Oktoberfest Beer tents

Find the perfect beer tent for you & your friends in seconds – whether you want wild parties, tradition, or celebrity spotting.

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Ask the Locals

The 14 big Oktoberfest tents

Augustiner tent

Augustiner

Locals Score

9/10

US / Tourist Score

4/10

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The Augustiner Festzelt is the second-oldest beer tent at Oktoberfest and is still the only major tent that serves its beer exclusively from traditional 200-liter wooden barrels. This gives the beer its famously smooth and creamy taste, a point of pride for locals. The tent, rich in tradition, is especially beloved by long-time Munich residents and has the highest proportion of locals of all the large tents. Because of this strong local character, the music program consists almost entirely of traditional brass bands, and international visitors sometimes miss the broader acceptance and international party hits commonly played in other tents..

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Stunning atmosphere and delicious food, but not the most ideal choice for internationals."

Hacker-Pschorr

Locals Score

9/10

US / Tourist Score

7/10

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The Hacker Festzelt is extremely popular in Munich, and whole generations make their way back there every single year. The crowd has become noticeably younger over time, and the party can get properly wild – honestly one of the best party atmospheres at Oktoberfest. The tent is also known as the “Sky of the Bavarians,” since the blue-and-white ceiling is designed to look like the Bavarian sky. It’s without question one of the most beautiful tents on the whole Wiesn.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Everything speaks in favor of Hacker – except one thing: it can get seriously crowded, and finding a spot can turn into a real battle. Stunning atmosphere and delicious food, but not the most ideal choice for internationals"

Armbrustschützen tent

Paulaner

Locals Score

5/10

US / Tourist Score

6/10

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The Armbrustschützenzelt used to stand out for its lighter crowds and its tasty Paulaner beer. As a traditional marksmen’s tent, it became famous through the crossbow guilds that once trained there. The interior, decorated with hunting trophies beneath a green-and-white canopy, still reflects this heritage today. In recent years, however, the quality of the tables, the food, and even the sound system has declined, while the prices have risen. Nevertheless, it remains a solid overall choice with a balanced mix of tradition and atmosphere.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Decent and atmospheric, but declining quality and rising prices keep it from being a top pick"

Hacker-Pschorr

Locals Score

8/10

US / Tourist Score

8/10

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The Bräurosl tent is the newest, and therefore the most modern and brightest tent at Oktoberfest. Its high ceiling and beautiful gallery make it truly unique. We appreciate the well-balanced mix of locals and international visitors, as well as the blend of party atmosphere and traditional music. Over the past years, it has steadily built a stronger and stronger reputation.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Every day around noon a fresh barrel is tapped and a small amount of free beer is handed out. Be there!"

Fischer Vroni tent

Augustiner

Locals Score

7/10

US / Tourist Score

5/10

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As the first tent you pass when coming in from the main entrance, this smaller tent already stands out from afar thanks to the smell of freshly grilled fish. Locals love it for the fresh Augustiner beer, but apart from that it’s a pretty quiet tent and mainly great for eating. There’s also a lot of traditional, more classical-style music, so internationals don’t always get the full Oktoberfest party vibe here.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"If you’re after a big pink, high-energy party, come by on the second Wiesn Monday for the queer event."

Hofbräu tent

Hofbräu

Locals Score

4/10

US / Tourist Score

10/10

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Hofbräu is not only the most well-known beer tent in the world, but also the largest one at the entire Oktoberfest. Thanks to the many international restaurants that share the same name, it’s famous worldwide — which is why you’ll meet the most tourists there and experience the wildest party.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"If you want to party hard with some Australians... this is your place."

Löwenbräu tent

Löwenbräu

Locals Score

5/10

US / Tourist Score

7/10

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The Löwenbräu tent is a magnet for fans of TSV 1860 Munich, and even the football team itself is known to celebrate there from time to time. Many visitors are drawn in by the roaring lions at the entrance and the iconic beer tower — which, fun fact, is now just a replica and no longer holds any actual beer barrels. Locals show up a bit less these days, while the density of international visitors has been steadily rising.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Lots of internationals and plenty of international party hits"

Spaten

Locals Score

7/10

US / Tourist Score

8/10

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The Marstall has really been growing into the big footsteps of its legendary predecessor, the Hippodrom. It’s the first tent on the right after entering through the main gate, and you immediately notice the many horse motifs and the colorful, modern design. The food there is one of the best on the entire Wiesn, and the band stands out with creative medleys you won’t hear in any other tent. Up on the wide balconies you’ll often find Munich’s who’s who, celebrating in a slightly more upscale, laid-back style than elsewhere.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"The champagne bar says it all. Wine, sparkling wine, and champagne flow just as generously as the beer in this tent"

Ochsenbraterei

Spaten

Locals Score

6/10

US / Tourist Score

5/10

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The Ochsenbraterei is famous for the oxen roasted there — and they’re genuinely delicious. The tent offers a solid mix of young and old, tradition and party. Especially in the past few years, the evening atmosphere has noticeably improved, so it’s no longer just a place to eat but also a place to celebrate. You’ll still find mostly locals here, which gives it a distinctly Munich vibe.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Even outside the tent you can grab the legendary Ochsenfetzen sandwich. So good!"

Paulaner tent

Paulaner

Locals Score

7/10

US / Tourist Score

9/10

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The Paulaner tent is massive, and especially in the evenings it basically turns into a huge disco — the energy in there can really hit boiling point. Over the years, the crowd has shifted more toward international visitors than locals, and the tent has tried to balance that out with more traditional brass music on Wednesdays. Unfortunately, that mix has slightly clouded the overall vibe in recent years, even though the Paulaner used to be one of the absolute favorites for both locals and tourists alike.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"If you want to drown a beer at noon, the Paulaner is the place to go — and you definitely won’t be the only one."

Schottenhamel tent

Spaten

Locals Score

6/10

US / Tourist Score

6/10

More Info & Insights

The Schottenhamel is the oldest tent on the Wiesn, and it’s where the mayor taps the very first beer of Oktoberfest. Alongside this big tradition, the tent has a few quirks of its own: the small square tables, the slightly unusual outfits worn by the staff, and an overall vibe that’s a bit different from the other tents. It’s especially popular with the youngest crowd — this is where the youngest Wiesn visitors go all out and celebrate.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"The place to be for the young and wild."

Schützen tent

Löwenbräu

Locals Score

10/10

US / Tourist Score

8/10

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The Schützenzelt is without a doubt one of the most popular tents on the Wiesn. It’s not just a hotspot for Munich’s “Schickeria,” but also for plenty of celebrities who stop by to sip a Löwenbräu Maß and get photographed in their newest dirndl or lederhosen. There’s also a good amount of wine and champagne flowing. The tent strikes a really nice balance: young and old, great food, and a lively party vibe all in one place.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"If you’ve ever dreamed of bumping into Drake in person, this is your tent. He showed up here last year."

Paulaner

Locals Score

7/10

US / Tourist Score

3/10

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The Käfer tent is more of an Alpine-style chalet than an actual tent, which is why many international visitors end up a bit disappointed at first — you just don’t get that classic Oktoberfest feeling of thousands of people partying around you. Instead, the space is divided into smaller, more private areas, which is exactly what makes Käfer so popular with celebs and the wealthy crowd. Across two floors, the partying happens with plenty of champagne and absolutely no shortage of money until half past 12pm.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Getting a table here in the evening is basically impossible — unless you know someone who knows someone."

Kufflers Wein tent

No beer (only wheat beer)

Locals Score

8/10

US / Tourist Score

6/10

More Info & Insights

Whoever heads into the Weinzelt should know right away that you won’t be getting the famous 1-liter beer steins here. The only beer served is wheat beer in a 0.5-liter glass — but the champagne bottles more than make up for it, and they come in very generous sizes. This slightly more upscale tent, popular with the older and well-heeled crowd, turns surprisingly wild in the evenings. Since it stays open longer than the beer tents, everyone ends up here sooner or later once the others close.

★ Mates' Verdict:

"Bring an umbrella — downstairs they love spraying champagne from magnum bottles"

Frequently Asked Questions

In our annual Wiesn Mates blind tasting for 2025, Hacker-Pschorr took the crown for the most balanced Oktoberfest beer, dethroning our 2024 champion, Hofbräu. You can taste the reigning Hacker brew inside the Hacker-Festzelt or Pschorr-Bräurosl, while Hofbräu is poured exclusively at the legendary Hofbräu-Festzelt. However, if you ask a true Munich native, the undisputed local favorite will always be Augustiner. It is the only brewery still serving its beer from traditional oak casks (Holzfassbier), giving it an exceptionally smooth profile. To experience this local masterpiece, you need to visit either the Augustiner-Festhalle or the Fischer-Vroni tent.

While every tent on the festival grounds has its own charm, the Pschorr-Bräurosl is an architectural highlight. Because it was completely rebuilt recently, making it the newest tent at the festival, it features a soaring roofline and massive windows that make the interior exceptionally bright and airy during the day. The extra-wide balconies (galleries) in the Bräurosl are fantastic. They offer significantly more space to move around and enjoy your beer, along with a spectacular vantage point over the party crowd below.

For a truly high-end atmosphere, Käfer Wiesn-Schänke, the Weinzelt and the Marstall Festzelt are the top choices. Käfer is famous for its excellent gourmet food, later closing times, and celebrity guests, making it a favorite among the Munich high society. If you are looking for an upscale, elegant vibe with premium service, these are the best tents.

The Augustiner-Festhalle is widely considered the most traditional tent and is a massive favorite among Munich locals. It is the only tent at the Oktoberfest that still serves its beer from traditional, large wooden barrels (Hirschen) rather than steel tanks, resulting in a remarkably smooth and authentic taste.

The Hofbräu-Festzelt is legendary worldwide and is the go-to spot for international guests looking for an immediate, high-energy party. If you want a slightly more local but equally energetic vibe, the Schützen-Festzelt or Hacker-Festzelt (known for its painted blue sky ceiling) offer an incredible mix of traditional brass music that transitions into huge sing-alongs in the evening.

During the day, the Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest) is the perfect spot. The Festzelt Tradition located there offers a very relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where beer is served in classic stone mugs (Keferloher) and you can watch traditional Bavarian whip-cracking and folk dancing without the massive crowds of the main tents.

Absolutely. While traditional Bavarian culture is famous for roast pork and sausages, all the big tents have adapted to modern diets over the last years. Especially Marstall serves excellent plant-based alternatives, including vegan Weißwurst and hearty mushroom ragouts. You definitely won’t be stuck eating just pretzels and radishes.

If you are hosting business clients, you need a balance of electric atmosphere and premium service without the chaos of the center aisles. Marstall is highly regarded for its upscale dining and elegant setting. Alternatively, the Schützen-Festzelt offers fantastic gallery seating (the balcony). In general, seats at the balcony or the boxes (next to the main center area) provide a slight buffer from the main crowd which makes them better sutiable for having proper lunch or dinner. For corporate groups, relying on a professional local concierge service is the smartest way to ensure flawless logistics.