Plan your visit now

You’ve got your ticket. This is your go-to guide to make the most of your visit: from travel and accommodation to planning your agenda, discovering authentic Tracht and navigating Munich like a local. Get ready for ‘How much can actually happen in 3 days’.

The most important at one glance

WHEN TO ARRIVE

Day 1 & 2 (ICM) | 28 & 29 SEPT
Program Start: 8:45 AM
Prgram End: 6:00 PM

Day 3 (Oktoberfest) | 30 SEPT
Entrance: 10:00 AM
End of Program: 12:30 PM

DAy 1 & 2

28 & 29 SEPT

International Congress Center Messe (ICM), Munich

U-Bahn station Messestadt West (U2)
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Find detailed information here

DAy 3

30 SEPT

Festhalle Schottenhamel at Oktoberfest Munich, Theresienwiese

DB SPECIAL

Discounted fares from any German train station
Get the offer

Uber

Uber makes your journey to Bits & Pretzels as easy as possible. Open the Uber App , set “Messe München (Entrance West)” as your destination and choose your preferred ride option to get straight from the station to the venue.

where to stay

Bits & Pretzels runs across two locations. Four options, one decision: how much distance are you willing to cover – and for what?

CONFERENCE FOCUSED

Close to ICM

Short walks on conference days. Ideal if you're exhibiting.

OKTOBERFEST FOCUSED

Close to Oktoberfest

A short walk home after day three — if that night matters most to you.

BEST OF BOTH

Central

No compromises between the two, right in the middle of Munich.

BUDGET

On the outskirts

Cheaper – good if you're booking last-minute or watching your budge

Rooms around Oktoberfest sell out fast. The earlier you book, the cheaper it gets.

GETTING TO MUNICH

Train, flight, or car – depending on where you're coming from. U-Bahn details and more live in the app once you're on the ground.

TRAIN

ICE, Railjet, TGV. Vienna, Zurich, Prague in ~4–6h. Discounted ticket above.

Plane

Munich Airport (MUC), Germany's second-largest. S-Bahn into the city in ~40 minutes.

CAR & BUS

FlixBus for a tight budget. Carpooling? How about asking around in your Meet Me at Bits post on Social Media,

Note: local public transport tickets are not included in your Bits & Pretzels ticket.

On the move

Public transport tickets are not included in your Bits & Pretzels ticket.

Metro & Trams

Fastest way to get around the city
Apps: DB Navigator/MVG for connections and tickets

Rent Cars

Carsharing & rentals: ShareNow, Sixt Share, Miles

Scooters & Bikes

E-scooter & e-bike: Lime, Tier, Bolt
Easy to use: download app → scan vehicle → ride

Uber & Taxis

Open the Uber app and set Messe München (Entrance West) as your destination.
Choose your preferred ride option, such as UberX or Taxi.
Payment options in the Uber app include cash and in-app payment.
Official taxis: cream-colored, accept cash or card

Accessibility

Public Transport

Public transport in Munich 
(S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, buses) has barrier-free options, including low-floor trams and elevators at major stations.

At the venues

The Bits & Pretzels venues are fully accessible, offering ramps, elevators, and restrooms designed for visitors with diverse mobility needs:

Find more information about accessibility at ICM Munich here.
For more information about accessibility on Oktoberfest grounds, please refer to the official Oktoberfest website.

Need Assistance?

If you need assistance during the event, contact the Accessibility Desk in advance via the Bits & Pretzels app or website.

Must-Have Apps for Your Visit to Munich

Make your stay easier with these apps:

DB Navigator

for transportation

MVG or MVV

for local transportation

UBER

for getting from one place to the other, as easy as possible

Carsharing

(like Freenow, Miles, etc.)

E-Scooter

(like Lime, Bolt, Voi, etc.)

What to wear:

Network in Style

At the conference

Business casual is your safest bet – smart, comfortable, easy to network in. Traditional Bavarian pieces work beautifully here too, if you want to bring some local flavor.

Oktoberfest Day

Tracht is completely optional, but it's the fastest way into the spirit – Lederhosen, a Dirndl, Mieder, a traditional jacket – your call.→ New to Tracht? Here's how to pick and wear it right.

Our Tracht Guide For You

Getting Tracht Right
‍Landing in Munich in late September means landing right in the middle of Oktoberfest. Plenty of attendees lean into it with a Dirndl or Lederhosen — it's not required, but it's a fun way to feel part of the city for a day.
Quality Over Costume
Real Tracht is an investment piece, not a costume – and it looks just as sharp in a business setting as it does in a beer tent.‍Dirndl: Look for sturdy fabric (cotton, linen, or silk blends), a bodice that actually fits, and an apron hitting at or below the knee. Skip the ultra-short "party dirndl" – it reads costume, not Tracht.‍Lederhosen: Genuine leather – goat, deer, or cowhide – with real embroidery and some heft to it. Thin fabric or faux leather is the giveaway.‍Accessories: A traditional blouse, vest, hat, or knee socks pull the whole look together. Sneakers or flashy extras undo it.
Buy or Rent?
Only need it once? Rent – Munich rental shops offer full sets, Dirndl or Lederhosen plus accessories, from about €40–80 a day.Want to keep it? Buy – Breuninger, Angermaier, Lodenfrey, and Ludwig Beck all carry the real thing in Munich. Ordering online works too (Alpenclassics, Angermaier) – just leave time for tailoring. On a budget, C&A has solid starter pieces.
Wear It Like You Know
A few things locals will notice:Shoes – leather Haferlschuhe for him, flats or low heels for her. Save the sneakers.The Dirndl bow says more than you'd think – left: single, right: taken, front: young girl, back: widow or waitress.Suspenders or a belt with Lederhosen. Never both.

Blend In Like a Local

Want to impress both Bavarians and fellow Bits attendees? Understanding a few local customs will make networking smoother, and your Oktoberfest experience unforgettable!

Explore Munich like a local

Gärtnerplatz: Go Bummeln Like a Local

Locals love Gärtnerplatz for its charming streets, vibrant atmosphere, and cozy cafés. It’s the perfect spot to go bummeln (German slang: strolling or wandering leisurely, popping into shops and cafés). Grab a coffee on a sunny terrace, explore a local bar, or discover unique treasures in the boutique shops!

walk Through English Garden

Wander through one of the world’s largest urban parks and soak up the greenery. Stop at Aumeister Biergarten for a refreshing drink surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and authentic Bavarian atmosphere!

Watch  Surfers at Eisbachwelle

While wandering the English Garden, don’t miss the Eisbachwelle, Munich’s famous standing wave. Watch local surfers tackle the city’s urban waters. It’s a playful and iconic Munich experience you won’t forget!

Try special ice cream Flavors

At Der verrückte Eismacher, expect the unexpected! This local ice cream legend is famous for wild, inventive flavors: some sweet, some savory. Just a short stroll from the English Garden, it’s the perfect stop for a playful treat after exploring the city or watching the surfers at Eisbachwelle. Dare to try something new!

Enjoy Fresh Bread & Pastries

Munich takes its bread seriously! Stop by Seppl’s Bäckerei, a local favorite, or Backspielhaus, with multiple locations, to grab freshly baked treats that fuel your busy Bits & Pretzels days.

Visit a
Museum for Just 1€!

Sundays are perfect for culture. Many Munich museums offer entry for just 1 € on Sundays, making it an inspiring and budget-friendly way to explore art, history, and local exhibitions. Check out the full list of participating museums here.

Viktualienmarkt: Feast for the Senses

Dive into Munich’s most famous market, full of local delicacies, cheeses, flowers, and more. It’s the ultimate spot to taste the city, soak up the energy, and grab a snack before your next adventure.

Step into
History

Schloss Nymphenburg is a beautiful castle with vast gardens inviting you to stroll around, snap some photos, and enjoy a peaceful moment on the benches. Wander among the flowers and greenery, soak up the calm, and take in one of Munich’s most scenic spots. Don’t miss this charming escape!

Travel Ready: 

Safety & Health Tips

Your safety and comfort matter. Whether it’s during Bits & Pretzels or while exploring Munich, make sure to familiarize yourself with the following info to stay safe & enjoy every moment!

Emergency Contacts

At ICM
(28.09. & 29.09.)

Medical service on-site: 

+49 89 949-28103
Security center (24h): 

+49 89 949-24555
Local police station #25 (24h): 
+49 89 45187-0
First-aid stations at West & East entrances and Hall C4
Paramedics and doctors treat emergencies immediately
Public ambulance service supports if needed
Fire department on standby during major events
Follow instructions from staff in case of an emergency

At Oktoberfest
(30.09.)

SafeNow: Download the free SafeNow app before you go to receive quick help in emergencies
There’s also a Safe Space behind the Schottenhamel tent (near First Aid) as part of the Sichere Wiesn initiative for women and girls
First-aid station directly behind the Schottenhamel tent

General
Contacts

Rescue/Emergency doctor: 112
Fire brigade: 112
Police: 110
Visit an Emergency Room (Notaufnahme). Most major hospitals in Munich have 24/7 emergency departments.

A few central ones:
1. Klinikum der LMU München (Campus Innenstadt): Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336 Munich
2. Klinikum rechts der Isar (Technical University Hospital):
Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich
Call the Medical On-Call Service (116 117). For urgent but non-emergency care (e.g., you’re sick, but it’s not life-threatening), dial 116 117. They’ll connect you to doctors, even after hours
Pharmacies (Apotheke) rotate emergency service. Check the sign at any pharmacy or visit www.apotheken.de to find the nearest open one

OUR TEAM GUIDES YOU OUT OF EVERY DANGEROUS OR UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION

If you feel unsafe in any way, please contact our staff at any time and ask them for a Pretzel Shot. They will directly and discretely guide you out of the situation and help you. This applies for our venue, as well as for our Official After Party and the Oktoberfest Day.

Health insurance: Make sure you have valid insurance that covers Germany and carry proof with you.

Tap water safety: The tap water is clean and safe and comes directly from Alpine springs.

Own safety: Munich is a really safe city, but it’s important to stay alert in busy areas like train stations or at Oktoberfest.