If you talk to most people in Europe about travel focused on beer then the words “Beer festival” or “Oktoberfest” are bound to come up. Such is the case for our two travelling friends this week. Wanting to explore some of Europe’s very long history with beer, and taste some of the different beers on offer, but also to experience the unique experience that is the Munich Oktoberfest (the biggest beer festival in the world).
These two friends are travelling from London, they are not looking for luxury but would like comfortable accommodation and good food without being gastronomic. They have a week free for travel.
When thinking about beer in Europe, Belgium immediately comes to mind with good reason. Beer is woven into the fabric of Belgian culture, with a brewing tradition that stretches back to medieval monasteries and regional guilds. The country is home to a remarkable variety of styles: trappist ales, lambics, saisons, and strong golden ales each tied to specific regions, methods, and histories. It’s not just the taste, but the heritage of Belgian beer that make it stand out.
So we are going to start this journey in Belgium, and more specifically Leuven. The Leuven town website states that
“Leuven est incontestablement la capitale de la bière” Leuven is undoubtedly the capital of beer
and who am I to argue? At the beginning of the last century, there were still more than 30 breweries in the city. Today, you can still visit several breweries in and around the heart of the city. The most famous of these, right in the centre of Leuven, is the Stella Artois brewery.
Whilst Oktoberfest is the most famous beer festival many other festivals exist around Germany. A few hours west of Munich, in the city of Stuttgart, the Cannstatter Volksfest offers a different take on the same idea. Slightly smaller than Oktoberfest and a little less international, it has a stronger local flavour. It shares many of the same traditions as Oktoberfest (large beer tents, traditional dress, hearty food) but feels a bit more rooted in the region.
So the itinerary I have chosen for this European trip with a beer theme is Leuven – Stuttgart – Munich. In order to get from Stuttgart to Munich you need to change trains in Cologne, so I suggest stopping for an afternoon there to taste the local beer which is somewhat different to that found in Leuven or Munich.
Transport to Belgium from London is a simple matter of taking the Eurostar train from London to Brussels, and then a regional train takes you to Leuven. This journey will cost 82.50€ for the Saturday 27th September 2025
Traveling around Europe with these distances it makes sense to stick to trains, but to travel back from Munich to London flying is the most economic choice both in time and money. British airways flight back to London on October 4th comes in at 141€/person. At first glance this looks more expensive than the later Easyjet flight but when you take luggage into account the British Airways flight is better value for money, goes to Heathrow rather than Gatwick (which is more convenient for our friends) and is at a better time, getting back to London at 20:10.
Hotel Choices
These choices are totally independent with no affiliation. The prices are for a shared room and in general I haven’t chosen the most basic room.
Hotel in Leuven
The Penta hotel in Leuven has exactly the feel we are looking for with this trip.
Rooms here are 183€/night including breakfast
Hotel in Stuttgart
I like it when a hotel lets me know where I am, and with the hotel Bavaria Münchner hof you could only be in Germany. Particularly in the breakfast room with it’s painted wooden ceilings and traditional chairs. for the dates we want rooms are 169€ / night including breakfast.
Hotel in Munich
Hotels in Munich during Oktoberfest are not cheap, and it is wise to book early. Cocoon Hauptbahnhof is the cutest hotel with alpine features and subway/cable car doors into the bathrooms. Rooms here are 374€/night for our dates.
Beer tour of Belgium and Germany
Now we have the details of our trip planned out here is the full itinerary.
Saturday 27th September
Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Brussels 7:04 . It makes sense to get the early train to make the most of your time in Belgium. This arrives in Brussels midi at 10:05 and the connecting train to Leuven leaves at 10:13. This seems like a tight turnaround, but as long as the trains are on time it’s an easy change, and if they aren’t it isn’t a problem as there are 3-4 trains an hour between Brussels and Leuven and you don’t need a seat reservation so we can just get the next available train. This will get you into Leuven for 10:52 leaving plenty of time to drop our bags at the hotel (too early for check in but dropping bags is fine) before going for your first glass of beer. The Penta Hotel is 1km from the station which I think is an ok distance for you to walk even with luggage, but if you prefer then take a taxi from outside the station.
Lunch is at Dewerf a casual restaurant where locals and students mix. One this you will notice about Leuven is despite its brewery links and its attractive centre, Leuven does not attract a huge number of foreign tourists, meaning that the whole town has a much more authentic feel than similar sized places such as Bruges or Gent. Dewerf has a great outdoor terrace if the early autumn weather is being kind, and has 22 different choices of beer to get you started. They are particularly known for the Asian chowder which is a great match for the flavours of beer. Expect to pay around 65€ for lunch for 2 people (including beer!)
This afternoon you visit the Stella Artois Brewery. Book the tour in advance and make sure you get the tour in English (unless of course you are proficient in Dutch). The brewery is a half hour walk from the restaurant, Along back streets to the canal where you turn right and walk along the canal to the Stella builing in front of you, you can’t miss it. You will learn about the history of Stella Artois, witness the entire beer brewing process and tour the bottling plant and there are beer tastings at the end of the tour. The tours cost 17.50€ each and last around two hours.
In the evening you should head to the Oude Markt. A visit to the Oude Markt is like sitting in Europe’s longest bar. Nowhere else is there such a concentration of hospitality as on this unique square. So it’s hardly surprising that the Oude Markt is THE meeting place in Leuven, especially in fine weather, when the many terraces are packed with customers. You can get an idea of the size of Oude Markt here https://oudemarkt.visitleuven.be/
Sunday 28th September
Given that monks have been intrinsically linked with beer for many centuries it seems apt to visit the best preserved monestary in Belgium https://www.abdijvanpark.be/en to get there you could walk or take public transport, but I suggest you rent one of the Bluebikes that you can find all over Belgium. There are explications in English on the site as to how the system works. Download the app in advance and you can get an e-bike for 12€ a day. It’s a perfect way to get to the Abbey as there is a 42 hectare natural park that you can cycle round. You can get a tour of the museum to find out more about the history of the monks. If you can get a tour with Bert!
Lunch today is at the food hall Hal5 an enjoyable 10 minute cycle from the Abbey. Set in an old railway workshop this is a vibrant place to eat and shop. It might by other people be described as a “hidden gem” though I admit to not being a fan of the term. Choices for lunch include Falafel, kebabs and pizzas. Expect to pay around 65€ for two (including beer)
If you have some energy left after lunch then cycling along the canal for an hour or two is a very pleasant way to pass the time, but if you prefer a nap back at the hotel certainly wouldn’t be out of the question.
In the evening I suggest you head to the Hop Gastrobar (make sure you reserve as it isn’t large and is very popular). From the freshly baked sourdough to the artisanal patisserie, this restaurant/bar is all about the flavours. Locally grown ingredients and a special emphasis on beer, with beer pairing for the menu. Tasting menu 65€ Its a little way from the hotel (20 minutes walk) but its nice to have a walk on an evening in a new city.
If there is still room for a beer or two then walk back towards The Fiere Margriet. This bar has a very large selection of beer as well as cheese and beer tastings.
Monday 29th September
It’s time to move on to Germany. Take the 10:27 train to Liege (earlier trains are available if you are up for it, but I suspect that early mornings are not going to be a thing for the next few days). Then change trains in Liege for the 11:14 to Cologne (Köln) . This journey should cost 60€ and will get you to Cologne for 12:15.
The main tourist draw of Cologne is its marvellous Gothic cathedral. And given that it is right outside the train station you should go and take a look. For 8€ each you can climb the 533 steps to get an incredible view of Cologne.
One minute walk from the cathedral and you will arrive at Peters Brauhaus A Brauhaus is a traditional brewery-restaurant where beer is still served in small, narrow glasses by the trayful. Here, the local brew is Kölsch, a light, crisp ale that’s brewed under strict rules and served fresh, within metres of where it’s made. It’s quite a different experience to the stronger beers of Belgium, like those found in Leuven. A meal of spicy red sausage on sauerkraut with mashed potatoes washed down with a couple of Kölsch should hit the spot. Expect to pay 50€ for 2 people.
Back to the Bahnhof (train station) for the 16:00 train to Stuttgart which will get you in for 18:38 (giving you time to snooze off lunch during the journey). The train ticket will be around 40€/person.
From the station take the U1 light railway line to the Stöckach stop. You can buy day tickets from the machine at the station for 6:60€ or you can download the VVS app and buy your tickets from there.
Once you have checked in to the Bavaria Hotel Münchner Hof and freshened up then you can head into the centre of town (again take the light railway) to Börsenplatz. After a small walk around to get your bearings have dinner at another Brauhaus : Brauhaus schonbuch . Unlike Leuven you won’t find a huge list of different beers to taste, here the emphasis is on the locally brewed beer, which at around 4.8% ABV is somewhat lighter than the Belgian Beers. Choose between the Pils, your classic crisp lager, the Naturtrüb which is unfiltered, cloudy, and has a fuller, slightly yeasty taste, the Ur-Edel which maltier, smoother, and just a touch richer, or the Hefeweizen Hell which is a wheat beer, with hints of banana (strangely) and cloves (very typical of southern Germany). For dinner and beers here expect to pay around 120€ for two (although obviously that depends on how many beers!)
Tuesday 30th September
Other than beer, the other reason to visit Stuttgart is because of its links to the automobile industry. Both Mercedes Benz and Porsche have their homes here, and both have excellent museums.
Today we are going to visit the Mercedes Benz museum (take the U11 to Neckarpark). Entrance costs 12€ per person and includes free audio guides.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is spread over several floors. Lifts take you to the very top and then you visit the different stages in a spiral, on your way down.
The museum is organised chronologically, linking historical events with the vehicles in the Mercedes range over the years and the car’s place throughout the world.
The museum starts with Daimler’s beginnings at the end of the 19th century with the famous Daimler-Benz Patent Motorwagen. You then move on to the first Benz and Mercedes-badged cars. Buses and lorries are also included in the collection. The collection of racing cars is clearly one of the favorite exhibits.
After the museum you can walk to the Cannstatter Wasen beer festival
The festival has multiple beer tents each like a world of its own, so choose your tent wisely. You can expect live bands (mainly traditional Volksmusik, Schlager, and pop/rock hits) and a festive atmosphere even during the daytime, especially in mid-sized and large tents. Some tents have theme nights or host specific music styles (e.g., country, brass, 80s night)
Some popular tents include Göckelesmaier (lively party vibe, great music mix), Dinkelacker Klauss & Klauss (traditional style, fun bands) and Fürstenberg Festzelt (popular for dancing in the evening).
The Wasen (festival site) is massive—think of it like a big fairground with rides and attractions including roller coasters (including some of Europe’s biggest mobile rides), Ferris wheels, haunted houses and live street performers.
Count on paying around 15€ for a litre of beer, which isn’t cheap, but the entrance is free. Take cash as not all of the tents take card (perhaps by the 2025 edition they will). There are ATMs on site but they have large queues.
Wednesday 1st October
Pack your bags and take them with you to store at a locker at the main train station to save you doubling back to the hotel.
Then take the S-bhan line 6 to Porscheplatz, to visit the Porsche museum. Where as the Mercedes Benz museum focuses on the history and innovation of the automobile, the Porsche museum is all about performance and design. This is reflected in the building itself, the building almost appears to float above the ground, with sharp angles and a dramatic steel-and-glass façade. Inside, it’s a clean, modern space that puts the focus squarely on the cars and Porsche’s racing heritage. The layout is relatively compact, making it easy to see everything in 1.5 to 2 hours without feeling rushed. Video game fans will love the 3-seat station with steering wheel and pedals for racing Porsches. There’s also a corner where you can listen to the sound of the engine as it starts up. Entry is 12€/per person. There is an early bird ticket for entries before 10am but given that this is the day after the beer festival I think it unlikely you will be up and about early.
To save looking for somewhere for lunch I recommend you eat at the Boxenstopp Bistro inside the Porsche Museum. Currywurst and chips costs 10.50€ and you will probably be sticking to water this lunchtime.
Head back to the train station in time for the 16:14 train to Munich which takes a little over two hours and costs around 28€. As is implied by the name the Hotel Cocoon Hauptbahnhof is a quick two minutes walk from the station.
For dinner I recommend you go to Das Bad with a clean interior and a good menu of Sausages and Brezels. It’s only a 12 minutes walk from the hotel and I suspect you might want an early night.
Thursday 2nd October
Given the theme of this itinerary, when visiting Munich you might want to visit the Oldest brewery in the world at Feising (23 minutes by train from Munich) You can tour the Weihenstephaner abbey and see how the beer is brewed. The tour costs 19€ and must be booked in advance and paid in cash. Unfortunately, the tours only take place on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays so no visit is possible on this trip.
Instead I suggest a bike tour around Munich which will show you the main sights of Munich, including the Angel of Peace, Odeonsplatz, and Königsplatz. It also includes a stop at a beer garden. The tour costs 40€ each and I think its a great way to discover a new city.
We need at least one really good meal in any itinerary and this is it. The Louis Grillroom The owners are serious about their meat; they regularly introduce cuts of animal from carefully selected suppliers in Europe and share information about the history and intent of the butchers on their menus. The idea is that eating meat should be special. Start your meal with one of the restaurant’s Caesar or Waldorf salads, and follow with a seriously good steak. Count on 280€ for 2 assuming a modest 80€ on wine. Be careful of the wine list – some of the bottles are over 2000€!
Friday 3rd October
National Holiday in Germany – Tag der Deutschen Einheit – Day of German Unity
This is one of the busiest days at the Oktoberfest, but that also makes it the biggest party. If you wanted to go at a quieter time then go on the Thursday and do the bike tour on the Friday, but I feel if you are going to the Oktoberfest for a once in a lifetime type trip then you may as well do it properly.
You can reserve a place in the tents but reservations are normally for a full table of 8 which isn’t going to be much good you. (they have to be reserved a long time in advance) there are online booking pages that resell reservations but I think it is better to take you chances at the door.
However this means gettin there EARLY and I mean 9:30am type of early. Admittedly it is a little early for beer, but it is the only way you’ll get a place.
Once you’ve made it inside the Oktoberfest grounds, known as the Theresienwiese, the scale of the event hits you right away. Dozens of beer tents, some seating over 6,000 people, are laid out alongside a full-on carnival with roller coasters, games, and snack stalls. Each tent is run by a different brewery or family and has its own personality: from the vast and iconic Hofbräu tent, popular with international visitors, to the more traditional Augustiner Festhalle, where beer is still poured from wooden barrels.
Unlike the Cannstatter Wasen in Stuttgart, where locals dominate the crowd, Oktoberfest in Munich draws people from all over the world. The experience is a little wilder, louder, and more international. Inside the tents, it’s standing on benches, singing along to Bavarian drinking songs, and toasting with Maß glasses of beer (each holding a litre). Don’t expect a quiet corner, this is about atmosphere and celebration. Food is plentiful too, with roast chicken (Hendl), pork knuckle, pretzels and even vegetarian options on offer. It’s not just about beer; it’s about being part of the world’s biggest folk festival.
Prices are similar to the Stuttgart festival at around 15€/litre of beer. Most tents still prefer cash, and while some are beginning to accept cards, it’s safest to bring plenty of cash with you. If you’re planning to spend a full day you should budget around 100€ per person.
Saturday 4th October
Checkout but leave your bags at the hotel. Its very convenient for picking them up later on the way to the station.
I think you will need something calm after the excitement of yesterday so we are going to the Pinkothek museum. This is made up of three museums, but the Neue Pinakothek is currently closed for renovations. The Alte Pinakothek concentrates on European paintings from the 14th to the 18th centrury with paintings by the likes of Raphael, Rembrant, Van Dyck and a particularly large collection of Rubens. However it is the Pinakothek de Moderne that we are interested in this time. Where Andy Warhold meets Dali and Picasso. There is also a very interesting Photographic exhibition “On View” which closes on 12/10. The entrance fee is 10€
For lunch and your last meal in Germany I suggest Steinheil Sechzehn specialising in Schnitzel a 15 minute walk from the museum. Expect to pay 80€ for two.
Aim to be at the train station by 16:00 to catch either line S1 or S8 to the airport. The ticket will cost 13€ and the journey takes 45 minutes getting you to the airport in plenty of time for your 19:10 British airways flight back to London Heathrow.
Conclusion to the Beer themed itinerary in Europe
This is a fun, relaxed itinerary that takes in the history of beer in Europe, the culture of beer in Europe and includes a lot of drinking beer. I think it is a great way for two friends to spend a week, and getting back on the Saturday evening at least gives a rest day on Sunday to recover.
The total cost of this European trip, including transportation, accommodation, food, tours and 50€/day of incidental spending is 4500€ for two people, so 2250€ per person all inclusive. As always a full breakdown of costs is available on request.
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