Oktoberfest: Stuttgart v. Munich
 

I'm planning a short trip (5-7 days) to Germany during Oktoberfest. I will be staying with a friend in Frankfurt; so I won't need hotel or land-travel accommodations. However, I've never been to Europe and I would appreciate any feedback regarding the best/most interesting (in your opinion) things I should experience while I'm there. Being an innately curious person, I'm uber interested in seeing and experiencing as much as is physically possible--given the short amount of time that I'll be in Germany. I've heard that the city of Stuttgart has a better (more personal experience) Oktoberfest celebration, as opposed to the highly publicized events in Munich.
Additionally, my friend will be working during the day so I will need to entertain myself; does anyone have several suggestions for good places to visit or events near Frankfurt? What is a reasonable amount of spending cash for me to bring? Is day-travel relatively safe for a female who is traveling alone? I'd love to try and fit in a short (one day) trip to Poland, if possible...do any of you suggest that I try to do this?
I'd appreciate any feedback on your personal experiences during German Oktoberfest, or any other useful information for a first-time traveler (that would be me) to Europe.
Danke!

kris23,
I've been living in Stuttgart for a year and went to the Cannstatter Volksfest last year, but have not been to Munich's Oktoberfest. Personally, having been to the one here, I have no desire to go to Munich's. The Volksfest is great - big without being overwhelming, lots of Germans and not lots of tourists, plenty of great food and beer, both traditional German bands and extremely cheesy 80s rock 'n roll sing-a-longs, and carnival rides galore.

If you want to come down for the day, Stuttgart's center is a fun place to take a stroll. There's a tourist office at the base of the Koenigstrasse, just as you come up the stairs out of the main train station. You could go to the Markthalle (off of Schillerplatz) and pick up some cheese, sausage, and bread for lunch, then walk over to the Schlossplatz for a picnic. Or have a beer in the Schlossgarten Biergarten. Or take a bus tour of the city and go up the Fernseherturm for great views...there are lots of possibilities!

I'm not sure a day trip to Poland is possible from Frankfurt. Even though Germany is in the center of Europe, it still takes a while to get places! I would advise you to stay closer to Frankfurt and spend more quality time at your destinations. I haven't spent much time in that area but I think most people would advise that you visit several of the towns along the Rhine with their famous castles. Burg Eltz is also not too far.

Day travel should be very safe for you. Overall I feel much safer in Germany than I feel in the U.S.

Spending cash - it really depends on what you want to do, eat, and buy. Do bring cash or plan on going to ATMs because a lot of places don't accept credit cards.

Some other advice...if you don't speak German already, learn a few simple phrases - it goes a long ways towards making a good impression.

Have fun!

I was at both Stuttgart's Oktoberfest and Munich's and there is no comparison to the two - Munich is the one to go to. And really just a few hours there is enough to see what it's all about - looking into the various tents, etc. So can day trip from Frankfurt even.

But i agree with hausfrau that Stuttgart's fest is fabulous too - the essence of Munich's beer extravaganza without all those foreigners there. But i just found Munich's much more even of the festive beer atmosphere - about a dozen large beer tents each with a different theme and band.

I have only been to Stuttgart's Oktoberfest and I think you would enjoy it.

The size was not too large so you didn't feel overwhelmed. The tents were busy but not overcrowded. Great music in all of the ones we visited.

They have a carnival with rides and booths that give it a festive atmosphere.

How about trying both? You will love Germany...the best beer in the whole world!

I'm not sure I understand the aversion to "foreigners" (however that term is being defined) and you'll be one of them I suppose. You also need to realize there is usually more to these Oktoberfest celebrations than the beer tents. There are parades and other activities on various days.

Oktoberfest does not "overwhelm" either one of these two cities although there will be plenty of people milling around both of them.

If you are going to one or the other JUST to see an Oktoberfest celebration I would agree that the one in Suttgart is probably more manageable. However, if you are going to see other things such as historic sites, buildings, museums, etc., then Munich may offer more for your enjoyment.

It's very annoying and I always hope it's over soon. You realize, all they want is your money? There's so much else to do and see in Munich!

I go to Munich Oktoberfest to buy the chocolate covered strawberries on a stick. Yum-Yum

Thanks so much for all of your ideas and opinions! I greatly appreciate the information everyone has given me, as I'm new to travel. I hope to see as much in Germany as I can fit into the short amount of time that I'll be visiting; Oktoberfest is only one of many things that I plan on experiencing. I'm open to any suggestions of other things--as I love new things and I love to learn--that I may enjoy while I'm there.
Thanks again, everyone!

I've been to the Munich one twice. Very big, very crowded, but probably less so on a week day afternoon. For the record, Munich is a distance form Frankfurt, and not really a day trip. What means of transportation will you be using? Stutgart is closer and probably a little more manageable. Either will do if you have never experience a German Fest. The food is usually great!
Clea

Clea,
My friend will drive once I'm there, but I was thinking of getting the railpass so that I could travel on my own during the day.

Kris23;

Using the train for transportation is a great idea. I love traveling by train.
It takes 3.45 hours each way to Munich.
So, figure in 8 hours travel time and 3 hours at least at the O'fest. If you start out at 7am you could be back in Frankfurt by 7pm. This does not give you a chance to see any of Munich except the O'fest. But that is what you are going there to experience right?
Clea