Munich Oktoberfest goes overboard with prices—Hungary offers 4 cheaper alternatives
The annual Oktoberfest in Munich kicked off this weekend, but visitors had to dig deep into their pockets, as organisers have significantly increased prices. According to the official Oktoberfest website, around six million people attend the well-known beer festival each year. However, with rising costs, the question is whether it’s still worth splashing out on food and drink, or if tourists might be better off considering more affordable options in places like Hungary.
Oktoberfest, which began on 21st September at Theresienwiese, runs until 6th October. As one of the world’s largest beer festivals and funfairs, it has long been a favourite for many. Yet, with skyrocketing prices, the fun may be starting to wear thin.
Eye-watering prices at Oktoberfest
On the first day, Pénzcentrum reported that the price of drinks had risen compared to last year. This year, a litre of beer costs between €13.60 and €15.30 (5,340–6,015 HUF), while for a litre of water, festival-goers had to fork out €10 (around 4,000 HUF). Several people took to TikTok to call out the organisers for the eye-watering costs. As Pénzcentrum reveals, although the average beer price has only jumped by about 200 Hungarian forints (€0.51) compared to last year, the price of food is quite staggering. One TikTok user mentioned that even a simple dish like schnitzel costs around €40 (16,000 HUF), while the most expensive item on the menu, the Tomahawk Steak, comes in at a whopping €169 (67,000 HUF). For many, especially those working in Hungary, such prices are far out of reach.
For those opting out of Oktoberfest, Hungary offers several beer festivals this autumn. Although prices for these events are not yet confirmed, they may prove to be a more affordable alternative. The 8th Belváros Beer Festival took place at Szabadság Square in Budapest from 3rd to 8th September. According to their website, visitors were required to purchase a festival glass for 3,999–5,999 HUF (€15.17), with beer purchased separately. While this may not seem significantly cheaper than Oktoberfest, there’s still hope for more affordable options in the upcoming events.
Read more: Changing trends: Can alcohol in Hungary still be considered cheap?
Affordable beer festivals in Hungary
Here are some of the upcoming beer festivals in Hungary:
Corvin Beer Festival 2024
Dates: 26th–29th September
Location: Corvin Promenade, Budapest
Details: Featuring over 150 varieties of draught and bottled beer from around the world, with a selection of special fruity beers.
Oktoberfest Budapest 2024
Dates: 27th September–6th October
Location: Erzsébet Square, Margaret Island, and Buda Castle
Details: Now in its 10th year, this is the largest Hungarian alternative to Munich’s Oktoberfest. Visitors can enjoy traditional German music and Munich beer to recreate the atmosphere of the original event.
Hoptoberfest 2024
Dates: 27th–29th September
Location: HopTop Brewery, Budapest
Details: A three-day event organised by HopTop Brewery, featuring free concerts and family-friendly activities.
Visegrád Beer Festival 2024
Dates: 4th–5th October
Location: Rendezvény Square, Visegrád
Details: Now in its sixth year, the festival offers live concerts and children’s activities, including face painting and a small amusement park. Visitors can sample local craft beers.
All of these events offer free entry and are easily accessible for those living in Budapest. Visegrád, located just 40 minutes by train from Budapest, is worth a visit not only for the festival but also for its stunning views.
Read more: Hungary among Europe’s beer-loving nations: Global consumption rankings revealed
Author: Alexandra Kádár
Source: penzcentrum.hu
I was at Munich Oktoberfest for the start weekend. Don´t know which tents people visited, but we certainly did not pay EUR 10 for water. More like HUF 800-1000 for a half litre – similar to restaurants in Budapest (since “you cannot drink the tap water”… it must be trucked in from Italy in glass bottles).
Food – typically starting at EUR 15 to … Whatever you are in the mood for. Generally topping out at EUR 40-50. This at the upmarket Marstall tent, Festzelt Tradition, Museumszelt, Fisher Vroni (fish only – very good) and Hochreiters Haxnbraterei (more like a small restaurant. If you blow EUR 40 a head here including booze, you will be rolling out). Not saying it is cheap, however going out in Budapest has become A LOT more expensive, especially if you want to go somewhere decent.
No loo ladies from hell charging HUF 400 for toilet use, and MANY (and clean) toilets.