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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 £566 per night

Next weekend

From £746 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £83 per night
Average weekday price £84 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Inverness

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Inverness reviews

What other travellers say about Inverness

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
8.0

Lots to see and do and some cute geocache trails.

14 April 2024

Lots to see and do and some cute geocache trails. Botanical Gardens were lovely and free to use. We parked near the coach station and walked into town, reasonable prices and selection of shops was good.

Kelly
Kelly
10

Everything was within walking distance of the apartment.

8 April 2024

Everything was within walking distance of the apartment. The walk along the Banks of the River and across the bridges was exceptional particularly with the spring flowers adorning the flower beds and banks. Views to the Castle and the Cathedral made for beautiful photographs. If it's nightlife you're after plenty of pubs offering live entertainment of a high standard. Choice of eateries to suit every pocket and every cuisine. No need to hire a car, as the bus station offers buses to a wide range of tourist destinations, Culloden, Nairn, Aberdeen, Skye and Glasgow to name only a few. We will definitely return to this vibrant friendly city. Shopping is also good both for tourist gifts and also for the shopping Mall experience in the Eastgate Centre. Maybe next time weather permitting we may see the Northern Lights? This city will leave you feeling you've had a break and enjoyed the walking experience.

elizabeth
elizabeth United Kingdom
8.0

Inverness is a great place to stay to take trips from,...

4 April 2024

Inverness is a great place to stay to take trips from, however not a great deal to do in Inverness itself. There is a lovely little botanical garden but took less than an hour to look round. The museum was dedicated to mostly the Jacobite period and taxidermy didn't spend too much time there, but they did have an exhibition on for bird photographer of the year which was amazing. Have a look round leaky's bookshop it full of old books you'd not find anywhere else. Old Victoria market also had some lovely shops. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Buses very confusing making self travel hard.

Anonymous United Kingdom

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