Street parking

• Most downtown meters run Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM
• Typical cost: about $1–$2 per hour
• Free after 6 PM and all day Sunday
• Many meters accept cards and mobile payment (Passport Parking app)

City garages (easy and affordable)

These are usually the simplest option if you’re staying awhile:

• Market Square Garage – great for restaurants and shopping
• Locust Street Garage – central downtown access
• State Street Garage
• Jackson Street Parking Lot

Daily/Hourly Rates are usually:

• ~$1–$2 per hour
• Daily max around $10-$18
• Nights/weekend rates are often cheaper than daytime rates

 

Free parking options

• Some spots north of downtown (toward the Old City edges) can be free.
• The Blackstock lot and areas near the river sometimes have free parking depending on time and events.
• After-hours street parking downtown is often easy to find.

Event tip

If there’s a UT game, festival, or concert at the Tennessee Theatre/Bijou, garages fill quickly and expect event parking prices — Market Square and Locust usually fill first.