer flows fast and the crowd loves to sing, this is your place. It’s the most popular tent for non-German visitors and the atmosphere is electric—think shoulder-to-shoulder mingling, steins clinking, and people from 30+ countries shouting “Ein Prosit!” in unison.
Tip: It’s harder to get into at night so go early, aim for weekday afternoons, or book a tent reservation a couple months ahead as they fill up fast. You must get a table rez if you want to drink in the tents!
2. Schottenhamel
Best for: Tradition lovers & “I want the classic experience”
Schottenhamel is where Oktoberfest officially begins every year, when Munich’s mayor taps the first keg and shouts “O’zapft is!” It’s a mix of traditional Bavarian fest vibes and youthful energy—especially popular with students and twenty-somethings. Long communal tables make it super easy to make friends (and maybe lose your voice singing).
Tip: If you want to watch the opening ceremony, be here early on day 1.
3. Augustiner-Festhalle
Best for: The “best beer” purists
Beloved by Munich locals, this tent pours Oktoberfest beer brewed by Augustiner—considered the smoothest and most traditional. The vibe is friendlier and less chaotic than Hofbräu and the décor is warm, wooden, and wholesome Bavarian. If you want to enjoy the festival without total mayhem, start here.
Order: Half chicken + a Maß of Augustiner = chef’s kiss.
4. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke
Best for: Late-night hangs, celeb spotting, and elevated Bavarian food
This cozy chalet-style tent is smaller, more rustic, and more exclusive feeling—in the cutest way. It’s known for top-tier food (try the truffle chicken if you can), A-list guests, and the fact that it stays open later than other tents. When most tents close, Käfer is still buzzing.
Tip: Hard to get into at night—if you score a spot, treat it like winning the lottery.
5. Hacker-Festzelt
Best for: Aesthetic girlies & anyone who loves a “heaven on earth” moment
Nicknamed the “Heaven of Bavaria,” the dreamy painted blue sky ceiling dotted with clouds is pure fairytale. When the band switches to pop and classic sing-alongs at night, this place turns into a magical, euphoric dance party.
It’s the tent most likely to make you think, “Is this real life?”
6. Schützen-Festzelt
Best for: Beer + Bavarian classics with slightly less chaos
A bit more relaxed and traditional than some of the bigger party tents, Schützen is the sweet spot between fun and not-totally-insane. It draws a mixed crowd of locals and travelers, has fantastic food (get the suckling pig), and a great band without the full Hofbräu level of wild.
Tip: Good first tent of the day if you want to ease into the festivities.
7. Paulaner Festzelt (Winzerer Fähndl)
Best for: Paulaner beer fans & great balcony views
Look for the giant rotating Paulaner stein on the roof—she’s iconic. Known for a friendly, happy atmosphere and great music, this tent has a huge balcony that overlooks the festival grounds and is chef’s kiss for photos at sunset.
Photo opp: Golden hour + ferris wheel in the background = perfection.
8. Bräurosl (Pschorr-Bräurosl)
Best for: A fun, LGBTQ+ friendly, inclusive vibe
Named after the daughter of the original brewery owner, this tent blends tradition with a warm, welcoming energy. Known historically for its yodeling and strong LGBTQ+ presence, Bräurosl is joyful, musical, and full of heart.
Vibes: Wholesome chaos + great sing-alongs.
9. Löwenbräu-Festzelt
Best for: Big “let’s party” energy & sports fans
Look for the giant roaring lion out front—yes, it actually roars every few minutes. This is a classic party tent with upbeat vibes, strong beer, and a slightly older (but still fun) crowd than Hofbräu. If you want loud, lively, and beer-forward, this is a must.
Tip: If you pregame at the Löwenbräukeller beer hall in Munich first, you’re already on theme.
10. Ochsenbraterei (Spatenbräu)
Best for: FOOD. FOOD. FOOD.
Yes, the beer is great. But the ox dishes? Elite. This tent roasts entire oxen and serves them in various delicious forms—don’t question it, just order it. The atmosphere is festive without being overwhelming, and the foodies in your group will thank you.
Order: The ox. Obviously.
Honorable Mentions:
Weinzelt (Wine Tent)
Not a beer person? Welcome home. This elegant wine tent offers over 15 wines, sparkling wines, and spritzes, plus a lively late-night band scene.
Warning: dangerously easy to drink too much because it tastes like juice.
Fischer Vroni
A quieter, more traditional tent famous for grilled fish on a stick. If you need a break from meat + carbs, this is your fresh-air moment.
You don’t need to be a beer lover to fall in love with Oktoberfest. Between the atmosphere, the music, the food, and the friendships you’ll form with complete strangers over a shared table and a shared song, Oktoberfest is one of those “is this real life?” trips you’ll remember forever. There are sooo many tents and special spots to explore, so no matter where you end up, just raise a stein and go with the flow—it’ll always lead somewhere unforgettable.