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Washington, DC can be a very expensive city, so it’s best to do a little bit of research to find a good deal on accommodations.

On the higher end, those with cash to burn may consider staying in Dupont Circle, where many of the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants are located. Georgetown, a charming older neighborhood with cobblestone streets, offers much in terms of food and shopping, but is also on the pricier side.

A good mid-tier option may be the historic Adams Morgan neighborhood, which has the highest concentration of bars and restaurants of any area in the city. If nightlife is what you’re after, do a little digging and you may find a place to budget-friendly place to stay. Midtown is also a terrific option, as it provides easy access to some of Washington, DC’s biggest attractions, such as the White House.

To save a little money, consider staying across the Potomac River in Arlington, or a little further south in Alexandria. True, you won’t exactly be in the heart of the city, but a robust public transit system will help you easily get downtown into the mix of things.

A major way people get around Washington is via the Metrorail, aka the Washington Metro. WMATA fares range from $2.25 to $6 per trip depending on how many stops you travel and whether you’re traveling during peak hours. If traveling outside of rush hour, fares typically range from $1.85 to $3.85.

To pay for these fares, use a SmarTrip card. These plastic, rechargeable fare cards can be purchased by cash or credit at any Metro Station. The Washington Metro designates different routes by color (Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line, Green Line, Yellow Line and Silver Line). Consult a map within the station to see which line your stop is on. In addition to the Metro lines, there are also plenty of local bus routes, taxis, and rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft.

Everyone knows that Washington, DC is dense with beautiful monuments. There is the Washington Monument, built in 1848, that honors the first President of the United States. Then there is the Lincoln Memorial, a 19-foot high marble statue of 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Of course, you can tour the White House or the United States Capitol Building.

In addition to these historic icons, Washington is home to the Smithsonian Museums, most of which are free. The Smithsonian institutions are internationally known for their incredible collections.

A great place to grab dinner in Washington is Art and Soul. It is located inside the Liaison Washington Capitol Hill hotel, directly across the street from Union Station. Art and Soul is known for its Southern cuisine, with outside seating and a great view.

An old favorite that has been around for more than 50 years is The Monocle Restaurant. Although a little more pricey, delectable food is well worth it. The Monocle is known for its impressive wine list and delicious steaks.

For a quick and tasty sandwich, try West Wing Café, just a short walk up Massachusetts Avenue NE from Union Station.

Because it is such a big tourist city, Washington DC is often busy. During the summer it is thick with tourists, and other times of year you’re likely to run into school groups. Although a good time to visit DC is when it is not smoldering hot while you walk around the monuments.

DC is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, which start blooming in mid March and continue through mid April. Because so many visitors are coming into DC by train and plane during this time, you’re likely to get a much better deal if you arrive by bus.