When the sun sets and the lights come on, it’s time to embark on the best night tours in Washington DC!
Of course, we all know about the exciting things to do in Washington DC during the day; but in the evening, you’ll be treated to a whole new side of the city – its history, its secrets, and its unexpected beauty.
Check out my top picks if you’re interested in a tour with a classic trolley, a guided visit that will take you to the top 10 attractions, or a spooky ghosts tour. If you want more options, scroll further down the page or use our table of content to explore every offer available!
| # | Activity Type | Price | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monuments by Moonlight tour by Trolley | From US$60 | 2.5 hours | |
| 2 | Small group National Mall tour | From US$99 | 5 hours | |
| 3 | DC Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures | From US$30 | 1 hour |
1 – Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (3380 reviews)
“Great experience- would highly recommend! Yet, but we learn some great trivia behind some of the worlds, most beautiful monuments and historical sites.” CANDACE. Viator
This charming treat from Historic Tours Of America brings you to all the best sites, but the mode of transportation itself is half the fun!
With open sides to give you the best views, this trolley putters through town with ease, so you can sit back and savor the views – and the guided commentary that goes along with it!
And let’s face it, the scenery is pretty great; after all, you’ll be passing by such beloved spots as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Capitol Building.
Gaze at monuments lit up in gorgeous fashion, and enjoy the ride!
Summary of the experience:
- Passing by over 100 points of interest
- 25 stops
- Custom app available in 7 languages
Our review
This trip will let you get up close and personal with many of the city’s coolest monuments – including some underrated gems!
With great information, a fun-filled atmosphere, and an accessible mode of transportation, this is one trolley you’ll want to ride again and again!
Read more: Best Washington DC Monuments Tours
2 – Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1108 reviews)
“Great experience! Rich was our guide and driver and he did a great job of giving us information and giving us time to see the monuments. For an overview of some of the greatest sights in DC this was a perfect tour!” LESLIE. Viator
Personalized attention is always nice, especially when you’re exploring an iconic city!
And with this gem from See DC Today, you can enjoy a truly unique experience of the capital, exploring each of your stops in greater depth.
See the glorious angles of buildings and structures silhouetted in the darkness, and enjoy ample time to take pictures.
And with glimpses of the Smithsonian Castle, the National Archives, and the headquarters of the FBI, you can enjoy a comprehensive view of the city and its landmarks.
You’ll learn a lot, and get some great shots for your vacation album…. It’s a win-win!
Summary of the experience:
- 10 stops
- Transportation between attractions included
- Planned photo stops
Our review
This is the ideal adventure if you want to see it all in a short amount of time!
Thanks to the quieter streets, you’ll be able to cover lots of ground, and your guide will have great factoids for each and every stop.
Read more: Best Tourist Attractions in Washington DC
3 – DC Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (329 reviews)
2Our guide was very personable and fun. His pace was good, he included everyone in the evening. We enjoyed the stories and even the jokes!” EMELYNN. Viator
A little bit creepy, a little bit educational, and a lot of fun, this is the perfect option for an adventurous group with a love of the supernatural!
Join your guide for an entertaining jaunt around town, where you’ll see some of the most famous homes and historic sites in town – and hear about their haunting residents!
From the Dolley Madison House to the Treasury Annex, each stop provides its own fascinating tales of strange goings on.
Be sure to keep an eye out for a ghoul or two with DC Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures!
Summary of the experience:
- 8 stops
- Spooky and entertaining stories by a professional guide
- Secret gems that aren’t usually included in regular city tours
Our review
This short and sweet trip is ideal if you want to soak up a lot of history and culture in a short amount of time – especially if you like to see the weirder side of things!
You’ll get to see classic buildings in a whole new way, and enjoy some nice local legends as part of the bargain.
4 – Washington DC by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (1,550 reviews)
“Our tour guide was wonderful. He gave us so much information about the monuments. We were able to take pictures and have time at different monuments.” ALLISON. Viator
If you like your trips to be a little more eco friendly, Intrepid Urban Adventures – USA has the ideal vehicle for you to see the sights with.
The electric cart is small, zippy, and open-air, serving as the perfect chariot to enjoy the sights and sounds of the capital, with all the monuments perfectly lit up in an ethereal glow.
You can gaze at the brilliance of the White House all lit up, or stand in awe of the massive statue of Lincoln, uninhibited by usual massive crowds.
Our review
There’s tons of great information to be had on this trip, including some of the lesser known details about various hotspots in town.
But of course, it’s the awesome vehicles that really put this over the top; you can enjoy a world-class tour and help the planet, all at the same time!
Read more: Best City Tours in Washington DC
5 – Glass-Top or Open-Top Convertible Bus Tour of DC
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)
“Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. Bus was on time and guide always had her occupants in mind.” Genia. Viator
If you want to get to know the Beltway beyond the main attractions, this is the trip for you!
While you’ll still see many of the capital’s coolest spots, you’ll also get to venture a little further with this trip from USA Guided Tours, and enjoy the U.S. Air Force Memorial and U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, located in Arlington, Virginia.
Then it’s off to Maryland for a walk along the picturesque National Harbor, where you have the option to ride the towering Capitol Wheel, which has some pretty spectacular sights of its own!
Our review
Talk about a trip with a little bit of everything!
While this is longer than most of the other tours on this list, it’s well worth it to take in all the amazing attributes of the surrounding area.
And because it’s another small group excursion, you can really make the most of each stop!
Read more: Hop on Hop off Washington DC Bus Tours vs Trolley Tours
6 – Washington DC Monuments by Night Bike Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (163 reviews)
“This tour was the highlight of our trip to DC. The monuments at night were magnificent and cast the memorials in a new light (pun intended).” LEAH. GETYOURGUIDE
Trade in those walking shoes for a bike helmet, as you set off on a pedaling adventure with Unlimited Biking formerly Bike and Roll DC!
You’ll cover even more ground, and get a bit of exercise along the way, as you visit the Potomac Tidal Basin and the National Mall.
You’ll even get to check out the patch of grass where the president’s helicopter takes off and lands!
Free of the hustle and bustle of daytime, you can focus on enjoying the views, and get to see each site like never before.
Our review
If you want to try something outside of the normal drives and walks, this lively tour gets you into the thick of the action!
Covering more ground and offering a whole new vantage point on the city, it’s a lovely way to get to know the area.
7 – Washington, DC: Scenic Monuments Night Tour by Open-Top Bus
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (331 reviews)
“We have traveled to DC many times, but never done the night tour. It was great fun and many monuments are on the route. It made our anniversary evening very special.” Scott. Viator
With the breeze in your face and the city before you, this trip from Big Bus Tours – USA is a drive to remember!
This double-decker delight will show you all the best parts of town, including the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. presented his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.
And along the route, you’ll see artifacts from every era of the capital’s history, right back to its earliest roots at the very beginning of the nation itself.
Dive into amazing stories and jaw-dropping architecture, and get up close to take the best photos – it’s a truly irresistible opportunity!
Our review
With a variety of languages and ample time at all of the best stops, this is the perfect option if you’re new to town, or speak a language other than English.
Riding around in comfort and style, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer, and wonderfully attentive staff to help answer any questions!
8 – Epic Evening e-Scooter Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (71 reviews)
“Super fun! The electric scooter rides were a pleasant rush and the tour guide was a fun guy with a wealth of insider info. Definitely recommend. No crowds at night, either!” SARA. Viator
Here’s another novel way to get around town – by scooter!
While these two-wheeled delights have been taking over many major cities, they’re also an awesome way to see the sights, as you can traverse both bike lanes and footpaths with ease.
Of course, this trip from BiPartisan Tour Company also provides plenty of chances to enjoy the many highlights of the area, and get a fun form of exercise as part of the bargain.
And with their big wheels and steady pace, they’re perfect for discovering the wonders of the National Mall in style.
Our review
If you want an alternative to the classic bus and trolley tours, but still want to use a vehicle to get around, this is the perfect trip for you!
And thanks to smaller groups and the peaceful aura of nighttime, the city will feel like it’s entirely your own!
9 – Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (179 reviews)
“Learned many new interesting facts that we didn’t know and looking forward to see the neighborhood in the daylight next time we visit.” GERALD. Viator
Join Visit DC Tours for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods – and take a gander at some wonderful spectral spots!
Given that this area grew up alongside the city itself, it’s little wonder that it has its fair share of legends – and some famous former residents that may have kept hanging around long after their deaths!
As you tour all of these elegant spots, you’ll get some wonderfully spine-tingling tales to sweeten the deal!
Our review
We recommend this for anybody that likes to really familiarize themselves with a community – the good, the bad, and the bizarre!
You can really get a feel for all the nuances of Georgetown, and there are plenty of wonderfully eerie tales to mix in with the more commonplace tales.
10 – Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (430 reviews)
“It was an enjoyable experience. I had a fantastic time. The food was very good.” CAROLY. GetYourGuide
After all of the fun on land, why not head out on the water for some sightseeing in style… and a meal thrown in too?
City Cruises offers an irresistible sailing trip, where you can drift along the Potomac and watch the city drift by… and that’s just the start!
Because while you’re watching the world go by, you can also keep an eye on the delicious meals appearing on your plate, with three courses of seafood, salad, ravioli, and other mouthwatering delights – and dessert, of course.
Add in some classy background music, and you have the perfect atmosphere for a floating feast… and some unforgettable backdrops!
Our review
If the gorgeous riverside views don’t persuade you to climb aboard, the amazing service – and delicious food – certainly will!
With courteous service, amazing cuisine, and breathtaking vantage points of the capital combine to make this a float to remember, and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion!
11 – Private Washington DC Night City Tour with Stops at 6 Top Sites
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (20 reviews)
“One of the most memorable things about our tour was the guide Jorge. He did a phenomenal job explaining things and answering any questions we had. He has a perfect itinerary that has no need to modify. No better tour in DC!” MICHAEL. Viator
Come along with Black Hawk Sedans on this rollicking ride through town – and enjoy some personalized attention all throughout the trip.
While your driver takes care of the navigation (and the relaying of fun facts, of course), you can enjoy all of the coolest monuments in town – and even stop to snap some pictures!
And you also have the option to customize your trip, so if you want to see something that’s not on the standard itinerary, just let your guides know!
Our review
You’ll really feel like you have the city to yourself on this trip… and the guides, too!
The flexibility and personal attention are what really make this option shine, and the tour is just long enough for you to linger at interesting sites.
So go ahead and give yourself the elite treatment!
12 – Free night tour: DC Monuments by Moonlight
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (6 reviews)
“Such a good way to interact with a local guide and hear their take on Washington DC. Enjoyed the tour.” ELIZABETH. GuruWalk
Taking advantage of the smaller crowds, this memorable stroll offers you a closer look at some of the big spots in the area, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam and Korean Veterans Memorials.
But it also shows off some sites you might not have thought of, like the Albert Einstein Memorial.
And did we mention that this tour is free? Talk about value!
While you’re roaming around, your guide will regale you with awesome stories, and also provide some cool local perspectives on this fascinating puzzle of a town.
Our review
Between the fact-filled local guide and the budget-friendly setup, this tour is perfect if you’re new to town and want to save some cash… without skimping on the cool sights or exciting information!
It’s the perfect way to spend an evening in the capital, and stretch your legs a bit while taking in new knowledge with each step.
13 – The National Mall at Dusk: Washington DC Private Evening Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)
“The private walking tour was the best tour I have ever been on. Our guide, John was fabulous.” AILEEN. Viator
From the ripples of the reflecting pool to the stunning silhouette of the Capitol Building, this is a wonderful journey through the heart of a national treasure – and with plenty of neat little details!
The jaunt comes courtesy of Travel Curious, and it offers a nice mixture of daytime and nighttime benefits; you get to enjoy the shifting views of sunset, and see the monuments in all their bright evening finery.
Take plenty of pictures, and enjoy the unique stories and leisurely pace!
Our review
The city will be all lit up by the stories from your guide… and the actual lights themselves!
You can also enjoy a stress-free experience, perfectly catered to your group, with lots of great communication to make the whole process that much easier.
14 – Washington DC Night-Time City Tour with Visit to Mount Vernon
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)
“It was the most amazing tour. We took the 8 hour tour to Mt. VERON THEN THE NIGHT TOUR, Robert was very knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend it”. ARLENE. Viator
Once you’ve seen the city, it’s time for a little side trip to learn more about its namesake with City Tours by LOBA!
While the nation’s first president, George Washington, never saw the capital that bears his moniker, he was involved in the planning; and you can learn about this and his other achievements with a visit to his beloved home, Mount Vernon.
You’ll spend the day exploring the lush grounds and the stunning homestead itself, then head back to town in the evening to visit some monuments – a truly lasting legacy!
Our review
Of course, any tour in D.C. is going to be packed with history; but this one certainly offers real breadth and depth!
The chance to see tons of amazing sites outside of the city – everything from Robert E. Lee’s childhood home to spots frequented by Washington himself – makes it stand out, giving you an unforgettable adventure back in time.
15 – DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures
Rating: ⭐️ 3.5/5 (25 reviews)
“Requested by visiting family. Cordial guide and good selection of places. Personally not a ghost fan, but the family was, so, I guess it hit its mark.” ADAM. Viator
If spooky stories leave you jittery, you’re in luck… this treat from DC Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures offers plenty of liquid courage along the route!
Stroll between some of the most famous haunted bars in town, delving into mysterious happenings and learning the otherworldly tales of some perpetual barflies.
Whether you’re sipping a Gin Rickey in its origin point or keeping an eye out for the specter of former President Grant, it’s a rollicking night out on the town!
Our review
This lively mix of history, the supernatural, and the local nightlife is certainly unique, and it’s also a wonderful way to see the city’s more irreverent side!
It’s perfect for fans of cocktails, history nerds, and lovers of the bizarre, bringing the city to life in a new and playful fashion.
How to book night tours in Washington DC?
There are heaps of different companies that offer night tours, so you’ll never run out of options!
And better yet, many travel websites will sell those excursions at a reduced cost.
Don’t be afraid to shop around, because different forums often provide different prices.
And if you want to make the whole thing even easier, you can use our search engine to compare your many choices!