My first Oktoberfest in Munich

But can you really turn 40 and never have been to the Oktoberfest? No! And so here I am, on the verge of 41, filling this (enormous) gap. And right away I realise what I had been missing. Not only does the atmosphere feel like that of the great international events, but Munich proves to be a magnificent city. Its people are truly convinced and absorbed in the spirit of the great folk festival. All of it, to me, seemed to unfold in a climate of incredible safety, despite the rivers of alcohol and the hundreds of drunks.

On Friday evening you can easily get into the beer tents (the Paulaner one is highly recommended). Obviously there are no free tables, but you just have to go up to one and start ordering jugs, letting yourself be swept away.

ABSOLUTELY NOT TO BE MISSED 1. The city tour by bicycle 2. An evening at the Paulaner tent 3. The view of the city from the Frauenkirche