New Orleans bike tours: Everything you need to know
New Orleans has many beautiful neighborhoods with stunning architecture and charming outdoor green spaces. While in the Big Easy (a nickname for New Orleans), you can let your hair down with a visit to Bourbon Street in the French Quarters. You can also ride a streetcar along the Riverfront where you can shop till you drop. With so much to do and see, you’ll want to manage your vacation time wisely. One of the best ways to see the most memorable attractions in NOLA is on a guided New Orleans bike tour.
Each tour includes a knowledgeable guide that lives in New Orleans. They’ll be ready to talk about the city, its history, and its eccentricity. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions.
With several trails, New Orleans is very much bike-friendly. You can enjoy a bike tour on the best trails and in the easiest neighborhoods. Make sure to visit the University District (by Tulane and Loyola), Bywater (great for shopping), and Bayou St. John (offering a picturesque ride).
Are there different types of bike tours in New Orleans?
Absolutely – you can choose the right bike tour for you. Prepare for a wide variety of tour options to choose from, ranging from historical to cemetery tours. Some tours are more intimate with less than ten riders in your group, while others are larger with as many as twenty participants.
New Orleans neighborhood bike tours
Explore the historic neighborhoods of this lovely city on bike. You’ll definitely find a few homes that you can see yourself living in (if you win the lottery) while perusing the elite Garden District. Most tours will also take you through the iconic French Quarter. Here you’ll find Cajun restaurants, jazz clubs, and historic monuments, including the Statue of Andrew Jackson.
New Orleans jazz bike tours
Take a tour dedicated to the French Quarter and you’ll delve into the music scene of New Orleans. You’ll ride by Bourbon Street with its many jazz clubs and talented street musicians who play up and down this notable street. Learn about Creole food (inspired by West African, French, and Haitian cuisine). Taste some wild cocktails, such as the Grasshopper (a green drink), on this leg of the tour. Your guide will also tell you all about the popular Mardi Gras festival that takes place annually in New Orleans in mid-February.
New Orleans cemetery bike tours
New Orleans’ cemeteries are a popular attraction for visitors. On a bike tour, stop by and say hello to those who have passed on. The Saint Louis Cemetery is one of the most popular cemeteries to visit because of its above-ground vaults. Also, many famous city residents are buried in the cemeteries, such as Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
New Orleans ghost bike tours
You may have heard that lots of paranormal activity has been reported in and around New Orleans. Hop on a bike at night to see if you can catch a glimpse of a ghost. Along with visiting the cemetery, you’ll stop by a few haunted buildings and parks, like Jackson Square, Congo Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral.
New Orleans history bike tours
Many New Orleans bike tours focus on the rich history of the city. On this tour, your guide will supply you with a wealth of information about many of New Orleans’ most known landmarks. These include Louis Armstrong Park, Bayou St. John, and Faubourg Treme. Some tours also include a leisurely ride along the Mississippi River.
Do I need to rent a bike?
Most bike tours provide everything you’ll need, including a bike, helmet, and other safety items. If you’re visiting a site or attraction, admission might also be included in the package. Other options include an electric bike, cruiser or fat-tire bike in lieu of a standard bike.
Tips and good things to know for New Orleans bike tours
Take a couple of bottles of water with you for the ride. Although you’ll make plenty of stops, you’ll feel better just knowing you have water to keep you well hydrated. This is especially important because New Orleans can be hot and humid, particularly in the summer months. Dress lightly and wear a sun visor or hat to protect you from the sun.
No matter your riding skill level, a New Orleans bike tour will be a fun outing for you. Tours usually last from two to six hours depending upon the route.
