Beyond Oktoberfest, Munich is full of old European charm, emerging artist's neighborhoods, history, gorgeous hotels, and modern restaurants. Come for the beer - but stay awhile. Read on for Munich's best and most photogenic Instagram Photo Spots.

1. Oktoberfest 

Most people know it as the event filled with lederhosens and beer and while yes, there is plenty of that, Oktoberfest also holds deep historical significance for Germany. It all started in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese. German citizens were invited to celebrate and ever since then the event has been an international destination for travelers. All entry into the tents are free but if you're looking to socialize with other people you can also sign up for a historical walking tour. The event starts with a guided walking tour through Munich explaining the historical significance of the festival followed by four hours at a reserved table with unlimited food and drinks, dancing, and live music. If you're not a beer lover, there are plenty of activities for you outside the tents: a carnival set up with games, rides, and even haunted houses. Tip: booking accommodation can fill up pretty fast so make sure to plan early! There are plenty of hostels and hotels nearby and Airbnb is also another good option. Catch our full Oktoberfest Survival Guide Here!

2. M’uniqo Bar at Andaz Munich 

The M'Uniqo Bar at the brand new Andaz Munich is the perfect place to socialize and grab a bite to eat or drunk while taking in the views. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Munich skyline as well as the Alps and is one of the best places in Munich to watch the sunset. The ambience is upscale and M'uniqo has become one of the most popular bars in town. The killer menu has items ranging from classic cocktails to small and larger plates.

3. The English Gardens

An English Garden in Germany! You'll find plenty of greenery at this garden which is one of the largest urban parks in the world, beating New York's Central Park. Situated in the center of Munich, the park stretches all the way to the northeastern part of the city borders. You will want to plan to spend at least a couple of hours for your visit here because there is so much to do and see!  Rent a paddle boat on the lake, take a jog along the wooded pathways, have a drink at one of the many beer gardens, or visit the Japanese tea ceremony. Here are some of our favorite things to do at the English Gardens:

• Water Sports: Surfing in Germany! Walk towards the Eisbach and look for the crowds of people river surfing. This spot attracts huge groups of crowds so it will be hard to miss. Many surfers take on the currents of the but it can be dangerous so it's only recommended for experienced surfers. 
• Sunbathing on the Lawn: There are plenty of spots to lay out and soak in the sun or have a picnic. If you're extra brave, head to the infamous part of the park where you might catch the occasional nude sunbather. 
• Greek Temple: For the best views of the city, head to the Greek style temple. It's located on top of a hill in the southern part of the garden. 

4. Catch the Surfers on the Eisbach 

In the middle of the English Gardens is a spot on the Eisbach River where a permanent wave is created over a change in the river construction - a spot that has become popular for local surfers to frequent and show off their skills in front of a crowd. 

5. Pinakothek der Moderne

From Warhol to Warhol to Dalí the Pinakothek der Moderne Museum is the place to go for contemporary art lovers. Make sure to plan for plenty of time here. The museum is one of the world's largest contemporary art museum, showcasing four different collections: 20th century art, 19th century design, a graphics collections, and an architecture museum. Prepare to be amazed by the architecture of the buildings: 4 floors with a glass-dome that lets natural sunlight through the roof for that perfect soft lighting. 

Start in The State Gallery of Modern Art for all the modern classic paintings like Picasso to more obscure artists. The most popular collection is the New Collection which exhibits important design products that have shaped our society, dating back from the Industrial Revolution to today. You'll find everything from VW Beatles to  vintage furniture and even early Apple computers. Next walk over to the graphics collection, which has around 400,000 prints from the 15th century to today. The last of the four museums is the Museum of Architecture. Here you will see the blueprints, models, and drawings from mastermind architects.  

6. Museum Brandhorst 

The exterior of this museum is what will catch your eyes first. The bold technicolor stripes will be sure to brighten up your instagram feed. Located in the art district of Munich, the Museum Brandhorst is another popular stop for modern art lovers. Much smaller than the Pinakothek der Moderne, this museum holds a private collection of late 20th Century contemporary art giving it a more intimate feel. 

7. Marienplatz Square

Of all the city squares, Marienplatz is Munich's most popular square. It used to be a marketplace and is still one of the most bustling parts of the city today. The first thing you will notice is the impressive Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) and impressive architecture. It is a 300-foot-long structure with hundreds of statues and arches. If you're there make sure to head to the tower at 11AM, 12PM, or 5PM to hear the clock chime. I recommend signing up for one of their historical walking tour. 

8. Bicicletta at Andaz Munich

Also located at the Andaz Munich, is this upscale coffee bar for coffee lovers. In addition to an extensive coffee menu, the Bicicletta also serve healthy smoothies, bowls, and juices if you're looking for a quick snack on your way out. If the weather is nice, head out to the outdoor terrace to snap some photos while the sun is out. The best part of this cafe... they have bicycles for you to rent out for day exploring around town! 

9.  Lake Tegernsee

About an hour south of Munich is an outdoor lovers paradise! Lake Tegernsee is a beautiful lake situated in the Bavarian Alps with some of the clearest lake water you will ever see. The lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities throughout the year with vacationers yachting and swimming. The Tegernsee village itself is equally breathtaking with pristine forests and fresh air. Spend an afternoon enjoying the fresh air and hiking through one of their many marked trails or book a boat tour on the lake. If you're looking to splurge, sign up for a chef's tasting menu at the three-Michelin starred restaurant Ueberfahrt or opt for something a little more casual at Kirschner Stuben, another popular lakeside restaurant. It's a spot you won't want to miss if you're looking for breathtaking landscapes. 

10. Take A Vintage Volkswagen Bus Ride with HeyMinga

Venture off the touristy paths and book a ride on the HeyMINGA vintage Volkswagen tour! This was our favorite tour while in Munich and a unique way to get to explore. The tour led us to incredible parts of the city that we haven't explored before, all while riding in style. The tour guide was informative and gave us tons of interesting facts about the history of the city and all the different neighborhoods. 

11. Hofgarten Park

Though not quite as large as the English Garden, the Hofgarten is another beautiful garden located in the middle of the city. Modeled after an Italian Renaissance garden, the main focus is the hofgartentemple, also known as the Temple of Diana. If you're lucky you may even catch one of the spontaneous concerts there. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the many  historic monuments and modern sculptures. 

12. Königsplatz Square

The Königsplatz is a public square built in the 19th century. The square holds deep historical significance for Germany - the building once served as a representative building for Adolf Hitler and the square is where Hitler held many of his rallies and ceremonies. To learn more about the historical significance of this place, sign up for one of the many walking tours here. 

13. Cafe Von & Zu

Von & Zu is a cute, eclectic, local's-only cafe on a gorgeous street - a great place to stop for lunch, a beer, a coffee and a true Munich experience. 

14. Lenbachhaus 

For art lovers, the Lenbachhaus is home a wide variety of modern and contemporary pieces. It's best known for its large collection of paintings from the Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider), a group of expressionist artists from the early twentieth century.  The building itself is designed after a 19th century Italian-styled villa, making it a picturesque spot to snap some photos.

15. Ride A Bike Around the City

Riding bikes is a popular way to get around for town for locals and tourists, and a great way to find all of the cutest hidden streets, cafes, and buildings that are scattered all around the city. There are tons of private bike and segway tours to sign up for. It's a great way to see the city in a couple of hours. 

16. Andaz Munich's Sky Pool

It's no secret that we love the Andaz brand - and the Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor is a hotel truly made for photos. From the giant pretzel display in the lobby to the multiple restaurants and even the public bathrooms (trust me on this one - and scroll down for photographic proof), the Andaz Munich is a hotel made for photos.

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