The world-renowned Oktoberfest, the largest folk festival globally, has been an annual 16-day extravaganza of genuine Bavarian culture since its inception in 1810. It's not surprising that the massive party is on numerous bucket-lists, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience that merges the familiar with the unique.

Towards the end of September and through the first week of October, millions of people flood the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, also known as the "Wiesn," in Munich, Germany. Filled to the brim with laughter, dancing, traditional clothing, performances, food, crafted goods, amusement rides and the famous Oktoberfest beers, the festival is a cultural paradise that rhymes with 'reason'.

Six official breweries based in Munich; Paulaner, Spaten, Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, and Hofbräu set up massive, enchanting tents. These prestigiously brewed beers are served in one-liter dimpled glass known as the Maß within these unique tents like the Hacker-Festzelt, which houses the splendid “Heaven of the Bavarias” design on its ceiling, and the Spaten’s Ochsenbraterei, home to delectably roasted ox meals.

As a former resident of Munich and a seasoned Oktoberfest-goer, I have suggestions for the top tents. The Hofbräu, Munich’s most famous brewery, hosts the ultimate Oktoberfest party at Hofbräu Festzelt, attracting international youngsters excited to party. A raucous experience, you can throw your undergarments at the hanging angel Aloisius, an accepted tradition, without needing to reserve a table, thanks to the generous standing room near the stage.

A fascinating part of Oktoberfest is the Hacker and Pschorr tents. Merged in 1972, these tents exemplify the festival's inclusivity, primarily through Pschorr Bräurosl, a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community, hosting thousands of queer festival-goers on Gay Sunday, the first Sunday of Oktoberfest. Try the scrumptious crispy roast duck if you’ve been there and done that with traditional Oktoberfest food.

If preserving cultural traditions like brass music is more your speed, you need to be at the Oide Wiesn. They charge a small fee for entry until 9 p.m., but it's well worth it - you get to experience nostalgic entertainment like amusement rides and a puppet show. A key highlight is the Festzelt Tradition tent, which embodies a relaxed atmosphere and showcases age-old customs like whip cracking. Run by Augustiner, Munich's oldest brewery, they still serve their Oktoberfest beer from traditional 200-liter wooden barrels, offering a smoother lager with lower carbonation perfect to enjoy while mingling with locals.