Catch the Munich Philharmonic at the Isarphilharmonie

Hotel rates around Oktoberfest rise sharply, and central rooms often sell out months ahead, so waiting for a last-minute deal can fail. Book as soon as you fix your dates, or stay a few U-Bahn stops out along the U3 to U6 lines and reach the grounds in 20 to 30 minutes. Weekday nights are cheaper and calmer than…

Giesing, south-east of the center, is the budget-friendly base that Rough Guides recommends because rooms cost less than in the center and public transport is good. A guide lists the area near the Hauptbahnhof as the other budget option, close to trains and the Theresienwiese. Choose a hotel near a U-Bahn or S-Bahn…

Tollwood is a cultural festival with a winter edition on the Theresienwiese from late November to just before Christmas, plus a summer edition in the Olympiapark. Entry to the grounds and the Markt der Ideen is free, and more than 90 percent of the cultural events are free as well. More than 50 stalls serve…

The Kocherlball is an early-morning folk dance at the beer garden by the Chinesischer Turm, held on a Sunday in mid July from 6 to 10 am. It revives a custom of household servants who danced before their employers came back from church. Dance masters teach Landler, Zwiefacher and Boarischer from the stage, so…

The Jazzclub Unterfahrt has presented live jazz in the basement of the Einstein cultural center since 1978, with a concert most nights. It sits at Einsteinstraße 42, a short walk from Max-Weber-Platz station. Most concerts start at 20:30 and the doors open about an hour earlier, which gives time to claim a seat…

The Olympiaberg is a grassy hill about 56 meters high in the Olympiapark, built from rubble left after the war. It gives a 360-degree view over the tent roof, the skyline and, on clear days, the Alps. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset with a blanket, since it is a popular free spot on warm evenings. It is open…

The Auer Dult is a traditional market with a small fair on the Mariahilfplatz in the Au district, held three times a year in spring, summer and autumn. About 250 traders sell crockery, ceramics, household helpers and folk costume, and the Tandler lanes hold antiques, old toys and curios. Entry is free, and the market…

Alter Peter, the tower of St. Peter's church just off Marienplatz, has a platform 56 meters up reached by about 300 steps with no lift. From there you see the Frauenkirche towers, the old-town rooftops and the Rathaus, and on clear föhn days the Alps behind the skyline. Go in the morning on a föhn day for the sharpest…