New Orleans , United States

Beyond the French Quarter Bike Tour

Active

(17 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The tour begins with a ride through the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods, home to history, art, and delightful shotgun houses. Your licensed tour guide will take you up Esplanade Ave, once known as “Creole Millionaires Row”. We’ll ride the oak lined avenue and marvel at the architecture, passing by Faubourg Treme and into Faubourg St. John. After a leisurely pedal through City Park, we’ll stop for a well-deserved break. Riders will have the opportunity to purchase beignets and café au lait at Cafe Du Monde.

We then follow the trail of one of the oldest roads in the US - Bayou Road, the very reason New Orleans exists. Lastly we’ll pedal our way back through the historic French Quarter and the Marigny, admiring the sights along the way.

Tour length: Approximately 9 miles

Paved Paradise Tours is a small, owner-operated company that provides a truly local perspective. We live, work, and play in these neighborhoods; we'll show you hidden gems you'll want to revisit later.

Available options

Beyond the French Quarter Bike Tour

What's included

Poncho when raining

Bottled water

Helmet

Use of bicycle

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Your licensed tour guide will take you up Esplanade Ave, once known as “Creole Millionaires Row”. We’ll ride the oak lined avenue and marvel at the beautiful architecture, passing by Faubourg Treme and into Faubourg St. John.

You'll see several charming New Orleans homes such as Luling Mansion and Degas House.

We'll ride through Creole neighborhoods like Faubourg Treme and Faubourg St. John, hearing stories about how old New Orleans and discovering hidden local spots to try.

Stop 4

You'll learn about our fascinating burial rituals in our "Cities of the Dead".

We'll take a leisurely pedal through the live oak groves and Spanish moss, seeing the sights and enjoying the flora and fauna of City Park. Your guide will point out museums, botanical and sculpture gardens, along with other attractions.

We’ll stop for a well-deserved break. Riders will have the opportunity to purchase beignets and café au lait at Cafe Du Monde in City Park.

We then follow the trail of one of the oldest roads in the US - Bayou Road, the very reason New Orleans exists.

Stop 8

We'll pass through the historic French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny on the way back.

What's not included

Beignets are not included in the price of the tour.

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

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

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

The tour begins and ends at Dr. Bob’s Folk Art. Our shop is the first building on the left.

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