Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DC, United States
Washington DC, United States

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide

Outty Ranking 60 4.2 · 167 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $69
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 167 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide worth booking?

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide is a 2.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $69 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 167 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (167)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$69 per person

Discover DC aboard a Big Bus open-top double-decker with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access and digital commentary in multiple languages. See iconic sights like the White House, Capitol Building, and Arlington National Cemetery at your own pace. Hop off to explore top attractions including the Smithsonian Museums, the Library of Congress, and powerful memorials on the National Mall. Then, experience the capital in a whole new light with a 2.5-hour panoramic night tour featuring illuminated sites like the Washington Monument, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Explore the nation’s capital like never before. Find hidden spots, enjoy its historic charm, and see its landmarks all lit up at night.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover DC aboard a Big Bus open-top double-decker with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access and digital commentary in multiple languages. See iconic sights like the White House, Capitol Building, and Arlington National Cemetery at your own pace. Hop off to explore top attractions including the Smithsonian Museums, the Library of Congress, and powerful memorials on the National Mall. Then, experience the capital in a whole new light with a 2.5-hour panoramic night tour featuring illuminated sites like the Washington Monument, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Explore the nation’s capital like never before. Find hidden spots, enjoy its historic charm, and see its landmarks all lit up at night.

    What's included

    Included

    • Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservation
    • Open-top Double Decker Bus
    • Curated audio guide tours of Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin and Georgetown
    • 2.5hr Sunset Tour with Live Guide
    • 24/48/72-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour with pre-recorded commentary
    • Big Bus Tours app with route information and live bus tracking

    Not included

    • Hotel pick-up/drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Washington Monument

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Lincoln Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    6. International Spy Museum

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Arlington National Cemetery

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    9. National World War II Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Chinatown

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    12. View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    13. Union Station

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    14. U.S. Capitol

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    15. The Wharf

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    16. Georgetown

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    17. Marine Corps War Memorial

      View from Big Bus

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Washington DC

    HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR: Redeem ticket at Stop #1 – Washington Monument, or with the driver at any route stop. SUNSET TOUR: departs from Stop #6 - L'Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum - 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, across from Spy Museum in front of US Postal Headquarters

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR: Redeem ticket at Stop #1 – Washington Monument, or with the driver at any route stop. SUNSET TOUR: departs from Stop #6 - L'Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum - 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, across from Spy Museum in front of US Postal Headquarters

    Options you can book

    • 72hr Bus/Night Tour/Arlington

      72-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour 2-hour Sunset Tour Free Oval Office Photo 1 Hour Free Bike Rental

    • 24hr Bus/Night Tour/Arlington

    • 48hr Bus/Night Tour/Arlington

      48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour 2-hour Sunset Tour Free Oval Office Photo 1 Hour Free Bike Rental

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, pt, en, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Big Bus Tours - USA

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Tours may be taken on separate days
    • Sunset Tour is 2.5 hours and departs from Stop #6 - L'Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum. Sunset Tour has a live guide.
    • Unlimited Biking Offer: Rent a bike for one hour and get an additional hour free. Rental includes bike, helmet, basket, lock, roadside assistance and an illustrated map featuring key routes and attractions.
    • Free Oval Office Photo: Present your ticket at White House Gifts (701 15th ST NW) to receive a free Oval Office digital photo. One photo per ticket.
    • Exclusive audio guide tours of Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin and Georgetown
    • Guests may activate ticket either via the Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff
    • Official Bus Tour Provider of the National Mall: a portion of every ticket helps preserve DC's monuments and memorials—so your Big Bus experience supports America’s history for generations to come
    • Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.

    Photos

    Hop-on Hop-off Tour, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DCNight Tour, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DCArlington Cemetery, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DCHop-on Hop-off Tour, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DCHop-on Hop-off Tour, Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DCHop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide in Washington DC, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 165 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    165 verified traveler reviews for Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    121
    4 star
    5
    3 star
    8
    2 star
    10
    1 star
    21
    Sort
    patriciawV9228KZ · October 2026

    Great way to visit the city@

    Wonderful way to share Washington DC, especially if you have mobility issues or a short time to be in the city. Would do it again 10 times over!

    via Tripadvisor

    andrewbQ5766DX · October 2026

    Great Way to See DC area attractions in a timely fashion

    The booking process was easy and the staff very friendly and accommodating. Our bus driver, Martin (I believe) l, went out of his way after the tour to drop us off (in the double decker tour bus) at the nearby Wharf for dinner to save the ride share. He became the ride share. Our guide, Melvin, was lighthearted and knowledgeable. He had a great sense of humor and was very engaging. His knowledge of the area was impressive and his experience working at the US Capitol added value to his explanations. I would highly recommend this company again.

    via Tripadvisor

    Global26936403053 · September 2026

    Kind/helpful

    Lena and Hal are so kind. We were in from out of town, parades had stopped everything and they were so kind to let us rest.

    via Tripadvisor

    robertodT6667GN · September 2026

    DC

    Awesome experience!! Will do it again

    via Tripadvisor

    steveallan65 · September 2026

    Great day in DC thanks to a driver who gave a damn

    We used the last day of our Hop-on Hop-off ticket to visit the Lincoln Memorial and to explore that area, during a week’s visit in mid-Sep. 2026. There was a misunderstanding with the bus lines, which meant that we ended up where we started off near our hotel with limited time left on our ticket. We explained the situation to our driver, Joe Moore, who couldn’t have been more considerate in trying to help us solve the problem. Joe managed to get us on another bus going towards the Memorial and asked the driver to make sure we got there. We were very impressed by his concerned attitude and ended up having s great day.

    Response from the operator: Steveallan65, thanks for your praise and kind comments about our team member Joe. We strive for 100% satisfaction, and it is great to see you had such a positive experience at Big Bus Tours Washington D.C. Have a fantastic day!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $69 to $99
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    58
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA, who run 43 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.

    See everything Big Bus Tours - USA runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)46
    Review evidence (18% weight)64
    Booking momentum (14% weight)59
    Value for money (12% weight)84
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)6
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide cost?

    +

    Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.

    Is Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 167 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    Around 58 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

    +

    Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Washington DC?

    +

    Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Washington DC?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    Included: Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservati; Open-top Double Decker Bus; Curated audio guide tours of Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin and Georgetown; 2.5hr Sunset Tour with Live Guide; and 24/48/72-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour with pre-recorded commentary. Not included: Hotel pick-up/drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR: Redeem ticket at Stop #1 – Washington Monument, or with the driver at any route stop. SUNSET TOUR: departs from Stop #6 - L'Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum - 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Washington DC. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    Across 167 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including 72hr Bus/Night Tour/Arlington, 24hr Bus/Night Tour/Arlington, 48hr Bus/Night Tour/Arlington. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour & Open-top Sunset Tour with Guide.

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