Looking to explore Europe in the fall and not sure where to start or how many stops to make? We think this might be one of the best 10-day itineraries built around visiting Munich for Oktoberfest. This is a fast-paced trip with a focus on easily accessible cities. For the full guide to each city, click through the links included below!

Traveling to Europe

When our friends pitched a group trip to Europe for Oktoberfest my immediate thought went to the cost of airfare. I knew we could save within each country, but was mostly concerned with the flight costs. Traveling in the shoulder season really was a huge advantage for us and September weather was perfect. There were less tourists and families in the early fall and prices typically drop during this time before they pick back up at the holidays. While all of us live in Raleigh, we flew out of airports in the Northeast because our families were watching our dogs and the flights were way more affordable. Luke and I flew WOW airlines (RIP) to Amsterdam through Iceland and returned from Munich via Icelandic Air. While both are budget airlines with added costs associated with baggage and no free meals, this worked for our budget and we were very pleased with the service and comfort.

Traveling Within Europe

Within each city, we walked everywhere. It was really important to us as a large group to be able to walk to all of our destinations because cabs or Ubers would be a hassle with six people. This also meant we needed to find lodging near train stations and you can see our choices below. Traveling between countries by train is incredibly easy and we were able to visit four countries while on this 10-day trip. We booked our train tickets through Trainline and our friend and booking aficionado, Alec, was monitoring prices months in advance. In some instances, we booked specific seats and other times we just bought tickets for general seating. Our train tickets ranged from 30 to 80 euros per person and trips were between three and five hours long for each leg. Trainline also has a great app that allows you pull up your tickets on your phone, even without data, to scan from your seat. Don’t be afraid to book trips with transfers either, the train stations are easy to navigate and while sometimes we had to scurry to catch our next train, we never had any issues. It also is super important to pack light because you will be hauling your luggage up and down from the racks each time you are traveling and dragging everything along cobbled streets to get to and from hotels.

Accommodations

Amsterdam: We stayed in the Max Brown Hotel Canal District and loved the cozy, modern vibe of the rooms and shared space. The location was perfect and we were able to walk everywhere and get to the train station within minutes. Breakfast is included here which is a plus!

Bruges: We stayed in the Hotel De Tuilerieën right on one of the oldest canals in the city and felt like royalty. This hotel is a stunner and the rooms are very luxurious. We did take a bus from the train station to a stop right in front of the hotel for less than 5 euros and it was a very easy trip.

Strasbourg: We stayed in the Hotel Victoria right outside Petite France and saved quite a bit of money here. The rooms are pretty tight and can be a bit noisy if you are facing the street, but the bed was comfortable and we spent just enough time there to rest our heads. If I have a clean space that feels safe, I am a happy camper and this hotel hit those needs. I was happy to stay in this space in a city that we had a lot of plans in so that we were able to splurge a bit in Bruges and have that relaxation. It is all about balance.

Munich: It is critical that you book your hotel accommodations in Munich FIRST if you are traveling for Oktoberfest. We booked our Munich hotel one year in advance and were very pleased with the City Aparthotel Munich. We had a two-room “apartment” with two bathrooms and plenty of space for us to relax in together. This was also walking distance to the train station and the festival grounds.

Two Days in Amsterdam (click here for our detailed post!)

Spend a Few Hours in Zaanse Schans: Want to see some windmills while in Holland but short on time? Visiting this small town, only 20 minutes outside of Amsterdam, is a great way to get a feel for the quiet beauty of those famous windmills. We loved walking through the canals and checking out the cheese and chocolate shops. While a bit tourist-heavy, we loved this half-day trip outside the city!

Grab Unique Cocktails at Tales and Spirits: This lovely cocktail bar offers really special drinks and a very extensive menu. The staff are more than willing to offer suggestions based on your preferences and they were able to seat large groups without a problem!

Walk Through the Red Light District: We did a quick walk through this infamous part of town after dinner on our first night. It can be crowded and loud at the bars lining the streets, but it is quite a sight. In the Netherlands, sex work is a legal profession and sex workers are able to access healthcare and work in safer conditions due to this progressive stance. It is important that you respect their profession and refrain from taking any photos!

Browse Art at the Rijksmuseum: Looking to see some Van Gogh and Rembrandt up close? This museum is incredibly expansive and can easily take up your entire morning if you’d like. We recommend visiting in the morning before the crowds and tour groups head in. Be sure to peek into the Cuypers Library!

Snap a Photo at the I Amsterdam Sign: You’re a tourist. Lean in. Also, get here first thing in the morning so your photo sitting into the “e” isn’t alongside three other strangers.

Eat a Fresh Stroopwafel at a Street Market: Head to the Albert Cuyp Market, Stall 134, for the most famous stroopwafel in town. Get the original, or mix it up with some dipped chocolate, either way you won’t regret this warm, gooey treat.

Book a Tour of the Anne Frank House: Visiting the Secret Annex and learning about the history of this city is a must-do item. Be sure to book your tickets in advance of your trip and arrive early to your time slot.

Visit the Original Heineken Brewery: Looking for some respite from walking and an afternoon break? This “experience” is one-of-a-kind and comes with two included beers. Take a tour of the original brewery and saddle up to the bar for a fresh pour!

Pop into the Floating Flower Market: Even if you are visiting in the fall, the Bloemenmarkt is a great pit stop to check out the floating shops. Take home a plastic tulip as a souvenir or check out the bulbs for sale.

Stuff Your Face with Tiny Pancakes: Head on over to the Pancake Bakery where poffertjes (tiny pancakes covered in powdered sugar) are the specialty and pancakes the size of pizzas are the norm.

Two Days in Bruges (click here for our detailed post!)

Eat Belgian Waffles in Belgium: Live the cliche and head over to Lizzie’s Wafels for some perfect squares of waffle and sugar heaven. This sit down locale is a delicious first stop in the city.

Go Chocolate Taste Testing: Wander the alleyways off the main “Markt” square and check out the many chocolate shops. Try a few out and find your favorite before bringing home a pound of the good stuff. Don’t skip the nougat and marzipan!

Get a Birds-Eye View of Bruges: Climb the Belfry Tower and get a view of Bruges in all directions. Time it right, and you might get to see the bells ringing with a front row seat!

Hit Up the Local Breweries: Spread it out across your trip, or spend a day hopping between some of Bruges’ great beer offerings. Get a flight from Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres, chat with the locals at De Garre, or taste the city’s favorite beer at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan. Short on time? Head to Le Trappiste where they showcase all sorts of Belgian beer, each with its own distinct glass!

Two Days in Strasbourg (click here for our detailed post!)

Feel Tiny at the Cathédrale de Notre Dame: No, this is not the same as the Notre-Dame in Paris. Yes, this is still a towering and impressive cathedral worth your time. Be sure to explore the nooks and crannies inside!

Explore Petite France: Stroll along the canals and pop into the half-timbered houses with impeccable flower boxes at every corner. This pedestrian-only part of town is like stepping back in time.

Walk Across the Barrage Vauban: This 17th century defense provides you fantastic view of Petite-France and the cathedral in the distance! Stop here for some history lessons and photos of the city.

Take the Train to Colmar: Colmar is another stunning, Alsace dream. The brightly colored homes and cobblestone streets will have you skipping along and humming songs from Beauty and the Beast.

Bike to Wineries in Eguisheim: We spent an entire day biking to Eguisheim from Colmar and fell in absolute love. Park your bike and eat Tarte Flambée at Caveau Heuhaus before you begin your wine tour at Freudenreich Joseph et Fils. Other faves include Paul Schneider and Domaine Charles Baur.

Three Days in Munich (click here for our detailed post!)

Buy a Traditional Dirndl: Heading to Oktoberfest? Make sure you have the right attire and check out the many stores for your favorite dirndl. We had success at Angermaier Trachten for just 100 euros each.

Enjoy a Sausage in the Park: Visit the Viktualienmarkt for local sausages and cold beer to be enjoyed at the outdoor picnic tables. Live like a local and do some shopping at the many street vendors here!

Shout “Prost” in the Local Beer Halls: Check out some of the best beer halls in town and order a liter (or just a half) to clink with a side of soft pretzel. We loved Augustiner Bräustuben and the famous Hofbräuhaus.

Drink Your Fill at Oktoberfest: The reason for the season. Oktoberfest is mecca for beer and culture lovers. The traditional attire and dancing on the benches in huge beer tents can’t be rivaled anywhere else. Be sure to pack light, bring a light coat, and arm yourself with lots of euro coins to pay for beer and tip your servers. Drink responsibly! (or don’t)

Take a Day Trip to the Top of Germany: Looking for some fresh alpine air? Head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and ride the cogwheel train to Zugspitze. The perfect cure for your Oktoberfest hangover and a chance to visit the impressive Alps!