History in the street grid
French Quarter: An Immigrant City
Ride a curated French Quarter history loop or make an approximately ten-mile project of riding its full street grid.
View this rideRide like a local
Where should you ride in New Orleans?
Practical self-guided routes from a French Quarter bike shop, with local directions, worthwhile stops, and honest riding advice.
- Local routes
- Suitable locks included
- E-bikes available
Photographs from our own ride archive
Start with one good question
What have you not seen yet?
If you have not visited the Mississippi River or City Park, start there. These routes begin close to our shop and reveal very different sides of New Orleans.
East Bank riverfront
Mississippi River and Bywater
Ride through Woldenberg and Crescent parks, explore Bywater, and return through the Marigny and Frenchmen Street.
View this ride
West Bank levee
Algiers Point and Gretna
Take the ferry, turn upriver, and follow one unobstructed levee trail beneath the Crescent City Connection to Old Gretna.
View this rideChoose for the conditions
Shade, heat, distance, and the kind of day you want
For a shaded ride
Choose City Park. Esplanade Avenue, the Marconi path, and portions of Bayou St. John offer considerably more tree cover than the levee.
For open river views
Take the ferry to Algiers and ride upstream toward Gretna. The trail is simple to follow, but it is exposed to direct sun.
For food and music stops
Follow the East Bank riverfront toward Bywater and return through the Marigny, with optional stops that can turn the ride into a full day.
Local answer
When is an e-bike worth it?
In New Orleans summer heat and humidity, an e-bike makes the longer rides more enjoyable. That is especially true on the West Bank levee, where there is no shade, and along the lakefront when the wind is working against you. Less pedal effort lets riders maintain a comfortable breeze without becoming exhausted or overheated.
Before you rent
Quick answers
Where can I ride a rental bike from the French Quarter?
Three especially rewarding choices are the Mississippi River paths, the Algiers and Gretna levee trail reached by ferry, and City Park by way of the Lafitte Greenway or Esplanade Avenue.
Should I rent an e-bike or a pedal bike in New Orleans?
A pedal bike works well for shorter, shaded rides. An e-bike is usually more comfortable for longer routes, hot and humid weather, lakefront headwinds, and the exposed West Bank levee.
Are a helmet and lock included?
BuZz NOLA rentals include a helmet and a suitable lock. Riders remain responsible for the bicycle until it is returned to a team member.
Start at 223 Dauphine Street
Choose the bike that fits your day
Helmets, suitable locks, and local route advice are included. E-bikes are especially helpful for longer rides and hot weather.