Oktoberfest 2026: Top alternatives to Germany for beer lovers this Oktoberfest — and pints start from £1.40

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British holidaymakers can celebrate Oktoberfest for less and with fewer crowds than visiting Germany

Oktoberfest officially runs from September 19 to October 4 this year, but many cities will host celebrations for the next couple of months.

For those looking for new ways to get involved, TUI has rounded up the best wallet-friendly alternatives to Germany, spanning Europe and beyond.

Commercial director at TUI UK&I, Chris Logan, said: "Oktoberfest is a great excuse to discover somewhere new, but Britons don't need to head to Munich to enjoy fantastic local beers and lively beer culture.

"From traditional pours to modern microbreweries and lively city bars, there are plenty of destinations where customers can combine a pint with sightseeing, great food and a memorable holiday.

"And for travellers who would rather enjoy a cold drink in the sunshine, long-haul destinations such as Mexico offer a more relaxed alternative, with beaches, activities and all-inclusive options alongside the chance to sample local beers."

Prague

This is the cheapest option if you want to spend your break sipping on pints. Czech beer lovers can grab a pint for around £1.40 in Prague, and traditional pubs and a thriving bar scene make it a fun place to hang around.

You can even soak in a famous beer bath for £95 for two, pint included. Beyond the bars, visit Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral or take in the city's iconic cobbled streets. TUI has three-night stays at the Jalta Boutique Hotel from £292 per person on a room-only basis.

Budapest

Hungary's capital, Budapest, is another must-see for beer fans, with classic pints costing just £1.50 and a nightlife scene that is hard to beat. Traditional Hungarian beers sit alongside craft options, and you can enjoy them all while taking in views of the Danube.

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Amsterdam

Just an hour's flight from the UK, Amsterdam is a dream for beer enthusiasts who want to dive into brewing history. The Heineken® Experience lets visitors explore the famous brewery from the inside, with two beers included from £22 per adult. Venture into town and you will find plenty of local pints that cost less than you would pay back home.

There is more than enough to keep holidaymakers entertained beyond the beer too, from canal strolls to world-class museums and delicious stroopwafels.

Malta

From Valletta's waterfront bars to laid-back beach clubs in Sliema, Malta serves up sunshine alongside fantastic local brews and independent craft beers.

The island's beloved Cisk lager costs around £2, and holidaymakers can tour a local brewery that has been operating for more than six decades. TUI offers seven nights at The George Urban Boutique Hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis from £667 per person.

Mexico

For those who would rather swap steins for sunshine this Oktoberfest, Mexico offers a completely different way to mark the festival. Home of Corona, holidaymakers can sample local brews in microbreweries and beachside bars along the coast.

If you are looking for a party vibe, Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue is the place to be — live entertainment and flowing beer keep things going well into the night. TUI has seven-night stays at the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort on a bed-and-breakfast basis from £909 per person, departing from Manchester with TUI Airways.

So whether it is a £1.40 pilsner in Prague or a cold beer on a Mexican beach, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate beer season without setting foot in Munich, according to TUI. All prices are correct at the time of writing.