Insider's Guide to Oktoberfest with Busabout senior guide Dale Cotton

Dress up. “While not compulsory, I can’t recommend wearing lederhosen or dirndl highly enough. You feel more part of the event, look more part of the event – as more people are dressed in them than not – and at the end of the day you have a great souvenir to take home.”

Pace yourself. “Remembering to eat and having a regular stein of water are great ways to last the day. Dancing on the tables and singing along with the live bands ensures you’re not constantly drinking. The word ‘radler’ could also be your best friend. It’s a shandy (half beer, half lemonade) in German and is hard to spot with the naked eye. Just whisper it to the waitress and no one will suspect.”

Take along the right spirit. “I have been to five Oktoberfests and I have never seen a drunken brawl. Everyone is there to have a good time and if there is someone who is not quite entering the spirit of the event or causing problems, the massive security officers that patrol each tent will escort them out pretty damn quick.”

Try tent-hopping. “Every tent has its own unique atmosphere. You should experience as many of them as possible. I recommend staying put in one or two tents for your first day to get a feel for the place, and then once you feel confident, tent-hopping can be a great way to spend your second day.

Eat Bavarian fare. “All the food at Oktoberfest has been developed over its 202-year history to soak up alcohol. Pork knuckle and half a handl – which is chicken – are particularly effective.”

 busabout.com

Your essential guide to Oktoberfest, the world's most-loved beer festival