New Orleans , United States

New Orleans City Bike Tour

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(159 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour begins with a ride to the famous French Quarter, boasting nearly 300 years of history. Your fully licensed tour guide will take you to popular highlights in "the Quarter" and the Treme, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Congo Square, along with some lesser-known gems, all while telling you fascinating stories about your surroundings.

We then pedal to the charming oak-lined Garden District, stopping to admire the lavish historic homes of New Orleans, and talk about some of their most famous occupants. History, architecture, celebrities; this neighborhood has it all!

Tour length: Approximately 9 mi.

Paved Paradise Tours is a small, owner-operated company that provides a truly local perspective. When you ride with us you are riding with one of the owners, ensuring that your experience is of the highest quality. See the city through the eyes of someone who loves what they do, loves the City of New Orleans, and wants you to love it too.

Available options

City Bike Tour Morning

What's included

Poncho when raining

Bottled water

Helmet

Use of bicycle

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Bike through one of the oldest neighborhoods in the country. See the beautiful architecture, hear the fantastic music, and learn the colorful history of the city.

Admire the impressive architecture of the oldest Catholic Church in America.

Stop 3

Walk around the center of the old city and take in the local art and street performers.

Stop 4 Pass by

Cruise by some of the most beautiful balconies and galleries in the city. Enjoy live music from the many street performers up and down the street.

One of the oldest bars in the US. Hear the stories of the pirate Jean Lafitte and how he used the bar to fence ill-gotten treasures.

Stop 6 Pass by

Filled with the city's best restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Your guide will tell which ones not to miss.

Stop 7

This is the site where Jazz was born. Hear how the music was invented and about some of the most famous musicians to come out of the Big Easy.

This is the epicenter of music in New Orleans then and now. It's also home to the city's best Mardi Gras traditions.

Stop 9 Pass by

Pedal past the lively music district. Your guide will point to where the best bands are playing that night.

Stop 10 Pass by

The big muddy river is the reason New Orleans was founded where it is. See the huge commercial vessels and old stem boats pass by as you ride atop the levee.

Stop 11

The location of the grandest and most beautiful homes in New Orleans. Hear the history of the people who lived in. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and celebrities homes.

Stop 12

From the gates of the cemetery your guide will tell you about our unique burial traditions and the famous people who chose this cemetery as their final resting place.

What's not included

Our guides are great, please don't forget them. Gratuity is not included in the price.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

75 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

84 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please provide heights of all children so we can determine the correct bike size.

Please be aware that the itinerary listed is a broad overview. Not every tour will be able to make every stop.

Tours operate rain or shine. In the event of dangerous weather we will work with you to reschedule or refund.

Meeting point

LOCATION: All tours begin and end at 1735 Washington Ave (the corner of Baronne and Washington Ave). This is two blocks from the Washington (Garden District) stop on the St. Charles streetcar line. Please arrive 15min before your scheduled departure time.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes