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Late last year, Turkish millionaire businessman Cem Hakko flew a glittering mix of international socialites and celebrities to Istanbul to celebrate the collaboration of his Turkish department store, Vakko, with the young fashion genie Zac Posen. The parties, which included a performance by Dita Von Teese and a day floating on the Bosporus on one of the world’s largest yachts, were a rollicking success and showed guests—from nightlife impresario Amy Sacco to starlet Paz de la Huerta and actress Padma Lakshmi—that Istanbul is as cosmopolitan in its nightlife and social scene as London and L.A. They have been passing the word to the West about this “hip city on the horn” (which has long served as a playground to Middle Eastern billionaires). Undoubtedly, Istanbul will seduce even more A-list visitors this year.

Another reason to go now is to experience a predominantly Muslim city that welcomes Americans, despite the recent headlines. Many first-time American travelers to Istanbul arrive somewhat anxious, only to find a destination that can be safer and friendlier to tourists than some U.S. cities.

Being named European Capital of Culture of 2010 is a challenge the city is embracing with gusto. What this means for travelers is that Istanbul is undergoing major renovations, with important Christian and pre-Christian monuments being restored. It’s also, for the first time in decades, bringing in international architects to rethink the urban landscape. The most exciting example of this is the recent awarding of a huge master-plan project—renewing the Kartal Pendik district on the Asian side of the Bosporus—to architect Zaha Hadid.

Editor’s Note: On June 11, a small bomb wounded fourteen in Istanbul. To read more, click here.