New Orleans: Creole Bike Tour, Cemeteries & Congo Square

Summary

Ride through New Orleans history from French Quarter to bayous

You’ll pedal through New Orleans’ French Quarter with a local guide, hear stories in Faubourg Marigny, pause among tombs at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and feel the roots of jazz in Congo Square. Expect laughter, beignets dusted with sugar, and moments when time seems to slow down beneath live oaks.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell so sweet and earthy when we started pedaling out of the French Quarter—like rain on old bricks mixed with something frying far off. Our guide, Chris, waved us down by this lopsided house (apparently the oldest in the city) and told a story about pirates that made me laugh out loud. I kept glancing at the iron balconies above us—someone was playing jazz from an open window, but you could barely hear it over our bikes rattling along the street.

We zigzagged through Faubourg Marigny where Chris pointed out murals and explained why everyone waves here (I tried it—got three waves back). Mid-City felt quieter, almost like another town. Riding past shotgun houses and leaning fences, I caught whiffs of cut grass and coffee drifting from a porch. At St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, he got serious for a minute—explaining those above-ground tombs and how people leave little offerings on them. The marble felt cool under my hand, which surprised me because the sun was already strong.

Congo Square was next—honestly, I didn’t know much about it before. Chris played us a bit of old jazz on his phone while we sat under these huge oaks; he called it “the heartbeat of New Orleans.” There was this moment where nobody spoke, just listened to the music and watched a group practicing dance steps nearby. We stopped at Café du Monde in City Park for beignets (powdered sugar everywhere), then followed Bayou St. John for a stretch—the water looked muddy but peaceful, with herons picking around in the reeds.

I still think about that ride sometimes—the way people here seem to live outside more than in, how history just sits right there on every corner if you slow down enough to see it. My legs were tired by the end but honestly? I didn’t really want it to finish yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans by bike

• Start at French Quarter location
• Stop at oldest city building
• Visit Frenchmen Street and culture
• Ride through Mid-City area
• Learn burial practices at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
• Ride through City Park and break at Cafe du Monde
• Ride along historic natural waterway
• Discover origins of Jazz at Congo Square
• End tour at shop

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans Creole bike tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Does this day trip include stops at cemeteries?

Yes, you’ll stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 during the ride.

Is bottled water provided on this small-group bike tour?

Bottled water is included for all participants.

Where does the bike tour start in New Orleans?

The tour begins at a shop located in the French Quarter.

Are helmets provided for this Creole bike tour?

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

Is there a break for food or drinks during the ride?

You’ll stop at Café du Monde’s City Park location for a short break—beignets are available there.

What age or height restrictions apply for this tour?

The minimum age is 13 years old; all riders must be over 4'11".

Can I wear sandals or flip-flops on this bike tour?

Flip-flops are not allowed; sandals with heel straps are okay as an alternative to closed-toe shoes.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable bicycle and helmet, bottled water throughout the ride, and guidance from a knowledgeable local who leads you through neighborhoods like Mid-City and Faubourg Marigny before returning you safely to your starting point near Twelfth Night Coffee.