Is Inverness Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to Visit Scotland

Is Inverness worth visiting? After visiting Scotland and Inverness multiple times, I can confidently answer this question and say that Inverness is absolutely a city worth a visit! Some may say it’s overhyped (I strongly disagree), but I find it to be one of those places in Scotland that has the convenience of larger towns (Ex: Great transportation options, many restaurants) but the feel of a small town in the countryside of the Highlands.

Inverness is known for a ton of things, most notably places like Loch Ness or the history surrounding nearby Culloden Battlefield. But there are plenty of things that help it top my Scotland bucket list!

Here are 15 things I’ve experienced myself during my many trips to Inverness that make it worth visiting:

15 Top Reasons To Visit Inverness On Your Next Trip to Scotland!

Out of all the towns I’ve visited in Scotland (and there have been a lot!), Inverness is one of my absolute favorites, and you should definitely add it to your next Scotland itinerary.

1. The Beautiful, Walkable City Centre

The town of Inverness has one of the most unique and most walkable city centers in all of Scotland. As soon as you take one step onto the cobblestone streets, you’ll figure out why. It manages to bridge the gap between small towns that don’t have much going on and larger cities that are too big to really walk in entirety.

Once you’re within the city limits, you can pretty much walk anywhere. There are plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants, stores, and even tourist attractions like Inverness Castle that you can visit just steps outside your accommodation.

Because of this, Inverness is one of the only places in the Highlands that you can experience well without a car.

2. Loch Ness Is a Destination On Its Own (Find the Loch Ness Monster!)

I am all about the legends of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, and it is so freaking fun to head to Loch Ness and see if you can find Nessie for yourself!

One of the best things to do at Loch Ness is take a boat tour where you can glide across the loch, using sonar to search for Nessie. Plus, you should definitely visit Urquhart Castle, which lies right on the banks of the Loch.

Just recently, the brand new Loch Ness Centre opened in the town of Drumnadrochit, and it exceeded my expectations by a mile! The centre tour guides you through an interactive discovery of the legend of the Loch Ness Monster in history. At the end, you vote and use the evidence to decide whether or not you see Nessie, see possibilities, or see nonsense! It was a blast!

Loch Ness is only about 25 minutes from Inverness, and getting there is a breeze!

3.  Uquhart Castle Is The Most Stunning Castle Ever

10 out of 10 recommend visiting Urquhart Castle regardless of whether you love castles and history or not. It is one of the most stunning places in Scotland.

This castle has played a huge part in Scottish history, changing hands many times during the Medieval Times and the wars between the Highland clans. It stands on a hill, overlooking Loch Ness.

What sets Urquhart Castle apart is that it has been incredibly well-preserved. You can spend your time exploring ruins, walking up and down towers, exploring all over the hillsides of the loch, and learning much more about what it might’ve been like to live in a castle during these times.

4. Historic Locations Like Culloden Battlefield Are Nearby

Culloden Battlefield is one of the most popular tourist attractions and historic sites near Inverness. The Battle of Culloden, a major battle that ultimately ended the Jacobite Rising, occurred here. Culloden is where the Highland clans came to an end fighting the Crown.

This museum is incredibly interactive. There is a 360-degree theater that imitates the battle. Plus, you can walk through the actual battlefield, see perspectives from both sides of the battle, and even explore artifacts. There is an educational space at the end that provides the opportunity to handle replica weapons, dress in costume, and talk to an expert.

One of my favorite parts is visiting the clan stones- memorials set up honoring members of each clan that died at Culloden.

⭐ A visit to Culloden Battlefield is a must if anyone in your party is an Outlander fan. I may or may not have visited the Clan Fraser stone a few times 😉. OH! And there are Hairy Coos there!

5. Outlander-esque Places to Chase Jamie Fraser

What better way to segue into one of my favorite topics...Jamie Fraser. IYKYK!

Scotland tourism has grown significantly after the onset of Outlander as a TV series, and there are quite a few different places to see Outlander book locations near Inverness. One that I already mentioned, Culloden Battlefield, is mentioned in the books and in the series as a place where Jamie fights as a Jacobite rebel.

And, less than two miles from there, you’ll find Clava Cairns– a 4,000 year old stone circle (or burial site). This well-known stone circle is not the circle that was used in filming the series, but it is one of the most popular stone circles in Scotland! As a bonus, it’s extremely easy to get to.

I’ve been here a few times to try my luck at getting through the stones… No luck yet, but I’ll keep trying 😂

6.  Meander Around The Victorian Market

Hear me out…I am a *market girlie.* I love all things farmer’s markets, Christmas markets, etc…you know the drill. And I’ll be the first to admit that the Victorian market in Inverness used to be terrible. It was rundown. It was not exciting. There was almost nothing there.

But over the past few years, since the first time I’ve been there, it has grown drastically. I just visited Inverness again in November of this past year, and I was shocked to find that the Covered Victorian Market had been built up a ton!

Shop around this little indoor covered market that’s located right in the center of Inverness. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee, find a unique souvenir to remember Scotland by, get a bite to eat (Oh my gosh the best scotch pies!), and also meet a few locals.

⭐ If you visit Inverness, make sure to stop into Milk Bar (my fav Inverness coffee spot) and chat with the owner! He always has welcoming and spunky regulars in there, and it was a great spot for a morning chat with a local! I was laughing in no time!

7. Leakey’s Bookshop (Scotland’s Largest Used Bookstore!)

If you are a book lover like me, you have to check out Leakey’s bookshop!

You’ve honestly probably already heard of it and have seen the amazing photos of the spiral staircase arching straight to the top of the magnificent building. Leakey’s Bookship is housed in an old cathedral, giving it so much character and such a neat atmosphere.

Along with the cozy wood-burning stove in the middle, you’ll find Leakey’s filled wall-to-wall with not only shelves but piles of books in just about every subject you could ever imagine.

8. Visit Dores Beach For a Local Touch

Dores Beach is an off-the-beaten-track place in Scotland that most people have never even heard of. It is located about 9 miles South of Inverness, on the less-popular side of Loch Ness!

But most people don’t know that Dores Beach is also one of the best views of Loch Ness. And, while you can’t swim in Loch Ness, you can walk along the banks here and touch the water. Plus, it’s a perfect place to get a moment of moment of silence away from the tourists who flock to the Loch.

At Dores Beach, you’ll find the famed Dores Inn, which is a great place to grab a drink or meal. Plus, two of the most awesome local businesses have sprung up nearby, Ness Gifts (closed seasonally) and The Spot– a delicious coffee truck.

Psst: Have I convinced you yet?! Here’s my #1 Inverness itinerary if you’re already set on going!

9. Great Shopping Along High Street

High Street, the main street in the Inverness city center, is packed with stores, restaurants, bars… all the things!

And look, I’ll admit- a lot of the stores along the street are pretty t0uristy. You’ve got your standard Tartan stores, your kilt stores, your Scotland souvenir stores…of course you do! But chances are, if you’re visiting Scotland for the first time, you’re looking for a souvenir!

But also along High Street, you’ll find other awesome places to explore- Like Isle of Skye Candle Company, where I got one of my most favorite (and most unique) candles ever! And some really neat boutique stores that have unique hairy coo gifts. And, yes, a lot of places to get hand-knit wool sweaters- lol.

Either way, it’s definitely worth your time in Inverness to spend an afternoon wandering up and down High Street popping in and out of stores!

10.  Delicious Afternoon Tea Locations

It goes without saying that if you’re in the United Kingdom, you absolutely should be having afternoon tea. It’s just a thing!

I might be a little bit biased on the subject of afternoon tea (duh, scones, of course!), but Inverness has some fantastic spots to relax and enjoy tea.

Picture yourself lounging away in a tufted chair, gazing out the window at the River Ness and the sprawling countryside as you nibble on delicious tea sandwiches and bask in the sunshine and cheerful Scottish ambiance. Yeah, it’s a vibe. And that’s afternoon tea in Inverness.

If you’re looking for a more upscale tea experience, I recommend that you visit Loch Ness Country House. It has an atmosphere like no other!

But if you’re looking for a local taste with off-the-beaten-path feels, check out Drumbuie Farm B&B and their Quila Cridhe Tearoom. You’ll get an amazingly delicious afternoon tea topped with a visit from some Highland Cows! What more could you want?

11. Bars & Restaurants With Amazing Local Music

Some of the best live music I’ve ever heard was a bar in Inverness city center. There are many, many restaurants, pubs, and bars that turn into late night music venues, making this the perfect place to visit in the Highlands.

If you’re looking to experience some Scottish folk music and a good time, my favorite place was The Highlander, a local restaurant that has live music every night! I also loved Hootananny’s!

Both of these places have some of the best nightlife in the town, delicious drinks, and an ambience that makes you feel welcome and cozy as soon as you walk in. 

12. Historic Hotels That Feel Like You’ve Gone Back in Time

Inverness is one of those places in Scotland where you can easily find a hotel with amazing character that makes you feel like you’ve literally walked back in time.

During my last trip, I stayed in the Royal Highland Hotel Inverness, which is literally located right outside the train station in the historic city center. It is a Victorian antique-like hotel that has been updated, but it screams old world opulence. It’s most well-known for its amazing location and it’s magnificent central staircase that is reminiscent of the staircase on the Titanic.

This is just one of the fantastic hotels that is a beautiful place to stay in Inverness. Another one is Loch Ness Country House, where you can experience a little bit more of the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Read Next: My Full Article on the Best Places to Stay in Inverness, Scotland

13. Convenient For Day Trips to Isle of Skye

What’s really awesome about Inverness is that it’s the perfect place to take a day trip to Isle of Skye from! Inverness is nicknamed the “Gateway to the Highlands,” but it provides super easy access to tours that visit the islands.

Many people come to Scotland wanting to visit this beautiful island with its Fairy Pools, Kilt Rock, and Old Man of Storr locations. But Isle of Skye is pretty remote and can be difficult to reach.

There are so many different day trips that you can take- from one day trips to those that give you multiple days to explore Isle of Skye. This takes the stress out of traveling, giving you the option to visit so much more of Scotland in an easy and manageable way

14. The Perfect Base to Explore the Highlands

Inverness is a great home base location for your Scotland itinerary! Not only should you visit it for what’s inside the city, but you should also visit because it is such a great starting point to reach so many other locations within the Highlands of Scotland.

As I mentioned above, you can visit Skye, but you can also visit Speyside Whisky Distillery, the Black Isle, Cairngorms National Park (visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd!), and fantastic sights like Dunrobin Castle.

Just be aware that some tours outside of Inverness can be seasonal, as daytime hours in Scotland during winter are limited.

15.  Tour Inverness Castle (Soon!)

One of the more popular castles in Scotland is Inverness Castle, located literally right above the city of Inverness. You can see it from pretty much anywhere in the city center, but the thing is… it has been closed for what seems like forever!

But! Inverness Castle has just been going undergoing massive restorations, and it is set to reopen in 2025. Pretty soon, it will be a great reason to visit Inverness!

Word on the street is that Inverness Castle is going to have an updated, state of the art, interactive journey (with a storyteller!) through the history of the Highlands.

I, for one, can’t wait to go back to Inverness and visit just so I can see Inverness Castle! I’ve seen it so many times from the outside, and I have to know what’s on the inside!!

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FAQ: Is Inverness Worth Visiting?

If you’re still wondering whether or not Inverness is actually worth visiting, here are a few other questions I am often asked:

Is Inverness Worth The Trip?

Absolutely. Inverness is only about a 3 hours drive from Edinburgh, and it is a straight shot. So even if you’re staying in Edinburgh, it’s easily reachable. There are also direct trains that connect Inverness with every major city in Scotland.

For the ease of transport, the stunning Scottish Highlands scenery, and the plentiful things to do and see in Inverness, it is definitely worth the trip!

What is Special About Inverness?

Inverness has managed to be a city that is well-connected but still retains its small-town charm. Somehow, the spirit of the Highlands bleeds into just about everything in town.

You can tell the locals love where they live and are proud of their heritage, which made it all that much more special when I visited. All in all, I’d add that it is easily walkable and still has character that is not easily found elsewhere.

Is Inverness a Walkable City?

Yep! You can easily walk around the center city of Inverness with no problem. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars to explore!

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Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Inverness in Scotland?

If I had the chance, I’d visit Scotland and Inverness again and again! Every chance I had!

I don’t know if it’s the “spirit of the Highlands,” or if it’s the scenery and locals that keep me coming back, but there certainly is something special about it.

Even though I’ve been to Inverness many times, I never quite feel like I’ve experienced all of it. There’s always more to do!

Traveling to Scotland Soon? Here Are Some More Helpful Articles!

✔️ Grab my 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary so you can plan out the BEST days in the city!
✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh.
✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh!
✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know.
✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber!)
✔️ My top recs for Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh
✔️ The Best Isle of Skye and Loch Ness Tours from Edinburgh
✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots
✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)

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