tourist office inverness scotland

Inverness in Scotland is known as the “Capital of the Highlands” and is one of the most popular destinations to visit while in the gorgeous country of Scotland. Featuring many attractions within the city centre and in the area that surrounds it, you’ll find that there are many things to do in Inverness.

Inverness has been steeped in history since its Pictish origins. It is filled with fascinating places to see and things to do and is one of the largest cities in Scotland. Thousands of tourists travel to Inverness every single year, drawn to this beautiful city upon the Firth of Moray and Beauty, all connected to the staggeringly large Loch Ness.

If you’re new to our beautiful country and are interested in getting to know the Highland Region, then there’s no better place to start than Inverness.

Things to do in Inverness

Inverness is one of the best places to visit in Scotland and has many things to do that will make a holiday here well worth the trip! So if you’re travelling via Inverness Airport or just starting your road trip to explore the Nort Coast 500, we bet that there will be something in Inverness that will pique your interest.

Inverness is stocked full of beautiful and unique attractions. Whether you’re interested in discovering the highland region’s history at Clava Cairns, want to try Scottish dishes at an award-winning restaurant, or just aim to enjoy a calm day amidst might castles and botanic gardens, Inverness is the place for you!

There are so many activities and events are going on in Inverness that it’s difficult to discern what should be at the top of your to-do list while you’re here! See our guide for the top things to do in Inverness!

Inverness Castle

The mighty Inverness Castle sits next to the River Ness and is an outstanding sight to see while you’re visiting Inverness.

One highlight you’ll notice immediately is the beautiful red sandstone bricks that the Castle is made from, a unique feature that makes Inverness Castle one of the most spectacular castles in Scotland.

Built in the 1800s, the Castle boasts a fantastic view of the River Ness and Inverness city centre and a bountiful garden to explore when you visit its grounds. History buffs will be treated to the very Castle that William Shakespeare cites as where Duncan is murdered in ‘Macbeth’!

Inverness Castle is currently not open to the public but make sure to check out their website for updates.

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

Inverness is jam-packed with exciting history and culture, and nowhere else can you fully realise this fact than at the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery.

Here you can learn about and explore a vast range of artefacts and exhibits covering every inch of the Highland’s heritage and way of living. You can also immerse yourself in the ever-rotating galleries that feature excellent pieces made by local favourite artists and craftspeople.

The Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is the best way to garner an unparalleled understanding of the city and the surrounding area – we highly recommend you attend!

St Andrew’s Inverness Cathedral

Inverness Cathedral, sometimes known as St Andrew’s Cathedral, is a stunning church building on the edge of the River Ness and is at the centre of Inverness’ religious sites.

St Andrew’s Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic venues to visit. The interior is just as jaw-dropping as the staggering exterior, with your attention being automatically drawn to the stained glass windows and the Cathedral’s towers which almost reach the sky!

Even if you’re not interested in attending one of the weekly masses, this Cathedral is still one of the most popular attractions in Inverness.

Ness Islands

The Ness Islands are a slice of nature amidst the bustling city of Inverness, the perfect getaway if you want a bit of peace for an afternoon.

You can access the Ness Islands through a series of picturesque Victorian footbridges in multiples place from Inverness’ river banks. On Ness Islands, you can look forward to seeing towering pines, a host of small critter wildlife, quaint benches, and many more sights!

Keep a lookout for the fallen tree Nessie sculpture, a great reminder that this city sits ominously close to the mysterious Loch Ness.

Inverness Botanical Gardens

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from many of the incredible attractions in Inverness are the Inverness Botanic Gardens, home to thousands of fantastic flora and one of the most popular destinations to visit while you’re in the royal burgh of Inverness.

Whatever season you’re visiting, the Botanic Gardens is always open and free to enter! Exploring the greenhouses and gardens is a delight to the senses, even more so when you cap off your visit by sampling the excellent lunch options available at the cafe – there’s even a cactus house!

Budding florists and plant parents will be sorely tempted to take home one of the darling buds from the nursery to take home with them!

The Victorian Market

Located in the heart of Inverness city centre, the Victorian Market is a covered market home to a plethora of shops, cafes, and services, with an incredible range of products and services available here. It’s one of the best places to try traditional Scottish dishes too!

A staple marketplace since the late 19th-century and now holds a fantastic amount of things to do here, including arcade gaming, shopping for souvenirs, or even grabbing a haircut! The market is open year-round, so whenever you plan to visit Inverness, the Victorian Market is sure to be available to you!

Stopping by the Victorian Market after a day of travelling through the city or the surrounding area is a must. There’s no better place to refresh and wind down!

Dolphin Spirit Inverness

As you approach the Moray Firth from the city centre of Inverness, hop aboard the Dolphin Spirit if you’re feeling adventurous!

This wildlife boat trip takes you aboard and then to the Moray Firth to see Inverness’s extraordinary sea life. You could see dolphins, whales, seals, and bird species, but the dolphins would are undoubtedly the stars of the show!

If you’re feeling lucky and want to see the best sea life that Inverness has to offer, then climb aboard the zooming Dolphin Spirit Inverness!

If you want a more relaxed destination and an option for your family or children to enjoy, then look no further than Whin Park in Inverness.

Whin Park has four separate adventure parks, including zip lines, climbing structures, slides, a boating pond, and many more brilliant attractions to ensure your children are entertained through and through!

Cap off the day with some ice cream, and your children will be begging you to come back here!

Craig Phadrig

Climb up Craig Phadrig, and you’ll find one of the best views of the city centre. Craig Phadrig is also one of the best ways to enjoy the impressive history of Inverness just south of the city.

Today, you can still make out the fortress once home to the mighty Pictish King in Scottish history. The oval-shaped mound is a dead giveaway, and it may be difficult to take your eyes off this fantastic site to check out the beautiful view of Inverness below.

Craig Phadrig is the perfect journey for an early morning walk before tackling the Highlands!

Urquhart Castle

The mighty Urquhart Castle is situated on the Great Glen a few miles south of Inverness. This attraction is located along the Loch Ness coast and has hidden secrets covering over 1000-years of Scotland’s most significant historical moments.

Urquhart Castle contains many unique attractions; the staggering Grant Tower, artefacts left behind like Urquhart Ewer, and a trebuchet! Accompanied by some of the best views of the Loch Ness in Scotland – what else could you ask for?

You can explore Urquhart Castle at your own pace or use the audio-guided tour that comes with the ticket. All you need is access to the internet!

Clava Cairns

As you head out to explore the eastward side of Inverness, make sure not to miss the Clava Cairns, a 4000-year old burial site!

The Clava Cairns are the only ancient sites around Inverness, so they should be on the top of your bucket list. You can explore what remains of Clava Cairns and its standing stones and envision what rituals and society built this prehistoric structure so many years ago.

The Cairns are also home to many other Bronze Age artefacts and sites for you to explore, from graves, cairns, and standing stones!

The Clava Cairns is set against the River Nairn, and the flowing water and mysterious atmosphere make for a beautiful picnic spot when the weather’s nice.

Cawdor Castle & Gardens

The magnificent Cawdor Castle & Gardens were built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor in the late 14th-century and is one of the most popular attractions to visit while in Inverness.

At the Castle’s very centre sits a legendary holly tree, said to have been a part of the estate since 1372 AD! The Castle also holds an excellent cafe and shop that is the perfect place to grab lunch as you explore the immersive history of Cawdor.

After lunch at the cafe, it’s worth your while to explore the stunning Castle Gardens, home to unique flora and wildlife, especially the birdlife that makes its home at Cawdor Castle & Gardens.

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church

Your first look at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church is jaw-dropping and is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching churches of the historic buildings that line the River Ness.

The Church welcomes visitors from all over the world to its wonderfully decorated interior. The Church is built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture, which boasts a stunning resemblance to some of the grandest Medevil buildings.

The spectacular design and atmosphere of this Church will undoubtedly draw you in and is well worth a visit.

Inverness Ice Centre

Keen to pick up a new skill while on holiday at Inverness? The Inverness Ice Centre is the best place to learn how to ice skate or the basics of sports like curling and ice hockey!

If you’re already a recreational skater, the Ice Centre will be happy to let you strut your stuff and let loose on its immaculate ice rink arena! It’s a great place to take the family and children too, and you can spend a whole afternoon messing around on the ice as you explore new skills.

Best of all? The first lesson is free at the Inverness Ice Centre, so you have no reason not to try something new!

Inverness Highland Games

If you find yourself lucky enough to be visiting Inverness during the summer month of July, then the Inverness Highland Games should be at the top of your list of things to do!

These traditional games started in 1822 and have some classic Scottish games to look forward to. You can look forward to piping competitions, Highland dancing, live music, stonemason’s stone, and many more! Finding out who is the strongest man and woman is a particularly thrilling event that you can’t miss.

The Highland Games are a Scottish spectacle that has been a part of the Scottish Highlands region for centuries. It’s worth it to plan your trip around accommodating this exciting tradition.

Inverness Library

Inverness Library has a vibrant and fascinating history, and we’re not just talking about the expansive collection of books and archives the Library holds!

This Library was initially built as a school in 1841 before transitioning to a courthouse, police station, and then a theatre before finally becoming the Library in 1980! This tumultuous history is core to the building’s style and design, making it one of the unique attractions you can visit while in the city.

An extensive collection of books within its stunning architecture makes for an excellent afternoon of reading and relaxation if you want some quiet.

Chanonry Point

Chanonry Point is about a half-hour drive away from Inverness that treats you to stunning visuals of the Firths Moray and Beauty along the way! The Point overlooks the Firth and is well-known for the dolphins that can frequently be seen from its high vantage point.

The Point also features a beautiful beach, a romantic evening hotspot for those who want a bit of personal time with loved ones away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Explore the Moray Firth

The Moray Firth is a sea loch that you can find just north of Inverness and is host to numerous amounts of things to do!

The most prominent feature of this Firth is the regular occurrence of pods of bottlenose dolphins that make their home here! This, coupled with seals and the occasional Minke Whale, makes any boat trips you have along this Firth one of the most spectacular voyages you can have while visiting Inverness.

The Firth also holds many fascinating attractions along its shores, like the gorgeous Culbin Forest, Chanonry Point, and Fort George. We haven’t even spoken about the romantic walks you can take along its beaches!

Visit Loch Ness

Your mind will eventually wander to the Loch Ness and Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, when you think of Scotland. While in Inverness, you have the chance to take a trip down to this infamous tourist attraction and see if the legends hold up for you!

Loch Ness is the largest freshwater loch in Scotland and has significant sights for you to see as you tour around its edge. Braver visitors may even be tempted to hop aboard a ship and explore the waters of the loch, excited for a chance to see the ever-elusive Loch Ness Monster.

Loch Ness is also revered for the beautiful vistas, rolling hills, and the fact that there are stunning castles and historical sites dotted all around it. So even if Nessie eludes you when you visit, we’re sure you won’t leave disappointed.

Inverness Kart Raceway

Experience the Highland’s #1 Indoor Racing Kart Centre while you’re in Inverness, and you’ll never want to race go-karts anywhere else!

Fulfil your need for speed at this excellent kart racing venue, perfect for the family and birthday parties and corporate events and stag and hen dos too! Inject some thrill into your holiday while in Inverness and see if you can grab one of the top places on Kart Raceway’s leader boards.

Inverness Kart Raceway is undoubtedly one of the most fun and exciting activities you can get up to as you wander through Inverness, so adding it to your to-do list is a must!

Flora MacDonald Statue

Standing in front of the Inverness Castle is one of the most detailed and intricate statues in Scotland depicting the famous Flora MacDonald.

Forever encased in bronze, this famous historical figure who helped Charles Edward Stuart escape is a marvel to look upon. Located conveniently near the Inverness Castle, you can take a several minutes’ walk and stumble upon her overlooking the city of Inverness.

Visit the statue at night, and the twinkling lights of the city centre are one of the most pretty ways to enjoy Inverness, with the Great Glen and Inverness Cathedral visible on clear days.

Explore Inverness City Centre

The city of Inverness is known as the Capital of the Highlands, and as you explore the winding cobbled streets and alleys, it’s easy to see why. From the high street to the city’s parks, you won’t be lacking in things to do in Inverness while you’re here.

Wander through the town, and you’ll find an excellent selection of cafes, shops, and restaurants to shop ’til you drop by and bring home a couple of souvenirs while you’re at it! You can use the affordable bus station terminals for accessible public transport between hotspots as you navigate the city.

As the sun sets, the city comes alive with nightlife and walking through the high street. It’s not uncommon to hear live music and an amicable atmosphere that begs you to mingle with the locals.

Merkinch Local Nature Reserve

One of the many hidden gems of Inverness is the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, home to many incredible wildlife species like roe deer, weasels, and a wide range of bird species!

The Nature Reserve can take anywhere from an hour to two hours, depending on how quick you go through it but to fully enjoy the reserve, make sure to stop and sit for a bit. The friendly bird species may even take a liking to you and come closer – perfect for pictures!

This Nature Reserve is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and grants you a look at the wildlife of Scotland without having to leave the city!

Kessock Bridge

As you explore Inverness, one attraction will undoubtedly catch your eye again and again – The Kessock Bridge, an example of one of Scotland’s most beautiful suspension bridges.

The Kessock Bridge extends over the Firths of Beauty and Moray and is the best way to travel into the north Scottish Highlands from the town centre. The Bridge itself is a spectacular feat of architecture and design and grants stunning views of the two Firths and the city of Inverness.

You’ll likely cross over the Kessock Bridge as you explore the many attractions around Inverness, but make sure to give some appreciation to this magnificent structure.

Enjoy Bught  Park

Bught Park in the town of Inverness has stunning views of the River Ness as it flows through to the Firth of Moray.

Home to excellent pitches regularly filled with Inverness locals playing football or rugby, the Bught Park in Inverness is the go-to Park when you wind down your busy day exploring Inverness.

And if you’re looking to bring your pup along with you during your holiday, this Park will undoubtedly be their favourite attraction!

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre

As you head westwards from the town centre of Inverness, make sure to stop by the Culloden Battlefield – the site of the last and most harrowing pitch battle in Scotland.

This fascinating historical site is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland and has an incredibly informative visitor centre that aims to recount the details of this Jacobite rebellion. Compete with interactive exhibits, an immersive sound experience, and even preserved artefacts from the battle!

Just nearby, you can also find the Clava Cairns, a collection of Bronze Age historical sites. Having both of these attractions is necessary for a full day of activities.

Taking an afternoon to visit the pinnacle attraction of Culloden Battlefield is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Inverness, so make sure to add it to your bucket list next time you visit.

Fort George

One of the most awe-inspiring fortresses in Scotland is Fort George, sitting overlooking the waters for over 250 years!

Today, you can take a trip straight into the Fort’s centre and explore this extraordinary compound used by King George’s army. Some of its top hotspots are the Highlander Museum, the Dog Graveyard, and the Grand Magazine.

Peruse combat memorabilia and learn about soldiers’ lives over 200 years ago. We’re sure that you won’t have an experience quite like this while visiting Scotland anywhere else.

Leakey’s Bookshop

Leakey’s Second-Hand Bookshop is one attraction you don’t want to miss out on while exploring Church Street in Inverness.

Its interior is eccentric and extraordinary, filled with a mishmash of purples, blues, and greens – and of course, lots of books! Leakey’s is Scotland’s second largest second-hand bookshop and contains over 100,000 volumes to browse through. The bookshop has a warm and comforting atmosphere, partly given by the roaring fireplace that keeps Leakey’s nice and toasty!

Why not pick up or leave a copy of your favourite book at Leakey’s? We bet that it will be one of the highlights of your holiday.

Eden Court Theatre & Cinema

Do yourself a favour and grab a ticket to a show at the Eden Court Theatre & Cinema; it’s one of the most entertaining things you can do while in Inverness.

From Opera to comedy, this Court Theatre is adept at providing you with shows that will be the highlight of your evening! We especially recommend the Theatre’s live performances, as the atmosphere and immersion you receive from being within the stunning Theatre is unparalleled.

And if you’re looking for light snacks, the Court Theatre’s cafe and restaurant serve up a bounty of great food and drinks to enjoy an interlude between shows.

Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre

Tomatin Highland Single Malt Whisky is one experience you should certainly treat yourself to while visiting Inverness. Although it’s a little out of your way, taking just over 25-minutes to reach, it’s one of the best whisky distilleries in the Scottish Highlands.

You can receive one of the guided tours from one of the knowledgable and passionate distillery workers about the intricate and detailed process that creates their blend of excellent single malt whisky. Afterwards, you can sample one of the many tasting sessions that Tomatin Distillery offers and get a worldwide perception of whiskies.

We bet you’ll want to pick up one or two single malt whisky blends at the Tomatin whisky shop!

Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal takes you along the 60-miles of the Loch Ness and the River Ness. You won’t receive more of a thorough look at the beauty of Scotland’s largest loch than a trip aboard one of the many boat trips.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a ticket and be gifted with a fantastic tour of the Loch Ness or take your boat aboard its waters, the long stretch of this loch in Scotland is one attraction that you won’t want to miss out on.

Highland House of Fraser

The Highland House of Fraser is one of the most well-known shops in Inverness, famous for its custom and high-quality traditional Scottish kilts.

This family business has been in operation for 50-years and is steeped in the tradition of creating the Highland Dress. We encourage you to come and visit and peruse the wide variety of beautiful Scottish kilts available here – It’ll be tough to pick just one to take home with you!

Other Things To Do in Highlands

• Things to do in Arisaig
• Things to do in Aviemore
• Things to do in Beauly
• Things to do in Brora
• Things to do in Caithness
• Things to do in Carrbridge
• Things to do in Drumnadrochit
• Things to do in Fort Augustus
• Things to do in Fort William
• Things to do in Gairloch
• Things to do in Invergordon
• Things to do in Kingussie
• Things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh
• Things to do in Lochinver
• Things to do in Loch Ness
• Things to do in Nairn
• Things to do in Newtonmore
• Things to do in Strathpeffer
• Things to do in Thurso
• Things to do in Ullapool
• Things to do in Wick

Graham Grieve

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• 17 Must Visit Attractions In...

27 Must-Visit Attractions in and Around Inverness, Scotland

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is surrounded by a wealth of places to visit. From naturally beautiful areas such as Loch Ness to man-made marvels including Cawdor Castle, the scope of things to see and do can be dizzying. Here are the best attractions in the area.

Natural Feature

Urquhart Castle

Museum, Ruins

Culloden Battlefield

Memorial, Ruins

Falcon Square

Hogwarts express and the scenic highlands tour.

Architectural Landmark

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Cawdor Castle and Gardens

River Ness and the Inverness Castle

Clava Cairns

Cemetery, Historical Landmark

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Botanical Garden

A subtropical wonderland in northern Scotland, the Inverness Botanic Gardens grow an astounding array of plants, from cacti to pitcher plants, with added fish ponds and even a waterfall. The sheltered outdoor garden is colourful and an excellent place to walk around on a sunny day; as the gardens sit between the Caledonian Canal and the River Ness, the opportunities to walk further are tempting.

Fort George

Ruins, Historical Landmark

Inverness Cathedral

One of the more defining landmarks in Inverness, the cathedral, designed by architect Alexander Ross, stands as a monument to the religious beliefs in the area. With its foundation stone laid in 1866, it was the second cathedral built following the reformation.

Eden Court Highlands

Munlochy clootie well, beauly priory, glenmorangie distillery.

Glen Affric

The Caledonian Canal

Glen ord distillery, rzss highland wildlife park.

Specialising in native Scottish wildlife and other colder weather creatures, the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park has received acclaim for its Scottish wildcat breeding programme, as it tries to save the species from extinction. Other natural treasures include native grey wolves, polar bears and red pandas.

Apart from the miles of sand, the challenging golf course, the walks, the shops and the excellent places to eat, the beauty of this little seaside town is that it’s only a 15-minute train ride from Inverness. Actress Tilda Swinton lives here, and with good reason; it’s a lovely corner of the world.

If you want to sample traditional Highland hospitality, drink, music and dance, Hootananny is perhaps the best option. On Fridays and Saturdays, some of the tables are cleared to enable ceilidh dancing, bringing with it many smiles, laughter and a feeling of accomplishment when you remember the steps.

Victorian Market

Built in the 19th century, this picturesque market is home to an abundance of cool craft shops and independent boutiques. If you start to feel peckish, the market also has a selection of delicious cafes and eateries.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Built to house the artefacts that tell the story of Inverness, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers you an insight into Highland life. Meanwhile, the adjoining art galleries feature both permanent and temporary exhibitions, with a special highlight on local artists.

Leakey’s Bookshop

Among the largest bookshops in Scotland – and built inside a former church – Leakey’s Bookshop is a literature lover’s dream. With everything from rare prints to classic editions, there is sure to be something that catches your eye. The shop also houses a cafe, which is perfect for taking a break.

Highlanders’ Museum

Showcasing the rich military history of Scotland’s Highland regiments, the Highlanders’ Museum is a must-visit for any history buff. Chronicling the Highland soldiers’ history from the nearby Battle of Culloden straight through to the active regiments of today, the museum shares the lives of the soldiers as well as some of their greatest victories.

Ness Islands

Lying in the middle of the River Ness, the Ness Islands are the perfect destination for a leisurely Sunday stroll. Crossing Victorian suspension bridges over to the islands, you’ll find several nature trails that will lead you around the area and past other local attractions, such as the Inverness Botanic Gardens and Whin Park.

Additional reporting by Nicholas Grantham

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By road
• 2.3 By train
• 2.5 By boat
• 3.2 By taxi
• 3.3 By bike
• 4.1 In town
• 4.2 Further out
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

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Inverness ( Scottish Gaelic : Inbhir Nis , "Mouth of the River Ness") is a city in The Great Glen and Strathspey area of the Scottish Highlands , at the point where the River Ness flows out into the Moray Firth.

Inverness is the only town of any size in the Highlands, and is the region's commercial and administrative centre. It's an agreeable Victorian town that has no stand-out tourist attractions of its own, but has good transport and choice of lodging and eating places. So it's a good base for exploring nearby Loch Ness, Black Isle, Culloden, Spey Valley and Cairngorm National Park.

Inverness is at the north end of the great fault line and valley through the Highlands, so it controls trade and transport routes. There was a Pictish and early Christian settlement by the 6th century, and it was the abode of that much-maligned 11th-century ruler Macbeth. Town and castle were wrecked by conflicts on many occasions, the last incursion being the Jacobites in 1746. The present castle is from 1835.

Inverness is nominally a city but feels like a provincial market town. The hinterland is thinly populated, lacks mineral resources and is a long way from major conurbations, so local industry has always been on a small scale. What you see now is mostly Victorian, with an encrustation of modern shop fronts. In 2022 Inverness had a population of 47,800.

VisitScotland iCentre is the tourist office, at 36 High Street ( ☏ +44 1463 252401 ), open daily 9:30AM-5PM.

They'll point you towards Loch Ness a few miles south, but the River Ness through town had the first recorded sighting of the monster, in the 5th century AD. St Columba was in the area to meet the local Pictish king when it raised its slimy head, but he made the Sign of the Cross, which shooed it away.

Take your time, the roads north of Perth are in good repair but mostly undivided, with few safe overtaking stretches and plenty of speed cameras.

From the south travel up A9 via Perth and Aviemore. Starting from Edinburgh follow M90 over the Forth road bridge to Perth; from Glasgow follow M80 / A9 past Stirling. From the London area you could go either way: via M1 / A1 to Newcastle and Edinburgh, or M1 / M6 / M74 past Carlisle onto M73 then M80. Bleak Drumochter Pass approaching Aviemore is the only stretch that might be blocked by snow, but it's seldom.

From Aberdeen via the A96 is 110 miles (176 km). The A82 tracks through the Great Glen from the south-west, from Fort William and Loch Ness.

From Thurso and Wick in the far north follow A9.

Inverness has trains from Edinburgh and Glasgow (direct every couple of hours or change at Perth, 4 hours), from Aberdeen (every two hours, 2 hr 15 min), from Kyle of Lochalsh for Skye (four per day, 2 hr 40 min) and from Wick and Thurso for Orkney (four per day, 4 hours). Travelling from England usually involves changing in Edinburgh, but there is one direct daytime train from London King's Cross via York and Newcastle, taking 8 hours.

The Caledonian Highland Sleeper runs Su-F from London Euston , departing around 9:30PM to arrive by 9AM. (Other portions for Aberdeen and Fort William divide at Edinburgh.) The southbound train leaves Inverness around 7PM to reach Euston towards 8AM. No trains on Saturday night. Compartments have two berths and are sold like hotel rooms: you pay extra for single occupancy, and you won't be sharing with a stranger. Tickets can be booked at any UK mainline railway station or online: in 2024 a single sleeper fare is around £270 for one or £300 for two people. You can also just use the sitting saloon, single £55. If you have an existing ticket or rail pass for a daytime train you need to buy a sleeper supplement. Pricing is dynamic: weekends cost more, if indeed there are berths available. Booking is open 12 months ahead and you need to print out your e-ticket to present on boarding.

57.4798 -4.2235 2 Inverness railway station is in city centre on Academy Street. It has a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a news shop; no cafe but plenty of pubs and eateries on the street outside. There is step-free access to all platforms. Lockers for luggage charge £5 for a small locker, which fits a backpack. Plusbus tickets are available.

Buses run every hour or so from Edinburgh and Glasgow via Perth and Aviemore. The main operators are Citylink , Parks of Hamilton and Megabus.

Travel from England usually involves changing in Edinburgh, but National Express and Megabus have a few through-services.

Stagecoach Bus 10 runs from Aberdeen via Huntly, Elgin, Forres and Nairn, taking four hours to Inverness. It runs every two hours M-Sa and every three hours on Sunday.

Citylink / Stagecoach Bus 919 runs from Fort William along the A82 via Spean Bridge, Laggan, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle and Drumnadrochit. There are four M-Sa and two on Sunday.

Stagecoach Bus 917 runs twice daily from Portree on Skye along the A82 and A87 via Broadford, Kyle of Lochalsh, Dornie, Invermoriston, Castle Urquhart and Drumnadrochit. Change at Portree for ferries from the Western Isles via Uig.

Citylink Bus 961 runs from Ullapool, ferry port for Stornoway on Lewis, twice M-Sa and once on Sunday.

There are buses at least hourly to the Black Isle: from Inverness to Invergordon and Tain (with a few continuing to Brora and Helmsdale), to Fortrose and Cromarty, and to Dingwall and Strathpeffer.

Stagecoach Highlands X99 runs twice M-Sa from Thurso and Wick via Tain to Inverness, 4 hours.

57.481 -4.225 3 Inverness bus station is in Farraline Park, a couple of blocks northwest of the railway station. The bus station has a ticket office with luggage storage, cafe and toilets.

Inverness port has freight but no passenger vessels. Cruise ships often dock at Invergordon, 20 miles north. Most visitors will be on package coach trips of the area, but you could also ride into town independently on the train in less than an hour. But with only four trains per day you need to be sure of your connections.

Caledonian Canal links the Beauly Firth through Loch Ness to Fort William and the sea at Loch Linnhe. The latter is usually well-sheltered, so small craft can easily continue to Glencoe, Oban and Mull.

Inverness is fairly small and you're unlikely to use the bus. Bus 3 runs to Culloden, and Bus 11 to the airport and the seaside town of Nairn. Bus 16 runs along the east bank of Loch Ness from Inverness to Dores, Inverfarigaig and Foyers, four times M-F and twice on Saturday.

Operators include Inverness Taxis ( ☏ +44 1463 222222 ), A2B ( ☏ +44 1463 807060 ), Capital ( ☏ +44 1463 808080 ) and Inverness Premier Taxis ( ☏ +44 1463 800223 ).

They can usually offer minibuses suitable for groups, and pick up from the airport or Invergordon cruiser terminal for day tours. They'll be fully booked when there's a major golf tournament in town.

You don't need one in town, but bike is a good way to reach Loch Ness, and the sights around Culloden. Inverness Bike Hire are based at 12A Church Street. Open daily 9AM-11PM.

Ticket to Ride bike hire are based at Bellfield Park. Open daily 9AM-5.30PM.

• Victorian Market , in an arcade opposite the railway station, is open M-Sa 6AM-6PM.
• 57.4792 -4.2277 2 Abertarff House , 71 Church St IV1 1ES . Apr-Oct Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM . Built in 1593, the oldest house in Inverness, now run by the National Trust for Scotland, with a small exhibition and garden. Free . ( updated Aug 2024 )

• Chapel Yard Cemetery is just off Chapel Street. Its denizens are mostly 19th-century, but the original Chapel of St Mary, part of a monastery, was 14th-century. Chapel and monastery are long gone as Cromwell carried off the masonry to build a bastion.
• St Mary's 200 yards downstream from St Andrews is the main Roman Catholic church, built in 1837, with fine stained glass windows and altar. It's not a cathedral as the RC diocese is based in Aberdeen.
• Balnain House just downstream from Greig St Bridge is a fine mansion of 1726 but only occasionally open.
• Knocknagael Boar Stone is Pictish, carved around 600 AD, showing a wild boar amidst spirals and bristles. It's been moved from the farm where it was found to the south side of the Highland Council offices on Glenurquhart Rd.
• 57.4632 -4.2404 5 Inverness Botanic Gardens , Bught Lane IV3 5SS ( 1 mile S of centre off A82 ), ☏ +44 1463 701019 . Daily 9:30AM-4PM . Glasshouse and gardens, with a range of exotic plants, plus a cafe. Assistance dogs only. Free . ( updated Aug 2024 )

Further out

• 57.477 -4.269 6 Craig Phadrig is a forested hill of 564 ft (172 m) topped by a vitrified fort, It was built around 4th century AD and occupied to the 7th, and is probably the place where St Columba met King Bridei mac Maelchon. But at some point the fort burned so furiously that its stone was fused into glass. It's an active forestry site so you may have to work around logging.
• 57.4332 -4.3023 7 Dochgarroch Locks are where Loch Ness drains into the Caledonian Canal towards town. This north tip of Loch Ness is called Loch Dochfour but it's the same body of water.
• 57.4494 -4.1926 8 Druid Temple is more accurately a neolithic burial cairn and stone circle, rather overgrown. You may be able to access it via Druid Farm and Shop just east. A similar cairn and circle was found at Raigmore when the A9 was re-routed towards Kessock Bridge; it was moved to a nearby site which is now difficult to access amidst hospital and industrial buildings.
• Culloden , five miles east, is best known for the 1746 battlefield where Bonny Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally shattered. It also has the Bronze Age "Clava Cairns", and Cawdor Castle associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth .
• River Ness and Caledonian Canal stretch for eight miles between Loch Dochfour (the pool at the north end of Loch Ness) and Beauly Firth, the reach of sea just below Inverness. It's a pleasant picturesque stroll, or bike-ride if you're trying to reach the loch. Going upstream from town centre, follow either river bank up to the wooded Ness Islands. Above here, be on the west bank (passing the Botanic Gardens) to come onto the canal towpath, which is the best route upstream.
• 57.473 -4.2308 1 Eden Court Theatre , Bishops Road IV3 5SA , ☏ +44 1463 234 234 (box office) . A theatre, arts and cinema venue. They host Under Canvas music festival throughout July and August. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Vue Cinema is on the big retail park east of town.

• Football: 57.4953 -4.2168 2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle were relegated in 2024 and now play soccer in Scottish League One, the third tier. Their home ground Caledonian Stadium (capacity 7500) is off the last A9 exit before Kessock Bridge. In Feb 2000 Caley's shock 3-1 away cup victory over Celtic inspired a legendary headline in The Sun : "Super Caley Go Ballistic, Celtic Are Atrocious".
• Rugby   : Highland RFC play rugby union in National League One, the amateur game's second tier in Scotland. They play at Canal Park, two miles upriver.
• Dolphin-spotting: boat trips run Apr-Oct from Inverness Marina. The main operator is Dolphin Spirit . They run trips in conventional motor boats, and Rib-rides that are wet and bouncy but cover more of the area. To see dolphins from shore, best cross to the Black Isle and stand at Chanonry Point as the tide starts to come in.
• Boat-trips on Loch Ness : Jacobite Cruises are based in Inverness and sail the north end of the loch. Others sail from Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus .
• Look up your ancestors: Highland Archive Centre is in Bught Park near the Botanic Garden, open M Tu Th 10AM-12:30PM, 2-4:30PM.
• Golf: nearby courses are Inverness GC near Raigmore Hospital, Kings south along the river, and Loch Ness or Fairways south edge of town. Torvean has closed and is being turned over to housing.
• Great Glen Way is a long-distance hiking trail to Fort William , 73 miles / 116 km.
• Inverness Music Festival is probably held 6-23 March 2025, tbc.
• Inverness Highland Games are held on Bught Park. The next are probably on Sa 12 July 2025, tbc.
• Loch Ness Marathon follows the minor roads along the east side of the loch from Fort Augustus to Inverness, with the next on Sunday 29 Sept 2024.

The town's main shopping area runs from the Eastgate Centre , a mall next to the station, through a pedestrian precinct down to the River Ness bridge. There's no limit to the number of tartan and Scottish souvenir shops you can find along the strip, plus the usual department stores and services.

The Inverness Centre is a retail park off A96 two miles east of town. It has a Vue cinema, a Pizza Express and Nando's, a Holiday Inn, and Tesco; fill up on fuel here if you're going further into the Highlands.

• Highland Food & Drink Trail is a line of takeaway food trucks on Ness Walk outside the cathedral.
• 57.475 -4.2333 1 The Bakery , 72 Tomnahurich Street IV3 5DT , ☏ +44 1463 418918 . M-Sa 6AM-3PM . Popular local bakery with loaves, pies, sweet pastries, croissants and more. It's at the corner of Glenurquhart Rd, handy for the council offices, and for the B&B strip in case Mrs Macbeth's catering is parsimonious. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Indian cuisine includes Namaste Inbhir Nis in the Victorian market, Cinnamon near Eastgate Centre, Sam's on Church St, Rajah on Post Office Lane just off Church St, Mumbai Thistle on Academy St by the railway station, Mangrove further down that street, and Shapla by Ness Bridge.
• Perk Cafe at 3 Church St serves coffee and doughnuts by day (daily 8AM-3PM), martinis by night (Th-Su 4-11:30PM).
• Heathmount Hotel half a mile east of the centre has good dining, see Sleep.
• Fig & Thistle is a bistro south side of Eastgate Centre, open W-Sa noon-3PM, 5:30-11PM.
• Culture Cafe is a vegetarian cafe-deli at 11 Chapel St, open W-M 9:30AM-3:30PM.
• 57.4788 -4.2281 2 Mustard Seed , 16 Fraser Street IV1 1DW , ☏ +44 1463 220220 . Daily noon-2:30PM, 5-9PM . This sounds Indian but it's modern European fare in a former church on the riverbank. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4767 -4.2284 3 Rocpool , 1 Ness Walk IV3 5NE , ☏ +44 1463 717274 . Tu-Sa noon-2:30PM, 6-10PM . Quality Scottish food in a contemporary setting. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Contrast Brasserie is within Glenmoriston Town House, open M-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5-10PM, Su 1-10PM.
• Number 27 is a small friendly restaurant at 27 Castle St serving trad Scots fare, open daily to 11PM.
• Cafe 1 , 75 Castle Street IV2 3EA , ☏ +44 1463 226200 . M Tu 3-11PM, W Th noon-2:30PM, 5-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight . Good place for an early evening meal, gets great reviews. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• La Tortilla Asesina , 99 Castle Street IV2 3EA , ☏ +44 1463 709809 . Daily noon-10PM . Tapas bar with rustic decor. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4788 -4.2208 4 Little Italy , 8 Stephen's St IV2 3JN , ☏ +44 1463 712963 . M-Th 5-9PM, F Sa noon-9PM . Cosy family-run restaurant, mainly serving pasta and pizza, and antipasti sharing platters. Daily lunch specials on blackboard. ( updated Aug 2024 )

• Hootananny , 67 Church Street IV1 1ES ( by Albertaff House ), ☏ +44 1463 233651 . Su-Th 5PM-1AM, F 5PM-3AM, Sa 2PM-3AM . Live Celtic music most nights. Good trad food and inexpensive. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Black Isle Bar , 68 Church Street IV1 1EN ( by Abertaff House ), ☏ +44 1463 229920 . Daily noon-midnight . A bar with rooms run by Black Isle Brewery. They have a dozen beers on tap from their own organic brewery and some others, and serve good pizza from a wood-fired oven. Family- and dog-friendly. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• The King's Highway , 72 Church Street IV1 1EN ( block north of Victorian Market ), ☏ +44 1463 251800 . Daily 7AM-1AM . Reliable JD Wetherspoon with decent meals and rooms. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Walrus & Corkscrew , 105 Church Street IV1 1Ey , ☏ +44 1463 221237 . Tu-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su M 3-11PM . Cosy wine bar with cheese, meat and veggie platters. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Uilebheist is a distillery and brewery on the east riverbank a quarter mile south of the castle, in the former Glen Mhor Hotel. Tours are available but the whisky only goes on sale from March 2026.
• 57.5325 -4.3025 1 Black Isle Brewery , Munlochy IV8 8NZ ( A9 north to Black Isle ), ☏ +44 1463 811871 . Tours daily 10AM-4PM . Independent brewery producing a range of organic beers, with bars in Inverness (above) and Fort William, plus rooms. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.382 -4.3331 2 Dores Inn , Dores IV2 6TR ( 8 miles south of Inverness on B862 ), ☏ +44 1463 751203 . W-Su noon-10PM . On a warm summer's evening, this inn on the northeast shore of Loch Ness is a particularly pleasant place to linger over a beer. Good trad pub food. ( updated Aug 2024 )
• See Dingwall for the Singleton Distillery at Muir of Ord 15 miles west.
• Bairds Malt produce malt for the brewing industry but aren't themselves brewers. Dolphin Spirit is a disappointment if you were expecting craft gin, they go out on boats to see some overgrown fish.

Inverness is a commercial and local government hub so it has lots of mid-range chain hotels for business travellers, mostly round the outskirts. Glenurquhart Road, which is the A82 south towards Loch Ness, is lined with small B&Bs and guesthouses. The Inverness Guest House Association has a selection of 24 properties, all of which have been graded 3, 4 or 5 stars by Visit Scotland or the AA.

• Black Isle Hostel , 47 Academy St IV1 1LP ( opposite railway station ), ☏ +44 1463 233933 . Basic but comfy hostel run by Black Isle Brewery and open year-round. Very central, some street noise. Dorm £31 ppn . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4797 -4.211 1 Inverness Youth Hostel , Victoria Drive IV2 3QB ( half a mile east of station ), ☏ +44 1463 231771 . Large modern hostel open all year. Excellent facilities: internet, laundry, some small rooms en-suite. Dorm £45 ppn . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4748 -4.2251 2 Bazpackers , 4 Culduthel Road IV2 4AB ( foot of lane to castle ), ☏ +44 1463 717663 . Clean informal hostel in a Victorian house, open all year. There's also a self-catering apartment. Dorm £40 ppn . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Inverness Student Hotel is just south of Bazpackers.
• 57.4651 -4.2387 3 Bught Park , Bught Lane IV3 5SR , ☏ +44 1463 236920 . Camping and caravan site open Easter to mid-Sep. Cleanliness varies. It's a pleasant 20-min walk along the river to town centre. Tent or caravan £25 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Bunchrew Caravan Park is open Mar-Sept, double tent £13, caravan £25. It's 3 miles west of town on A862, next to upmarket Bunchrew House Hotel.
• Royal Highland Hotel , 18 Station Square IV1 1LG ( at railway station ), ☏ +44 1463 231926 , [email protected] . Mid-range hotel opened in 1856 and still feels like a trad Highland railway hotel. Some street noise, but decent dining and service. B&B double £200 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4547 -4.2202 4 Dunhallin House , 164 Culduthel Road IV2 4BH ( 1½ miles S of centre ), ☏ +44 1463 220824 , [email protected] . Comfortable accommodation in a quiet setting, no children. The owners are friendly and helpful. B&B double £150 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Moyness House is a restful small B&B in Bruce Gardens off A82, open Feb-Dec.
• Park Guest House , 51 Glenurquhart Road IV3 5PB ( 100 yards north of Avalon ), ☏ +44 1463 231858 . Hospitable trad B&B in a substantial ivy-clad Victorian villa. B&B double £80 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4681 -4.2384 5 Avalon Guest House , 79 Glenurquhart Road IV3 5PB ( a mile south of centre on A82 ), ☏ +44 1463 239075 . The rooms are beautiful and the owners are friendly and helpful. Assistance dogs only. B&B double £110 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4783 -4.2266 6 Mercure Inverness Hotel , Church Street IV1 1DX , ☏ +44 1463 548111 , [email protected] . Reliable mid-range chain hotel, very central, pricy for what you get. Doubles (room only) from £150 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4757 -4.2171 7 Heathmount Hotel , Kingsmills Road IV2 3JU , ☏ +44 1463 235877 . Pleasant hotel with restaurant and bar half a mile east of town centre. B&B double £130 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• Mid-price chains: Premier Inn is on Huntly St on the west bank of the river and another just west of the canal bridge on A82. Best Western is on Ardross Terrace just south of Ness Bridge, Travelodge is by Fairways Golf Course on the south edge of town, Jury's Inn is at the junction of A9 and A96 on the northeast edge of town, and Holiday Inn Express is by the retail park on A96 two miles east of town.
• Airport: see Culloden#Sleep for the Courtyard Hotel.

• 57.4697 -4.2311 8 Ness Walk Hotel , 12 Ness Walk IV3 5SQ , ☏ +44 1463 215215 . Glowing reviews for this riverside hotel in a 19th-century mansion. B&B double £400 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4728 -4.2273 9 Glenmoriston Town House , 20 Ness Bank IV2 4SF , ☏ +44 1463 223777 . Smart riverside hotel with brasserie. B&B double £130 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4825 -4.3006 10 Bunchrew House , Bunchrew IV3 8TA ( 3 miles west of city off A862 ), ☏ +44 1463 234917 . Wonderful country house hotel: bun craobh means "near the tree", which doesn't much help you find it. The original house of 1505 was tiny, then the present mansion was built in 1621 in baronial style. In 1745 its owners the Forbes backed the government against Bonnie Prince Charlie but received scant thanks and went bust. A happier development in the 19th century was that the bone manure factory closed down. The house passed to politician Sir Malcolm Rifkin (b 1946) who converted it into a hotel in 1986. It earns top scores from guests and is often a wedding venue. B&B double £200 . ( updated Aug 2024 )
• 57.4729 -4.2071 11 Kingsmills Hotel , Culcabock Rd IV2 3LP ( a mile east of centre ), ☏ +44 1463 237166 . Upscale hotel by the golf course, great reviews for comfort and service. B&B double £150 . ( updated Aug 2024 )

As of Aug 2024, the town has 5G from all UK carriers, and its approach roads have 4G.

Inverness Library , Farraline Park IV1 1NH ( behind bus station ), ☏ +44 1349 781370 . M-F 9AM-6:30PM, Sa 9AM-5PM . This offers internet access, but you need to register for this and other facilities. ( updated Aug 2024 )

• Culloden is best known for the battlefield where Bonny Prince Charlie's forces were shattered in 1746. It also has the Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site.
• Nairn is the closest beach resort. Nearby is the extensive, well-preserved Fort George.
• Loch Ness starts 8 miles south, and stretches for 23 miles. The main road and facilities are along the west bank, with Drumnadrochit the largest centre.
• Cairngorms National Park covers a wide tract of highland country. The most accessible part from Inverness is Cairngorm mountain itself above Aviemore , a ski resort with a funicular railway.
• Fort William is close to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, and to Nevis Range ski and mountain resort.
• North are the wilds of Ross and Cromarty and Caithness and Sutherland . If you get all the way to Thurso you can take a ferry to the Orkneys, and from there to Shetland.
• North Coast 500 is a 500-mile (800-km) road circuit of those regions, and Inverness is the usual start and finish point.

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The capital of the Highlands, Inverness is located in a magnificent setting at the beginning of the Moray Firth. The modern city centre is dominated by its magnificent red stone Castle, built in 1834, on the site of a much older fortress.

The castle sits on an high embankment overlooking the River Ness, where the river banks have been laid-out with attractive gardens and lined with trees. From the jetty you can take a cruise down the river to Lock Ness or a dolphin and wildlife cruise into the Moray Firth. Across the river are the twin towers of St Andrews Cathedral, consecrated in 1869. The tower spires are conspicuous by there absence as funds ran out before they could be completed. Nevertheless, it is still worth visiting for its fine carved columns and unusual octagonal chapter house. There is also a nearby shop and tearoom which makes an ideal stop-off point. Just below the castle, on Castle Wynd, is the City's modern museum, art gallery and tourist information centre.

Today the town is the main communications centre for the Highlands, as well as a market town and a business centre. The centre is compact and easy to walk around for either shopping or sight seeing. Many of the elegant sandstone Georgian buildings, bordering both sides of the river, have been converted to hotels and guest houses. There are many good restaurants and cafés, centred around Bridge Street, that serve both international and traditional Scottish fare. Academy Street has a excellent choice of pubs, many hosting live music from traditional to local bands. The Eden Court Theatre, located near the cathedral, provides a local venue for shows, music and cinema.

Inverness is one of the oldest settlements in Scotland, indicated by the many prehistoric burial cairns, carved stones and other archaeology in the area. The best known is the remains of Craig Phadraig, an iron age hill fort that rises to the west of Inverness. The name 'Inverness' is Gaelic for "river mouth of the Ness", upon which it stands. The town is ringed by mountain ranges to the north, west and south. The famous Colludon Moor is located just to the east of the city, where in 1746 the Jacobite cause was eventually quelled and the English finally conquered the Scots. Old Leanach Cottage, which survived the battle that had raged around it, is now the centre piece of a museum that tells the story of the bloody battle.

The oldest building in town is Queen Mary's House, which has been so highly restored that little of the original fabric remains. Abertarff House in Church Street, built for Lord Lovat in 1593, has a rare turnpike stair (a medieval spiral staircase) and is now the regional headquarters of the National Trust for Scotland. Balnain House, on the banks of the River Ness, was once a small museum devoted to Scottish music but sadly closed a few years ago. Nearby is the Highland House of Fraser, the ideal outlet to buy a kilt and tartan. It also houses a visitor's centre with an audiovisual display and history exhibition, plus kilt making demonstrations.

Content by Steve B

Places of Interest to Visit in Inverness

Inverness castle.

Inverness was declared a royal burgh in the 12th-c by King David, who built the first stone keep on Castle Hill. The present castle was built in 1834, and is now a courthouse and administrative centre. A statue of Flora MacDonald stands in front of the main entrance. Erected in 1899, she looks towards the hiding place where she hid Bonnie Prince Charlie after his defeat in 1746. The castle is not open to the public but visitors can walk around the grounds and enjoy the picturesque views across the river.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

The image right shows a replica of traditional Highland Shield from the 18th century, made from wood and covered with deer skin.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm. Free Entry Location: Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EB. Tel: 01463 237114

Map of Inverness

Towns and Villages in the Highlands and Islands

Highlands: Fort William, Invergarry, Inverness , Isle of Skye, John o'Groats . Orkney Islands: Kirkwall, Sromness . Shetland Islands: Baltasound, Lerwick, Scalloway . Western Isles: Stornaway.

Places to Visit in the Highlands

Northern Highlands: Attadale Gardens | Assynt | Beinn Eighe | Caithness Horizons | Clan Gunn | Clynelish Distillery | Dalmore Distillery | Dingwall Museum | Dunrobin Castle | Gairloch Museum | Glen Ord Distillery | Museum of Childhood | Historylinks | Inverewe Gardens | Loch Ewe Distillery | Castle of Mey | Timespan Museum | Ullapool Museum Southern Highlands: Ardnamurchan Lighthouse | Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre | Clan Cameron Museum | Glencoe Folk Museum | Glenfinnan Monument | Glencoe Visitor Centre | Glen Nevis Visitor Centre | Land Sea & Island Centre | Lime Tree An Ealdhain Gallery | Mallaig Heritage Centre | Nevis Gondola | The Sunart Centre | Treasures of The Earth | West Highland Museum

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Top things to do in Inverness – A Local’s Guide! [2024]

Dubbed the capital of the Highlands, Inverness has lots to offer visitors and is also the gateway to the NC500 (North Coast 500). You can easily spend a day or two exploring this pretty city or use it as a base to discover the beautiful surrounding countryside (check our post on best day trips from Inverness ). Read on to discover some great Inverness attractions!

Admire Inverness Castle

There are plenty of places to visit in Inverness, however, the castle is definitely a place that draws visitors’ attention. Located on a cliff above the river Ness, the site is ancient with the first castle being built here in 1057, although Robert the Bruce destroyed it in 1308. The red sand stone structure you see today dates from 1836. It also marks the end of the Great Glen Way. You’re unable to visit the castle at present, however, Highland Council have plans to develop the castle and transform it into a major Inverness tourist attraction. Watch this space!

→ Inverness Castle Website

Admire the statue of the legendary Flora MacDonald

Although you’re unable to visit Inverness Castle at present, it’s still worth walking up the hill to admire the Flora MacDonald statue located in front of the castle. This bronze statue honours the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape following the battle at Culloden. You also get a great view of the city, the river below and surrounding area.

Local History at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Head back down the hill from the castle and you’ll find the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (IMAG). This is the place to come to if you’d like to find out a little more about Highland life and the talented artists that call it home. For art lovers, there are two floors full of work by local artists and craft makers. Our favourite part was the photographic exhibition which documents 100 years of history. There’s a lovely café and giftshop on the ground floor which stocks lots of local products. It’s free to enter and is one of the many places suggested in our guide of free things to do in Inverness .

→ Inverness Museum Website

Shopping & Eating at the Victorian Market

Whenever you arrive somewhere new it’s always fun walking around and doing a bit of window shopping. Inverness has a good selection of shops from small boutiques to major chains found in the modern Eastgate Shopping Centre. But for something a little different head to the old Victorian Market, a building that dates back to 1890. Products on offer include handmade chocolates, Celtic jewellery, unusual cakes and sweets and other gifts. There is also a traditional barber if you need a trim. Be sure to try out the Milk Bar for a great coffee and cake!

The Food Market Hall has recently been renovated and has become very popular with locals. There are regular events hosted here including live music as well as storytelling and face painting for little ones – check their ‘what’s on’ page for up-to-date information . There are some great eateries including Ollie’s Pops for their famous pulled pork, Bad Girl Bakery for their amazing sweet treats, The Redshank for fantastic fish & chips, Namaste Inbhir Nis for a taste of India and you can even pick up some shopping at Bad Girl Bakery’s sister company Good Girl Greengrocer’s!

→ The Victorian Market Website

Wander along River Ness Walk and Ness Islands

One of our favourite areas in Inverness! Just a stone’s throw from the castle is the attractive River Ness, which flows through the centre of Inverness. There is a lovely walk along its banks that includes crossing the river on a number of suspension bridges which link little islands. The nature walk is well signposted from the city centre.

→ Ness Islands Website

Highland Food and Drink Trail

Head to the riverside by the Cathedral (Ness Walk) to discover the wonderful new Highland Food and Drink Trail. You’ll find an array of street vendors selling delicious fayre including cullen skink, chilli chicken burrito, pulled burgers, orkney mac, pizzas and smoothies. They’re usually there from Thursday through to Sunday, however, check their website for up-to-date information . There’s a really great buzz about the place – amazing local food in a beautiful setting by the river Ness!

Leakey’s Second Hand Bookshop

It’s like something from Harry Potter in this wonderful old church… the building features stain glass windows and a spiral staircase. The books are piled high from the floor to the ceiling. If you visit in the winter months, then you will really appreciate the central wood burner that keeps the place heated. This is Scotland’s largest collection of rare books and maps. It’s located centrally, just a short walk from the train station and the staff are really friendly.

→ Leaky’s Secondhand book shop Website

Indulge in a “dream ring” 

Since moving to the area, we’ve discovered that “dream rings” from the Harry Gow bakeries, are something of an institution. Described as a “soft brioche bun with a hole in it and filled with cream and vanilla fudge icing”, you can pick them up in their bakery on Union Street (among others). So why not join in with the locals and sample one of these creamy delights. Click here to read a brief history of the family-owned Harry Gow bakery brand.

An evening of live music

Inverness has some great live music venues! There are a few to choose from and our favourites include Hootananny , Gellions , Highlander and MacGregor’s . They’re all located fairly centrally and will deliver you a good time. Nothing beats an evening of live music entertainment.

Let loose at Whin Park

If you’re travelling with children, then a visit to Whin park is a must, it’s a great place to burn off some energy. You can either drive there (it’s located on the opposite side of River Ness) or walk there using the lovely Ness Island walking trail. Allow time for little legs though.

There is loads of space to run around, some great play structures, a well-kept boating lake, crazy golf and of course the brilliant miniature railway. The railway is tons of fun for both kids and adults, take a picnic or pick up a treat from the little shop at the entrance.

→ Whin Park website

Inverness Botanic Gardens

A beautiful green oasis in the city and depending on your time of visit, it has a stunning display of flowering plants. The garden was opened in 1993 by Prince Edward and features heated glass houses, with a range of tropical and arid plants. Our kids loved the cactus house and the café. Entry to the garden is free, but donations are welcomed. It’s located close to Whin Park and can be reached on foot in about half an hour (walk along River Ness + Ness islands) or by car in about 5 minutes.

→ Inverness Botanic Gardens Website

Cathedral and café 

Inverness cathedral is an imposing piece of gothic sandstone architecture, whose foundation stone was laid in 1866 by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Its doors are open all year round from 8am to 7pm and if you wish, you can take a stroll inside for a small entry fee.

From time to time the cathedral plays host to classical music concerts, choir concerts and Scottish dancing, so keep an eye on their events page .

The lovely cafe and gift shop is housed in an ornate stone building adjacent to the cathedral, serving a wonderful array of cakes, soups, filled rolls and quality coffee.

Both the cathedral and café are situated just off the Ness Walk path, close to the Eden Court theatre (see below) and it makes a great stop off, if you choose to do the Ness Islands trail.

Catch a show or a film at Eden Court Theatre

This impressive purpose built theatre feels like the cultural centre of Inverness. Inside, discover the pleasant café bar which serves both drinks and tasty snacks behind huge glass windows, with views to the River Ness. The theatre hosts regular touring companies, including some big productions such as ‘Six the Musical’ and ‘Pride and Prejustice (*sort of)’. There is also a lovely cinema which shows a mix of mainstream and art house movies. While in November, there is a yearly film festival that showcases an eclectic mix of world cinema.

The theatre is located on the banks of the River Ness close to Bught park/Botanic Gardens and features a well kept garden with a lawn that is perfect to relax on during the summer months. Watch out for the ‘ Under Canvas’ event during July and August where you can expect to find live music, Djs and a wood fired pizza oven.

→ Eden Court website

Walking tour of Inverness with a local

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Walk Inverness (@walkinverness)

Born and bred in Inverness, Cath has been offering guided tours of the city for many years. The walking tour lasts approximately 1hr30 taking in the castle, the river Ness, the cathedral, the Victorian market, the oldest house in Inverness, Abertarff House and more. Cath is an experienced local tour guide who will share many stories, historical fun facts, hidden gems and plenty of insider knowledge.

If there’s no availability on Cath’s tour, you can also check the Inverness City Daily Walking Tour – CLICK HERE.

Inverness Waterways Bike Tours (Ness River + Caledonian Canal)

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Inverness Bike Tours (@invernessbiketours)

Perhaps you’re looking for some more vigourous activities in Inverness? Why not exchange 4 wheels for 2 and try out Inverness Bike tours. They do a great wee tour of the waterways of Inverness . The tour will take you along the river Ness and the legendary Caledonian Canal, which runs from Inverness to Fort William. A knowledgeable local guide will entertain you as you ride in a small group of up to 10 people. Check their website for full details – note, that they operate from March through to October with 2 tours daily.

→ Inverness Bike Tours Website

Swim at Inverness Leisure Centre

Perhaps you’re looking for a work-out or a leisurely swim. Situated close to the Botanic Gardens and at the end of Ness Walk, is the amazing modern Inverness leisure centre. There is plenty of parking, a cafe, a well equipped gym, a climbing wall and an impressive swimming pool complex. It includes water slides, a wave machine, a fun leisure pool – perfect if you have kids – and a serious 25 metre training pool for athletes. While on the upper floor, for adults only, you will find spa facilities such as a sauna, steam room and a solarium. Facilities are open to non-members and are priced individually, please click the link below for further information.

→ Inverness Leisure Centre website  

Urquhart Castle

Inverness sightseeing doesn’t need to be limited to the city… A beautiful 30 minute drive away and you’ll find Urquhart Castle , one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. The ruins of this 13 th century castle sit proudly on a rocky promontory on the banks of Loch Ness. A great location to do some Nessie spotting! It has a long and colourful history and was involved in a tug of war battle between the English and the Scots during the Wars of independence. Another must on your Scottish bucket list! Read our detailed post full of top tips if you’re planning to visit Urquhart Castle.

Here’s a selection of organised Loch Ness and/or Urquhart Castle tours you might enjoy

→ Click HERE to book a trip on Loch Ness Cruise combined with a visit to Urquhart Castle (3 hours)

→ CLICK here to book a 50 minute cruise on Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle (note: you don’t get off the boat)

→ Click HERE to book a Loch Ness & Caledonian Canal 2 hour Cruise

Culloden Battlefield

If you have your own transport and are looking for things to do near Inverness, head to Culloden Battlefield , an easy 15-minute drive from Inverness. There is something incredibly moving and atmospheric about this place. This is the plac e where the last battle was fought between the Jacobites (those faithful to the Stuart monarchy) and the government troops back in April 1746. 1500 Jacobites were slain within an hour and the battle marked the end of the Jacobite Rising. Visitors can walk on the ‘battlefield’, see some of the clan headstones and immerse themselves in the visitor centre. Our kids were particularly taken with the 360-degree battle immersion theatre (it’s a bit gruesome so we’d only recommend for older kids). You could easily combine a visit to both Culloden and Clava Cairns if you’re planning to do some day trips from Inverness.

Clava Cairns

Any Outlander fans out there? Just a short five-minute drive from Culloden Battlefield and you’ll find Clava Cairns . This 4000-year-old bronze age cemetery has been firmly placed on the map following the incredible success of the Outlander series. It’s been said that Clava Cairns served as the inspiration for the fictitious Craigh na Dun stone circle in the series although there is much debate as to whether this is true or not. You can also book onto Rabbies organised tour which combines a visit to Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns (aka Outlander Stones) and Glen Affric – CLICK HERE to check availability and prices.

Where to eat & drink in Inverness

There is plenty of choice for places to eat in Inverness. Here are some of our top picks:

Enjoy dinner down by the river at the Mustard Seed restaurant, such a lovely setting. They also do a great value pre-theatre dinner.

Rocpool – located on the north-side of River Ness, enjoy a meal in this classy restaurant where you’ll be spoiled with wonderful fresh Scottish ingredients. They do a great value lunch and early dinner menu if you fancy treating yourself.

Café 1 – This chic restaurant can be found close to Inverness castle and is proud to serve dishes that make the most of local ingredients. Some of the meat on the menu even comes from the family run farm, just 12 miles away, ensuring that farm to fork miles are kept to the absolute minimum. While seafood and game comes from Duncan Fraser located in the Victorian Market.

The Walrus and Corskrew wine bar is Inverness’ only wine bar. It’s such a great find and a must if you’re visiting Inverness. They offer great cheese and charcuterie platters – all locally sourced.

A pint at the Black Isle Bar is a must! Located in the city centre, this bar does great wood-fired pizzas and of course, fantastic craft beer which is made just a few miles away on the Black Isle. You can even visit the brewery if you’re planning a visit to the Black Isle: check out our guide here!

And of course, as mentioned above, if you enjoy street food, then we highly recommend heading down to the riverside and checking out the various food trucks at the Highland Food and Drink Trail which generally takes place Thursday to Sunday (check their website for details).

Where to stay in Inverness

There are lots of great options of accommodation in Inverness. We’ve tried budget , B&B and luxury … here are our favourites :

If you’re on a budget, there’s the Travelodge or the Penta Hotel in the town centre. There’s also Bazpackers Hostel which is a great option and a fun way to meet other travellers.

We loved our stay at the Ardentorrie Guest House located in the Crown neighbourhood. The views of the castle from the rooms and the dining room are fantastic.

For the ultimate in luxury, treat yourself to a stay in Ness Walk Hotel . You’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne – what more could you ask for!  Click here to read our full Ness Walk Hotel review!

How to get to Inverness

Inverness by car.

If you’re coming from the south (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth), the easiest way to reach Inverness is via the A9. Alternatively, you can take the more scenic A82 if coming from Glasgow which will take you via Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Fort William and along the banks of Loch Ness .

Inverness by Train

There are many direct trains to Inverness train station which is located a stone’s throw from the town centre. Check out train timetables on the trainline website or on the Scotrail website . For a truly unique experience, you might want to consider catching the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London. Fall asleep in London and awaken in the stunning Highlands. Prices are a little eye-watering so make sure you book ahead!

Inverness by Bus

Inverness is very well served by bus companies – Stagecoach, Megabus, Citylink. We find the best way to check times and bus routes, is to use the website Traveline Scotland .

Inverness by Air

Inverness has a small airport located a 15 minute drive from the city centre. It is served by various airlines across the UK, Northern Ireland and direct from Amsterdam. Easyjet fly from London Gatwick, Bristol and London Luton. British Airways fly from London Heathrow. The Scottish airline, Logan Air , serve the Scottish Islands but also Belfast, Bergen, Birmingham, Exeter, Jersey, Newquay and Manchester. KLM fly direct between Amsterdam and Inverness.

For up-do-date timetables and information, we strongly recommend you check Inverness Airport’s website.

You can either catch a taxi ( Inverness Taxis ) into the city or the bus ( Stagecoach Inverness ) which links the airport to the city centre as well as Nairn (heading east). There is a new train stop close to the airport which serves travellers, however, it does require a short bus journey to get from the airport to the train stop as it’s about a 1 mile walk away. The best option is probably a taxi or a bus to get into Inverness.

Inverness is the starting point of the North Coast 500. Check out our epic guide to the East Coast section of the NC500 – CLICK HERE!

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The Top 12 Things to Do Inverness, Scotland

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Inverness, situated on Scotland's northwest coast where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands and the nearest city to Loch Ness. It has a quaint old town with numerous historical attractions in the city center and the surrounding area. Inverness is popular with travelers who want to explore Loch Ness, the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and those looking for outdoor excursions. Whether you're planning a trip specifically to Inverness or stopping through on a visit to the Highlands, there's a lot to see and do. Here are the 12 best things to do when exploring Inverness.

Tour Inverness Castle

northlightimages / Getty Images

Inverness Castle, built in the 19th century, overlooks the River Ness. The current structure was originally a prison, although there have been several past castles on the site through the centuries. Today, the castle grounds and the north tower are open to the public, with a scenic viewpoint located in the upper part of the tower. It's a great way to learn about the castle's history and get a 360-degree view of Inverness and its surrounding area. Hours can be limited, so check online in advance of your visit.

Explore Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

John Allan / CC BY-SA 2.0 / WikiMedia Commons

The history and culture of the Scottish Highlands are on view at the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, which offers free admission to visitors. The museum, located in the city center at the foot of Castle Hill, features exhibitions on geology, natural history, archaeological heritage, and culture, focusing on Inverness and the Highlands. See everything from Jacobite memorabilia to Inverness silverware to Highland weapons and bagpipes. There are frequent special events and activities, including those tailored to families and kids. Don't forget to stop by the IMAG Café for coffee or a snack.

Visit Loch Ness and Urqhart Castle

Izzet Keribar / Getty Images

Loch Ness is about 30 minutes by car or bus from Inverness, and it's easily accessible even if you don't want to rent a car. The famed lake, supposedly home to the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, is also the site of the ruins of Urqhart Castle. At Loch Ness, enjoy walking or biking on the Loch Ness 360 Trail or embark on a boat tour. Urqhart Castle dates back over 1,000 years, and visitors can tour the grounds and ruins for a ticketed fee. From Inverness' city center, hop on the 919 bus for a direct route to Loch Ness.

Walk the Culloden Battlefield

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The site of the Jacobite Rising is now a historical attraction where curious visitors can learn about the history of the Battle of Culloden. The visitor center has an exhibition of the legacy of the battle, and there are a lot of details to spot on the battlefield itself. Don't miss Leanach Cottage, a traditional thatched cottage from the early 18th century, and the shop where you can score a bottle of Culloden Battlefield Highland Malt. Culloden is about 10 minutes outside Inverness and is accessible by car, taxi, or public bus.

Discover Clava Cairns

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The Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava, known as the Clava Cairns, make a great day trip from Inverness. Located near the Culloden battlefield, the Clava Cairns is a Bronze Age cemetery complex of passage graves and standing stones (yes, like in "Outlander"). The site is open year-round and free for visitors who can explore the preserved ruins. The Clava Cairns, which are well paired with a trip to Culloden, can be reached by car, bike, or public bus from Inverness.

Visit Fort George

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Head northeast of Inverness to explore Fort George, an 18th-century fortress built to control the Scottish Highlands after the Jacobite uprising. Since its construction, It has remained in use, and parts are currently open to the public for tours. Walk along the rampart, which extends over half a mile, and visit the Highlanders' Museum to learn more about the region's military history. Tours are self-guided, with an audio guide available to access on your phone. The fort is open most of the year, but the hours change depending on the season. Fort George is best accessed by car or taxi.

Stroll Along the River Ness

Dennis Barnes / Getty Images

Enjoy a two-hour circular walk from the Inverness city center along the banks of the scenic River Ness. The path takes visitors past the Ness Islands, the Inverness War Memorial, and Inverness Cathedral. Those who want to continue can extend the trek to the Great Glen Way or along the Caledonian Canal, both iconic trails. The path is generally flat, making it a good option for people of all ages and abilities. In the colder months, bring along layers, warm shoes, and an umbrella.

Explore Inverness Botanic Gardens

Courtesy of Inverness Botanic Gardens

Wander the Inverness Botanic Gardens, which is free to all visitors. The colorful gardens have numerous features, from a tropical house to a cactus house. Stop by the restaurant inside the gardens called Cafe Botanic, which is ideal for lunch or snacks. The attraction is located slightly outside of the city center and offers a peaceful respite for those tired of busy sight-seeing spots.

Shop in Leakey's Bookshop

Courtesy of Leakey's Bookshop

Stroll over to Church Street to discover Leaky's Bookshop, a second-hand bookstore that has been a fixture in Inverness since 1979. It's Scotland's largest used bookstore, and it's a must-see for book lovers. The emphasis is on non-fiction, although you can find books of all sorts on Leaky's vast shelves. The shop is located in the old town of Inverness, making it a good stop as you make your way through downtown.

Sip Coffee at Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop

Courtesy of Velocity Cafe© & Bicycle Workshop

The best coffee in Inverness can be found at Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop, located a short walk outside the city center. The cafe, which serves vegetarian food, delicious pastries, and coffee-based drinks, is a great place to sit and take a break from sightseeing. It's also a bike workshop, where cyclists can get repairs or other services on their bikes (or just find some like-minded people).

Dine at the Mustard Seed Restaurant

Courtesy of The Mustard Seed Restaurant

Downtown Inverness is relatively small, boasting several good dining options. One of the best and most popular is Mustard Seed Restaurant, located along the River Ness. It was built in a former church, leaving a ton of space for seating, and even has an outdoor balcony. They serve Scottish food and use local ingredients; you can't go wrong with any order. The restaurant has a little something for everyone who walks through its doors—the two-course lunch deal is a great budget-friendly option for travelers, and there are several vegan dishes perfect for those with plant-based diets. Reserve a table in advance; this restaurant fills up fast.

Hike to the Fairy Glen

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Drive to nearby Rosemarkie and follow an easy trail to the Fairy Glen, a beautiful glen with two waterfalls. It's less than a two-mile walk, so kids and those with limited fitness abilities can also join in the fun. While the trail is not steep, it can get slippery and muddy, so sturdy shoes are highly recommended. Plan your visit for a warm day to take full advantage of the water.

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14 Top-Rated Things to Do in Inverness, Scotland

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 17, 2023

Widely considered one of the prettiest cities in the United Kingdom, Inverness should feature highly on your list of places to visit in Scotland . As the largest city in the Scottish Highlands, it serves as the perfect jumping-off point for those wanting to get a taste of this rugged and extremely scenic region.

But don't be too quick to leave the "Capital of the Highlands" behind you. There are plenty of great reasons to linger a little longer in the city. In addition to its pretty setting, where the River Ness flows into the wide Moray Firth, it's home to many historic old churches and fortresses to explore; charming streets and riverside pathways to wander; and great shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities to experience.

And you don't have to venture too far outside Inverness to experience some of Scotland's best-known tourist attractions . Loch Ness, supposed home of the famously shy Nessie sea monster, is no more than 15 minutes' drive away, with its famous Urquhart Castle just a short drive farther along the loch's shore. The Scottish Highlands' most infamous battle site, Culloden, where the English cemented their rule over the country, is also close by.

To learn more about this most beautiful Scottish city, be sure to read through our list of the top things to do in Inverness.

Visit Mighty Fort George

Stroll along the banks of river ness & visit the ness islands, inverness castle, explore a world of plants at inverness botanic gardens, inverness museum and art gallery, st. andrew's cathedral, caledonian canal, take a trip to loch ness and urquhart castle, eden court theatre, visit the culloden battlefield and culloden viaduct, tour abertarff house, the oldest building in inverness, shop at the victorian market, go for tartan at the scottish kiltmaker visitor centre, old high st. stephen's church, map of things to do in inverness, scotland, inverness - climate chart.

Twenty minutes' drive east of downtown Inverness, at the narrowest point of the Firth of Forth, stands Fort George. Built soon after the 1746 defeat of the Scots at the Battle of Culloden, it served as a reminder to the restless Scots that London and the English monarchy were firmly in charge.

The largest artillery fortress in the British Isles, it stretches nearly a kilometer in length, its unique shape designed to allow its defenders to fire their weapons in pretty much any direction in which an enemy might approach. Many of these original weapons can still be viewed here, including an impressive collection of cannons and other weaponry such as muskets, pikes, and swords.

Other highlights of a visit include exhibits revealing the lives of ordinary soldiers at the time, including a peek into their barracks, the armoury, and other areas. There's also a museum dedicated to the Queen's Own Highlanders, as well as a visitor center with a gift shop.

This popular Inverness attraction can get busy, so be sure to book your tickets in advance through their official website.

Address: Ardersier, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/fort-george/

Exploring Inverness's beautiful riverfront area on foot is a must-do. While hardcore walkers will want to tackle the nearly 12-kilometer hike from downtown Inverness to the east shore of Loch Ness and pick up the Loch Ness 360° Trail, a circular route that takes in the whole lake, those with less time or energy can have as much fun sticking within the city itself.

Beginning in the city center, the Ness Walk follows both banks of the river in an easy three-kilometer loop that can be done in around two hours. Along the way, you'll have the chance to spot wildlife, pay your respects at the Inverness War Memorial, and admire the many gardens that line the route.

The Ness Islands, a series of small islands located mid-river, are also fun to explore. Accessible by a series of attractive Victorian-era pedestrian bridges, the islands make for a great place to kick back and enjoy a riverside picnic. The Greig Street Bridge, built in 1880, is another footbridge you'll want to cross for its lovely views over the city and river.

While currently only a portion of Inverness Castle is open to the public, you'll still want to include it on your list of places to visit in Inverness. Built of local sandstone, it stands overlooking the River Ness and boasts lovely grounds worth exploring.

There's also a great viewpoint that overlooks both the river and the city. While it involves a climb up some steep stairs, it's well worth it for those wanting a great photo to take home with them.

Also, make a note in your diary to return to the castle in the future. Plans are underway to turn it into a multi-million-dollar attraction, "The Spirit of the Highlands," which will showcase the region's cultural heritage and natural beauty while breathing new life into the castle.

Address: Castle Road, Inverness. Scotland

Official site: www.spiritofthehighlands.com

Since it opened in 1993, strolling around Inverness Botanic Gardens has proven to be another popular activity in the Capital of the Highlands. The fact the gardens are located just a few minutes' walk away from the Ness Islands means they can be tackled as part of walk along the network of trails that line the River Ness, too.

Highlights of a visit in spring and summer include exploring the park's many colorful flowerbeds, while its glasshouses can be visited year-round. These indoor plant collections include tropical rainforest specimens, as well as desert plant life.

A pleasant waterfall feature and a large fish pond are also on the premises. Guided tours are available but require advance notice.

Address: Bught Ln, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-botanic-gardens/

Culture buffs and art fans will also find many fun things to do in Inverness. If that sounds like you, you'll want to include the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery on your itinerary.

Located just a few steps away from Inverness Castle, this interesting, recently renovated facility mixes local history exhibits with displays of important works of art related to the Scottish Highlands . Important artworks on display include a series of portraits of the Stuart clan, including one of Bonnie Prince Charlie that Oliver Cromwell famously had hung upside down by way of insult.

Also worth seeing are the museum's collection of Highland memorabilia, bagpipes, and weaponry. A café is located on-site.

Address: Castle Wynd, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-museum-and-art-gallery/

Another must-see Inverness attraction that's located close to the castle is St. Andrew's Cathedral. Built in 1869 and a relatively recent addition to the city's extensive list of attractive buildings to view, its riverside setting and local red stone construction undoubtedly makes it one of the prettiest churches in Scotland.

Britain's most northerly Anglican cathedral, it's notable for its fine stained-glass windows, as well as its interior furnishings and stone carvings. It's also home to an excellent café, and a gift shop is located on the premises.

Keep an ear open for the cathedral's bells, which can be heard across the city and are said to be among the best in Scotland.

Address: Ardross Street, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: https://invernesscathedral.org

Completed in 1849, the Caledonian Canal remains one of the most significant feats of engineering in Scotland. Following the Caledonian fault line from Fort William in the west all the way to Inverness, the canal in fact makes use of Loch Ness and other natural waterways for some 60 per cent of its nearly 100-kilometer route.

Although it was built to enable shipping traffic to avoid having to travel around Scotland's usually stormy and difficult to navigate northern tip, it's pleasure craft for the most part that now ply the canal's waters. Almost as much fun as taking a multi-day holiday cruise or shorter sightseeing cruise is simply sitting by the canal or one of its 29 locks and watching the boats pass by.

An easy 30-minute drive or bus ride away from downtown Inverness, you'll find yourself standing looking at Scotland's most famous lake: Loch Ness . If time's short and you can't circle the whole loch, head for the north shore.

Here, you'll find the ruins of spectacular Urquhart Castle. Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque scenes in all of Scotland, this impressive castle has a long and rich history that dates all the way back to the 13th century. Be sure to allow time to also pop into the visitor center, with its exhibits and artifacts relating to its important role in Scottish history.

If you can make the whole journey around the lake, expect to allow at least a day to see everything. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is a must, especially for those wanting to learn more about the famously elusive Loch Ness Monster.

The Eden Court Theatre is a great place to visit for those seeking a little nighttime fun and entertainment. Featuring two state-of-the-art theaters, dance studios, and cinemas, its construction accommodated important 19th-century structures, including a former palace and a church, making it the largest such facility in Scotland.

Its regular roster of entertainment includes professional theatrical performances, classical music concerts, as well as visits from touring rock and pop bands. A varied program of workshops is also provided. A café is located on the premises.

Address: Bishops Road, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: https://eden-court.co.uk

Just 10 minutes east of Inverness by car, you'll find yourself in the small yet historically significant community of Culloden. It was here in 1746 that Scots and English troops fought their last battle, one which ended in the defeat of the Stuart clan's attempt to regain the Scottish crown.

State-of-the-art displays and films in the visitor center, along with preserved buildings from the period, tell the story in great detail, so be sure to allow at least a few hours to see everything. There's plenty of walking to be done, but it's all well worth it to learn more about this pivotal moment in Scotland's history.

Afterwards, take a slight detour to catch a glimpse of the spectacular Culloden Viaduct. Also known as Nairn Viaduct, it was built in 1898 and its 29 spans make it the longest such viaduct in the country. While it's still in use and can't be walked, you can get some great photos of the viaduct from the roadside.

Address: Visitor Centre, Culloden Moor, Inverness, Highlands, Scotland

Official site: www.nts.org.uk/culloden/

Built in 1593 and still standing on Church Street, Abertarff House is famous as the oldest building in Inverness. Now a National Trust property, this perfectly preserved old townhouse provides a look at what life was like at the time of the Jacobite Revolution.

Fascinating displays provide details of past owners, and the on-site café will make you want to stick around a little longer. Check their official site for news of guided walking tours around Inverness's key historic landmarks. Admission is free.

Address: 71 Church Street, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/abertarff-house

After all that Inverness sightseeing, take a break and indulge yourself in the city's most unique shopping experience.

Built in 1890, the Victorian Market is an indoor shopping arcade that houses a variety of independently owned retail outlets, including some selling unique handmade gifts, art, and crafts. A number of dining experiences are also located here.

Address: Academy Street, Inverness, Scotland

Speaking of shopping, nothing says "I've been to Scotland" quite like a genuine made-in-the-Highlands kilt. Take a walk to Huntly Street, and you'll find the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre, a unique shopping experience that provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and significance of Scotland's traditional formal outfit.

Highlights include displays of various clan tartans, as well as the chance to actually watch kilts being made in the on-site workshops. Handmade kilts are also available for purchase.

Address: 4-9 Huntly Street, Inverness, Scotland

Official site: www.highlandhouseoffraser.com

Although built in the 1700s, Old High St. Stephen's Church sits on a much older religious site that dates back to Celtic times. And it was certainly a good choice of location. Set overlooking the River Ness, it's an extremely photogenic church.

Be sure to pop in for a look at its interior. Highlights include the church's historic organ, recently restored and put through its paces regularly during services and recitals.

If there's time in your itinerary for another church, make sure it's St. Mary's Catholic Church. Built in 1837, it also boasts a magnificent riverside setting, and makes for an excellent photo.

Address: St. Stephen's Church, Southside Road at Old Edinburgh Road, Inverness

Official site: www.oldhighststephens.com

More on Scotland

Bringing together everything that's great About Inverness

Inverness in the Highlands

Inverness in Scotland is known as the 'Highland Capital', it still retains its market town feel to it, dating back to its early development. Today tourism is a very important part of the economy.

Inverness is in the north of Scotland and is one of the smallest cities in Scotland with some 55,000 people. The City is growing fast due to Inverness airport and its location in the Highlands.

When will you come and visit?

Come and Experience

when visiting Inverness

Where to Eat

Where to Shop

Inverness Shops offer a large choice, ideal for that Inverness shopping trip where you will find large multi-national outlets through to the small independent owner shops and much more ...

The Inverness Bars and Pubs provide a vibrant part of the city many now have excellent pub grub food as well as entertainment and live music every night of the week....

Inverness offers a huge choice of things to do from ancient castles, highland clans, the Caledonian Canal, highland museums, 4,000 year old burial cairns, to Loch Ness and the world famous monster....

Plan Your Journey Here

Inverness is a great base to tour the Highlands and Islands. It has great road access via the main arterial route to Scotland the A9.

Inverness has great links by bus to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen. There are also tours direct from here.

Inverness Train Station, right in the middle of the town. It has it's own car park with 60 spaces and it has cycle storage.

An International Airport, with all the facilities you would expect, from Shopping and catering to car parking. Open Mon-Sun.

• Attractions
• Castles & Historical Sites

Restaurants

• Inverness Cafes
• Inverness Pubs & Bars
• Around Loch Ness
• Around Invergordon
• Souvenirs & Gifts

Accommodation

• B&Bs - Guest Houses
• Caravan Parks
• East of Inverness
• West of Inverness
• North of Inverness
• South of Inverness

Inverness Travel Guide (including essential tips, itinerary & map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 5, 2024

Our  Inverness Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for the beautiful Highland city. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Inverness!

Plan your visit to Inverness

The Scottish city of Inverness is the perfect base to explore the Highlands of Scotland. If you enjoy road trips the North Coast 500 is recognised as one of the most spectacularly scenic drives around the world.

Inverness is one of our recommended top 19 attractions, sights and landmarks to see in Scotland.

What you will find in this complete Inverness Travel Guide

Map of Inverness

When is the best time of year to visit inverness, how many days do you need in inverness, what is the best way to explore inverness, 🚆 by train from london, 🚗 by car (road trip option), ✈️ fly to inverness airport, attractions and things to do in inverness, attractions and things to do in scotland, inverness accommodation quick picks, inverness travel guide -tickets, tours & attractions, best day trips from inverness, best multi-day tours from inverness, best pubs, cafes and restaurants in inverness, books to read before visiting inverness, enjoy your visit to inverness.

Inverness travel guide – Visiting Inverness FAQ’s

The best time to visit Inverness is during the late spring and summer. These are the busy times of the year with warmer weather and long light days.

If you prefer to avoid crowds aim for September and October. The weather can still be good during these months and you will find better deals on accommodation.

Make sure to pack for the weather – layers are always recommended (and waterproofs too) whatever time of year you plan to visit.

If you are visiting in winter note that the weather can be particularly brutal with low temperatures, snow and of course short dark days the norm.

Read more about the best time to visit the UK in my detailed guide.

Inverness is a fantastic base from which to explore the Highlands. Catch the train to Thurso and Wick or to the Kyle of Lochalsh for Skye and the Hebrides. Alternatively, pick up a tour to the Isle of Skye from Inverness.

The North Coast 500 begins in Inverness and follows a circular route through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Plan to spend at least 5 days to make the most of this fantastic Scottish road trip .

• Inverness is a compact, walkable city easy to get around.
• There is a hop on hop off bus available as well as taxis and buses to get you around the city.
• Hire a car from Inverness train station or Inverness airport. Alternatively, there are taxis available to transfer into the city or you can book a private transfer here .

🚗 There are a multitude of car rental companies to choose from in the UK. We recommend comparing prices and deals Discover Cars  before making your booking.

What is the best way to travel to Inverness from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline .

We recommend booking the Caledonian Sleeper service to Inverness from London. Leave London in the evening and arrive in Inverness the following morning.

This is a fabulous trip and although not cheap it is the perfect way to travel between the 2 cities by train.

Alternatively, take the East Coast Mainline from London to Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh, you have 2 options – read more in our guide to the top 10 scenic train journeys in the UK.

🔀 Distance from London : 715 km (444 miles)

🕐 Time taken by sleeper train: 11 ½ hours

📍 Leave from: London Euston (Caledonian Sleeper)

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

If you are taking a road trip around the UK and plan to include Inverness in your itinerary make sure you book hotels & accommodation well ahead of time especially if you are visiting during the busy summer months.

I recommend checking car hire options through  Rentalcars.com  who compare the prices from a number of companies to secure the best deal for you.

If you want to fly directly to Inverness from London Gatwick, Luton or Heathrow. We recommend checking skyscanner for flights,

Click here for transfers from Inverness airport

THINGS TO DO IN INVERNESS

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM INVERNESS

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

19 PLACES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND

SCOTTISH ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

EDINBURGH TRAVEL GUIDE

NORTHUMBERLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

ISLE OF SKYE TRAVEL GUIDE

Accommodation in Inverness

There is a variety of accommodation options in Inverness to suit every budget. These are my choices of some of the best hotels in the city based on location and customer reviews.

Pentahotel Inverness

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Located 100 m from the city’s train and bus stations

Ness House B&B

Located in the centre of Inverness, Ness House has free WiFi and free private parking.

Wee Ness Lodge

Boasting a patio with river views, a garden and a terrace

➡️ Area and accommodation guide to Inverness

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for Scotland.

This is our selection of the best tours and attractions available in Inverness .

Click here for more tickets, tours and attractions for Inverness

Best day & multi-day trips from Inverness

I have handpicked the best tours available from Inverness through Get Your Guide (we book most of our day tours and organised activities through Get Your Guide due to their great customer service and cancellation policy) and Viator (another tour company we have used during our travels).

You will find even more options to choose from in our guide to the best day trips and multi-day tours from Inverness.

There are so many fantastic places to eat in Inverness you are spoilt for choice. These are our top picks:

• MacGregors Bar – local and seasonal dishes
• Scotch and Rye – Gastropub with craft beers
• The Grumpy Chef – Best brunch in town
• The Mustard Seed – Beautiful food in a stunning setting
• Castle Tavern – Terraced beer garden with castle views
• Cafe 1 – locally sourced produce 

For more Scottish literary inspiration check out my selection of 25 of the best books to read before you visit Scotland.

This guide will provide inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Inverness . You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around Scotland in these travel guides:

Best castle hotels in Scotland

Aberdeen Travel Guide

St Andrews Travel Guide

Glasgow Travel Guide

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Things to do in Edinburgh

10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Northumberland Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

Find more inspiration for your travels in my Scotland Travel Guide which includes information about what to see, where to stay, how to get around, travel tips, recommended reading and more to make the most of your trip.

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The Highlands' largest town and enjoying a real renaissance over the past ten years as young professionals have moved to the city. The gateway to the far north and a fun night out if you stay.

Inverness  is the largest town in the Highlands and the busy and prosperous hub of the region. All main routes through the Highlands pass through here at some point, so it's a hard place to avoid. The town's position at the head of the Great Glen and on the shores of the Moray Firth have made it a firm favourite with tourists, who flock here in their legions during the summer months to look for the evasive Loch Ness Monster. Though Inverness has little in the way of major sights, it's a pleasant place to base yourself as you explore the other, more visible attractions on offer in the surrounding area, including the resident population of dolphins in the Moray Firth. The town, though, is not without its own appeal, particularly the leafy banks of the River Ness, which runs through its heart, linking Loch Ness with the Moray Firth.

Phone code: +44 (0)1463 | Population: 42,000

History of Inverness

One of the town's first visitors was that much-travelled cleric, St Columba, who came in AD 565 to confront the Pictish King Brude, whose fortress was reputedly at Craig Phadraig, a few miles west of Inverness. Around the mid-12th century King David I built the original castle and made Inverness a royal burgh on the strength of its growing importance as a trading port. Furs, hides, wool and timber were all exported as far afield as the Mediterranean. The town's economic prosperity and status as the most important northern outpost, however, made it a prime target for marauding Highland clansmen, and during the Wars of Independence in the 13th century Inverness was also a regular target for both English and Scots armies.

The town's renaissance came with the completion of the Caledonian Canal and rail links with the south in the 19th century. These improved communications heralded something of a tourist boom amongst the wealthy and fashionable who came north to the Highlands to shoot anything that moved in the name of sport. In the mid-19th century Queen Victoria decided to embrace all things Scottish, which only boosted the town's popularity. Over recent decades Inverness has grown rapidly, not only as a prime base for visiting tourists, but also as the main administrative and commercial centre for the Highlands.

Restaurants

Sample the delicious treats of Highland and International cuisines in any of the outlets that serves Indian, Chinese, Thai, Itlaian, The Mexican. Tips on useful words to be used: Menu/ Clàr Bìdh, I'd like to order/ Bu mhath leam taghadh a dhèanamh, Can I have the bill?/ Am faigh mi an cunntas?

Bars and Clubs

Inverness may not have succeeded in becoming a European city of culture, but it is sloughing off the Victorian city atmosphere and becoming a thriving, almost joint jumping city thanks to an influx of younger professionals, Scottish executive civil servants and returnees - all seeking a better standard of life.

At 108 Academy St is the Phoenix, one of the best pubs in Inverness and always lively.

Next door is an Irish theme pub, Lafferty's, which features Scottish/Celtic live music on Fri and Sat.

Across the street is Blackfriars, which is another good pub.

Gellions, on Bridge St, has varied live music throughout the week; and Johnny Foxes, at 26 Bank St, features Irish folk music every night in summer as well as boasting one of the most unusual pub menus around.

Chilli Palmers, on the corner of Queensgate and Church St, is a trendy new bar offering decent food and a DJ at weekends, and you can enjoy a Jazz Lunch on Sun at No 27, on Castle St.

Nearby Places

Travel directions to inverness, getting to inverness.

There are daily flights to and from London Gatwick,Glasgow and Edinburgh with British Airways (continuing to Kirkwall and Sumburgh), and daily flights to and from London Luton with easyJet. There are also flights to and from Stornoway Mon-Sat with British Airways Express. The airport is 7 miles east of the town, at Dalcross (Tel. 01463 232471). A twice-daily airport bus to and from the town centre connects with London and Stornoway flights. It takes 20 mins. A taxi to/from the airport costs around £10.

The bus station is nearby, just off Academy St (Tel. 01463 233371). Left luggage open Mon-Sat 0830-1800, Sun 1000-1800.

The train station is at the east end of Academy St (Tel.01463 238924). There are regular services to Aviemore, Perth , Glasgow, Edinburgh, Kyle of Lochalsh (for Skye). Left luggage lockers at the train station.

Inverness is 109 miles from Aberdeen , 161 miles from Edinburgh and 117 miles from Perth. Inverness is accessed from the south by the somewhat notorious A9 Road which is the major trunk route north but has lacked investment for many years and is too frequently single carriageway and at others is a accident blackspot.

Getting around Inverness

Inverness town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, and most of the hotels and guesthouses are within a 15-min walk of the TIC. Loch Ness is not within walkable distance, so you'll need your own transport, or alternatively book a tour.

Cycle hire: try Barney's Bicycle Hire & Shop, 35 Castle St, Tel. 01463 232249. (no website) Open 0900-2100. Mountain bike hire from £7 per day. Also bikes for hire from Bazpacker's Hostel .

Tourist Information for Inverness

The Inverness Tourist Information Centre (aka TIC), Tel. 01463 234353, is on Castle Wynd, near Ness Bridge, 5-mins walk from the train station. It stocks a wide range of literature on the area, can book accommodation and transport and gives out free maps of the town and environs. Tickets for all the local tours are available to book there if you have not prebooked. Open 2 Apr-27 May Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun (Easter and from 6 May) 1000-1600; 28 May-24 Jun Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 0930-1700; 25 Jun-22 Jul Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 0930-1700; 23 Jul-19 Aug Mon-Sat 0900-2030, Sun 0930-1800; 20 Aug-2 Sep Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 0930-1700; 3 Sep-30 Sep Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1000-1600; 1 Oct-21 Oct Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1600; 22 Oct-Apr Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 1000-1600.

Transport Out of Inverness

There are regular daily buses to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Aviemore, Pitlochry and Perth with Scottish Citylink (Tel. 0990-505050). Change at Perth for Dundee. There are regular daily Citylink buses to Ullapool , connecting with the ferry to Stornoway ; also to Fort William and Oban . There are daily Citylink buses to Kyle of Lochalsh, Portree and Uig (connecting with ferries to Tarbert and Lochmaddy). There are regular Citylink buses to Fort Augustus via Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle (also with Highland Bus & Coach, Tel. 01463 233371), and to Scrabster, for the ferry to Stromness , via Wick and Thurso; also with Morrison's Coaches, Tel. 01847-821241.

To Ullapool via Gairloch and Aultbea, there are daily buses with Spa Coaches (Tel. 01997-421311), Bluebird Northern (Tel. 01463 239292) and Westerbus 01445-712255). To Tain and Lairg there are daily services with Bluebird and Rapson's (Tel. 01463 710555). To Tain and Helsmdale, via Dornoch there are regular daily buses with Citylink, Morrison's and Bluebird. To Lochinver via Ullapool there's a daily service with Spa coaches and Rapson's of Brora (01408-621245). To Durness via Lairg and Tongue, or via Ullapool (not in winter) there's a daily service with Royal Mail Postbuses (Tel. 0131-228 7407). To Grantown-on-Spey, daily service with Highland Country Buses (Tel. 01463 233371) and Highland Bus & Coach. Inverness Traction and Highland Country

Buses have services to places around Inverness, including Nairn, Forres, Culloden, Beauly and Dingwall. Bluebird have regular buses to Aberdeen, via Nairn.

Avis is at the airport (Tel. 01667-462787); Budget is on Railway Terr behind the train station (Tel. 01463 713333); Europcar has an office at the Highlander service station on Millburn Rd (Tel. 01463 235337), and at the airport; Thrifty is at 33 Harbour Rd (Tel. 01463 224466). Expect to pay from around £30 per day.

For details of connections to Stornoway (Lewis) contact the CalMac office in Inverness, Tel. 01463 717681.

Rank Radio Taxis, Tel. 01463 221111/220222; Tartan Taxis, Tel. 01463 233033.

There are direct trains to/from Aberdeen, Edinburgh via Aviemore, and Glasgow. There are several daily services to/from London King's Cross, via Perth and Edinburgh, including a sleeping car service. There is also a regular service to Wick and Thurso, via Tain, Lairg and Helmsdale. The journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (for Skye) is one of the most scenic in Britain. There are 3 trains daily (none on Sun). Phone Tel. 0845-7484950 for all rail enquiries. Check here for railway reservations and train tickets.

Medical services

Raigmore Hospital is on the southeastern outskirts of town near the A9 (Tel. 01463 704000) for accidents and emergencies.

Pharmacies: Boots is in the Eastgate Shopping Centre; open daily 0900-1730, Thu till 1900.

Cultural centres

Inverness library is just around the corner from the bus station. It has an excellent genealogical research unit. Consultations with the resident genealogist cost from £12 per hr; Tel. 01463 236463, for an appointment. The library also houses the Highland archives, where you can research the history and culture of the region. Open Mon-Fri 1100-1300 and 1400-1700; Oct-May 1400-1700 only.

Communications

The Gate café bar, opposite the post office, has internet facilities and serves drinks and snacks from 1000-2100.

Post office: the main branch is at 14-16 Queensgate, Tel. 01463 234111. Open Mon-Thu 0900-1730, Fri 0930-1730, Sat 0900-1320.

All the major banks can be found in the town centre. The Royal Bank is opposite the post office on Queensgate; the Bank of Scotland is opposite the Town House on the High St; the Clydesdale is opposite the train station; and Lloyds TSB is on Church St. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at the tourist office's bureau de change at 2.5% commission (see below for address and opening hours). Also Thomas Cook, 9-13 Inglis St, Tel. 01463 711921, Mon-Fri 0900-1700; and Alba Travel (American Express agents), 43 Church St, Tel. 01463 239188, Mon-Sat 0900-1700.

Tours Around Inverness

There are a large number of tours running to Inverness and Loch Ness from Glasgow and Edinburgh including a number of daily tours which are long but capture the essential Highlands. You can see our list of Inverness Tours and there are some local tour companies as well.

Sea Kayaking (coastal) on Moray Coast - Full Day Session

• Show Details

White Water Rafting Near Aviemore

Rock Climb & Abseil Intro Aviemore - Half Day Session

Mountain Biking Half day in Aviemore

Gorge Walking close to Inverness

Climbing at Kushi Adventures - Inverness

Fun Dance Classes - Inverness

Gorge Swimming- Inverness

Kayaking at kushi adventures - inverness.

Canoeing at Kushi Adventures - Inverness

Paintballing near Inverness

Local sights & activities for inverness.

'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness is the largest town in the region and is a superb base to visit the many attractions of Scotland. Whether you choose to visit, shop, relax, explore or just live Inverness, it is a place that boasts about the historic buildings and the variety of places to visit.

Inverness Sights

Take an open-topped bus ride to view the city corners of Inverness.

• Go for a stroll to get a look at the red sandstone castle.
• The town's oldest building - Church Street, find the bullet holes left in the gravestones by the firing squad in the massacre after Culloden.
• Highland House of Fraser - West Bank, get a selection of Scotland's finest clothing, gifts and textiles
• A seaside walk- Nairn, to relax and enjoy the sunset.
• Check into the past of Inverness - Clava Cairns, to know more about the history of this tinsel town.
• The Highland Aviation Museum - Dalcross, get a look at the small collection of aircraft and aircraft noses.

Church Street

Opposite, on the corner of Bridge Street and Church Street, is the Tolbooth Steeple which dates from 1791 and which had to be repaired after an earth tremor in 1816. Church Street also boasts the town's oldest building, Abertarff House (built around 1592), which is now owned by the National Trust but not open to the public. Almost opposite is the much-restored Dunbar's Hospital , built in 1688 as an almshouse for the town's poor. At the end of Church Street, where it meets Friar's Lane, is the Old High Church , founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1772, though the 14th-century vaulted tower remains intact. In the adjoining graveyard prisoners taken at Culloden were executed, and you can still see the bullet marks left by the firing squads on some of the gravestones. Info - The church is open Fri 1200-1400 and during services; guided tour at 1230.

At the corner of Huntly Street and Ness Bridge, is the Kiltmaker Centre , where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about tartan (including what Scotsmen wear under their kilts). You can also see kilts being made in the factory and, in the shop downstairs, be measured up for one of your own. Info - Mid-May-end Sep Mon-Sat 0900-2100, Sun 1000-1700; Oct-mid-May Mon-Sat 0900-1700. Adult £2. Tel. 222781, www.hector-russell.com

Nearby, directly opposite the castle, is the neo-Gothic St Andrews Cathedral which dates from 1869, and is worth a peek if you're passing by. Continuing south along Ness Bank, past the Eden Court Theatre (see 'Entertainment' below), you reach Bught Park, which overlooks the Ness Islands, joined by footbridge to both banks. The islands are attractively laid out as a park and are a favourite with local anglers. This also happens to be a lovely place for a peaceful evening stroll.

Things to do in Inverness

Nightlife - With all the main routes of the Highlands passing through Inverness at some point or the other, it is a hard place to avoid and has its own appeal. With an abundance of B&B's, guesthouses and several quality hotels in and around the place, you wouldn’t have much trouble in finding a place to stay. Also when it comes to the tourist destination staples, the plethora of clubs, restaurants, bars are endless and it is the same here.

• Shopping complex - Eastgate
• A look at the diverse range of wildlife - Moray Firth
• Get a look at the specialist shops - Beauly

Entertainment In Inverness

Theatre and cinema.

Eden Court Theatre is on Bishops Rd, overlooking the River Ness. It offers a varied programme of theatre, dance and all kinds of music. There's also a bar and self-service restaurant with good food and views over the river. The attached cinema shows a programme of art-house and newly released movies, for information: Tel. 234234. Prices vary depending on the performance. The 7-screen Warner Village is on the A96 Nairn Rd, about 2 miles from the town centre.

There are numerous events held in and around Inverness throughout the year. These range from a humble pub ceilidh to a full-blown Highland Games. For details contact the Tourist Information Centre or visit their website. The best of the local folk festivals are held over the Easter weekend (Tel. 01738-623274), and the excellent Highland Festival takes place over 3 days in July. There's also a festival of folk music in Jul and Aug at Balnain House.

10-pin bowling at Roller Bowl , 167 Culduthel Rd, Tel. 235100. Open Mon-Fri 1200 till late, Sat-Sun 1100 till late. The best golf course in the area is at Nairn. There's an 18-hole municipal course at Torvean, 2 miles from town on the A82 to Fort William , Tel. 711434. The Highland Riding Centre is at Borlum Farm, Drumnadrochit, Tel./Fax. 01456-450358. The Aquadome Leisure Centre is at Bught Park, Tel. 667500. Open Mon-Fri 0730-2200, Sat-Sun 0730-2100. Competition-sized pool, flumes, wave machine and kiddies' pool, also health suites, gym and other indoor sports facilities. The Inverness Tennis and Squash Club is at Bishop's Rd, Tel. 230751.

Inverness is a good place to buy a kilt, or practically anything else in tartan. To find your own clan tartan, head for the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre. Other places which sell highland dress and traditional gifts are Chisholm's Highland Dress , 47-51 Castle St, Tel. 234599, open 0900-1730 and 1900-2130 in Jul and Aug; and Hector Russell, 4-9 Huntly St, Tel. 222781. At James Pringle Weavers (Holm Mills, Dores Rd, Tel. 223311), you can see tartan rugs being made in the weaving mill, then spend your cash in their extensive mill shop, and eat in the restaurant.

The Eastgate Shopping Centre houses all the usual high street branches, and the Victorian Market on Church St has a wide range of shops. The largest bookshop in town is James Thin, 29 Union St, Tel. 233500, which has an excellent range of Scottish books and maps. There's also a branch of Waterstone's, at 50-52 High St, Tel. 717474.

Castles Nearby

Inverness castle

The city is dominated by its red sandstone castle. Built in 1834, this Victorian edifice is very much the new kid on the block in terms of Scottish castles.

Fort George

Visitor guide to Fort George in Ardersier in the Scottish Highlands .  Includes descriptions, directions and timings to make a visit.

Abertarff House

The oldest secular house in Inverness. Originally the town house for the Frasers of Lovat and now headquarters for National Trust of Scotland.

Urquhart Castle

Semi ruinous castle in strong position beside Loch Ness controlling the route North. Captured by Robert the Bruce by clever negotiation. Visitor centre open all year.

Nearby Ancient Monuments

Clava Cairns

Bronze age circular cemetary beside the battlefield at Culloden and now famous from Outlander series. Probably 4000 years old

Interesting Local Shops

Judith Glue – Orkney Island Knitwear

After the demise of her Edinburgh shop, this is the place to look for craft and woollens from Orkney locals.

Inverness Hotels & Accommodation

You shouldn't have much trouble finding somewhere to stay in Inverness , though in July and August it's advisable to book ahead. This can be done through the tourist information centre, or in the train station at the Thomas Cook booth, but you'll be charged a booking fee. There are several good quality hotels in and around town and plenty of B&Bs. The best places to look are along both banks of the river south of the Ness Bridge, Old Edinburgh Rd, Southside Rd, Culduthel Rd and Ardconnel St, all to the east of the castle, and on the west bank, behind Balnain House, around Kenneth St and Fairfield Rd. There are also several budget hostels in and around the centre, and a couple of large campsites.

Kinkell House Kinkell Guest House, Inverness, Scotland offers comfortable Victorian family accommodation, traditionally furnished and tastefully decorated throughout.

Self-catering apartment in the picturesque Scottish Highland capital of Inverness. Luxury accommodation providing a fantastic base for holidays or business. more details about Inverness Apartments

Culloden House Hotel ,Milton of Culloden, about 3 miles east of town near the A9. Tel. 790461, Fax. 792181. 28 rooms. Superb Georgian mansion with 1st-class facilities, service and restaurant. Highly recommended.

Ballifeary Guest House A Four Star Guest House only 10 minutes walk from Inverness City Centre with a Car Park available for guests. more details about Ballifeary Guest House

Dunain Park Hotel Dunain Park is a small luxury Scottish Country House Hotel in Inverness offering a very high standard of comfort & friendly efficient service, and set in its own scenic grounds.more details about Dunain Park Hotel. About 3 miles southwest of the town centre, just off the A82 Fort William Rd. Tel. 230512, Fax. 224532, dunainparkhotel@ btinternet.com 12 rooms. An elegant Georgian mansion house with its own grounds, lovely and peaceful with an excellent restaurant and its own indoor pool.

Redcliffe Hotel Redcliffe Hotel has comfortable en-suite rooms in an informal and friendly atmosphere within a few minutes walk of Inverness.more details about Redcliffe Hotel

Dolphin Bay Suites , Inverness The Dolphin Bay Suites is a new 3 star self-catering apartments in one of the oldest buildings in the ancient and historical village of Ardersier, between Inverness and Nairn.

Glenmoriston Town House Hotel , 20 Ness Bank. Tel. 223777, Fax. 712378. 15 rooms. Recently refurbished and now one of the classiest places in town, with a superb Italian restaurant. Highly recommended.

Inverness Marriot , Culcabock Rd, 1 mile south of the town centre near A9, Tel. 237166, Fax. 225208. 81 rooms. Large, modern hotel with excellent rooms, service and facilities.

Brae Ness Hotel , 17 Ness Bank. Tel. 712266, Fax. 231732. 10 rooms. No smoking. Family-run Georgian hotel overlooking the river and Eden Court, with a licensed restaurant for residents.

Guest Houses

Ivybank Guesthouse , 28 Old Edinburgh Rd. Tel./Fax. 232796. 5 rooms, 3 with en suite bathroom. Georgian house with lots of character, nice garden and friendly welcome.

, 11 Old Edinburgh Rd. Tel. 235243, Fax. 225255, clare@kinkell. freeserve.co.uk 7 rooms, 3 with en suite bathroom. Comfortable Victorian family home with spacious rooms, decent value (£2 charge for credit card payment).

Hostels & Camp sites

Bazpackers Hostel , 4 Culduthel Rd (at the top of Castle St), Tel. 717663. 48 beds in dorms of 4-8, twin and double rooms available, cooking facilities and garden for barbecues, also has laundrette, good atmosphere.

Eastgate Backpackers Hostel , 38 Eastgate (above La Déjà Vu restaurant), Tel./Fax. 718756, www.hostelsaccommodation .com 47 beds in 5 dorms, 2 twins rooms and 1 family room, free tea and coffee, and continental breakfast for £1.50. Discount for ISIC holders.

Inverness Student Hotel , 8 Culduthel Rd, next door to Bazpackers, Tel 236556. 9 dorms with 57 beds, some dorms have good views. Friendly and laid-back atmosphere with all the usual facilities.

SYHA Youth Hostel , Victoria Drive, off Millburn Rd, Tel. 231771, Fax. 710349. 166 beds. Huge hostel in former school hall of residence. Another cheap option is the Ho Ho Hostel , Tel. 221225, at 23a High St.

Bught Caravan and Camping Site , Bught Park, on the west bank of the river near the sports centre, Tel. 236920. The largest and most centrally located campsite, with good facilities; £4.30-11.40 per pitch.

Hotels near Inverness

Kilcoy Chalets, Highlands - Sleep 2

Kilcoy Chalets, specially designed for couples, situated on The Black Isle only 7 miles from Inverness. We do not accept families as we are for couples.

Minard Holiday Cottage, Inverness - Sleeps 6

Charming 19th century canal side cottage on the edge of Inverness city and Clachnaharry village with stunning views. Views also include the Black Isle and Beauly Firth.

Inverness Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering

Witchelm House in Inverness - Sleeps 4

Semi-detached cottage in the centre of Inverness. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. No pets, wifi available.

• Cottage details.

LADYBIRD COTTAGE, Scaniport, near Inverness, Highlands Sleeps 6

This property enjoys a peaceful, wooded setting on the outskirts of Inverness, just 4 miles away from Loch Ness. All on ground level.

Hillview House on Moray Firth - Sleeps 8

Hillview House boasts spectacular panoramic views over the waters of Moray Firth and the Highland capital city of Inverness.. Enjoying spectacular panoramic vie

Douglas Row on River Ness - Sleeps 4

Squirrel lodge apartment near croy.

Woodpecker Cottage, nr Inverness - Sleeps 2

Dhuallow, aberarder, sleeps 8.

Inverness Studio - Sleeps 2

Eagle's Nest, nr Inverness - Sleeps 2

Clava Cottage nr Inverness - Sleeps 2-4

Corrimony Cottage, by Inverness - Sleeps 4

Jenny's, nr Inverness - sleeps 4

Squirrel Cottage, nr Inverness - Sleeps 4

Garden Cottage, nr Moray Firth - Sleeps 2

The Loanings, nr Inverness - Sleeps 2

Shalom, nr inverness, sleeps 4/5.

Allt Boidheach, Inverness - Sleeps 9

Driftwood, inverfarigaig, nr. inverness, sleeps 6.

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Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery

Brand New brewery and distillery on the banks of the River Ness.

Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre

Visiting Culloden the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil takes on a whole new meaning with the opening of an exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition.

Cruise Loch Ness

Cruise Loch Ness is a 5* tour company. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens is just a mile North of the village of Golspie in East Sutherland.

Beauly Priory

Explore the ruined church of a little-known order of monks in a wooded, riverside location.

Loch Ness Cruises

Experience the magic of Loch Ness!

Merkinch Local Nature Reserve

This hidden gem in Inverness is a haven for wildlife.

Singleton Glen Ord Distillery

A visit to Glen Ord Distillery is a delight to both the eye and the palate.

Lovat Arms Hotel

Lovat Arms - Your home away from home...located in the heart of the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Grant MacNicol Private Chef

Award winning private chef, Grant MacNicol.  

Bowhunter Archery Woodland Activities and Adventures

Outdoor Woodland Archery Adventures. 5 Fun Fantasy Target Zones, Fully Qualified Instructors.

Inverness Leisure

The largest sport and leisure facility in the Highlands.

On the road to Loch Ness, Inverness' only farm park with the Highlands first 'Jelly Belly'.

Loch Ness by Jacobite

Loch Ness by Jacobite offer 5 star cruises on Loch Ness. 

Cameron’s Tea Room

The Camerons Tea Room & Farm Shop at Glenlia Farm in the village of Foyers.

Boleskine House

Visit one of the most mysterious houses around Loch Ness.

Fort Augustus Golf Club

Fort Augustus lies near the banks of Loch Ness in the middle of the lovely Great Glen.

City Sightseeing Inverness

City Sightseeing bus tours are the perfect way to see Inverness.

Highland Cows at Easter Dalziel Farm

We have Highland Coos on our working farm!

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Explore Scotland's wild forest and experience rewilding in action at Dundreggan.

Rabbie’s Trail Burners

Join one of Rabbie’s and explore the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

D&E Coaches

Award winning private hire coach and minibus operator, offering tours throughout the Highlands

Simpsons Garden Centre and restaurant

Much more than just a garden centre

Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle Experience will be opening as a new visitor attraction in mid-2025

Prime Steak & Seafood

A la Carte restaurant offering quality dishes from locally sourced ingredients. 

Premier Inn Millburn Road

From booking to bed, we're here to help you rest easy.

Inverness Custom Tours

Inverness Custom Tours (ICT) are a highly dedicated and enthusiastic team of Highland Tour Guides.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn

An excavated passage grave of probable Bronze Age date, defined by a stone kerb and surrounded by a circle of 11 standing stones.

Walk Inverness

Cath's Inverness Walking and Driving Tours

The Highlanders’ Museum

The Highlanders’ Museum is home to the largest number of military artefacts outside Edinburgh.

River House Restaurant

We hope you enjoy your dining experience with us.

Inverness Golf Club

Located in the heart of the Highland capital, Inverness Golf Course is a splendid parkland course with tree lined fairways and generous well manicured greens

Premier Inn Riverness

Beaufort hotel.

Beaufort Hotel is a family business with 34 comfortable En Suite rooms.Free parking available

Ticket To Ride Bike Hire

Bike hire in Inverness for the Loch Ness 360 trail. Loch Ness is big and the Great Glen is deep.

Torrish Restaurant

Located on the leafy banks of the River Ness, Torrish brings a new era to fine dining in the city

Happy Tours Scotland

Fun, friendly, expertly guided Private Tours leaving daily from Inverness.

Loch Ness Backpackers

The Backpackers Hostel is located in the village of Lewiston just a few minutes walk from Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, a perfect location for activity or relaxation.

Eden Court Highlands

Live theatre, cinema, classes and cafe/bar by the riverside in Inverness.

Loch Ness Shores Campsite and Glamping Pods

5* camp site situated on the shores of stunning Loch Ness.

The Loch Ness Centre

Explore the real stories of Loch Ness and its monster during a 1-hour immersive experience.

Loch Ness Hub

A Visitor Information Centre, gift shop & booking office located in Drumandrochit, Loch Ness. 

Plodda Falls

A spectacular waterfall amongst towering trees.

Avril's Travels

Avril and Amy are delighted to be able to show you the best tours in the Highlands

Divach Falls

A peaceful spot overlooking the impressive Divach Falls.

Victorian Market

The historic market at the heart of the City centre.

Quilacridhe Tearoom at Drumbuie Farm B&B

Wee B&B,Tearoom, and gift shop over looking Loch Ness surrounded by our hairy highland coos

Invercannich Farm - Alpaca Trekking

A unique experience set in the incredible Highland landscape!

Fairways Golf Centre & Restaurant

Visitors and societies welcome 7 days a week.

Loch Ness Highland Resort

Loch Ness Highland Resort has created the perfect location for family to retreat to the Highlands.

Dog Falls & Dog Falls Viewpoint

Explore the trails and waterfalls on the road to Glen Affric.

Tomatin Distillery

Award winning Highland single malt Scotch Whisky

Visit our informative and entertaining Loch Ness Presentation and discover the facts behind the mystery and legend of Loch Ness.

Cairngorms Activities

Welcome to Cairngorms Activities with a wide range of activities, accommodation and a licensed cafe.

Highland Food and Drink Trail

Street food Inverness style!

Ardersier to Fort George Coastal Path

A gentle walk along the beautiful Moray Firth coastline.

The Beastie Boats

Whether it's the mystery of Loch Ness or stunning scenery, we want you to get up close and personal.

Invermoriston Bridge and Falls

Invermoriston’s Thomas Telford bridge crosses the spectacular River Moriston falls.

Highland Cows - Cameron's Tearooms

Visit the fold at Cameron's Tearoom!

Fort George

Stand in awe of Fort George, one of the most outstanding fortifications in Europe.

Aigas Golf Course

Aigas 9 hole Golf Course nestles spectacularly between the Aigas forest and the peaceful river Beauly just 5 minutes drive from the bustling village of Beauly.

Dolphin Spirit

Choose between a large, comfortable fully accessible Cruiser or a faster Rib trip to travel through several dolphin hotspots in the hope of tracking down our beautiful dolphins with something for everyone.

Urquhart Castle & Visitor Centre

Urquhart Castle situated on the shore of Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s largest castles.

Cabot Highlands

Located in the Highlands on the Moray Firth this course is worth of Scotland's Home of Golf prestige

The Malt Room

INVERNESS' FIRST WHISKY BAR

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Discover more about the unique history and culture of the city of Inverness.

Hou Hou Mei

A modern take on traditional Asian cuisine in Inverness.

WOW Scotland

See Scotland with the people who know it best on our award-winning Skye tours from Inverness.

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel

The Hotel is the perfect base from which to tour the Loch Ness area and the Scottish Highlands.

Culloden Woods

A woodland trail with hidden history.

The Lock Inn

The Lock Inn is a traditional Highland Pub sitting on the banks of the canal in Fort Augustus. 

Dores Beach and Torr Point Walk

A circular walk with superb views of Loch Ness.

Compass Sea School

The Highland's Premier Motor Cruising, Sailing, Powerboating and Shorebased Training Centre

Loch Ness Ice Cream

Wholesale producer of luxury ice cream.

Foyers Lodge

Foyers Lodge offers stylish accommodation, delicious food and unrivalled views of Loch Ness.

Pizza Hut Inverness

What started out as a single Hut in Islington, London is now over 700 Restaurants and Delivery outlets up and down the UK, and guess what, the pizza is still the best in town.

Green Highlander

Learn to cast or just go fishing...

IT Tours – Inverness Taxis

IT Tours is a sister company of the hugely popular Inverness Taxis, which has been operating in the Highlands for 60 years.

In Your Element

In Your Element offers a whole host of amazing outdoor activity experiences across Scotland.

Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre

The new Caledonian Canal Centre in Fort Augustus is a world-class visitor and destination hub.

Allt Na Criche

Walk past lovely waterfalls up to the Great Glen Way for amazing Loch Ness views.

Highland Explorer Tours

Starting from the capital of the Highlands, our small group tours from Inverness get you straight out to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Foyers House

Foyers House is a family run adult only guest house on Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands  .

The Cnoc Hotel

 Small family run Hotel in Strathfarrar, offering a very warm welcome! 

Culloden House Hotel

At the time of the Jacobite uprising in 1745-46, Bonnie Prince Charlie used Culloden House as his lodging and battle headquarters prior to that fateful battle on Culloden Moor.

Grant Driving Tours; Scotland

Private driving tours throughout The Highlands for groups of up to seven travellers

Tomich Holidays

Lovely self catering cottages or lodges with seasonal pool on rural Highland Estate.  Pets.  Wi Fi 

Loch Ness Lodge Hotel

The Loch Ness Lodge Hotel is a privately owned 3 Star rated hotel situated in the picturesque village of Drumnadrochit, close to one of the most famous stretches of water in the world ‘Loch Ness’.

Ness Islands

A little slice of nature in the bustling city of Inverness.

Daviot Wood

A family friendly walking, running and cycling trail close to Inverness.

Littlemill Trails

Explore the ridges and lochans left behind after the Ice Age.

Loch Ness Inn & Bunk Inn

The Loch Ness Inn, which is a small hotel and bunkhouse, is located in Drumnadrochit.

Change House Viewpoint

A lovely picnic spot and walking trail with views of loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Helen Stirling Maps

Freelance Cartography - Mapping and graphic design services.

42Cycling: Saddle up for premier Highland cycling adventures!

Spirit Journeys Worldwide

Spirit Journeys Ltd is a worldwide tour operator and also a DMC for inbound trips to UK and Ireland, based in Inverness, Scotland. We cover the whole of the UK and Ireland and Europe.

Inverness Ice Centre

Ice Skating, Curling, Ice Hockey - all available at different times of the year

Whitebridge Hotel

A traditional highland hotel & bar with quirky decor serving the best of Scottish produce.

Loch Ness Alpacas

Unique alpaca experiences on the shores of Loch Ness.

Culligran Fishing

Culligran Estate has 5 miles of mostly double-bank fishing on the River Farrar, divided into 3 beats.

Downright Gabbler

An unforgettable combination of fantastic locally sourced food and drink and storytelling.  

Cawdor Castle

A fairy-tale castle which you can touch and see and sense for yourself, Cawdor is a splendid house and home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor.

Highland Cow Tours - Loch Ness Hub

The ultimate way to get up close and personal with a Highland Coo!

Walking Tours in Inverness

Discover Scotland through a local's eyes on a guided walking tour!

Highland Archive Centre

Caring for, and giving access to, historic documents for local and family history research.

Clava Cairns

Transport yourself back 4000 years in time by visiting the ancient Clava Cairns

Highland Cows - Quila Cridhe B&B & Tea Rooms

See the coos whilst haveing coffee and cake! 

KFC is an American fast food restaurant chain that specialises in fried chicken.

Vue Inverness is a 8 screen, 1,758-seater cinema situated just east of the city centre.

Inverness Botanic Gardens and Cafe Botanics

An oasis of calm and beauty within walking distance of the bustling city centre.

Meall Fuar Mhonaidh

A walk exploring the highest hill on the shores of Loch Ness with fantastic views of the Great Glen.

Highland Tour Company

Experience Scotland in style with expert guided tours across the country.

The Clansman Centre

The Clansman Centre is open April to October, seven days a week, from 10am till 5.00pm, during summer months we do open in the evenings. Check out our Facebook page for opening times.

Craig Phadrig

A walk to the site of an ancient Pictish fort with great views over the Beauly Firth.

Inverfarigaig

Forest trails and beautiful views on the South Side of Loch Ness.

Coul House Hotel

Coul House is an country house hotel, located(20 minutes north of Inverness).

Dog Falls Brewing Co

Dog Falls is an award-winning nano brewery in the heart of the Highlands

The Kitchen Brasserie

The Kitchen is housed in modern, glass building located on the banks of the River Ness.

Highland Free Spirits

We are a small, family business specialising in exclusive cruises on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal and providing other bespoke tourism services.

Gift shop selling high quality locally made gifts and souvenirs.

At Urquhart’s Restaurant we take great pride in serving beautiful home cooked cuisine.

Inverness Cathedral

A monument of Gothic architecture, the most Northerly Anglican Cathedral in the UK.

Reelig Glen

Walk through an ancient woodland of beautiful tall trees.

One of Scotland's top sites to see dragonflies and damselflies

Abriachan Nurseries

Visit our uniquely beautiful woodland gardens by Loch Ness, with their fantastic mix of native and exotic plantings.

The Boat House Restaurant

Welcome to The Boathouse. In our first season under new, local management we’re happy to say the Boathouse is now the perfect place to come for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, good food, and a stunning setting.

Inverness Town House

Built in 1708

Castle Tavern

The Castle Tavern is primarily a real pub that prides itself in its food and specialises in an extremely wide range of malts.

Jurys Inn Inverness

Perfectly placed for visiting the ‘Capital of the Highlands’

Loch Ness Riding

Trail riding and training for experienced equestrians ONLY beside Loch Ness

Clachnaharry and Caledonian Canal Walk

Walk along the Caledonian Canal towpath to Clachnaharry, where the Canal meets the sea.

Falls of Foyers

Be mesmerised by the beauty of this wonderful waterfall!

Glen Moriston Arms Hotel

A stones throw from Loch Ness, a world away from your daily cares

Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport offers flights to and from destinations across the UK and Europe.

Slaters Arms

Whether you are staying locally or just paying a short visit to the Glen Affric & Loch Ness area you will be more than welcome at the Slaters Arms country pub and restaurant.

Craigmonie Walk & Viewpoint

Climb up to a spectacular viewpoint over Loch Ness and Urquhart Bay.

The Inch Hotel

We pride ourselves on being one of the best Loch Ness hotels around and are situated only minutes away from the small village of Fort Augustus with its shops, pubs, restaurants and Loch Ness cruise hire boats, as well as the famous the Caledonian Canal.

Dows Bar & Bistro

Family friendly and fun, Dows Bistro offers excellent, locally sourced food combined with premium spirits & beers, delicious wines and cheeky cocktails.

Fiddler's Highland Restaurant

Fiddler’s is a warm, inviting restaurant offering traditional Scottish dishes such as Haggis, Venison and Salmon as well as more international items.

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa

4 Star Hotel & Spa-luxury pool, leisure club, Wifi & parking on the banks of the River Ness

Abriachan Trails

Walking and biking trails for all the family.

The Dores Inn

Set on the shore of Loch Ness, a family run restaurant and pub.

Ness Walk Hotel

Enjoy riverside views at this secluded 5 star hotel in the heart of the vibrant city of Inverness.

Burger King

An ideal stop off for a fast, value for money family meal.

Highland Cows - Loch Ness by Jacobite

See the cows before finding Nessie! 

Kings Golf Club Inverness

Kings Golf Club Inverness is a fantastic new 18 hole Championship golf course, designed by architect Stuart Rennie.

Highland Cows - Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre

Meet the coos who watch over the battlefield!

Gun Lodge Hotel & Cromal Hill Restaurant

A full A la Carte Menu offering a wide range of dining options is available in addition to our extremely popular bar food prepared by our catering team – all available in a relaxing atmosphere in our cosy restaurant.

Dochgarroch and Caledonian Canal Walk

Walk or cycle the Caledonian Canal towpath from Inverness to Dochgarroch Locks.

Loch Ruthven RSPB

A peaceful loch where you can get close to nature and wildlife.

The Angry Seagull Fish + Chips

Award winning Fish + Chips food truck in the Highlands

Loch Ness Gifts

Loch Ness Gifts is a family owned and managed gift shop in the picturesque village of Drumnadrochit.

Heathmount Hotel

Award-winning, independent, small, stylish and friendly, the Heathmount Hotel gives guests a real taste of Inverness.

VisitScotland Inverness iCentre

Highland Capital’s official source for information on what to do and see in the Highlands.

Glen Affric Circuit & viewpoint

Explore Scotland's most beautiful glen.

Things to see and do in Inverness and Loch Ness

The hardest part will be choosing what to do first. Whether you live for exploring the outdoors on land or water, motivated by historic discovery, inspired by nature, wildlife and mystical monsters, or simply want to spend your holiday relaxing, recharging and soaking up the spectacular scenery, there is an activity or attraction to suit everyone.

Using the filters on the map above you can select the type of activity that inspires you, your results will help you shape a trip full of great adventures, new experiences to create fabulous memories and probably a large amount of photos!

Castles, History and Attractions

Discover 1000 years of history, from castles and battlefields, to forts and ancient ruins, Inverness and Loch Ness has history around every corner to unfold and is a history lovers dream discovery destination. 

We know you won't have time to do everything in one visit, but we have gathered all the information in one place for you to take a closer look at all the options for castles, history and attractions to help you build the perfect itinerary. 

Discover our waters by boat

One of the most popular ways of discovering Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and the Moray Firth is by sailing the waves on a boat tour.

Whether it's learning about the history, some fun Nessie hunting or in search of local wildlife, you get to experience just how wonderful our waters are when you cruise along and take in the wonderful scenery that surrounds them.

Boat tours are available from different locations around the area, Click below to discover more.

Outdoor Activities

Inverness and Loch Ness really is your launch pad to outdoor adventure, from water sports on Loch Ness, to hiking and cycling trails, Fishing, gorge walking and even alpaca trekking. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors, you will just need more time to fit it all in!

Highland Cows

The top of most visitors agenda is to meet our most popular locals, the Highland Cows.

The good news is you can view some locations on the map above so you know where to find them during your visit. We have also put together some useful information and fun facts about our furry friends, click the link below to learn all about the famous coos and where to find them.

Whisky Distilleries and Experiences

Whether you are starting your Whisky journey and wanting to taste your very first dram or if you are an experienced Whisky lover wanting to visit and savour the local Whisky Experiences, we promise there will be something new and exciting to try in Inverness and Loch Ness.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or an enthusiastic amateur, Inverness and Loch Ness is a must-visit destination for all golf lovers. Famed for its breath taking landscapes and rich history, the region also hosts a variety of golf courses, each with their own unique charm and challenges.

Discover more about the courses and ranges available for your stay in the area.

Discover Walks, Wildlife and Hidden Gems

Walking, wildlife, waterfalls, nature and scenery, something Inverness and Loch Ness has in abundance. Even when visiting the city you can take a wonderful stroll in nature along the River Ness to the Ness islands. We have natural waterfalls to find and countless viewpoints and walks to breathe in the incredible scenery the area has to offer.

Shopping and Gifts

Whether you are looking for a gift, a souvenir to remember your holiday by or want to search out the unique independent local businesses, products and produce, let us help you discover the destination one shopping experience at a time! 

Highland Culture and Traditions

Learn about Highland culture and traditions during your visit to Inverness and Loch Ness, find out how it has shaped our history and has been carried into todays Highland life.

Guided Tours

If you arrive in Inverness by plane, train or bus and don't want to hire a car or want to ditch the car and relax, you can still discover and explore the city and wider area, do not worry! There is a fantastic range of tour guides and companies that will help you explore our magnificent region.

Discover 1000 years of history, from castles and battlefields, to forts and ancient ruins.

One of the most popular ways of discovering Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and the Moray Firth.

There is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors, you will just need more time to fit it all in!

Learn all about the famous coos and where to find them.

Create the best whisky itinerary and make sure to not miss a single dram.

Explore the courses and ranges available for your stay in the area.

Walks, Wildlife and Hidden Gems

Walking, wildlife, waterfalls, nature and scenery, something Inverness and Loch Ness have in abundance, find out more.

Explore the unique independent local businesses, products and produce, let us help you discover the destination one shopping experience at a time! 

Learn how the Highland Culture and traditions have shaped our history and have been carried into today's Highland life.

Discover the fantastic range of tour guides and companies that will help you explore our magnificent region.

Create a list of your favourites!

Collect your favourite ideas and create the perfect personalised itinerary with our favourites tool.

Simply click the heart icon when you see a place you want to visit or stay and you will create a list and personalised map in the favourites section at the top of the homepage.

This will help you plan your trip and discover where everything is that you want to see and do and help you decide where you'd like to stay!

Happy Planning!

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51 Fun Things To Do in Inverness, Scotland and the Highlands

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Inverness, Scotland – capital of the Highlands – sits in the midst of the region’s most astounding landscapes. Absolutely charming and boasting incredible nature, Inverness attracts visitors from all corners of the world. The best things to do in Inverness, Scotland cover a broad range of activities – and we are highlighting them all for you!

For many, Inverness is just a quick stop while visiting the Scottish Highlands, but we decided to make it our base for an extended stay. Our lengthy visit allowed us plenty of time to discover the top Inverness attractions – as well as a few hidden gems.

From walking trails to interesting architecture to the cozy pubs serving up wee drams of Scottish whisky, we are sharing our personal tips for what to do in Inverness, Scotland!

Top Things To Do in Inverness FAQs

Before we get to our list of things to do in the Scottish Highlands, we want to answer a few frequently asked questions about visiting Inverness. 

Are there Inverness Things To Do for Free?

Definitely! While Scotland is not known as a budget destination, Inverness can be quite affordable. In fact, some of the free things to do in Inverness are the very best things to do in the city. 

What about Outdoor Activities in Inverness?

Inverness is a haven for nature enthusiasts! The ample outdoor attractions in Inverness really appealed to us. We share heaps of nature activities, including the top green spaces and best walks in Inverness.

Are there Things To Do in Inverness in the Rain?

While outdoor activities are abundant, there are plenty of things to do indoors, too. During our trip to Inverness, it was unseasonably soggy. So, we sought out quite a few indoor things to do in Inverness – and we’ve included many of them below.

Are there Things To Do in Inverness without a Car?

Yes! Many visitors think that a car is necessary to visit Inverness and the Highlands. It’s simply not true. We can happily report that there are an incredible number of things to see in Inverness without driving a car. There’s advice for getting around in the Inverness Travel Tips section at the end of the article.

How Many Days in Inverness, Scotland?

Is one day in Inverness enough? Is staying in Inverness for three days too much? We understand the conundrum…unfortunately, there is no definitive answer.

How long to stay in Inverness will depend on your interests, budget and overall trip plans. Later on we outline an Inverness Itinerary. We include tips for breezing through in just a few hours as well as an itinerary of what to see in Inverness in 3 days.

How To Plan a Trip to Inverness, Scotland

Planning an Inverness Trip is takes of a bit more than just figuring out what to see and do. Those who plan on visiting Inverness, Scotland also need to figure out how to get there, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat.

Don’t fret! We provide advice on everything from the best restaurants in Inverness to what to pack for your trip to Scotland.

Visitors planning a complete Scotland Itinerary can use these detailed guides to the best destinations around the country.

• 3 Days in Edinburgh
• Best Scottish Food
• Top Things Do To in Skye
• What To Do in Portree
• Day Trip to Dunbar from Edinburgh
• Glasgow in One Day
• Top Tips for Planning a European Trip .

Organize Sightseeing in Inverness

As you begin to make plans, staying sorted is essential! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to keep track of all the details of your vacation to Scotland.

51 Best Things To Do in Inverness

We have segmented our list of Inverness, Scotland Things To Do into two categories: Places To Visit in Inverness City Center and Regional Inverness, Scotland Attractions . Stay tuned until the end, where we share our top Inverness restaurant and bar recommendations, too!

City of Inverness Things To Do

We were pleasantly surprised by the ample number of things to do in Inverness City Centre. Actually quite attractive, the city boasts an abundance of fun and interesting sights.

#1 Stroll along the River Ness

Taking a stroll along the Ness River tops our list of Things To Do Inverness, UK. The river pleasantly curves past landmark sights and historic buildings. Fisherman in waders often stand in the middle of the stream, casting their lines in hopes of catching salmon. Paths line both banks of the river and several bridges span the waterway.

The Ness Bridge is the main bridge in Inverness. It only dates to the 1960s, but a bridge has spanned the river at the same point since the 17th century. The two pedestrian crossings (Greig Street Bridge to the north and Infirmary Bridge to the south) are beautiful suspension bridges that date to the late 1800s.

Travel Tip: Friars Bridge is the best one to cross for a picture-perfect Inverness skyline view.

#2 Navigate the Ness Islands

One of the best things to see in Inverness, Scotland is the Ness Islands. The cluster of islands sit in the middle of River Ness on the south end of the historic city center. The forested isles feature walking paths, uniquely carved benches and soaring pine trees.

The characteristic islands are a nature retreat for visitors and locals alike. The Ness Islands can be accessed by the Victorian Generals Well Footbridge from the west bank or a smaller footbridge on the east bank. Both of which are also part of the Great Glen Way.

Top Tip: On the west side of the river is the Pier Ness Viewpoint and Gathering Place. A bit odd (and loathed by many locals), the pier does provide an interesting vantage point over the water. Be sure to give the carved sculpture of the Golden Labrador a pat on the head as you pass by. He is named Breac, which is Gaelic for fish!

#3 Admire the Architecture at The Victorian Market

Visiting The Victorian Market is definitely one of the Top Things To Do in Inverness. The old-fashioned market hosts an array of family-run shops – many of which have been around for decades. The top shops to see are the butcher and fishmonger, the jewelry stores and souvenir stands.

The market itself first opened its doors in 1870, but was destroyed by a fire in 1889. The only part to survive was the original Academy Street entrance. The structure was rebuilt in 1891, complete with high, cast-iron arches and glass windows to let in natural light.

Travel Tip: Recently, the market hall has been enhanced with a fabulous food court that features local Inverness eats and entertainment on select nights.

#4 Step inside the Inverness Cathedral 

Dating to 1869, the Cathedral ranks as one of the top attractions in Inverness, Scotland. Sitting on the west bank of the River Ness, the Episcopal church features a bold red stone exterior and two soaring bell towers. The 10 bells that hang in the towers chime out beautifully on Sunday mornings.

Budget Tip: While visiting the cathedral is technically one of the things to do in Inverness for free, they do request donations of £2 per person.

#5 Learn Scottish History at the Inverness Museum 

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the Highlands. Starting at the very beginning – with an explanation of how the landmass formed hundreds of millions of years ago – right up to modern times, the exhibits are clear, engaging and some are interactive. You can even try on a kilt!

There is no ticket required. Visiting the museum is one of the top free things to do in Inverness.

Travel Tip: When you exit the museum, pause for a moment to take in the beauty of the Inverness Town House that is right next door. An architectural gem, the Gothic-style town hall was built in the late 1800s.

#6 Browse the Bookshelves at Leakey’s Bookshop

With creaking floorboards, a roaring fire and the smell of old books hanging heavy in the air, Leakey’s Bookshop is an intriguing place to visit in Inverness. Housed in an old Gaelic Church, the family-run, second-hand bookstore is a warm and inviting space. Browsing the shelves is one of the unique things to do in Inverness.

Visitors can find dusty volumes of classic Shakespeare, poetry by Scotland’s famed writer Sir Walter Scott, 100-year-old maps and modern-day mysteries.

Travel Tip: Like many attractions in Inverness, Leakey’s is closed in the evenings and on Sundays.

#7 Get a Glimpse of the Oldest House in Inverness

The Abertarff House on Church Street was built in the year 1593 – making it the oldest house in the city. The architecturally rich home was built for the prominent Frasers of Lovat.

The residence was completely renovated in the 1960s – and today it houses a small, one-room exhibition on the history of the dwelling. The Abertarff House is another one of the free Inverness attractions!

Top Tip: The 18th century Balnain House is another historic residence that is worth getting a glimpse of while touring Inverness. Built by a wealthy merchant in 1726, Balnain House was used as a hospital for wounded Hanoverian soldiers after the Battle of Culloden. The house is located on Huntly Street near the west end of Greig Street Bridge.

#8 Visit the Old High Church and Cemetery

The Old High St. Stephen’s Church is an Inverness must-see sight! Standing on a small hill that overlooks the River Ness, the grounds have been used as a place of worship since St. Columba introduced Christianity to the city in 565 AD. 

The oldest church in Inverness, it was built in the 18th century – but the base of the tower can be traced back to the 14th century. This also makes it the oldest structure in Inverness.

The church yard, which is dotted with dilapidated tombstones, has a significant history, too. It served as an execution site for Jacobite soldiers who were captured during the Battle of Culloden. Pockmarks made from the bullets can still be seen on the tower base.

Pro Tip: Outlander fans might recognize the Old High Church – as it is mentioned several times throughout the series! 

#9 Stand in Awe of the Inverness Castle

One of the best things to see in Inverness (and one that you can hardly miss) is the magnificent Inverness Castle. Sitting on a grassy bluff above the River Ness, the castle was built in 1836, featuring a Victorian, castellated design.

It is not the first castle in Inverness; several have stood on this hilltop – dating back to the year 1057. The ancient Inverness Castle even makes an appearance in Shakespeare’s Macbeth .

Today, the landmark castle serves as the local Sheriff’s Court. A tower is open to the public as the Inverness Castle Viewpoint, but it was closed during our visit due to renovation.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Flora MacDonald statue that sits on the castle grounds. A strong character in Scotland’s history, she is credited with facilitating the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie after his loss at the Battle of Culloden.

#10 Peruse the Wool-Woven Plaids

Plaid apparel is a Scottish Highland specialty…and it’s fun to pick out something for yourself as a souvenir! Kilts are the most distinct clothing of the Highlands. Men of the Scottish Highlands have been wearing tartan plaid kilts since the 16th century and are still worn today as formal dress and by bagpipers.

The plaid design itself is significant, as each tartan represents a specific family clan. Many stores in Inverness carry an array of tartan goods. Not only kilts, but scarves, neckties, vests, purses and even material-covered flasks.

Top Tip: At the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Center guests can watch as custom tailored kilts are created. There is a small fee to enter the workspace, but it’s a fun and cheap thing to do in Inverness!

#11 Join a Sightseeing Tour of Inverness City Centre

For a personal introduction visitors should join a local guide for a tour of Inverness. The professional guides lead the way to the top landmarks, while sharing interesting information about the city’s past.

Taking a tour is one of the top activities in Inverness for travelers who are short on time. To get the best tour of Inverness city, make sure to book ahead ! 

Pro Tip: Want to see more? Join a guided bike tour to see the top sights beyond the center!

#12 Enjoy an Eden Court Inverness Production

A modern venue that hosts programs both indoors and out, Eden Court is the best performing arts center in Inverness.

Featuring on-stage theatrical performances, music on the lawn ‘under the canvas’ and two cinemas that show current films, there is almost always something going on at Eden Court!

Travel Tip: The theater promotes a variety of shows that appeal to guests of all ages. Attending an event can be a nice date night or one of the fun things to do in Inverness with kids.

#13 Stop to Smell the Flowers at the Botanic Garden Inverness

Stopping by the Botanic Garden is a must; it’s one of the Best Outdoor Activities Inverness! With meticulously planned gardens, bright flowers and a greenhouse, the garden is an absolute delight during the summertime.

In addition to wandering the grounds (follow the trails to the back for the best gardens), visitors can see the fish in the koi pond (inside the conservatory) and enjoy tea at the on-site café.

Budget Tip: There is no fee to visit the Inverness Botanic Garden. It’s one of the top Free Things To Do Inverness, Scotland!

#14 Paddle a Boat at Whin Park

Whin Park is an enchanting little slice of man-made nature – and a top pick for things for kids to do in Inverness, Scotland.

The best feature of the riverside park is the boats that you can rent for a leisurely paddle around the ponds. Additionally, there are kids’ play areas, walking paths and the miniature Ness Islands Railway.

Travel Tip: At the far west end of the park is another point of interest, the Hydro Ness station. The riverside attraction is a contemporary sustainability project that creates renewable energy from the flowing Ness River water.

#15 Trek Up to Tomnahurich Cemetery Hill 

Visiting a cemetery is, perhaps, one of the unusual things to do in Inverness, Scotland. However, the Tomnahurich Cemetery is not just an average graveyard. It also happens to be an excellent viewpoint!

For centuries, people have climbed the hill to appreciate the panoramic views of Ness Valley and Moray Firth. It wasn’t until 1864 that the space became a burial ground. Trails leads through the lower cemetery upwards, past eroding and moss-covered tombstones to lookouts offering grand vistas.

Top Tip: Some of the grave markers are works of art. Keep an eye out for the elaborate stone statues and memorials throughout the grounds.

#16 Stretch Your Legs on the Caledonian Canal Walk

Without a doubt, one of the Inverness must-do’s is to set off on a walk along the Caledonian Canal. Old towpaths line both sides of the canal that stretches 3.5 miles from Inverness to Dochgarroch (and further to Fort William). The multi-use paths (shared by walkers, joggers and cyclists) are flat and easy to tread along. Plus, the entire route is highlighted by astounding natural beauty.

Another reason to head out to the canal is to watch the boats as that glide up and down the waterway. It’s fascinating to witness them maneuver through the locks and past swing bridges. The Clachnaharry Railway Swing Bridge at the north end of the path is particularly interesting!

Travel Tip: There are amenities in Dochgarroch – including a café, an ice cream shop and toilets. It is also the departure point for some Loch Ness cruises. 

#17 Hike Up Craig Phadraig

Hiking is one of the best activities to do in Inverness – and Craig Phadraig is one of the best places to do it! Both beautiful and historic, trails weave through the dense woodland to the site of an ancient fort.

It is believed that the summit of Criag Phadraig was home to a fortress as far back as 300 BC – and that a Pictish king used it as his headquarters during the early Middle Ages. Although nothing remains of the actual fort today, the space where it once stood offers nice views through the surrounding trees.

Travel Tip: Craig Phadraig is on the outskirts of Inverness. While we walked to the trailhead, there is a parking lot and local buses stop nearby.

#18 Look for Inverness Dolphins at Carnarc Point

Dolphins, seals and otters play and feed in the Beauly Firth – and Carnarc Point offers an exceptional vantage point. Looking for marine animals is one of the fun things to do in Inverness for families, couples, friends and solo travelers!

Just a short walk from the city center, Carnarc Point is marked by a short lighthouse and offers a grand view of the cable-stayed Kessock Bridge. There are a couple of tables at the point, too, making it a great picnicking spot.  

The best time to see dolphins in Inverness is during the rising tide. As the tides come in, the dolphins chase fish into the firth from the open sea. Wildlife is also often spotted from the nearby Merkinch Local Nature Reserve.

Top Tip: For a better chance of spotting wildlife, the Dolphin Spirit Inverness boat company runs dolphin-spotting tours from Inverness. 

#19 Pay Respects at the Inverness War Memorial

One of the Inverness points of interest, the War Memorial is marked by a high Celtic cross, plaques and sculptures. Dedicated to Inverness soldiers who never returned from war, the poignant memorial sits in an open green space – called Cavell Gardens.

Interesting Fact: The War Memorial Gardens are named in honor of Nurse Edith Cavell, who is a celebrated figure from World War One. She courageously treated victims on both sides of the conflict and is attributed for helping more than a hundred Allied prisoners of war escape.

#20 Rent a Bicycle and Pedal around Inverness

Riding a bike is one of the fun outdoor activities in Inverness, Scotland – as the city is extremely cycle-friendly! In addition to the paths along the river and canal, cyclists have dedicated lanes on streets throughout the city center.

Travel Tip: There are numerous bikes shops in Inverness, Scotland where visitors can rent a bike for a couple of hours, an entire day or for multiday adventures. The Ticket To Ride bike rental company at Bellfield Park gets rave reviews.

#21 Sip Local at Uilebheist Distillery and Brewery

For whisky and craft beer enthusiasts, Uilebheist is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Inverness. Established in 2023, it is shockingly the first Inverness distillery to open since 1892!

Dedicated to creating sustainable craft beer and artisan whiskies, the distillery-slash-brewery is located right along the River Ness in the heart of Inverness. The property features a fabulous beer garden for enjoying beverages outdoors on sunny summer days.

Pro Tip: Uilebheist offers guided tours of the facilities as well as tastings of other Scottish Whiskies (until their first offering is ready in 2026).

#22 Eat Inverness Street Food

The Highland Food and Drink Trail is an Inverness street food experience. Local food trucks line the Ness Walk on the west bank of the river, just outside the Cathedral, providing tasty fare for lunch and dinner. The offer includes everything from fish-and-chips to pork pies to wood-fired pizzas.

Top Tip: Guests can eat at the picnic tables in the church side yard – or find a bench along the river and dine with a view!

#23 Listen to Live Scottish Music

Listening to traditional Scottish music is one of the top things to do in Inverness at night (and sometimes during the day). There are several Inverness bars that host live performances.

Scottish folk music has been part of the culture in the Highlands for thousands of years. Performances range from a solo singer on stage with a guitar to a band playing fiddles to an entire group jamming during a Sunday session. While bagpipes are not necessarily common in the Inverness bars, occasionally one will hop up on stage to entertain the crowds.

Travel Tip: There are several places in Inverness that boast a regular lineup of musicians. We feature the best venues for live music later in our Inverness Bars section.

#24 Savor Afternoon Tea in Inverness, Scotland

The age-old tradition of afternoon tea is a must when visiting the United Kingdom. The mid-afternoon meal of finger sandwiches, scones and cakes is offered at a few select Inverness restaurants. The elegant Torrish Restaurant at the Ness Walk Hotel serves a Heavenly Afternoon Tea, which is ideal for couples looking for romantic things to do in Inverness.

The afternoon tea at The Waterside Restaurant on the east bank of the River Ness is a classic affair, complete with locally sourced ingredients.

Fancy Tip: The 5-star Ness Walk Hotel is also a fabulous place to stay in Inverness! We share tips for finding accommodations for your stay later in the article.

#25 Cheer on Competitors at the Inverness Highland Games

The Highland Games celebrate the uniqueness of the Scottish Highlands with competitions and challenges of strength and endurance. Experiencing the games as a spectator is one of the cool things to do in Inverness!

Although the games only take place one day a year (usually a Saturday in July), it’s absolutely filled to the brim with fun and excitement. In addition to classic contests – like the Hammer Throw, Caber Toss, Stone Put and Weight Over Bar challenges – the festivities also include bagpipes, track events, local eats, whisky tastings along with music and dancing in the beer tent.

Travel Tip: Communities across Scotland host Highland Games competitions throughout the spring and summer. Check online for events that are happening during your Highlands trip!

#26 Spend Time Shopping in Inverness

Shopping is one of the popular things to do in Inverness, Scotland – especially when it is wet and rainy. The best shops in Inverness City Centre are the ones that sell local products.

Our personal favorites are the family run Highland Whisky Shop (where they also do tastings), the Isle of Skye Candle Company (with signature scents, like Bog Myrtle with Fresh Mint) and The Merchant (one of the best antique shops in Inverness, Scotland).

Active Travel Tip: Inverness is also a great place to go shopping for outdoor apparel. Several stores carry specialized gear for hiking and biking in the Highlands.

#27 Dive in for a Swim at the Inverness Leisure Center

After checking off your list of Inverness things to see, spend some time kicking back and relaxing at the Inverness Leisure Center. Complete with a wave pool and spa, it’s a great place to stretch out or soak after a long day of active adventures.

Top Tip: Spending time at the Leisure Center is one of the top things to do for families visiting Inverness. Be sure to check the schedule to make sure the water activities are open.

#28 Trace Your Scottish Roots at the Highland Archive Center

Raise your hand if you have Scottish roots! Travelers interested in tracing their Scottish ancestry can find a trove of information at the Highland Archive Center in Inverness. The center houses historic records detailing births, marriages and deaths going back more than 300 years.

Pro Tip: It is best to contact the center in advance to ensure they have the type of documents you are searching for. Visitors can also book a timeslot in the Family History Room online .

Things To Do Inverness Region

We have outlined what to see in Inverness City Center, but there are heaps of things to do near Inverness, Scotland, too! Those staying for a few days can explore on their own or join one of the Inverness, Highlands tours to the region’s best sights.

#29 Search for Hairy Highland Coos

The hairy Highland cows – or coos – are a symbol of Scotland. The Highland cattle breed has a double coat. Long hair to keep the wind and rain at bay and a shorter undercoat to help keep them warm.

The massive beasts are truly a sight – and seeking them out is one of the mandatory things to do in Inverness, Scotland. The best place close to Inverness to find hairy cows is at the paddock next to the shops at Dochgarroch Locks on the Caledonian Canal.

That said, a much larger herd of Highland cattle are found outside the village of Foyers near Camerons Tea Rooms and Farm Shop. If the cows are not right behind Camerons, make your way down the one-lane road that runs above it and you will likely find them out at pasture.

Travel Tip: Visitors without a car can visit Foyers by using the Highlands Council public bus 302. The Foyers bus stop is just a short walk from Camerons Tea Rooms.

#30 Trek through Cairngorms National Park

Trekking is one of the top activities near Inverness – and Cairngorms NP is a magnificent place to hit the trails. Ranking as the largest park in the United Kingdom, Cairngorms National Park features hundreds of miles of hiking routes – as well as five of the six highest mountains in the UK. From short paths for easy jaunts and longer trails for challenging treks, pristine nature abounds on the park’s best trails .

That said, Cairngorms NP has a lot more to offer than hiking trails! Visitors can swim at Loch Morlich (which features an unusual sandy beach) or drive the Snowroads Scenic Route through rugged landscapes. It’s also possible to interact with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, ride the Cairngorm Mountain Railway to the Ptarmigan Restaurant and even get a glimpse of the famous Balmoral Castle.

Getting There: Driving a car is the best way to discover the natural gems of Cairngorms NP. Visitors can use public transit (both trains and buses) to get around, as well. Additionally, there are organized tours – like this one – that transport guests to the best spots and scenic viewpoints.

#31 Ride the Rails from Aviemore

A quaint resort town nestled within Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is a fun destination when exploring the Highlands. Well-known as a top Scottish ski resort, Aviemore is nice to visit in the summertime, too.

The historic Strathspey Railway steam train, which departs from Aviemore Station, is one of the top attractions near Inverness. The locomotive transports passengers in classic carriages through the Cairngorm Mountain Range. The Aviemore to Broomhill train ride can be enhanced with a light lunch or afternoon tea.

Other attractions in Aviemore are The Cairngorm Brewery, the Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle and the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve.

Get There: The Aviemore to Inverness distance is just 30 miles. Travelers without a car can take the Aviemore to Inverness train or bus. The train and bus times for Aviemore to Inverness can be found online and at the stations.

#32 Search for Nessie on Loch Ness

No question about it, one of the best things to do around Inverness, Scotland is to go to Loch Ness. Famous around the world as the home of the elusive Loch Ness Monster, the 23-mile-long freshwater lake is one of the deepest and voluminous lakes in the United Kingdom. Loch Ness is a haven of recreational activities – from boating to fishing to shoreline hiking.

Of course, many travelers go to the lake in search of the Loch Ness Monster! The mythical monster, named Nessie, is known to live in the great depths of the lake, but rarely makes an appearance. Visitors can learn more about the legendary Nessie at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit.

Getting There: Loch Ness can be reached by car, bus or boat. Before hopping on a bus to Loch Ness from Inverness, decide what part of the lake you want to visit. Several bus lines can be used to reach different spots on the Loch Ness shore.

Pro Tip: Take a cruise on Loch Ness! Jacobite Boat Trips offer several options – including excursions on Loch Ness from Inverness. Depart from Dochgarroch Lock on the Caledonian Canal or join a Loch Ness Bus Trip that combines the cruise with visiting Urquhart Castle. Alternatively, visitors can join this cruise that departs from Clansman Harbour.

#33 Revel in the History of Urquhart Castle

A stunning castle on the shore of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle dates to the 13th century, when it was built as a Medieval fort. In subsequent years, the fortress was transformed into a royal castle. Now the crumbling remains are recognized as a national monument.

Visiting Urquhart Castle is one of the fun things to do around Inverness. Guests are invited to tour the ruins, climb up Grant Tower and learn more about the past through the collection of artifacts on display. 

How to Get There: Urquhart Castle can be reached by car, bus or boat (via organized Jacobite Boat Tours ). There is a parking lot at the entrance and CityLink buses stop right in front of the castle.

Travel Tip: Urquhart Castle is just a little over 2 miles from the town of Drumnadrochit. Here visitors will find restaurants (try Fiddlers Highland), the Loch Ness Center, the Great Glen Distillery, gift shops and accommodations.

#34 Take in the View of Falls of Foyers

The cascading flow of the Falls of Foyers can be an impressive sight after heavy rains. We believe it is one of the best places to visit near Inverness. Part of the River Foyers, the water spills over rocky ledges in two long streams before it pours into Loch Ness.

A woodland trail and viewing platforms allow visitors to take in the waterfall from different perspectives. In fact, you can use the path that follows the streaming falls to trek all the way to the edge of Loch Ness.

Getting There: Travelers can reach the small village of Foyers by car or public bus. There is a large parking lot just across from the trailhead. The official bus stop is a bit further down the road, but drivers may stop right at the trailhead if requested. Additionally, there is a bus stop in Lower Foyers, allowing you to begin along Loch Ness and hike to the waterfalls and end at Upper Foyers.

Travel Tip: After visiting the waterfall in Foyers, walk south along the road to Camerons Tea Rooms and Farm Shop. In addition to their delicious baked goods, don’t forget to spot the Highland coos!

#35 Meet the Alpacas on the Shores of Loch Ness

For those seeking out unusual things to do near Inverness can meet the alpacas that live on the Loch Ness shore. The amusing herd of cuddly creatures are available for meet-and-greets and shoreline treks.

Although not native to Scotland (their family roots are in Peru), there are more than 70,000 alpacas that live in the UK. 

Getting There: The Loch Ness Alpacas are located in Dores, a small town on the northeastern end of Loch Ness. Visitors can drive or use the public bus.

Top Tip: Pre-booking your alpaca visit is essential! Make your reservation through the official website . 

#36 Go Wildlife Spotting at Chanonry Point

One of the cool things to see near Inverness is Chanonry Point. The small spit of land stretches into the Moray Firth between the towns of Rosemarkie and Fortrose. A lighthouse, which dates to 1846, sits on the point, but the reason most visitors trek out to the promontory is to look for wildlife.

Chanonry Point is a popular place to spot bottlenose dolphins – as well as porpoises, grey seals and otters. For the best chance of seeing dolphins, go during the rising tide. Bring a pair of binoculars for better viewing and a good travel camera with a zoom lens for snapping photos. 

Getting There: Chanonry Point can be reached by car or bus and a bit of walking. There is a parking lot for Chanonry Point, but it is best to park in Fortrose or Rosemarkie and walk along the coastline. There are bus stops in both towns (and public toilets near the stop in Rosemarkie).

Travel Tip: While Chanonry Point is a main attraction in the area, there are a few reasons to stay a bit longer. Active travelers can complete a looping walk that mostly sticks to the seaside. The ruins of the Fortrose Cathedral are an interesting sight and The Union Tavern is an excellent local watering hole. In Rosemarkie, Crofters Café fronts the sea and is a good option for coffee, cakes, lunch or a beer. 

#37 Immerse Yourself in Nature at Fairy Glen Falls

Chasing waterfalls is one of the top things to do in the Scottish Highlands – and Fairy Glen Falls in Rosemarkie is one of the best. Fairy Glen Falls is actually comprised of two separate waterfalls that spill over rocky outcrops. So be sure to keep trekking past the first falls to find the second!

The waterfalls are nestled in a gorgeous glen of thick foliage and are reached via a relatively easy 1.5-mile trail that follows the stream through the forest. There are a few stairs and it can get rather slippery, so it’s best to wear good trail shoes.

Getting There: Rosemarkie is easy to reach from Inverness by car or public bus. There is a parking lot at the Fairy Glen Falls trailhead and the bus stops here, as well. Public restrooms are just down the street across from The Plough Inn.

Travel Tip: Fairy Glen Falls was once the site of a “well dressing”. A local custom in which children brought flowers to the falls as an offering to the fairies to help keep the water supply clean.

#38 Set Off on The Great Glen Way

Hiking the Great Glen Way tops many active travelers’ lists of things to do in and around Inverness. The long-distance trail extends nearly 80 miles from Fort William to Inverness and typically takes 5 days to complete.

Following the shores of lochs, delving deep into moss-covered forests and rising high along mountain ridges, the path features some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Highlands.

The trail ranks as one of the best hikes near Inverness because visitors can opt to tackle the entire route – or complete shorter distances while using Inverness as a base. The Great Glen Way trail starts (or ends) at Inverness Castle, but you can use buses to other points on the route.

Many trekkers enjoy the walk between Laggan and Fort Augustus. We opted to hike a 7-mile section of the Great Glen Way from Invermoriston to Fort Augustus, which features dense forests and fantastic Loch Ness views.

Getting There: The Great Glen Way weaves through Inverness making it easy to walk along the route from the city center. Those who want to complete day hikes on other sections of the trail can use CityLink buses. They make stops at several access points between Inverness and Fort William.

Pro Tip: Two other popular long-distance trails in Inverness are South Loch Ness Trail and the John O’Groats Trail. The West Highland Way is another multiday hiking trail in the Highlands. However, it ends in Fort William, where the Great Glen Way begins.

#39 Visit the Village of Fort Augustus

An idyllic lakeside village on the southern end of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is one of the best places to see near Inverness. The town is spliced by three waterways: River Oich, River Tarff and the Caledonian Canal. The small-town center straddles the stairstep Fort Augustus Locks, with cafes and restaurants offering visitors front row seats to the fascinating spectacle.

Beyond the locks, other Fort Augustus attractions are the Loch Ness Viewpoints, the former Fort Augustus Abbey and locally owned shops.

Many treks crisscross through Fort Augustus – making it extremely popular with walkers. Both the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail are well-trodden routes in the region. The South Loch Ness Trail runs 35 miles from Inverness to Fort Augustus along the east side of Loch Ness.

Getting There: From Inverness, Fort Augustus can be reached by car or bus. In the busy summer season, it is best to book tickets for the bus online in advance to ensure you get a seat.

Travel Tip: The Royal British Legion near the top of the locks is a great place in Fort Augustus for a drink. While they don’t serve food, patrons are permitted to bring in takeaway from neighboring restaurants. Need a sweet treat? Pop into Cobbs Café for a Millionaire’s Shortbread (a Scotland specialty!).

#40 Embark on a Train Journey in the Highlands

The vast, rugged landscapes of the Highlands are stunning. A fantastic way to experience the sublime scenery is by embarking on a train journey. It’s one of the best things to do around Inverness. There are two exceptionally scenic train routes that depart from the city: the Kyle Line and the Far North Line.

The Kyle Line showcases the picturesque terrain between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh (via the village of Plockton). The route rambles through open countryside, along blue lochs and past hulking mountains.

The Far North Line connects Inverness to some of the most remote destinations in Scotland. The mesmerizing journey passing castles and peat bogs before terminating at Wick or Thurso. 

Getting There: Trains for the Kyle and Far North lines depart from the main train station in Inverness.

Pro Tip: The West Highland Line is another epic train journey that connects Glasgow to the Highland coastal towns of Oban and Mallaig. The most extraordinary section of the ride is between Fort William and Mallaig, which features the Glenfinnan Viaduct (well-known from Harry Potter films).

#41 Spend a Day in Plockton Village

A quintessential Highlands town, the village of Plockton sits on the shore of Loch Carron. Often called The Jewel of the Highlands, the particularly pretty location is simply breathtaking.

There are also many great Things To Do in Plockton , besides just ogling it’s beauty! Start by wandering past the rows of cottages on Harbour Street and Frithard Road. Then, climb up to the Carn na Frith-aird Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views – all the way to Isle of Skye . Visitors can also walk out to Coral Beach and take boat trips to see seals.

Plockton only has a few dining options – but they are all good choices! Our top picks are The Harbour Fish Bar for classic fish-and-chips and Off The Croft for tasty takeaway burgers. For an afternoon tipple, there is no better place than the waterfront beer garden at The Plockton Hotel.

Getting There: The best way to reach Plockton from Inverness is by train (via the Kyle Line).

Travel Tip: If taking the train to Plockton, request to disembark at Duncraig Station – one stop before Plockton. Walk up the street to see the grandiose Duncraig Castle – then hop on the trail that follows the coastline, offering phenomenal views along the route.

#42 Swirl, Sniff and Sip Scottish Whisky

Whisky distilleries are top places to visit around Inverness. We already mentioned the Uilebheist Distillery in the city center, but there are several distilleries in the beautiful Highlands where visitors can join a tour.

The top distilleries near Inverness are Tomatin Distillery, Glen Moray Distillery, Singleton of Glen Ord, Glen Wyvis Distillery and the Great Glen Distillery.

Getting There: Most distilleries are a bit off the beaten track, making them difficult to reach with public transit. Rather than driving, we recommend joining one of the highly rated whisky tours from Inverness – like this one – that makes stops at two Speyside distilleries.

Top Tip: We visited Tomatin Distillery, where we joined a tour of the facilities and a guided tasting of three whiskies. (This was part of a Full Day Tour to Caringorms NP ).

#43 Dive Deep into Jacobite History in Culloden

Culloden is touted as one of the best things to see around Inverness, Scotland. Especially for visitors who want to learn more about the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

In a fight for the crown, the Highlander-backed Jacobites met British forces in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The gruesome battle lasted less than an hour. The outnumbered Jacobites were left decimated, with more than a thousand soldiers slain. Culloden was the last pitched battle on British soil, ending the Jacobite Rising.

The haunting Culloden battlefield remains a significant site to this day and the informative visitor’s center helps explain the story of the bloody battle.

Getting There: The Culloden Battlefield and Center can be reached by bus or car. The Inverness to Culloden bus takes about 30 minutes. For a more in-depth experience, visitors can join one of the tours that includes Culloden Battlefield as a stop. 

Travel Tip: The Culloden House is another reason to see the town. Dating to the 16th century, the Georgian mansion is a classic country house of its day. Today, Culloden House is a hotel with a fine dining restaurant, where they also serve an excellent afternoon tea.   

#44 Discover Fort George

Dominating a promontory that extends into the Moray Firth, Fort George is an impressive garrison and one of the mightiest in all of Britain. Built in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden and still used as an army barracks today, it ranks as one of the top tourist attractions near Inverness.

The fortifications feature thick stone walls, bastions and bunkers – and little has changed since it was constructed in 1748. With a ticket, visitors can explore the expansive grounds and interesting exhibits at the on-site museum. A free audio guide can be used to enhance the experience.

Getting There: The best way to reach Fort George is by car. There is a bus that runs from Inverness to the town of Church – but it is about a 40-minute walk from there. Some tours – like this one – include a stop at Fort George.

#45 Marvel at the Mystical Clava Cairns

An ancient Bronze Age cemetery set on a hill, Clava Cairns is a fascinating mystical site. The burial grounds are surrounded by standing stones – and situated to align during the winter solstice, naturally brightening the burial chamber.

The historical value of 4000-year-old Clava Cairns makes it one of the top things to see near Inverness, Scotland. That said, fans of the Outlander series are particularly drawn to the site. It served as inspiration for ancient stone circle in the fictious Craigh Na Dun where Claire travels through time.

Getting There: The best way to get to Clava Cairns from Inverness is by car. Travelers without a car can take a bus to Culloden Moor Inn and then walk about 25 minutes. Several Inverness tours include Clava Cairns on their itinerary – like this one .

#46 Sink Your Feet in the Sand at Nairn Beach

A superb sandy stretch along the Moray Firth, Nairn Beach is one of the top places to see near Inverness. In addition to the powdery soft shores, the beach features low sand dunes, a promenade and coastal walking paths.

The area is an ideal destination for families visiting Inverness – as there is a playground, splash pad and miniature golf course.

Getting There: Nairn Beach can be reached by car, train or bus.

Top Tip: From Central Beach it is just a short walk to West Beach, where there are rock pools that are fun to explore at low tide!

#47 Experience the Splendor of Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle looks as if it was plucked straight out of a fairytale. Visiting the splendid 600-year-old castle ranks as one of the best things to do around Inverness, Scotland.  

The private, family-owned property is open to visitors for self-guided tours. Audio guides help explain the history of the castle rooms. In addition to the interior, guests are welcome to explore the manicured gardens and use the walking paths to discover the expansive grounds. A ticket is required to visit Cawdor Castle.

Getting There: Visitors can get to Cawdor Castle by car or on a private tour . 

Historic Fact: The Cawdor Castle was mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth – as the main character was made the ‘Thane of Cawdor.”

#48 Play a Round of Golf in the Highlands

As the birthplace of golf, one of the fun things to do in Scotland is to play a round! The game developed here in the Middle Ages – and golf is still one of the top activities around Inverness.

The best golf courses in the Highlands are backdropped by sensational scenery. Among the many 18-hole courses, the Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club ranks supreme. The challenging course boasts a tremendous layout – and the location along the Moray Firth can’t be beat!

Getting There: The Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club can be reached by car or bus.

Golfer Tip: Other top-rated golf courses near Inverness are Castle Stuart Golf Links and Nairn Golf Course.

#49 Explore the Fishing Village of Ullapool

Traveling to Ullapool for the day is one of the great things to do from Inverness. The quaint fishing village sits along Loch Broom in Northern Scotland. It’s also a popular stop on the North Coast 500 driving route.

Top attractions in Ullapool are hiking trails, amazing vistas, wildlife cruises and the Ullapool Museum. Experiences not to be missed are trekking up Ullapool Hill, seeking out Puffins on Handa Island and walking along the Ullapool Sea Front.

Getting There: Travelers can reach Ullapool by car or bus. While the ride takes about 1.5 hours, the Inverness to Ullapool bus times are quite limited.

Foodie Tip: When visiting Ullapool, getting a taste of the locally caught fish is a must! The Seafood Shack is the best place for fresh-caught fish in Ullapool.

#50 Appreciate the Beauty of Isle of Skye

Visiting the captivating Isle of Skye is one of the best things to do near Inverness. Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and its landscapes are both striking and charming. With a jagged coastline and dramatic mountains, nature is the main attraction for visitors to Skye.

Getting There: Travelers can get to the Isle of Sky by car or bus. That said, taking a day trip from Inverness to Skye is best done by joining a full day tour . It includes all the Skye highlights as well as Highlands attractions enroute, like the Eilean Donan Castle. 

Travel Tip: We share more advice for the Misty Isle in our article, Ultimate Isle of Skye Itinerary !

#51 Adventure into the Far North of Scotland

Traveling into the far northern reaches of Scotland is an adventure. Although the area is relatively remote, there are castles and small villages on the northernmost peninsula. Popular attractions in the area north of Inverness are the Dunrobin Castle and Scotland’s northernmost village, John O’Groats.

Getting There: Driving a car allows the most freedom when adventuring into the far north – but there are buses and trains that get you there, as well. Alternatively, guests can join an organized full-day tour that features the all top spots. 

Travel Tip: The area north of Inverness is fantastic for spotting wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, puffin, eagles – and, of course, hairy coos!

Where To Eat and Drink in Inverness, Scotland

Planning Inverness things to do and see is important…but it is also imperative to know where to eat and drink. We have rounded up our list of the best restaurants in Inverness, Scotland – and share our picks for the top bars, too!

Best Restaurants, Inverness

Our list of the best places to eat in Inverness is based on our personal experiences, as well as suggestions from locals and fellow tourists.

The Mustard Seed 

Housed in a former church along the River Ness, The Mustard Seed is regularly ranked as one of the best Inverness restaurants. The rotating menu is upscale and features locally sourced products.

McBain’s By the River

The family-run McBain’s exudes a warm, yet classy atmosphere. Highlights of the menu are local Highlands favorites, like venison, salmon and steak.

Urquhart’s 

Homecooked fare in a refined space, Urquhart’s is a family-owned establishment and a top restaurant in Inverness. They excel at Scottish dishes – it’s a great place to eat haggis in Inverness.

Rendezvous Café 

Highly rated for serving the best breakfast in Inverness, the Rendezvous Café is quirky and fun. Decorated with movie star memorabilia, what really shines is the excellent offerings. We recommend ordering the Full Scottish for a filling first meal of the day.

Black Isle Bar

Black Isle is well known for their delicious wood-fired pizzas that feature local ingredients. Of course, the food tastes even better with one of their own craft beers!

Victorian Market Food Hall

A perfect place to stop for a quick lunch, the Victorian Market Food Hall has numerous vendors selling both local eats and international fare.

Best Bars in Inverness

There is no shortage of bars in Inverness! However, we have a few spots to recommend where travelers can find live traditional Scottish music, a dram of whisky or a proper pint.

MacGregor’s

Unlike many Scottish pubs, MacGregor’s is bright and modern…and nearly always full of locals, laughter and live music. In fact, it’s our favorite spot for a traditional Sunday Session in Inverness.

The Gellions

Open since 1841, Gellions Bar is as classic as they come. This traditional boozer features a regular line up of live music and a nice variety of beers on tap. Our favorite act to watch at Gellions is the local duo, Schiehallion, performing on most weekends from about five-thirty.

Long known as having the best live music in Inverness, Hootananny has two stages. One for traditional music and the upstairs stage for a variety of acts (from indie rock to hip hop).

Highlander Bar 

A fantastic venue for everything Scottish – from food to drinks to music – Highlander is always hopping and has live music on stage every night.

Johnny Foxes

Casual and fun, Johnny Foxes is a favorite riverside spot for locals with friendly bar staff and live tunes throughout the night.

The Castle Tavern

A traditional real ale tavern, the Castle is a classic place for a pint or a dram. It’s cozy and comfortable inside the bar, but there is plenty of outdoor space for sunny days, too.

The Malt Room

The best Scotch whisky bar in Inverness, The Malt Room offers tasting flights and drams of the finest whisky in the region. The bar staff is top notch, too! 

Tourist Map of Inverness, Scotland

Inverness Travel Tips

Now that you know all of the best things to see in Inverness and the Highlands, we have a few more tips that will help you plan your trip.

Planning an Inverness Itinerary

Planning an Inverness Sightseeing Itinerary is a big task – and it largely depends on your personal interests. That said, we have a few suggestions for creating your best trip plan.

1 to 4 Hours in Inverness

We recommend walking along the riverside to the Ness Islands, snapping a photo of Inverness Castle and visiting either the Cathedral or the Inverness Museum. If time allows, stop by a few of the landmark sights – like the Old High Church, Leakey’s Bookshop and the Victorian Market.

24 Hours in Inverness

Visitors with 1 day in Inverness can squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a short timeframe. After seeing the sights in the city center (as mentioned above), visit the botanic garden (or Whin Park if traveling with kids). Take a stroll along the Caledonian Canal and head up to Carnarc Point to look for dolphins. Alternatively, take an afternoon boat cruise to Loch Ness to track down Nessie.

In the evening, enjoy a casual dinner and local beers at Black Isle Bar and then catch some live music.

48 Hours in Inverness

Travelers spending 2 days in Inverness can see a lot of the city, plus some of the surrounding region. Use our advice for visiting Inverness in one day, then join a full day trip to Cairngorms NP or Culloden Battlefield.

Another option is to plan your own day trip to Falls of Foyers and Cameron Tea Shop (to see the Highland Coos) or go to Fortrose and Rosemarkie to hike to the waterfalls and search for dolphins.

For dinner, make reservations at one of the top restaurants – like The Mustard Seed or Urquhart’s Restaurant.

72 Hours in Inverness

Travelers with 3 days in Inverness can really cover some ground! Adding to our advice above for Days 1 and 2, set off on a full day hike on the Great Glen Way or embark on a train journey to Plockton.

Best Time to Visit Inverness

Many may wonder, When is the best time to go to Inverness and the Scottish Highlands? As the top Inverness activities and attractions are outdoors, it’s best to plan a trip to Inverness in the summertime.

In the summer, days are long ( really long!) and the weather is typically agreeable to being outside. That said, the summer temperatures in the Highlands rarely exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit and passing rain showers are always possible.

The shoulder seasons – spring and autumn – can be a good time to visit Inverness. Of course, the weather is fairly unpredictable in the Highlands and can range from sunny and beautiful to blustery and rainy.

Wintertime in Inverness can be dark, cold and snowy – which is great for getting cozy in the local pubs or touring the attractions with far fewer crowds. One of the things to do in Inverness at Christmas is to enjoy festive music at a local bar – and stay for the Hogmanay celebration beginning on New Year’s Eve !

Top Places To Stay in Inverness, Scotland

We believe the best places to stay in Inverness are in the heart of the city – especially for visitors traveling to the Highlands without a car. There is a wide range of accommodations in Inverness – from hotels to bed and breakfasts to vacation apartments to hostels.

Although it is difficult to find cheap hotels in Inverness, there are accommodation options to meet most budgets. Before starting your search, read our tips for Finding Great Hotels .

A beautiful property boasting spacious rooms and excellent service, Ness Walk is a premier luxury hotel in Inverness. Rooms feature patios and breakfast is included. Check rates for your stay!

Columba Hotel

Located on the river in the heart of town, Columba Hotel offers guests large, clean rooms with modern amenities and an onsite restaurant and bar. Check availability for your stay!

Heathmount Hotel

Stylish and clean, Heathmount Hotel is just a short walk from the humming city center – and guests rave about the hospitality. Check availability!

Drumdale B&B 

The Drumdale B&B in Inverness, Scotland warmly welcomes guests with comfortable rooms and an exceptional breakfast. Check rates!

Airbnb 

Those staying in Inverness for more than a few days might be more comfortable with an Airbnb in Inverness. Having an apartment with access to a kitchen and more living space will help visitors feel more at home. Not a fan of Airbnb ? You can also find vacation apartments in Inverness on Booking.com ! 

How To Get to Inverness

Inverness and the Scottish Highlands can be reached by plane, train, bus or car.

Airport in Inverness, Scotland

Most flights to Inverness Airport (INV) originate within the United Kingdom. Located east of the city, arriving passengers can rent a car , take a taxi or ride the Stagecoach bus or ScotRail train into Inverness.

Larger airports near Inverness, Scotland are located in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Before booking your plane ticket, read our advice for Finding the Best Flight Fares ! 

Buses and Trains to Inverness

Buses to Inverness are fairly frequent from other destinations in Scotland and the UK. Train travel is also popular in the Highlands, but typically more expensive than buses. Visitors can use direct trains to get to Inverness from major cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow. Additionally, there is an overnight train to Inverness from London.

Getting Around Inverness

The city of Inverness is easy to navigate as it is fairly flat and walkable. Travelers staying in Inverness for more than a day have many options for how to get around the region.

Many opt to rent a car for their Inverness trip – which is great for those who are comfortable with driving on the left side of the road. (Just use our tips for finding the Best Car Rental Rates !) 

That said, a car is not necessary for getting around Inverness. During our trip, we used local buses and trains along with one organized tour to get to the top Highland attractions.

Train and Buses in Inverness

There are several train and bus routes in Inverness that can be used to get to top destinations in the Highlands.

We rode the train from Inverness to Plockton and used buses to get to Falls of Foyers, Fort Augustus, Chanonry Point and the Fairy Glen Waterfalls. Travelers can also use the Inverness Hop On Hop Off Bus to get to top tourist attractions.

Bus Tours Inverness

There are also several bus tours from Inverness for those who prefer organized adventures. One of the best tours from Inverness combines two of the great things about the Highlands: Nature and Whisky.

This highly-rated Inverness tour features several stops in Cairngorms National Park, as well as a trip to a distillery for Scottish whisky tasting. Get more info!

Another popular tour from Inverness is an organized expedition to Loch Ness. It includes transit, a boat ride, and visiting Urquhart Castle. Book it!

What To Pack for Inverness

Our final travel tips for Inverness, Scotland are all about what to pack in your backpack or suitcase . You can find more hacks on our Packing Tips page. For now, grab your FREE Packing Checklist !

Sturdy Shoes

Many of the top things to see and do in Inverness are outdoors, so make sure you pack The Right Travel Shoes . We recommend shoes with a good sole, but are versatile enough to wear around the city.

I wore my everyday sneakers that are comfortable on the trails and the streets. Kris prefers these trail shoes for treks and sightseeing. Of course, if you plan on tackling some of the more intense hikes in the Highlands, you will want a pair of proper boots .

Scotland Weather Gear

The weather in Inverness can be wild! It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in the span of just a few hours in Scotland.

Rather than letting a little rain keep you from enjoying the Inverness top attractions, we recommend packing a few items that will help keep you dry. A raincoat and good travel umbrella are two items that should absolutely make onto your packing list .

Summertime travelers should also bring sunscreen , a favorite pair of sunglasses and a hat with a brim . Insect repellent with picaridin to combat the mosquitos, midges and ticks – like this one – is useful, too.

Travel Camera

The best places to visit in Inverness and the Highlands are utterly gorgeous! It is best to upgrade to a real camera . We use a Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens . Not only does it take high quality photos, but it is easy to use and comes at an affordable price. It is still one of the best cameras for budget travelers !

Favorite Day Pack

We highly recommend carrying a day bag while sightseeing in Scotland. We like to wear small backpacks with multiple zippered pockets to store everything we need for our daily outings. If a backpack is not your style, find more suggestions in our Best Day Bags for Travelers article.

UK Trip Insurance

Travel doesn’t always go as planned – and when things go wrong, insurance might help. Whether it’s cancelled flights, lost luggage or getting sick , the right policy may recoup any costs incurred. Check the affordable rates and robust coverage at World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to the UK ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more vacation advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

More Top UK Destinations

• London in 3 Days
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• Day Trip to Windsor
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• What To Do in Bath and Bristol
• How To Spend 3 Days in Belfast
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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 15 Best Day Trips from Inverness

15 Best Day Trips from Inverness

Inverness means “Mouth of the River Ness” in Gaelic. This city lies within the Great Glen and is the northernmost city of the UK. It is also one of Europe’s fastest growing cities, where the people are really warm and welcoming. Inverness has a wide variety of magnificent places to visit including the historic buildings that are mainly found in the Old Town. Many ancient castles stand guard over this city whose history is full of monster myths and mysteries.

If you want to uncover Inverness’s rich history and mystery but only have a day to do so, this list of 15 best day trips is made just for you.

1. Loch Ness

Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest body of water by volume. The lake stretches from Fort William in the south, all the way to Inverness in the north, running for a whole 37 km. Visit Loch Ness and get to enjoy the dramatic beauty of this lake, which is also home to the Loch Ness Monster.

The monster is a mythical creature that is said to dwell in the lake. Many locals and passers­by claim to have spotted the monster, which they affectionately named “Nessie”. The Monster is described as a huge creature with a long neck and a hump that protrudes from the water.

Recommended tour : Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

2. Inverness Castle

Make your trip to Inverness complete by visiting this castle that was featured in Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. The Inverness castle sits on a cliff and is situated right at the heart of Inverness.

The Inverness Castle was built in the year 1836 under the directions of William Burn.

Today, this red sandstone structure is used as a courthouse and jail, and also houses the town sheriffs. This means that the lower floors of the castle are currently not open to the public. The north tower, however, is open to those who are willing to climb. Anyone who has the energy for the hike should go up the tower, which overlooks River Ness. The views from the top are definitely worth it.

The views at the top are amazing and offer a great spot to take selfies as you learn some history about the City of Inverness. If you have more time on your hands, you can pass through the Inverness Museum which is right next door.

3. Culloden Moor

It is on these grounds where the Battle of Culloden took place in the 18th century. This village lies 4.8 km to the east of Inverness.

The Culloden Battlefield is a huge attraction for tourists and is now under the care of the National Trust of Scotland. A visitor center has been built to give the visitors an interactive battle experience, which includes an immersion film battle room.

When you get to Culloden Moor, you should also visit the Clootie Well which is another notable site worth visiting. Here, brightly colored rags are hung by people suffering from various ailments as a form of offering to the spirits.

4. Clava Cairns

The Clava Cairns are a group of burial mounds that are located in Balnauran of Clava which is located in the northeastern end of Inverness, Scotland.

A cairn is a mound of stones that are put over a grave. The Cairns are situated about 1.6 km from the Culloden Battlefield. The well­preserved burial mounds were constructed in the Bronze Age and are strategically placed in astronomical alignment.

Apart from the Clava Cairn, there are 45 other cairns in Inverness which are believed to have served a religious purpose. It’s not clear whether a single person is buried at the entire site or multiple persons are buried under each of the cairns.

5. Inverness Botanic Garden

The spectacular Inverness Botanic Garden will add magic to any trip; it’s an oasis of calmness and beauty. This garden was opened by Prince Edward in 1993 and was formerly known as Inverness Floral Hall & Gardens.

The garden contains a wide variety of plants from different climates which are grown in greenhouses for optimal growing conditions. The Inverness Botanic Garden is a magical explosion of color and for this reason it’s the perfect year-round destination.

6. Caledonian Canal

This magnificent waterway was constructed in the early 19th century under the directions of a Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford. Even though the canal was not completed until 1847, in 1822 it was opened for navigation.

The Caledonian Canal runs 97 km from the northeastern end to the southwestern end. About two­thirds of the canal is formed by some of the lakes found in the Great Glen, while a third of the canal is man­made.

Suggested tour : Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle Visit

7. Isle of Skye

Visit the “jewel in Scotland’s crown” and marvel at the geological formations which include valleys, towering sea cliffs, and coastlines. Thanks to its unique features, the island has been featured in films, songs, novels, and poetry.

The Isle of Skye is located on Scotland’s West Coast and is quite isolated, making access to the island a bit of a challenge.

The dramatic mountain scenery here is the best you’ll find in the whole of Scotland.

The locals’ main economic activities include agriculture, tourism, fishing, and forestry. This island has been inhabited since the Mesolithic period. Portree is Skye’s largest settlement and is popular for its picturesque harbor.

When you visit the Isle of Skye you’ll see its abundant wildlife which includes the Atlantic salmon, the golden eagle, and the red deer.

Recommended tour : Isle of Skye Tour with Fairy Pools from Inverness

8. Glenfiddich Distillery

If you’re a whiskey lover, you need to make a trip to the Glenfiddich Distillery to experience whiskey at its best. Glenfiddich translates to “valley of the deer” and this explains why they use a stag as their logo. The distillery is located in Dufftown.

Glenfiddich is the world’s best-selling whiskey. The distillery was founded in 1886 and since then it has been owned by the Grant family.

All whiskey enthusiasts seeking a fully immersive experience should visit the valley and relish a golden drum of the whiskey. Visitors are allowed to taste and sample the whiskeys as well as create their own versions of it.

When you’re in Inverness do not miss an opportunity to experience first­hand this uniquely­run family heritage. You will also get a chance to have your picture taken, which you can email to your friends.

9. Merkinch Nature Reserve

Merkinch Nature Reserve is absolutely worth a mention on our list of 15 best day trips from Inverness. The 54.7­hectare reserve is located in the heart of Inverness and is a hidden treasure that very few people know about.

Merkinch was declared a nature reserve in November 2007. Even though the reserve is managed by the Merkinch LNR management group, it’s owned by The Highland Council. The wildlife present includes owls, weasels, cormorants, herons, roe deer, and waterbirds like kingfishers. If you are lucky, you might spot an osprey.

This gem is located to the west of where River Ness enters the sea. Pay a visit to this nature reserve and delight in the rolling hills.

10. Applecross Peninsula

The Applecross village was established in the 7th century by St. Maelrubha when he built a chapel there. Currently, there is a stone sculpture of him in Applecross. This village is also referred to as the Shore Street.

The peninsula is located in a remote area of Scotland and making the trip will inspire you as you enjoy the spectacular scenery. Exploring the Applecross Peninsula and getting a glimpse of the abundant wildlife will provide the perfect escape from the stresses of life.

Nature lovers can also look out for wildlife in this beautiful village.

Suggested tour : Applecross & the Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness

11. Craig Phadrig

This picturesque forested hill on the west of Inverness offers interesting forest walks and is home to a wide range of wildlife.

Craig Phadrig was once a stronghold for Bridei Mac Maelchon, a Pictish King. Currently, the 172-meter-high hill is managed by the Forestry. This hill has clear paths that are very easy to navigate.

At the summit of the hill is a stone fort that was manipulated by heat to form a glass­like material.

12. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

The Inverness Museum originally opened in 1881 and is located inside Castle Wynd in Inverness. Admission to this museum is free.

Some of the important portraits found here include that of Prince Charles Edward, which was donated by Prince Frederick Duleep’s family. Over time, other portraits have been added to the collection, some of which are by Scottish artists such as Tom Scott.

In the museum, you will find all the information you need about the history and heritage of the Scottish Highlands. Pay a visit to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to explore a wide range of archeological stones, artifacts, and crafts.

13. Urquhart Castle

This castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland and is a common site from where people report spotting the legendary Loch Ness Monster. The castle is one of the largest in the Scottish Highlands and sits on the banks of Loch Ness, approximately 21 km away from Inverness.

The Urquhart castle dates back to the 13th century. It played a major role in the Scottish Wars for Independence which were fought in the 14th century. The castle was raided on several occasions and this led to its abandonment in the 17th century.

The partial destruction in 1692 followed by the decay of abandonment led to the ruins that we see in the present day. This castle is open to the public and makes a great destination for a day trip from Inverness.

Available tour : Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle

14. Wardlaw Mausoleum

The Wardlaw Mausoleum is located about 13 km to the west of Inverness. This graveyard was built in 1634 and was used by the Lovats as a burial place until the early 19th century.

In 1722, the graveyard’s roof was raised and a tower added. Later on, the building fell into disrepair and was only rescued in the 90s by the Wardlaw Mausoleum Trust.

15. Beauly Priory

“Beau Lieu” translates to “a beautiful place” and is the name of the location on which the Beauly Priory was built. The priory is one of the three monastic communities that were built around 1230 by French monks. It was used by monks as a place of worship.

Today, the abbey church still stands and houses some funerary monuments. The Beauly Priory ruins are a top attraction in Inverness so it had to make it to the list.

15 Best Day Trips from Inverness:

• Inverness Castle
• Culloden Moor
• Clava Cairns
• Inverness Botanic Garden
• Caledonian Canal
• Isle of Skye
• Glenfiddich Distillery
• Merkinch Nature Reserve
• Applecross Peninsula
• Craig Phadrig
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
• Urquhart Castle
• Wardlaw Mausoleum
• Beauly Priory