Top Picks for Exploring Inverness: Insider Suggestions
Welcome to the heart of the Scottish Highlands with a guide to the best things to do in Inverness! If you're envisioning mountains, lochs, and breathtaking views for a Highland adventure, you're absolutely right. But there's also a bustling city brimming with activities and attractions, often overlooked - Inverness, the self-proclaimed capital of the Scottish Highlands. This revamped travel guide, curated by Graham, offers you an insider's perspective on what to explore in Inverness - from the familiar to the offbeat.
Kick off your exploration with a guided city tour. Stroll through Inverness, delving into its history, and discover some of its main attractions. If you'd like a more relaxed pace, you can opt for the 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Head to Ness Islands, tucked away in the city center. Cross the bridges to these idyllic islands, filled with trees and wildlife, for a picnic amid nature. Take the three-mile walk around the islands to soak up the serene ambiance.
Climb the 94 steps to the top of Inverness Castle for a stunning 360-degree view of the city.
Embark on a Waterways Bike Tour to cover the canal and towpath along the River Ness. This guided tour takes you through some of Inverness' best and most famous sights.
Just a 15-minute drive from the city lies Culloden Battlefield. Immerse yourself in the dramatic history of the battle that changed Scotland forever. Fuel up at the on-site café for a whisky or charcuterie platter.
If you're looking for something unusual, visit the Highland House of Fraser in Bridge Street to rent a kilt, learn about its history, or even get fitted for one to wear at your wedding!
For an aquatic adventure, hop on board a Dolphin Cruise out into the Moray Firth. spotted dolphins, seals, otters, and other wildlife.
When it comes to dining, Velocity Café is a cycling-themed haven offering healthy salads, irresistible cakes, and Velocitea. The River House Restaurant, located under the famous suspension bridge on Greig Street, serves fresh seafood and shellfish daily.
In the evenings, unwind at The Malt Room, a modern, welcoming bar offering Modest, Memorable, and Magnificent drams from Scotland and worldwide.
Victorian Market and Leakey's Bookshop offer excellent shopping opportunities. Don't miss out on the Milk Bar in the Victorian Market, serving exceptional coffee, or the hidden gems tucked away in Leakey's.
Inverness hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Highland Games, usually held in July. Check the latest dates before you visit.
With Loch Ness, the Beauly Firth, and the Black Isle near Inverness, the possibilities for exploration beyond the city are endless. Consider taking a tour to the Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, or Glenfinnan to see the renowned Harry Potter viaduct.
Discover Inverness' rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, making it more than just a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Let this guide be your starting point and immerse yourself in the unique experiences that Inverness has to offer.
For more travel suggestions, check out Planning a Weekend in Edinburgh, A Local's Guide to Glasgow, and How to See + Ride the Harry Potter Train in Scotland.
Graham Grieve, a Scottish travel blogger, is your trusted guide for exploring Inverness and Scotland's hidden gems. Stay updated with Graham's adventures at My Voyage Scotland.
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Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers a mix of both popular and unusual activities that reflect its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture.
Popular Things to Do:
- Visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Explore the legendary Loch Ness, famous for its mythical monster, and delve into the ruins of Urquhart Castle on its shores for panoramic views and history[1].
- Culloden Battlefield: Discover the site of the last battle fought on British soil, important for Scottish heritage and Outlander fans[1][2].
- Inverness Castle and River Ness: Though currently closed for renovations until 2025, the castle remains an iconic landmark visible from the river bank alongside scenic River Ness walks[2].
- Inverness Cathedral: Visit the beautiful Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, a notable religious and architectural site in the city[1][2].
- Cawdor Castle and Gardens: Explore this historic estate with its walled, flower, and wild gardens, linked to the Macbeth story[1].
Unusual and Unique Experiences:
- Tartan Talks at Rebel Row: Engage with a 60-minute talk about untold stories of tartan, traitors, and rebellion, offering a deep dive into Scottish culture rarely found in typical tours[3].
- The Highlander Experience: Participate in daily shows combining history, traditional music, Highland food, and whisky tasting, blending education with entertainment[3].
- Whisky Gig at The Malt Room: Enjoy an evening of whisky tasting paired with Scottish music and friendly atmosphere weekly[3][5].
- Inverness Botanic Gardens: A subtropical garden featuring exotic cacti, pitcher plants, waterfalls, and fish ponds—quite unique for northern Scotland’s climate and a colorful outdoor retreat[1].
- Market on the Green Drumnadrochit: Visit local craft markets nearby on select dates for authentic Highland makers and producers[3].
This blend of storied landmarks, immersive cultural talks, whisky-infused music nights, and unique gardens ensures visitors to Inverness can enjoy both well-loved attractions and offbeat experiences unique to the Scottish Highlands[1][3][5].
- For food enthusiasts, Velocity Café and the River House Restaurant offer unique dining experiences in Inverness. Velocity Café is a cycling-themed eatery serving healthy salads, irresistible cakes, and Velocitea. The River House Restaurant, located under the famous suspension bridge on Greig Street, serves fresh seafood and shellfish daily.
- To unwind in the evenings, check out The Malt Room, a modern, welcoming bar offering Modest, Memorable, and Magnificent drams from Scotland and worldwide.
- Victorian Market and Leakey's Bookshop offer excellent shopping opportunities. Don't miss out on the Milk Bar in the Victorian Market, serving exceptional coffee, or the hidden gems tucked away in Leakey's.
- Inverness hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Highland Games, usually held in July. Check the latest dates before you visit.
- With Loch Ness, the Beauly Firth, and the Black Isle near Inverness, the possibilities for exploration beyond the city are endless. Consider taking a tour to the Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, or Glenfinnan to see the renowned Harry Potter viaduct.
