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Inverness
Take a trip to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Voted as one of the ‘50 Best Places to Travel in 2025’ by Travel + Leisure, explore this compact city and discover a slower way of life, but still with interesting things to do and events. Use Inverness as a base to explore Highland scenery, iconic castles, majestic mountains and unique wildlife, including the famous Loch Ness monster.
Things to do in Inverness
Inverness has everything from history to wild landscapes on its doorstep. Explore distilleries and castles, and go looking for the famous Loch Ness monster.
12 Amazing activities & things to do in Inverness
Find out about attractions, activities, tours and more in Inverness.

Inverness by public transport with Good Journey
Take public transport to these Inverness attractions and you could get a discount on your tickets.
The Highlands movie map
Explore iconic locations across the Highlands that have starred in blockbuster movies.
Explore Highland wildlife
See where to catch a glimpse of a variety of Scottish species including majestic red deer, black grouse, golden eagles, osprey and ptarmigan.

New in 2025: Inverness Castle Experience
Set to open in summer this year after a multimillion-pound restoration, Inverness Castle Experience is not to be missed when visiting Inverness.
Inspiration for Inverness breaks
Ness Walk Hotel
© Ness Walk
Places to stay
City centre hostels, quiet apartments or comfortable hotels - find accommodation in Inverness for your break.
Laggan Locks, Caledonian Canal
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Tours, routes & trails
Plan a hike up a nearby mountain, or cycle around a nearby loch. Book a tour to learn more on everything from wildlife to history.
Unique experiences
The capital of the Highlands offers the chance to enjoy many unique experiences, including dolphin spotting, historic battles and atmospheric bookshops!

Leakey's Bookshop
A really cool bookshop!
Dolphin spotting
The waters around Inverness are perfect for dolphin spotting!

10 Quirky places to eat in Inverness
From superb Scottish food cooked to perfection and modern musings in a converted church, there's a bit of everything in Inverness.
Map of Inverness
Explore Inverness
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Travel to and around Inverness
Plan your trip to Inverness with our handy travel info, or check out Visit Inverness Loch Ness for more travel tips.
Getting to Inverness
Bus and coach
There are many frequent and affordable bus services that travel from various main cities to Inverness daily.
Train
Inverness railway station is right in the heart of the city and has frequent fast and reliable services to and from major cities.
LNER trains run along the east coast from cities such as London, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
ScotRail provides an express rail service direct to Inverness from many major cities.
Inverness can also be reached overnight from London on the Caledonian Sleeper.
Travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper
ScotRail are also offering a 20% discount on off-peak tickets for Caledonian Sleeper customers.
Driving
Inverness is linked to the rest of Scotland and UK by the A9. It is a great base for travelling further north or west into the Highlands, or for exploring Moray Speyside to the east.
- From Edinburgh or Glasgow - 3 hours
- From Manchester - 6 hours 30 minutes
- From Birmingham - 8 hours
Flying
Inverness Airport is located 9 miles north-east of Inverness. You can fly from a number of destinations across the UK and Europe.
You can travel from the airport to the city centre in around 30 minutes by bus, tram, taxi or car.
Getting around Inverness
Walking
Inverness is easily explored on foot with most key attractions within walking distance of each other. Attractions beyond the city centre can be reached cost effectively by public transport and again explored further by foot.
Cycling
You can easily hire a bike in Inverness from Ticket To Ride or use the Hi-Bike service.
Check out the Hi-Travel active travel map for recommended routes | PDF 1.9MB
Bus and coach
Stagecoach operate regular buses across the city of Inverness.
Plan your journey within Inverness with Stagecoach
Taxi
There are several taxi companies available in Inverness. There are also licensed taxi ranks at Inverness Airport, Inverness Bus Station and Inverness Train Station.
Tours
Want to relax and let someone else drive?
Book a tour and hear from a knowledgeable local tour guide as they highlight points of interest, stop off at the best hidden gems and visit the iconic landmarks you’ve heard all about.
What's on in Inverness
Suidhe Viewpoint, Fort Augustus
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Events
Take part in an exhilarating cycling event, or get a flavour of traditional Scotland at the Inverness Highland Games.
Places to eat in and around Inverness
MacGregor’s Bar, Inverness
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Food & drink
Enjoy a tasty bar meal, dine in a luxury restaurant, or find a food truck serving fresh local produce. There are some great places to eat in and around Inverness.
A tip from your local expert

Loch Ness by Jacobite - 5 star cruises on Loch Ness.
Experience the splendour of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle by joining a cruise with Loch Ness by Jacobite. They offer a range of trips from a one-hour leisurely cruise to a six-hour coach and cruise combination.
Joe
VisitScotland
Events
Inverness has no shortage of fantastic events and festivals. Find something that inspires you and book a trip today.

Celebrating Scotland's Landscape
Fort George, Inverness
This exhibition explores Scotland from above, seeing our familiar and striking landscape in new ways and revealing histories that stretch back millions of years.
View Event Details : Celebrating Scotland's Landscape

Jason Manford - A Manford All Seasons
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness


Scottish Ensemble with Donald Grant: Thuit an Oidhche Oirnn
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness


An Evening with Rangers Legends
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness
Touring production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, adapted from C S Lewis' beloved tale about four children who are whisked away from wartime Britain into a fantastical land of snow.
View Event Details : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Legend of Houdini - Kirkhill Kirkhill Community Centre, Inverness
Kirkhill Sports Park and Community Centre, Inverness


Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness

A Scottish Comedy Collective
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness



Charity Garden Opening - Inverness Botanic Gardens
Inverness Botanic Gardens, Inverness

Mhairi Black: Politics Isn’t For Me
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness

An evening with Francis Rossi
Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, Inverness

Northern Star Country Music Festival
Northern Meeting Park Arena, Inverness




Hydrophone Discovery Cruise
Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Inverness

Live Debate: Nessie, Nonsense or Possibilities!
Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Inverness
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Food & Drink Ideas
Grab a bite to eat in Inverness at a local cafe or restaurant. Whether you're going for traditional Scottish cuisine or something different, you'll be amazed at the variety in this northern city.

Velocity Cafe & Bicycle to Work
Inverness, The Highlands
Velocity is a cafe and bicycle workshop in Inverness. We serve great coffee, home made cakes, fresh soup, chunky sandwiches, delicious salads, and healthy breakfasts. A warm welcome however you get here. #velocitylove
View Details : Velocity Cafe & Bicycle to WorkRiver House Restaurant
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Here at River House we are dedicated to sourcing and using only the finest seasonal and sustainable produce from around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
View Details : River House Restaurant
Harry Gow Bakery Inverness
Inverness, The Highlands
Purveyors of fresh bread, rolls, pastries, soup, sandwiches, biscuits, cakes, wedding cakes and ice cream all made by the first ever Scottish baker of the year from scratch in our Inverness bakery with the finest ingredients.
View Details : Harry Gow Bakery Inverness
WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Scotland Merchant of the Year offering a superlative selection of whiskies, wines and spirits.
View Details : WoodWinters Wines & Whiskies
The Malt Room
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Inverness' first whisky bar, with a cosy and friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and a choice selection of whiskies, fine spirits, cocktails, wines and beers.
View Details : The Malt Room
MacGregor's Bar
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
A modern-day Scottish bar which embraces culture and music whilst celebrating the craft beer and spirit bar revolution. Superb food throughout the day and night
View Details : MacGregor's Bar
Beaufort Hotel
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
At the Beaufort Hotel we have a modern furnished restaurant where we cater for all tastes using the finest local ingredients, whilst offering you a great friendly service.
View Details : Beaufort Hotel
Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Presenting the idyllic combination of innovation and intimacy, Torrish at Ness Walk breathes new life to fine dining in the Inverness city centre and the pinnacle of social dining.
View Details : Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk
ANTA Scotland Ltd - Inverness cafe
Inverness, The Highlands
Join us for lunch at our cafe and shop in Croy.
View Details : ANTA Scotland Ltd - Inverness cafe
The Drumossie Hotel Restaurant
Inverness, The Highlands
A relaxing restaurant furnished to a very high standard looking out on to the well kept grounds, boasting a comfortable lounge for pre dinner drinks and coffees.
View Details : The Drumossie Hotel Restaurant
NESS CAFE at Inverness Cathedral - dedicated to St Andrew
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Café & Shop, which is open 6 days per week all year round
View Details : NESS CAFE at Inverness Cathedral - dedicated to St Andrew
An-Talla by Loch Ness
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Looking for things to do near Loch Ness? An Talla offers freshly prepared food using locally sourced ingredients. Our shop is full of one of a kind pieces, perfect souvenirs and the perfect excuse to treat yourself. Try our restaurant and cafe on the Caledonian Canal.
View Details : An-Talla by Loch NessTiger on the Wall
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Tiger on the Wall is a ‘pop-up’ restaurant that brings you classic Indian and Oriental dishes.
View Details : Tiger on the Wall
Scotch & Rye
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Our style is industrial prohibition with a splash of steampunk thrown in for good measure. Find us on Queensgate and enjoy craft beers, vintage cocktails & some incredible American inspired comfort food.
View Details : Scotch & Rye
Prime Steak & Seafood
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Inverness first dedicated steak & seafood restaurant. Situated along the stunning banks of the River Ness, and with views of the castle, our kitchen team specialise in providing quality dishes from local sources & sustainable suppliers.
View Details : Prime Steak & Seafood
The Wee Bar
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Step inside our cosy hideaway, located above Prime Steak and Seafood, and discover a truly handpicked array of Whiskies & Gins, where every bottle on our back bar has a purpose, and every drop has its own story.
View Details : The Wee Bar
Glass House Restaurant - Simpsons Garden Centre
Inverness, The Highlands
The Glasshouse Restaurant at Simpsons Garden Centre combines panoramic views over the city with an informal, relaxed atmosphere. With delicious home made, seasonal food it's the perfect place to meet friends and family.
View Details : Glass House Restaurant - Simpsons Garden Centre
The White House
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Stylish cocktail bar and restaurant centrally situated within Inverness City Centre.
View Details : The White House
Platform 8
Inverness, The Highlands
Platform 8 - a bar that offers a friendly Highland welcome and a great choice of food and drink - Located just a few steps away from Inverness Train Station
View Details : Platform 8
The Clansman Restaurant
Inverness, The Highlands
Our award winning Cobbs Restaurant only uses local produce and takes pride in healthy portions and good quality food. We offer a varied menu over lunch and dinner and throughout summer months the Chef offers nightly specials.
View Details : The Clansman Restaurant
Culloden House Hotel Restaurant
Inverness, The Highlands
Historic house dating back to 1788. Georgian decor including magnificent chandeliers and plasterwork. Fine dining restaurant which serves prime Scottish beef, fish and game.
View Details : Culloden House Hotel Restaurant
Playback
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Axe-throwing and Activities Bar that sells cocktails and burgers.
View Details : Playback
Lauders Bar
Inverness City Centre, The Highlands
Welcome to Lauders Bar, one of the oldest bars in Inverness which can trace its long and colourful history back to 1852 and was previously and fondly remembered as the Criterion Bar.
View Details : Lauders Bar1 of 24
Spotlight on

Inverness Castle
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Inverness Castle Experience
Set to open in summer this year after a multimillion-pound restoration, Inverness Castle Experience is not to be missed when visiting Inverness.
Embark on a wonderful journey where you can explore the region’s unique landscape, history, culture and heritage. Discover the life in the Highlands through exciting tales, fascinating artefacts and immersive and sensory experiences.
Explore further
Loch Ness
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The Loch Ness Monster - is Nessie real?
More information on the monster's background and potential whereabouts.

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