
Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 1,266 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide worth booking?
Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide is a 2-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 1,266 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (1,266)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Big Bus is the only official bus tour partner of the National Park Service; no one gets you closer to the best memorials, monuments, and landmarks of Washington, DC. Watch DC transform from a bustling capital into a glowing city of monuments and history. The Sunset Tour takes you on a journey past the city’s most iconic landmarks just as the sun sets and the monuments begin to shine. With engaging storytelling, stunning photo opportunities, and comfortable open-top sightseeing, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience the nation’s capital. As evening falls, climb aboard an open-top double-decker and enjoy sweeping views of DC at its most beautiful. Travel through historic streets and along the National Mall as your expert guide shares the stories behind America’s most famous landmarks. Watch the Washington Monument rise against the evening sky, admire the Lincoln Memorial reflected in the Reflecting Pool, and see the White House and U.S. Capitol illuminated after dark.
What you get
About this experience
Big Bus is the only official bus tour partner of the National Park Service; no one gets you closer to the best memorials, monuments, and landmarks of Washington, DC. Watch DC transform from a bustling capital into a glowing city of monuments and history. The Sunset Tour takes you on a journey past the city’s most iconic landmarks just as the sun sets and the monuments begin to shine. With engaging storytelling, stunning photo opportunities, and comfortable open-top sightseeing, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience the nation’s capital. As evening falls, climb aboard an open-top double-decker and enjoy sweeping views of DC at its most beautiful. Travel through historic streets and along the National Mall as your expert guide shares the stories behind America’s most famous landmarks. Watch the Washington Monument rise against the evening sky, admire the Lincoln Memorial reflected in the Reflecting Pool, and see the White House and U.S. Capitol illuminated after dark.
What's included
Included
- Optional Add-on: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour with digital commentary
- Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservation
- Open-top Double-Decker Bus
- Stops at the White House and Lincoln Memorial
- 2.5-hour Sunset Tour of DC with Live Guide
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Washington DC becomes even more beautiful after the sun sets. Join us on our 2-hour Sunset Tour to discover the nation's capital from a whole new perspective. *The Night Tour takes two hours and is not a hop-on, hop-off tour.
Pass by without stopping
Lincoln Memorial
15-minute stop to view and take pictures on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
15 minutes here
U.S. Capitol
View from tour
Pass by without stopping
Marine Corps War Memorial
View and take pictures at the historic Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. On the Night Tour only. 15 minute stop. It is glorious at night!
Pass by without stopping
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
View from tour
Pass by without stopping
Black Lives Matter Plaza
View and take photos from the top of the bus. Experience the memorial wall of lost lives.
Pass by without stopping
Jefferson Memorial
Admire the basin and the beauty of the Jefferson Memorial
Pass by without stopping
The White House
View the seat of the Executive Branch of US government
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
Redeem your voucher with Big Bus staff at 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
Redeem your voucher with Big Bus staff at 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
Sunset Tour & 24hr Day Tour
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: hop on and off at 18 convenient stops around the city and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard. Sunset Tour with Live Guide Free Oval Office Photo Unlimited Biking - Free Hour
Sunset Tour with Live Guide
Sunset Tour & 48hr Day Tour
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: hop on and off at 18 convenient stops around the city and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard. Sunset Tour with Live Guide Free Oval Office Photo
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
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your seat
- Sunset Tour is not a hop-on hop-off tour
- Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Guests may activate ticket via Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff
- Your Dollars in Action: A portion of every ticket helps preserve the National Mall’s iconic monuments and memorials—so your Big Bus tour supports America’s history for generations to come
- Sunset Tour departs at 6:30 PM (March 9–April 30 & Sept 3–Dec 30), and 7:00 PM (May 1–Sept 2) . Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
- The Hop-On Hop-Off Tour can be redeemed via Big Bus app or in person at Stop #1 Washington Monument, 1400 Jefferson Dr. SW (on Jefferson Dr. SW, corner of 14th St. by Bike Racks)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,264 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
1,264 verified traveler reviews for Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Washington night tour
Devon and Greg were fantastic guide and driver.
Response from the operator: Caaserra, we're happy to hear you had such a positive experience with our team members Davon and Greg! We're looking forward to your next visit with us!
via Tripadvisor
Big Bus DC Night Tour
Fantastic experience. We saw so much and to see all the monuments at dusk/dark was spectacular. Thank you so much to Devaugn and Greg for making this experience one to remember.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience and enjoyed seeing the monuments illuminated at dusk. It’s wonderful to know that the tour helped make your visit so memorable. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Devaugn and Greg, who will be thrilled to hear that they helped make the experience one to remember. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you on board again soon! Daiana@BigBusTours
via Tripadvisor
Interesting tour
It’s fun, guide is personable, knowledgeable and sites are very interesting. Focus on American civil rights history is fascinating.
Response from the operator: Hello Deborah, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Monuments and Memorials Night Tour and found the focus on American civil rights history so engaging and fascinating. Our guides take great pride in delivering personal, knowledgeable, and memorable experiences for our guests, so we will be sure to pass your kind words along to the team. Thank you for choosing Big Bus, and we hope to welcome you on board again in the future! Melisa@BigBusTours
via Viator
Worth the money.
Great evening tour. The guide was entertaining and friendly.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your positive review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our evening tour with our wonderful guide. We strive to provide entertaining and friendly experiences for all of our customers. Thank you for choosing our business!
via Tripadvisor
Dusk in Washington!
A wonderful way to see Washington DC at dusk. Lights of the city, memorials etc are great! Bring a sweater it gets a little windy at the top of the bus.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed seeing Washington DC at dusk. The illuminated monuments and memorials create a truly special atmosphere, and we're glad you were able to experience the city from that unique perspective. Thank you for the helpful tip about bringing a sweater for the top deck too, it can certainly get a bit breezy up there! We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on board again soon for another memorable tour. Alex@BigBusTours
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $85
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 443
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide cost?
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Prices start at $49 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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 1,266 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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Around 443 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?
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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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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Included: Optional Add-on: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour with digital commentary; Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservati; Open-top Double-Decker Bus; Stops at the White House and Lincoln Memorial; and 2.5-hour Sunset Tour of DC with Live Guide. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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Redeem your voucher with Big Bus staff at 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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide offered in?
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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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide if the weather is bad?
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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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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Across 1,266 reviews averaging 4.3 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 Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus with Guide?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Sunset Tour & 24hr Day Tour, Sunset Tour with Live Guide, Sunset Tour & 48hr Day Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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