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Top things to do in Inverness

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Inverness: the city's best neighbourhoods

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About Inverness

Including tips for the best time to visit Inverness

As the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness has plenty going for it. Whether you're looking to go monster-hunting in the nearby Loch Ness or delve into the region's intriguing history, there's plenty to keep you occupied.

For an insight into the city's history, make sure you pay a visit to Inverness Castle – a magnificent red sandstone structure overlooking the peaceful waters of the River Ness. The castle sits on the site of an 11th-century defensive structure and offers sprawling views from the North Tower. Other historic sites include the post-Reformation Inverness Cathedral and the Flora Macdonald statue.

Inverness has cemented itself as a bit of a foodie hotspot, and it's easy to see why. Here Michelin-star restaurants rub shoulders with friendly gastropubs and gourmet cafés to serve up a smorgasbord of culinary delights. For modern Scottish fare right by the river, head to Rocpool, which has won rave reviews from critics and customers alike – earning itself a prestigious Michelin star.

Once you're out of the city centre, Inverness becomes a different world. To get back to nature, take a wander through the botanic gardens, explore the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve or go searching for an icon in the inky waters of Loch Ness. You can even go dolphin-spotting in the waters of the Moray Firth.

Tonight

From per night

This weekend

From £590 per night

Next weekend

From £574 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £94 per night
Average weekday price £96 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Inverness

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Inverness reviews

What other travellers say about Inverness

10

Inverness is perfect for a holiday where you want to...

5 May 2024

Inverness is perfect for a holiday where you want to prioritize gentleness, quiet, & rest but balanced with time outdoors & access to general amenities (restaurants, pubs, historic sites, etc). Ease of access to the rest of the highlands (and numerous day tour options for the Isle of Skye) are a definite plus for those wanting to go further afield.

Thompson
Thompson
10

Inverness is a lovely place and ideally situated to go off...

3 May 2024

Inverness is a lovely place and ideally situated to go off and explore Loch Ness. The city itself has plenty to see and do with some lovely eating and drinking establishments. The people were warm and friendly and it felt particularly safe when out walking at night. We were there to take part in the Etape Loch Ness which is a cycling challenge around the entire Loch Ness and up in to the mountains. It was perfectly organised and an event i'd thoroughly recommend doing. The walks along the river and around the small islands on the river are really lovely and you are ideally placed for exploring the beautiful countryside that surrounds Inverness.. we will definitely be going back again.

Tim Hine
Tim Hine United Kingdom
8.0

Lovely location with river walks, shops and eateries in...

29 April 2024

Lovely location with river walks, shops and eateries in walking distance, and wonderful tours to all the most interesting and beautiful sites/sights. I would recommend Jacobite cruise and Rabbies tours, Whisk Away for gf cake and The Wee Bar for lovely food and friendly staff.

Jennifer
Jennifer United Kingdom
6.0

We only used Inverness as a central location for activities...

19 April 2024

We only used Inverness as a central location for activities that we carry out i.e. following a Steam Train that was visiting the area so had no reason to visit anywhere in Inverness except for a couple of local eateries.

Alistair
Alistair United Kingdom
10

Good shopping centre, great riverside walks, historic...

18 April 2024

Good shopping centre, great riverside walks, historic buildings ( we didn't get chance to visit) and visiting loch Ness, this is 20minute bus ride away, personally I would recommend viewing from the bus as the cruise was nice but not good value for money.

Avril
Avril United Kingdom
10

It's an amazing city!

15 April 2024

It's an amazing city! It's so beautiful, not big and crowdy, but at the same time you can find so many things to do there. There are lots of places for a nice walk: along the river Ness, city center, Caledonial canal, woods. Loch Ness is just 20 minutes drive, castles, beaches are all not far. The Botanical garden is small but really nice and it's free! I enjoyed to visit Eden Court every evening - to watch a cinema or for a concert. There are lot of nice restaurants. The Dolphin spirit boat trip was astonishing as well! Really recommend to visit

Ekaterina
Ekaterina United Kingdom

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