The 20 Best US Cities for Oktoberfest Celebrations

September signals the start of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany as well as places all over the world, including the U.S. WalletHub recently compared the 100 largest American cities based on 24 indicators of Oktoberfest-friendliness across three key dimensions: Oktoberfest traditions, costs and safety and accessibility. Here are the results.

Despite being one of the costliest destinations to celebrate Oktoberfest, New York City ranks tops in the country thanks to its unparalleled Oktoberfest traditions. Along with Portland, Seattle and San Francisco, the Big Apple is home to the most German restaurants per capita.

Portland is one of several cities boasting the most breweries per capita and it also ranks third for most accessible bars. Better yet, it placed sixth in terms of Oktoberfest-related costs.

The annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is undoubtedly one of the nation's premier Oktoberfest celebrations so it comes as little surprise that Cincinnati finds itself firmly in the top five.

San Francisco ties Tampa and Orlando, Florida for the most Oktoberfest festivals and parties per capita. In addition, it's tied for the most German restaurants and lowest DUI-related fatalities per capita.

Chicago ranks pretty consistently across all three dimensions, placing just outside the top 10 in terms of Oktoberfest traditions and safety and accessibility.

Only Las Vegas, Orlando and Buffalo, New York can say they have as many pretzel shops per capita as Philadelphia, a pricey city but one with tremendous Oktoberfest traditions and few safety or accessibility concerns.

Similarly to Portland, Denver is a cost-friendly destination with plenty of beer to offer Oktoberfest revelers as it ranks first in terms of most breweries per capita. The annual Denver Oktoberfest is an endless party that takes place over the final two weekends of September.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the top 10 might be Miami. Nonetheless, visitors to South Florida can take part in all sorts of Oktoberfest celebrations this fall, including events in Miami Beach, Coral Gables and Wynwood, among other places.

The Emerald City's seemingly endless array of German restaurants and breweries make it a no-brainer for travelers seeking a memorable Oktoberfest experience. Seattle also hosts the nation's fourth-most Oktoberfest festivals and parties per capita.

The Theme Park Capital of the World rounds out the top 10 as only two other cities feature more Oktoberfest festivals and parties per capita this time of year. It's also cheaper than most other destinations, ranking third in terms of lowest average price per Oktoberfest celebration ticket.

Pittsburgh ranks fifth for most accessible bars and most Oktoberfest festivals and parties per capita. The three-day Pittsburgh Oktoberfest celebration takes place the final weekend of September and features a Dachshund Dash, a stein hoisting competition and much more.

The California capital boasts the lowest number of DUI-related fatalities per capital and also ranks inside the top 15 for Oktoberfest traditions.

German Village is one of the top neighborhoods in Columbus and the city is also relatively wallet-friendly compared to the other destinations at the top of the list.

Old Boise Oktoberfest is a beer lover's dream and helps set the city apart when it comes to seasonal attractions. Head west this fall and see what all the fuss is about.

Yet another standout Oktoberfest destination in the Midwest, St. Louis ranks sixth in terms of traditions, meaning visitors to the Gateway to the West won't come away disappointed this fall.

Madison is in a four-way tie with Lincoln, Maine; Fort Wayne, Indiana and Omaha, Nebraska for the highest percentage of German residents. While it doesn't fare all that well when it comes to costs, the must-visit college football town ranks in the top 10 in terms of safety and accessibility.

A 90-minute drive east of Madison, Milwaukee is home to the fifth-most German restaurants per capita and the city's annual Oktoberfest celebration is in its ninth year in 2018. The three-day event kicks off with a ceremonial keg tapping the first Friday in October.

If you're looking for a surprisingly buzzing Oktoberfest destination that won't break the bank this fall, consider Scottsdale, Arizona. Head to Brat Haus in Old Town Scottsdale to enjoy housemade sausages, pretzels and craft brews from the beer garden.

Nebraska's capital city is home to one of the highest percentages of German residents and Lincoln is also no stranger to fun festivals, including autumn's Okto Beerfest and Piedmont Oktoberfest.

Tampa is not only tied for the most Oktoberfest festivals and parties per capita but ranks fourth when it comes to the lowest average price per Oktoberfest celebration ticket, making it one of the standout destinations on this year's list.