If you know anything about downtown Nashville you know it can be very difficult to find parking. Sometimes it seems like it is virtually impossible. Below you will find three great options you have when it comes to finding parking in Downtown Nashville.

Metered Parking Spaces

Metered parking just may be the simplest form of parking there is. Or at least it would seem that way. All you have to do is toss in your money and go. Generally speaking metered parking is only enforced Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8am and 6pm. That means any time after 6pm and all day Sunday parking is free. Just be careful as there are a few exceptions to this rule.

Government Parking Lots

All Tennessee government parking lots except for the Metro Nashville lots are free to park in after normal business hours. You can also park there for free on the weekends. There are approximately 10 government parking lots located in the downtown Nashville area. All government parking lots will be identified by a sign.

Downtown Parking Garages

With parking at a premium in downtown Nashville, parking garages have been developed throughout the city. Venues such as the library offer affordable parking options when the library isn't open, while garages in the area offer you the ability to book your parking before you arrive at the garage. When you are worried about where you are going to park for a night out, pay for your parking ahead of time at one of the garages or consider one of the park and ride places that are just outside the city. Park and ride means you park in an area that is conveniently close to the city, without having to worry about the congestion of downtown. You are driven into the city and brought back to your car when you are ready to return home.

Private Owned Parking Lots

Private lots are usually unmanned. All you will see is a small sign showing the instructions on how to pay for parking. Garage lots on the other hand will almost always have someone on site. So if you need assistance just ask. Each parking lot is different and will therefore have different pricing. Sometimes you can get parking for $10 cheaper just by driving across the street.

One heads up is to watch out for bagged meters. Usually people think a bagged meter is one that is out of service. This isn't always the case. When a meter is covered with a leather cover it means a local company has paid for that particular parking space in advance. It is reserved for that company only. If you park there you will be towed.