New Orleans: City Bike Tour, Historic Neighborhoods & Cemetery

Summary

Cycle New Orleans neighborhoods with local stories and river views

You’ll pedal through New Orleans’ most storied neighborhoods on this small-group bike tour — from riverfront views at the Mississippi to hidden corners of Faubourg Marigny and silent moments in St. Roch Cemetery. Expect local stories from your guide and plenty of sensory surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what New Orleans sounds like before noon? I didn’t, honestly — but the city has this sleepy hum in the morning that you only notice when you’re pedaling through the French Quarter with a handful of strangers and a guide who grew up here. We met just off Basin Street (right next to Twelfth Night Coffee — yes, I caved for a croissant) and after some wobbly test rides and helmet adjustments, we set off. The air was thick but not heavy yet, and our guide, Marcus, kept tossing in jokes about street names I’d never pronounce right. First stop: Mississippi River. It’s bigger than it looks in photos — wide, brownish, restless — and there’s this faint smell of wet stone mixed with something sweet from the bakeries nearby.

We rolled past Jackson Square where buskers were already tuning up (I swear one guy winked at me), then into Faubourg Marigny. Marcus pointed out music clubs tucked behind pastel shutters; he rattled off recommendations so fast I had to type them into my phone. There was a moment in the Marigny where everything felt bright — colors on houses, laughter from a porch, even the potholes seemed to fit. Somewhere around the 9th Ward he started talking about Voodoo culture; I caught myself listening closer than usual because he spoke like it was just part of daily life here, not some tourist thing.

The St. Roch Cemetery surprised me. Cool inside its walls despite the sun outside, quiet except for our footsteps crunching gravel. Marcus explained burial traditions — above ground tombs because of the water table — while someone left flowers at a crypt nearby. That smell of old stone again, mixed with candle wax maybe? We finished looping through Treme (first free Black neighborhood in America — I didn’t know that), then coasted back to the shop sweaty but kind of happy-tired. Funny how three hours can feel like both a lot and not enough.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided bicycle tour of New Orleans

• Meet at French Quarter location
• Get fitted on bicycle and safety briefing
• Ride to Mississippi River
• View historic city center at Jackson Square
• Explore Faubourg Marigny neighborhood
• Ride through 9th ward and learn VooDoo culture
• Visit St. Roch Cemetery and learn burial history
• Explore Treme neighborhood
• Return to shop and end tour

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans bike tour?

The guided bike tour lasts about 3 hours.

Is bottled water included on this tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided for all participants.

What neighborhoods does the tour cover?

The route covers five historic neighborhoods including French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, 9th Ward, Treme, and more.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, use of bicycle and helmet is included in your booking.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers per tour.

Is there an age or height requirement?

Minimum age is 13 years; all participants must be over 4'11".

Does the tour include entry to St. Roch Cemetery?

Yes, you'll visit St. Roch Cemetery as part of the route.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at their French Quarter location next to Twelfth Night Coffee.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle and helmet for every rider, bottled water to keep you cool along the way, guidance from a professional local guide who shares personal stories as you explore five neighborhoods by bike—including stops at Jackson Square and St. Roch Cemetery—with groups capped at ten people for a more relaxed ride.