Memory Lane: Munich in Oktoberfest Season (2016): Our Loudest, Happiest Night in Bavaria

We arrived in Munich in 2016 during Oktoberfest season. We knew it would be busy, but we still weren’t prepared for just how much the whole city leans into it. Munich felt like it was wearing its best outfit, buzzing with colour, music, and that slightly giddy excitement you can feel even before you’ve seen a single beer tent.

Our afternoon started with a walking tour through the old town. We passed Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel, admired the twin towers of the Frauenkirche, and wandered past Viktualienmarkt where locals and visitors spilled between the stalls. Even with Oktoberfest in full swing, Munich still felt grounded in history, like it refuses to become only one thing.

That evening, we had dinner at Augustiner-Keller, one of Munich’s most traditional beer halls. The atmosphere was lively, the food was properly hearty, and the beer was poured like it was part of the service rather than a separate order. Afterwards, we headed to Oktoberfest itself. The tents were packed, but luck was on our side. We managed to get a spot outside, and even better, we were allowed inside to watch the band play.

It ended up being the most fun night of the whole trip and a huge bucket list moment. The music, the laughter, and the shared joy of strangers made it unforgettable. We enjoyed it so much that we made a point of coming back again in 2017.

Munich showed us its heart during Oktoberfest: loud, proud, and full of life.