Wednesday 27th August 2025
Berlin tops the taps: Thomas Cook bookings to Germany double as travellers skip Munich’s Oktoberfest
Departures to Germany between September and October have increased by 116% year-on-year
Holidaymakers are favouring luxury, with 69% of customers booked in properties 4 star and above
Munich misses out, with travellers seeking Berlin’s beer halls and city celebrations
City goers are raising a glass to Germany this autumn as travellers flock to soak up the Oktoberfest-style atmosphere, with bookings up 116% year-on-year for September and October departures according to new data from online travel agency Thomas Cook.
Holidaymakers aren’t holding back on comfort either - 69% are opting for 4 and 5 star hotels as they pay homage to the world-famous beer festival.
Most Popular Hotels in Germany
Thomas Cook’s most popular hotels during this period are:
- 1. 4 star Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz, Berlin
- 2. 3 star Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre, Berlin
- 3. 2 star ibis Berlin Mitte, Berlin
- 4. 3 star Titanic Comfort Mitte, Berlin
- 5. 4 star Mondrian Suites Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
- 6. 4 star H4 Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz, Berlin
Berlin vs Munich for Oktoberfest
Munich may be the home of Oktoberfest, but it hasn’t made the cut this year.
Travellers are skipping the city’s crowds and costs in favour of Berlin’s ‘Berliner Oktoberfest,’ where steins, oompah bands and Bavarian flavour come without the Munich price tag.
Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook said:
“Thomas Cook customers are showing a strong appetite for authentic cultural experiences, and Oktoberfest is a perfect example of a trip that blends tradition with travel.
“What’s interesting this year is that while Munich is the birthplace of the festival, more of our customers are choosing to celebrate in Berlin - enjoying the same Bavarian traditions but in a more accessible and affordable setting.”
For more information or to book, visit Thomas Cook and download the Thomas Cook holiday app. Last-minute deals are still available for those keen to swap their pints at home for steins in Berlin this Oktoberfest season.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
For media enquiries please contact the Thomas Cook press office on +447457413467 or email pressoffice@thomascook.com.
About Thomas Cook UK
In September 2020, Thomas Cook, one of the most recognisable names in travel, returned as an online-only travel business. It is now part of the Polish-based travel company eSky Group, which owns and operates brands like eSky and eDestinos in 50 markets across the globe.
With ATOL-protected holidays and city breaks, the new Thomas Cook allows customers to design their own trip according to their budget, needs, and specifications. Customers can fly from all major UK airports with direct flights from all major carriers, thousands of hotels to choose from, and add-ons including car hire, insurance, and attractions.