Nashville is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything—vibrant music, delicious Southern food, beautiful parks, and a rich history. It’s no wonder it’s become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. But like any major city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep safety in mind while traveling. I’ve spent time exploring Nashville and have picked up a few helpful tips along the way to ensure that your visit is both fun and safe.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these safety tips will help you make the most of your Nashville trip. From navigating the city’s busy streets to exploring its cultural hotspots, here’s my guide to staying safe while experiencing all that Music City has to offer.
1. Stay in Well-Lit and Busy Areas at Night
One of the best things about Nashville is the lively nightlife—there’s always something going on, whether it’s live music on Broadway or a fun event in Music Row. But like any city, some areas can be less safe after dark. I always recommend staying in well-lit, busy areas and avoiding quieter or poorly lit neighborhoods at night.
My Personal Experience:
On one of my evenings out, I took a walk through Downtown Nashville to explore some of the honky-tonk bars on Broadway. The area was vibrant and bustling, with people enjoying the music and lights. I felt very safe because there were plenty of people around and police officers patrolling. However, when I headed a little further away from the main strip, I made sure to stay aware of my surroundings.
Tip:
Make sure your hotel is in a central, well-populated area, like Downtown or near The Gulch. If you’re heading out at night, consider using ride-sharing apps like Lyft or Uber to avoid walking long distances after dark.
Click here to book a hotel in Nashville
2. Use Ride-Sharing Services for Late-Night Transport
As much as I love exploring Nashville’s nightlife, I always make it a point to use ride-sharing services after dark. Whether you’re leaving a bar, a late-night show, or a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, taking a Lyft or Uber is a much safer option than walking alone at night. It’s always comforting to know you have a reliable, affordable ride at the touch of a button.
Why It’s Safe:
Both Lyft and Uber offer the ability to track your ride in real-time, so you can share your trip details with a friend or family member. Additionally, ride-sharing apps allow you to see the driver’s details before you get in, making it easier to feel confident about the safety of the trip.
Tip:
Always confirm the license plate number and driver details before getting into a car. Don’t get into a ride if the details don’t match, even if the driver seems friendly.
Click here to book a ride with Lyft
Click here to book a ride with Uber
3. Keep Your Valuables Secure
As a tourist, it’s always tempting to bring along your favorite gadgets, camera, or expensive jewelry, but I’ve learned the hard way that it’s crucial to keep those valuables secure, especially when you’re out exploring busy areas like Broadway or 12South.
My Personal Experience:
I once found myself walking down Broadway, surrounded by bustling crowds of people. I had a purse with me that I hadn’t properly zipped, and I had to be extra cautious to ensure no one could grab it. After that experience, I opted for a more secure bag—something with zippers and close to my body—and I always kept my phone in an inside pocket to avoid unnecessary attention.
Tip:
I recommend using a crossbody bag or a money belt for added security. Avoid putting your wallet or phone in easily accessible pockets, and always be aware of your surroundings.
4. Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun
While Nashville is full of exciting things to do, the weather can be quite hot, especially during the summer months. I made the mistake of not hydrating enough during one of my visits, and it quickly left me feeling dizzy and uncomfortable while walking around. Nashville’s hot and humid summers can be draining, and I learned that staying hydrated is key.
My Personal Experience:
During a hot afternoon, I was walking around Centennial Park, enjoying the beautiful greenery. By mid-afternoon, the heat began to wear me down. I grabbed a bottle of water from a nearby convenience store, and immediately felt better. Since then, I always keep a bottle of water with me when I explore Nashville, especially in the warmer months.
Tip:
Make sure to drink plenty of water, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen. You can find sunscreen and water bottles at most local shops or street vendors if you forget to pack your own.
Click here to book activities and tours in Nashville
5. Be Careful with Your Drinks
If you plan on exploring Nashville’s vibrant nightlife scene, especially in the many honky-tonk bars, it’s essential to be cautious about your drinks. I’ve always made it a habit to keep an eye on my drink and never leave it unattended.
My Personal Experience:
One night, I was at a bar near Broadway enjoying live music. I noticed that a friend had left their drink unattended for a moment. It wasn’t long before a security guard walked by, and the bartender suggested we finish our drinks before we left. It made me realize how important it is to keep your drink close at all times.
Tip:
Never leave your drink unattended, and always watch your drink being made if you’re at the bar. Opt for a sealed drink if possible and always be aware of your surroundings.
6. Know Emergency Numbers and Local Hospitals
It’s not something we like to think about, but accidents can happen when you’re traveling. I always make sure I have a list of emergency contacts and know the nearest hospital or urgent care center in the area. This is especially important if you’re visiting for the first time and unfamiliar with the area.
My Personal Experience:
On one trip, a friend of mine had a minor accident while exploring Nashville’s downtown area, and we needed to get to the hospital quickly. Having done some research ahead of time, I knew exactly where the nearest Vanderbilt University Medical Center was located, and it made a stressful situation much easier to manage.
Tip:
Program the local emergency numbers into your phone. In the U.S., the emergency number is 911, but it’s good to have local hospital addresses on hand as well.
7. Use Public Transportation During Peak Times
If you’re trying to avoid the hassle of parking or expensive ride-share fees, public transportation can be a great alternative, especially during Nashville’s peak hours. The TARC buses and WeGo transit are affordable and efficient, making them a great option for tourists.
My Personal Experience:
During a trip to Nashville Zoo, I opted to take a TARC bus to avoid the hassle of parking. It was a smooth experience, and it gave me a chance to see more of the city from the bus window. Plus, it was much more affordable than a taxi or ride-sharing service.
Tip:
Check out WeGo’s transit schedule ahead of time, especially if you plan to visit popular attractions like the Nashville Zoo or Nashville Farmers’ Market.
Click here to learn more about Nashville public transportation
8. Avoid Carrying Large Amounts of Cash
In this day and age, it’s much safer and easier to carry credit or debit cards rather than large amounts of cash. On one of my visits to Nashville, I found myself buying souvenirs from the Nashville Flea Market and realized I had no need to carry cash. Most places in Nashville, from restaurants to local shops, accept card payments.
Tip:
I recommend using a money clip or a minimalist wallet to carry only what you need. Having a contactless payment option like Apple Pay or Google Pay can be a convenient way to ensure you’re not carrying around a lot of cash.
9. Be Cautious in Crowded Areas
While Nashville is a wonderful city with so much to offer, it’s also a bustling place with lots of tourists. Crowded areas like Broadway and Nashville’s Farmers’ Market can be overwhelming at times, and it’s easy to feel distracted. I always make sure to keep my belongings close to me in these areas to avoid any pickpocketing.
Tip:
Stay alert in crowded places. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables in secure, hard-to-reach pockets or a money belt to prevent theft.
10. Plan Your Accommodations in Safe, Convenient Locations
When booking your accommodations, it’s important to choose a hotel in a safe, central area. I stayed in a hotel in downtown Nashville during my trip, and I was pleased with how easy it was to walk to attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway. The added benefit was the proximity to well-lit streets and high foot traffic, which made me feel safer when coming back to the hotel after dark.
Tip:
Use Booking.com or Expedia to check reviews of hotels and see which areas are considered safest. These platforms also offer helpful reviews from other travelers that can guide your decision.
Click here to book a hotel in Nashville
Final Thoughts
Nashville is an amazing city, and with a little planning, you can ensure that your visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible. From taking precautions when walking at night to using ride-sharing services and public transportation, staying alert and prepared can make a big difference in your travel experience. Keep these safety tips in mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy all that Music City has to offer without worry. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the vibrant culture and music that make Nashville one of the best destinations in the U.S.!
