Monuments & Memorials Sightseeing Night Tour by Open-top Bus
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
15-minute stop to view and take pictures on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
View from tour
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!
View from tour
View and take photos from the top of the bus. Experience the memorial wall of lost lives.
Admire the basin and the beauty of the Jefferson Memorial
View the seat of the Executive Branch of US government
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
- Night 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
- Tour 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 #6 L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum (475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, across from Spy Museum in front of US Postal Headquarters). Please note that Stop #1 Washington Monument is currently not accessible.
Reviews(1,246)
Most of the staff was very helpful! The employees at the bus stop were friendly and very knowledgeable, particularly Brandon, B and Andrew. Unfortunately, one of the bus drivers failed to letus know that the bus would not be stopping at several major sites due to road closures. The entire deck of the bus had no idea whatwas going on and we’re confused why we were driving around in circles. In addition, the narration was incorrect and did not always match our route. That was also confusing. Overall, I do love the idea of the hop on and hop off bus. Except, with these inconveniences, it just didn’t feel worth the $200.
The bus audio didn’t work so we had to switch buses and got a late start but otherwise good. Guide didn’t know name of movie Exorcist and called it Exodus as far as stairs in Georgetown. And a few other misinformed moments. But fun at night and better than walking.
Hi Cheryl, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the initial delay caused by the audio glitch and for having to switch buses at the start of your tour. We always aim for a seamless experience, so we appreciate your patience while our team worked to get you onto a functioning vehicle. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the tour commentary and the mix-up with the Georgetown steps (The Exorcist is definitely an iconic landmark!). We will share your comments with our operations and guiding team to ensure our commentary and historical references remain accurate and polished. Thank you for your understanding, and we are glad that despite the rough start, you were still able to enjoy the sights and experience of Washington, D.C. at night! Madalina@BigBusTours
Great experience. I love the bus ride. Will definitely recommend to someone else visiting
Very good and helpful. Clear understanding through verbal communication
Great experience. Tour guide was a little more eccentric than we have experienced but nice and enjoyable experience.
Hi, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are glad to hear that you had a great experience with us. We appreciate your comments about your tour guide and are pleased that you still found the experience enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back for another tour in the future. Alexandra@BigBusTours
This tour was a huge disappointment from start to finish. We were confused about which bus to board. The tour was marketed as an open-top bus but our bus had a roof. If I knew that ahead of time, I would have cancelled my tickets. The tour guide was so bad I had to take my earphones out. It was basically 2.5 hours of really bad amateur stand-up comedy. I couldn’t wait for the tour to be over. If it were a free tour I would have been disappointed, but I paid $130 so I’m so far beyond disappointed. Zero stars.
We had a wonderful time! Sharice was our driver. Very pleasant and patient. We had many elderly people and she was very helpful assisting them on and off the bus!!
Great for sightseeing and to see everything in one tour! The pickup was difficult because we were sent away (even though we were early and had tickets), then hollered at to come back. It worked out in the end, but it was a bit strange.
Definitely a must do in DC. It was worth it and the evening time it wasn’t so hot.! Great bus driver & speaker! Bravo!
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience in Washington DC and that the evening tour was a comfortable way to enjoy the city without the daytime heat. It's especially great to hear your kind words about the bus driver and guide. We'll be sure to share your compliments with the local team—they'll be thrilled to know they helped make your experience so memorable. Best wishes, BigBusTours@VladL
Fabulous experience. Best way to see DC. Gerard D who was stationed at the Lincoln Memorial was so friendly and professional. He represents Big Bus really well.
