Inverness, Scotland travel guide

Inverness is a picturesque city in the heart of Scotland, situated on the banks of the River Ness. It is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, such as dense forests, picturesque hills and crystal clear waters, and the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to spend a quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The town is known for Inverness Castle, an imposing structure that towers over the town and was built in the 13th century. In the city centre are a number of historic buildings, including Inverness Church, which dates back to the 17th century, and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a varied collection of historical artefacts and artworks. The town is enlivened by a number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, and the local community is friendly and welcoming. Inverness is also the gateway to the famous Loch Ness region, where the famous Nessie monster is said to live. Inverness is a city that is sure to delight you, offering a unique combination of history, culture and impressive nature. An ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday, in the following you will find a complete guide including accommodation recommendations, places with delicious food, sights and unique activities for an unforgettable holiday.

Useful information

Accommodation - Where to stay in Inverness

• Winmar Guest House - is an accommodation located within walking distance from the city centre and the main tourist attractions. It is a family-run guest house, offering comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms. Each room is equipped with modern facilities, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Some rooms also offer a beautiful view of the city or the beautifully landscaped garden. The price of a one-night stay in a double room starts from 85 euro.

• Premier Inn Inverness Centre - This modern and affordable hotel in Inverness city centre is an ideal choice if you're looking for great value for money. Premier Inn Inverness Centre offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms with all the necessary facilities, including free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant and private parking. The price of a night's stay in a double room starts from 99 euros and breakfast is included.

• Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments - This 3-star hotel is located right on the banks of the River Ness, just a short walk from Inverness city centre. Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments offers spacious and comfortable rooms with modern facilities and stunning panoramic views. The price of a night's stay in a double room starts from 93 euros and breakfast is included.

Tourist Attractions Inverness - What to Visit in Inverness

Inverness Castle

This impressive castle stands on a hill in the centre of town and offers a panoramic view of the River Ness and its picturesque surroundings. Built in the 11th century, the castle has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries, but still retains its historic charm and character. Today, the castle houses the Inverness Magistrates' Courts and is not open for tourism, but you can explore the grounds and photograph its imposing façade. You can also visit the nearby Museum and Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of artwork and historical artefacts, including an exhibition dedicated to the history of the castle and the city of Inverness. In addition, the area around the castle is full of traditional Scottish shops, restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy delicious local food and drink, making this a popular place to visit. Inverness Castle is an important and iconic tourist attraction in Inverness, offering an impressive view of the city and its picturesque surroundings. 

Culloden Battlefield

If you're interested in Scottish history and epic battles of the past, then Culloden Battlefield is a tourist attraction not to be missed. This historic battlefield is located just a few miles east of Inverness and is the site of the last major battle in Scottish history, in 1746, between Jacobite and British government troops. The Battle of Culloden was bloody and had a major impact on Scottish history and culture. Today, Culloden Battlefield is a place of pilgrimage for many Scots and tourists from around the world. During your visit, you can explore the battlefield, where information plaques and memorials are placed to give you a better understanding of the background and events that took place here. Culloden Battlefield is an impressive and historic tourist attraction that offers an important insight into Scottish history and culture. Visiting this place will allow you to better understand the history of this beautiful country and enjoy the natural beauty and local culture. The price of a ticket for adults is 14 euros, and for more details you can contact here.

Clava Cairns

If you're interested in exploring Scotland's history and culture, then Clava Cairns is a must-see tourist attraction. Located near Inverness, Cairns Cave is a complex of prehistoric tombs, dating from around 4000-2000 BC. During your visit, you will be able to admire these impressive tombs with massive stones that are circular in shape. One of the most impressive aspects of Cairns Cave is the mysterious and tranquil atmosphere, which will transport you back in time and allow you to imagine what life was like in those distant times. In addition, nearby Clava Cairns is Cawdor Castle, a beautiful medieval castle that was built in the 14th century and is open for visitors. Cairns Cave is an impressive tourist attraction, offering a unique insight into the history and culture of prehistoric Scotland. 

The Old Town

This historic area of the city is full of charm and has a rich history dating back centuries. During your visit, you can admire the well-preserved medieval buildings, cobbled streets and picturesque bridges. In addition, you'll also see some of the city's most important sights, such as Inverness Castle. The Old Town is also home to some of the city's oldest pubs as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Scottish food. At night, The Old Town becomes a lively place, with the illuminated buildings providing a romantic atmosphere.

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

If you are passionate about art and history, you must visit The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. This tourist attraction offers an interesting and interactive experience for all visitors who want to discover more about the history and culture of Inverness and the Highlands. At Inverness Museum and Art Gallery you will be able to see a wide variety of exhibits such as archaeological artefacts, maps, historical documents, local art and temporary exhibitions. You will have the opportunity to learn about the way of life of the local people, the history of the city and the region, as well as local culture and traditions. One of the museum's most interesting exhibits is the Inverness Cannon, which dates back to the 15th century and is one of the museum's biggest attractions. You can also admire art collections including paintings, sculptures and contemporary artworks. In addition, the museum has a café, where you can take a break and relax after visiting the exhibitions. The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is an unmissable tourist attraction for anyone wanting to discover more about the history and culture of Inverness and the Highlands. 

The Inverness Cathedral

The Cathedral is situated in the centre of the city, near the River Ness, and is one of the most impressive religious buildings in Scotland. The Inverness Cathedral was built in the 19th century and was designed by the Scottish architect Alexander Ross. The building is of impressive beauty, with outstanding Gothic architecture and spectacular stained glass windows. This cathedral is an outstanding example of Victorian decorative arts and is a major attraction for lovers of art and architecture. Inside the cathedral, you will find an atmosphere full of peace and quiet. The cathedral is open to the public and is a good place for prayer, meditation or simply to admire the beauty of the building and its stained glass windows.

The Eastgate Shopping Centre

At Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness, you'll enjoy a truly great shopping experience. This modern shopping centre is located in the city centre and is home to a wide range of luxury shops and boutiques, as well as popular clothing, accessories and cosmetics brands. You can spend hours exploring the various shops and boutiques, which offer a variety of products, from high quality clothing and jewellery to beauty products and unique gifts. You also have the opportunity to relax and take a break from shopping at one of the cafes or restaurants in the shopping centre. Eastgate Shopping Centre also has impressive architecture and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, so you can feel comfortable and enjoy every moment you spend here. 

The Inverness Botanic Gardens

Inverness Botanic Gardens are a popular destination for flower and nature lovers. Located near the city centre, these gardens offer relaxation while surrounded by a variety of plants and flowers from around the world. The botanical gardens are organized into different themed areas, including a tropical greenhouse, a medicinal and aromatic herb garden, and a nectar-rich plant garden that attracts various species of butterflies and other pollinating insects. Another popular attraction within the botanical gardens is the Orchid Museum, which houses an impressive collection unique in the world. The botanical gardens also host events throughout the year, such as flower exhibitions, presentations and lectures, as well as various educational programmes for children and adults. A wonderful destination and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, the gardens are open daily with free admission.

The Inverness Castle Trail

If you want to experience something truly unique in Inverness, you must do The Inverness Castle Trail. This is an exciting tourist trail that takes you through the city centre and allows you to discover the rich history and culture of the area. The trail starts in the heart of the city, where the royal residence of Inverness Castle is located, and takes you through various tourist attractions such as Abertarff House, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Old High Church and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. As you follow this route, you'll discover historic buildings and stunning architecture, as well as a variety of museums and art galleries showcasing the region's history and culture. The Inverness Castle Trail is a wonderful way to experience the impressive culture and history of this city, while enjoying a leisurely stroll through picturesque and historic places.

The River Ness

If you want to relax and enjoy a stunning view in Inverness, you need to go to the banks of the River Ness. This is a river that runs through the city and offers a multitude of activities and tourist attractions. On the banks of the river, you can take a leisurely stroll, admire the impressive architecture of the city as well as the lush vegetation around. You can also see how the locals spend their time on the banks of the river, fishing, running or simply relaxing. In addition, there are many activities on the River Ness, from sightseeing cruises to water sports such as canoeing and rafting. During a cruise, you'll enjoy incredible views of the city, Inverness Castle and other tourist attractions. The River Ness is also known for its legend of the Nessie monster, which is said to live in its waters. Many tourists venture out in search of the legendary creature, making the area even more popular. If you want to enjoy a stunning view and relax while discovering new and fun activities this is the place to be.

The Cawdor Castle

If you want to discover a historic gem in Inverness, you must visit Cawdor Castle. This impressive medieval castle is set in beautifully landscaped parkland a few miles from the city. Cawdor Castle is famous for its connection to Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth'. In addition, the interior of the castle is a spectacle in itself, with a multitude of elegant rooms, antique furniture and impressive artwork. Besides visiting the castle itself, there are many other things to do in the surrounding area. You can take a walk through the beautiful gardens nearby, where you can admire a variety of exotic plants and flowers. You can also enjoy a walk through the surrounding forests, which are known for their outstanding landscapes. The price of a ticket for adults is 14,50 euro and more details can be found at here.

Gastronomy & Restaurants

Scottish cuisine is a combination of unique tastes and textures with strong Celtic, Nordic and French influences, with a rich variety of local ingredients such as lamb, fish and seafood. Below you'll find some of Scotland's most famous traditional dishes that you must try on your trip.

• Fish and chips: is a British dish consisting of fish fried in a flour crust and fried potatoes. It is a popular dish in Inverness and other UK cities.

• Cullen skink: is a creamy fish soup made with smoked cod, potatoes, onions and sour cream. It is a dish specific to the Moray Firth, near Inverness.

• Porridge: is a traditional Scottish breakfast made from oatmeal, milk or water. It's hearty and healthy, often served with honey and fruit.

• Shortbread: is a traditional Scottish biscuit made from flour, butter and sugar. It is a popular preparation in Inverness and other areas of Scotland often served with hot tea.

• Whisky: is a traditional Scottish alcoholic drink made from malt and barley, fermented and distilled. There are many different types of whisky, each with its own unique taste and flavour characteristics.

• The Mustard Seed - This downtown restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with traditional dishes accompanied by fine drinks. The menu changes according to the season and the ingredients available in the area, so customers will always discover fresh and delicious dishes.

• Rocpool - Another popular restaurant in Inverness is Rocpool, where customers can enjoy modern cuisine made from fresh, high quality ingredients. The menu is varied, including vegetarian dishes, and the atmosphere is elegant and welcoming.

• The Kitchen Brasserie - This restaurant stands out for its warm and friendly atmosphere and its rich and varied menu. Customers can enjoy traditional dishes as well as food from other parts of the world, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks, including vintage whiskies and fine wines.

Inverness is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful places to visit, delicious food and friendly people. Whether you're here for a short break or a longer stay, you're sure to have a memorable experience. Don't forget to walk along the banks of the River Ness, visit the nearby castles and historical sites and try the traditional dishes.