I asked Metro Police officers how to have a safe, fun time downtown. Here’s their advice.

Police vigilantly enforce all traffic laws, so ensure you’re parked legally. Observe signs for loading zones, restricted parking, and fire hydrants. Your parking ticket may be as little as $10, but a towing fee will cost you $100 or more.

Take a picture of the surroundings (or use a GPS app) to know where you parked your car. They told me about one man who hunted for his car for two days because he didn’t make note of the parking garage he used.

Keep It At The Hotel

Don’t bring anything you don’t/won’t need. Extra baggage is a real hassle in a crowded bar.

Carry only essentials in your wallet–photo ID/driver’s license, credit card, insurance card, cash.  Less to replace in case of theft.

Keep A Count

If traveling in groups of four or more, keep a recurring headcount. Avoid spending time looking for each other when you could be having fun.

Keep With The Herd

Don’t travel alone, especially in less trafficked areas. Make safety a priority.

Activate your phone tracking app to make it easier to find your phone if it is lost or stolen. Even better, share your location with a friend in case you get split up.

X Marks The Spot

Designate a meet-up point in case you get separated.

Make a note of your hotel’s name and address whether you need to find your way back to your lodging or provide it to an Uber/Lyft/cab driver.

No Free Drinks Unless…

Do not accept a “free drink” unless it’s handed to you directly from the bartender or server. There have been instances where drinks have been tainted with date-rape drugs or other contaminants. A growing number of establishments are participating in the Safe Bar Tennessee program, offering coasters that allow you to test drinks for contamination.

When To Say When

Know your limits–both in terms of alcohol consumption and distances you can comfortably walk. And by the way, they see many people limping from turned ankles or ill-fitting boots; so wear comfortable shoes.

Keep hydrated and fed. Yes, beer flows like water on Lower Broadway, especially on warm days and nights. Drink water and balance the booze with food. They said it’s sad how many drunks they encounter.

Photo ID Please

Your photo ID is essential if you plan to enter a 21+ establishment and/or consume alcohol.

Keep Aware

Use the crosswalks. There are a lot of people and vehicles in motion downtown. Don’t be that jerk who tries to run across the street in the middle of the block.

Drugs Are Not Your friend.

The throngs of partying visitors have attracted street dealers selling a variety of illegal substances. Don’t risk it. And in case you were wondering, pot is not legal in Tennessee.

Don’t Be A Target

Tuck that lanyard away – If you’re visiting Nashville for a conference or event that uses a lanyard with your name, keep it tucked away unless needed to get into the event. A lanyard is a big sign that you are visiting.