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Ditching pricey hotels in favour of hostels near Oktoberfest is one of the best ways to keep your Oktoberfest budget somewhat under control.
But to any budget traveler, the prices of hostels around Oktoberfest time can be…. a pretty big shock.
Dingy dorms that would go for less than 10 euros a night in any other city easily skyrocket to 100 or more euros per bed… and that’s if you even book one in time.
Most hostels book up months in advance. Even by March, availability becomes scarce at best for most hostels near the Theresienwiese… SO, what I’m saying is: book as soon as you know you’re going!
I know that’s a daunting task, so let me help you out. If you’re looking for the best Theresienwiese hostels to stay at, here’s my thoroughly researched list. You can also read my full guide on how to do Oktoberfest on a budget.
Looking for a last minute Oktoberfest booking? Stoke Travel still has camping spots left for this year just outside of the city center that includes tents, breakfast/dinner and hardcore parties for 60 euros a night. Check here for availability. PS: You can click here to score free unlimited beer and sangria on me.
The Best All-Round Hostel Near Oktoberfest
If you’re looking for the best overall hostel near Oktoberfest, factoring in facilities, location, and experience, then my pick for you would be Wombats City Hostel Munich. Not only is this the top-rated hostel in the city, it’s only 7 minutes away from Theresienwiese by public transport, and 15 minutes away by foot.
The decor is bright and modern, with a beautiful glass courtyard that guests rave about, plus all the standard facilities you’d look for in a hostel like free WiFi, 24 hour reception, laundry facilities, and a bar. Best of all, there’s an all-you-can-eat breakfast available for a small surcharge, which is perfect for lining your stomach before your those endless Oktoberfest beers.
NOTE: For obvious reasons, Wombats is already booking up quickly for Oktoberfest, so I would reserve a room ASAP.
Check rates on Hostelworld | Check rates on Booking.com
The Closest Hostel to Oktoberfest
If you want to stay literally a three minute walk from the Oktoberfest grounds, then the Smart Stay Hostel Munich City is my pick for you. This is by far the closest hostel to Oktoberfest, a laughable 3 minute stumble back from the tents to your bed.
Of course, given the amazing location, it does have its flaws. Guests often complain about the really weak WiFi, lack of plugs/activities and at times, a strange smell. Otherwise though, it seems like a relatively clean option SO close to Oktoberfest, it’s impossible to resist.
NOTE: Because of its location, The Smart Stay Hostel Munich City is probably THE most sought after hostel for Oktoberfest. Availability (when I browsed in March) looked pretty much non-existent, so get on it ASAP.
Check rates on Hostelworld | Check rates on Booking.com
The Cheapest Hostel Near Oktoberfest
If it’s a cheap hostel near Oktoberfest you’re after (and you don’t care much about facilities and perks), then I would recommend Smart Stay Hotel Station.
Yes they market themselves as a “hotel” but they do also have dorms.
Being a “hotel” though means it definitely won’t have the social vibe of a hostel, but if you’re looking for a cheap place to rest your head within walking distance of Oktoberfest, this is a cheap option with lots of rooms usually available even a few months before.
NOTE: Many reviews complain about the place being old, dingy and poorly maintained. Everything also comes at an extra cost, including WiFi, BUT it’s within walking distance to Oktoberfest (about 20 minutes) and most importantly, there are still rooms available while I write this for less than 70 euros (dorms) and 100 euros (single private) which is more than I can say for other Theresienwiese hostels. At Oktoberfest, beggars can’t be choosers so if you want to secure a cheap place to crash, this is it.
Check rates on Hostelworld | Check rates on Booking.com
Hostels in Munich Near Oktoberfest: The Master List
If the above recommendations are booked out or you simply want to explore your options, I’ve compiled this master list of hostels around Munich and sorted them in this table for you based on things like rating, distance to Oktoberfest, other amenities and more.
You can even toggle the arrows to sort them by different properties. *nerdy grin*
What I will say is, pretty much ALL hostels around Oktoberfest time will be expensive, but so long as you’re located near public transport, you won’t have too much trouble getting to the festival.
What I would do is book ASAP though because prices certainly won’t get any cheaper.
| Hostel | Rating | Distance | Amenities | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| wombat's CITY Hostel - Munich | 8.7 | 14 min (by foot) 7 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi (Public Areas) Ensuite Bathrooms Lounge Area Free Comptuters | Check reviews & availability |
| HI Munich Park Youth Hostel | 8.1 | 25 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi 24h Reception Breakfast Included Ensuite Bathrooms | Check reviews & availability |
| MEININGER Hotel München Olympiapark | 8.0 | 30 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi Shared Lounge w/ Games Shared Kitchen Laundry Facilities | Check reviews & availability |
| MEININGER Hotel München City Center | 7.8 | 10 min (by foot) | Free WiFi Shared Kitchen Games Room | Check reviews & availability |
| Gspusi Bar Hostel | 7.8 | 17 min (by foot and by public transport) | Free WiFi Bar | Check reviews & availability |
| Jaeger´s Munich (Hotel/Hostel) | 7.7 | 14 min (by foot) 7 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi 24h Reception Bar Free Tour | Check reviews & availability |
| THE 4YOU Hostel & Hotel Munich | 7.7 | 17 min (by foot) 8 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi Breakfast Included | Check reviews & availability |
| Hostel Haus international | 7.4 | 25 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi Restaurant w/ Beer Garden Breakfast Included | Check reviews & availability |
| Smart Stay - Hostel Munich City | 7.2 | 4 min (by foot) | Free WiFi Self-Service Laundry Lounge/Bar Full Kitchen 24h Reception | Check reviews & availability |
| a&o München Laim | 7.2 | 23 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi Shared Lounge w/ Games Shared Kitchen 24h Reception Bar | Check reviews & availability |
| a&o München Hauptbahnhof | 7.0 | 8 min (by foot) | Free WiFi 24h Reception Bar | Check reviews & availability |
| Low Budget Hostel | 6.6 | 45 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi Shared Lounge | Check reviews & availability |
| a&o München Hackerbrücke | 6.6 | 21 min (by foot) 17 min (by public transport) | Free WiFi Rooftop Terrace | Check reviews & availability |
| Smart Stay Hotel Station | 6.4 | 18 min (by foot) 7 min (by public transport) | 24h Reception | Check reviews & availability |
Another Option: Camping Near Oktoberfest
My last recommendation for budget-friendly Oktoberfest accommodation is camping. If all the hostels above are booked out and hotels/AirBNBs are out of your price range, this is pretty much your last option… well, apart from Tinder 😉
Your best last-minute option is Stoke Travel. How last minute am I talking? Well, let’s say they even camping spots left last year after Oktoberfest began, because they have SO many tents!
Basically, what they offer is camping packages just outside of the city center that includes tents, breakfast/dinner and hardcore parties for 60 euros a night. Knowing what you know now about Oktoberfest prices, I’m sure you realize how INCREDIBLE that deal is. Check here for availability.
PS: You can click here to score free unlimited beer and sangria on me.
A word of warning: Camping is very much a budget backpacker option and not for the faint of heart. You’ll be sleeping in tents, it might be cold, it won’t be the Ritz by any means, and there will be a LOT of drunk people up in your personal space.
If you’re a mild germaphobe, hate crowds, loud noises, etc. this won’t be for you… but if you love a good party and want a very cheap way to enjoy Oktoberfest, this is it. Click here to learn more!