Travel Guide to the Best of Istanbul, Turkey

If you're considering a trip to Istanbul, Turkey, those who appreciate history and beautiful natural landscapes and stunning architecture, will not be disappointed with this ancient city, the former capital of three empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.

Here is your guide to making the most of your travel experience to Istanbul.

When to go

As in many great cities around the world, spring and fall are the best times to visit Istanbul, with the peak summer months experiencing extreme summer heat and in the winter, Istanbul suffers from bitter cold temperatures and howling winds.

With the Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place in June, most accommodations hike their rates and fill up quickly. April, May, September and October, are ideal months to visit this ancient city.

Getting there

Nonstop flights to Istanbul from the United States can be had from New York, New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Illinois. The major airline into Turkey, is Turkish Airlines.

Transportation around Istanbul

If you plan to spend most of your time in the city, or even the surrounding region, public transportation is plentiful here. Taxis are probably the easiest way to get around; however, buses, trams and ferries can all be excellent options depending on where you plan to go.

The dolmus is an ideal way to the see the city. For less than $3, a dolmus is a cross between a bus and a taxi, and it's cheaper than the taxi, and more convenient than a bus. They are located throughout the city, serving all the popular routes.

Accommodations

I often recommend Couch Surfing as the best way to go, especially when traveling to international destinations and Istanbul is no exception. You'll find a wealth of wonderful local people offering their home to you, asking only for a cultural exchange in return. It is one of the best ways to experience the city from the eyes of a local.

The next best option is a Bed and Breakfast, and here you'll find the charming Marmara Guesthouse run by a Turkish family in the heart of historic Istanbul, and overlooking both the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea. Here you'll find a warm welcome as well as a cozy, comfortable and clean room.

What to do

There are an endless number of outstanding attractions for tourists. Ask your Couch Surfing or Bed and Breakfast host for their personal recommendations, though there are several places that should be a must on every traveler's to do list in Istanbul.

The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is one of the world's largest, and is also the first museum in Turkey. The museum has been in existence for 120 years, and is home to Greek, Roman and Byzantine artifacts. It's always a nice place to get away from the crowds, and perfect way to begin your journey with a history lesson on Istanbul. The Alexander Sarcophagus is an especially impressive sight.

The Blue Mosque is another must-see. Be sure to arrive early as it is also one of the most popular attractions. If you plan to visit in the early morning hours it will be a much more enjoyable experience. The Blue Mosque is named for its blue tiles that line the walls, and was built in the early 17th century. The architecture is simply stunning.

The Aya Sofya should also not be missed, it is not only an incredibly beautiful building, but an emotionally moving experience, with the original building constructed back in the sixth century.

Old town Istanbul was truly the height of my experience, with romantic winding alley ways, the sounds of Turkish music, classic hookah cafes and much more. Many of Istanbul's ancient structures can be explored here during the day, with gourmet meals and entertainment to be had at night. You might even run into some gypsy street musicians singing about food.

Where to eat

Typical Turkish cuisine includes kebabs, with many varieties of this dish of either plan or marinated meat. Pilav is a wonderful rice dish and can often be found paired with fish. Another one of my favorites, is Borek. Borek is a pie made with a flaky crust and filled with meat, cheese or potatoes.

Specializing in fresh fish, Balikci Sabahattin is a wonderful treat, located in a 1927 wooden townhouse, with outdoor dining offered on balmy nights. It is run by a family that "knows the sea," and with heavenly jumbo shrimp, Calamari, and with delectable deserts like Quince with cream, you can't go wrong.

Be sure to try at least one of the many outdoor cafes. Galata Konak Cafe has breathtaking views of the city, as well as scrumptious pastries, and of course, that famed wonderful Turkish coffee.

K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.

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