A weekend in Inverness: travel guide and things to do

1. Why you should visit Inverness

With a population of around 47,000 people, Inverness is known as the “capital of the Highlands”, said TrueHighlands.com. It may be smaller in comparison to its Central Belt counterparts, but the region’s only city has the “highest density of shops, cafes and restaurants” in the Highlands. With so much beautiful countryside nearby, if you choose to base yourself here, “we recommend exploring the surrounding area too”.

For a small city, Inverness “sure packs a punch”, said Mike MacEacheran in the Independent. It primarily attracts “monster hunters” on their way to Loch Ness, but more recently it has “developed an urban swagger”. As well as the “craggy castles” and “nostril-tingling distilleries” further afield, Inverness “oozes” with museums and art and is “awash” with “creative chefs” and “only-in-the-Highlands bars”.

2. Top attractions: things to see and do

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

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One of Scotland’s most iconic locations, Loch Ness is just a 30-minute car or bus journey south from Inverness. Take a boat trip to find “Nessie”, the Loch Ness Monster, and also pay a visit to the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle. Extending for 37 kilometres, Loch Ness is the largest lake by volume in the UK.

River Ness and Ness Islands

You can go for a two-hour stroll starting from Inverness city centre along the banks of the River Ness to Ness Islands. Walk across the footbridges to explore both sides of the riverbank and also spot seals and seabirds between the two road bridges that run through the city. Other things to see include Inverness War Memorial and Inverness Cathedral. Did you know, but the first ever sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was not in fact in Loch Ness, but the River Ness, said TrueHighlands.com.

Landmarks

Overlooking the city from the highest point above the River Ness, Inverness Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. Although access to the castle is restricted, the grounds are open to the public. Other historical landmarks to visit include the 18th-century fortress Fort George and the Clava Cairns Bronze Age cemetery complex.

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield, six miles east of Inverness, is the site of one of the most pivotal moments in Scotland’s history. It was here on 16 April 1746 where the final Jacobite Rising came to a brutal head in one of the most harrowing battles Britain has ever seen. The battlefield is open daily and the visitor centre is open from 9am to 4pm.

North Coast 500 road trip

Beginning and ending in Inverness, this rugged Scottish coastal route is well worth the 500 miles it’s named after. Taking up to five days to complete, road trippers on the North Coast 500 can take in jagged mountains, historic fishing villages, Scottish architecture and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Shopping and markets

Inverness High Street is the “main retail artery” in the centre, said Hotels.com. Shops and boutiques line the street and besides international and national brands, the street also hosts a choice of small Scottish shops and independent businesses offering “unique local wares”. The Victorian Market in the centre of Inverness is a covered market that’s home to a wide range of independent shops, cafes and services. Here you can buy gifts from Inverness Souvenirs, clothing from Ness Ware or sweet treats from Story Chocolates.

3. Hotels: where to stay

Do you want a “window-wide-open peek” at Inverness Castle across the river? Then make sure to request a room with a view when booking at Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, said Mike MacEacheran in the Independent. Other “best for” hotels on his Inverness list include Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel (best for quiet luxury), Mercure Inverness (best for style), and Kingsmills Hotel (best for spa and golf).

“City-centre pad” the Rocpool Reserve is “one of the most talked about hotels in Inverness”, said The Hotel Guru. This townhouse hotel is known for being “modern and luxurious”, and its Chez Roux restaurant is “highly recommended”.

With a 9/10 expert rating, Foyers Lodge offers a “sophisticated yet homely B&B experience”, said The Telegraph. And the views “aren’t bad either”. For those seeking a “romantic country house” with sweeping views over Loch Ness, Foyers Lodge “truly delivers”.

4. Restaurants and whisky bars: where to eat and drink

Restaurants

There are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Inverness, but the authoritative food guide does recommend Rocpool, which is located on the banks of the River Ness. Close to town and popular with locals, this family-owned and run restaurant has “wide-ranging menus” offering “vibrant, colourful dishes” that are “full of flavour and have a distinct Mediterranean edge”, said the Michelin Guide.

Inverness has some of the best restaurants in Scotland that will “satisfy even the most intense cravings”, said Kate Gazzard on Intrepid Travel. This breathtaking riverside city is full of “stomach-filling” restaurants to eat at after you’ve built up an appetite. For “a meal you won’t forget”, head to the “inherently Scottish” Dores Inn for “tasty food that’s light on fuss and big on flavour”. Or pay a visit to Café 1, where the in-house chefs serve up dishes using the “very best of local Scottish ingredients”.

At River House Restaurant the cuisine is based on classic dishes where the “excellent quality of the ingredients is able to shine through”, said Matthew Keyte on Culture Trip. “Diners can expect wonderful fresh seafood and hearty meat dishes.”

Whisky tasting, bars and distilleries

No trip to the Highlands would be complete without sampling some of the delicious whiskies that are produced in the region. Held four nights a week at MacGregor’s bar, the Highland Malt Whisky Experience gives guests the opportunity to taste drams from local distilleries such as Glenmorangie, The Dalmore, Tomatin, The Singleton of Glen Ord, Dalwhinnie and Clynelish.

At The Malt Room, which has a bar and tasting room, the whisky menu is split into three categories: “Modest”, “Memorable” and “Magnificent”. You can also order flights of whiskies, including “Meet the Locals” and “The Tour of Scotland”.

5. Transport: how to get there

Flying

Located nine miles north-east of the city, Inverness Airport is a busy hub serving the Scottish Highlands and islands. You can fly to Inverness from UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast. From Europe you can also fly from Dublin and Amsterdam. Stagecoach Inverness provides a direct connection from the airport to the city centre. Inverness Taxis are located outside the terminal building.

Trains

On Academy Street in the heart of the town centre you’ll find Inverness Station. Mainly served by ScotRail trains, there are frequent services connecting to Aberdeen (2h 12m), Glasgow (3h 13m) and Edinburgh (3h 33m).

Driving

If you’re travelling to Inverness by car, the distance to the city is 159 miles from Edinburgh, 169 miles from Glasgow, 282 miles from Newcastle and 568 miles from London.