There will be over six million people gathering in Munich, Germany when the next fall comes because of Oktoberfest, 16 days of revelry and beer. Below are some Oktoberfest tips that will go a long way in helping you have the time of your life at this popular beer festival. Check out A Guide to a Trip to Oktoberfest for helpful tips to prepare for your big trip!

A Guide to a Trip to Oktoberfest

1. Getting there early

If you go on the weekends, then you will notice that the lines start to form as early as 7 in the morning. You need to be seated before you are served. This means you will have to go early or wait in a line if you don’t have a table reservation. When you get the spot, stay there until it reaches a point where you need to leave and give up the spot. You might want to travel to Germany a day or so beforehand to get your bearings.

2. Leaving your purse at home

You don’t have to keep an eye on your things all day when dancing and drinking in the tents- and there is also the issue of beer spillage, no matter where you put it. (This is the same reason why you should get closed-toed shoes).

If you want photos, then all you need is a smartphone or a small point and shoot. If the outfit you are wearing doesn’t have pockets, a Bra Stash will work well or try getting a travel scar that has a pocket where you can keep your ID, cards, and cash.

3. Bringing plenty of cash

The festival is cash-based, so you should have smaller bills with you. You will find ATMs there, but there is a good chance long lines will be there too. The cost of the beer per liter has gone over the ten euro mark, making it a good idea to carry coins that make it easier to get the change from the waitress. You can also find it easier to tip when you have coins and smaller bills. Many people will be demanding the attention of the waitress, tipping will help you get better services.

4. Too much beer?

You should give a radler a try. You might have a couple of steins in then you end up forgetting that you have consumed an entire liter of beer with each drink. If you want to pace yourself or if you don’t want to end up with headaches the next day, then get a radler. This is a mixture containing half lemonade and half beer.

A Guide to a Trip to Oktoberfest

5. Going during the week

You will have an easier time finding a free table if you go during the week instead of the weekend. You will notice a more relaxed atmosphere, faster steins arrival, and you get the chance of handing out with locals.

6. Remember to eat

Since you will be consuming a lot of beer, consider ordering pretzels and roasted chicken with the German potato salad or if you want something sweet - puddingbrezel is a classic German pastry and ideal .

A hearty breakfast is important because it is going to be a long day and also the cost of food adds up.

7. Get a dirndl and learn to tie it

You will have more fun when you dress for the part. You will want a dirndl as soon as you see Germans wearing it. You should learn how to tie it because it sends out a message. When you tie the bow to the left means you are single and ready to mingle while the right means you are taken. Tying it in the middle will guarantee looks because it means virgin while the back means a waitress or widow.

8. Learning Ein Prosit

You will find yourself starting to sing along with oompah bands. There is a good chance you know some of the favorites in English (Sweet Caroline, Country Roads, etc). For Germans, Ein Prosit is the most popular and it means “I Salute You”. This is short and the words are “Ein Prosit Der Gemütlichkeit” – and you take a drink when the song ends.

9. Deciding the tent and weekend you are going to visit

Different tents have different personalities; some are more fun and youthful than the others, making it important to wisely choose. As for the weekend, you have three options. The first one will involve parade through the town then the mayor tapping the keg to announce the opening of the festival. The second weekend is known as the “Italian weekend” because this is where Italians coming from the nearby Italy visit. The final weekend is the final call and it tends to be hectic.

10. Exploring Munich

You should keep in mind there is a whole city outside the festival. You should take some time to explore the city and the Bavarian culture – this is very beautiful in the fall. If you are an Olympic fan, visit Olympiapark, which was the home of the Summer Olympics in 1972. Visiting English Garden will lt you watch surfers tackling the river.