Inverness is often called the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and while it’s compact, it makes a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding beauty of northern Scotland. We originally booked it as a convenient hub but quickly fell in love with its charm. In fact, Inverness became the highlight of our trip to Scotland.
In this guide, we’re sharing our detailed 3-night itinerary for Inverness. It’s a mix of wandering cobblestone streets, adventuring to Loch Ness and through the Highlands, and sampling some of the best local food and music we’ve had in Scotland. Here’s everything you need to know.
Getting to Inverness
We arrived in Inverness by train from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The journey was easy and scenic, lasting about 3.5 hours. We booked directly through ScotRail. While we loved the views and ease of not having to drive, we did run into a few issues with ScotRail service during our trip. But this leg, in particular, was smooth.
👉 Here’s our full post on getting around Scotland if you’re looking for more transportation tips.
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Scotland, we were also able to find direct trains from Glasgow. Just check Scotrail for your desired itinerary. Inverness also has a small airport with flights from Amsterdam, London, and a few other UK cities, which can be useful if you’re short on time.
Where to Stay in Inverness
Inverness is small and very walkable, but it’s good to know the city has steep streets and lots of cobblestone paths. We stayed in a spacious apartment atop a hill, which we booked through Booking.com. It gave us amazing views and a cozy local experience, but be prepared for a bit of a climb.
If you have mobility issues or just want to be close to everything, we’d recommend booking in the center of town. There’s a Mercure Hotel right in the heart of the action. We didn’t stay there ourselves, but it’s well-located for easy walking to restaurants, shops, and the train station. There are also a few guesthouses and B&Bs just across the river that offer a more personal stay.
Day 1: Arrive and Explore the Town
After arriving by train and checking into our apartment, we spent the late afternoon exploring the center of Inverness. Even with travel fatigue, the small-town charm and crisp highland air were energizing.
Walk down to the River Ness and cross one of the many pedestrian bridges. You’ll get great views of the castle, the cathedral, and local architecture. This is also a good time to grab groceries or snacks if you’re in an apartment.
Visit the Victorian Market if it’s open. This is a covered arcade with independent shops and cafes. It’s not huge, but worth a walk-through. You’ll find everything from local crafts to Scottish treats you can take home.
For a lovely dinner in Inverness, book a table at No 27 Bar and Kitchen. This spot was our standout meal of the trip. The menu features Scottish ingredients done with a creative twist, and the service was excellent. We highly recommend booking in advance because it’s a small space and a popular spot.
👉 Read our full review of No 27 Bar and Kitchen here.
Day 2: Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness
This is the most ambitious day of the trip, but totally worth the early start. We booked a private day tour to the Isle of Skye, and the route was packed with highlights like Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle, Highland Cows, and the Fairy Glen.
While it is a long day (we were out from around 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM), we’d absolutely do it again. The landscapes were unlike anything else in Scotland, and being based in Inverness made it possible to do Skye without moving hotels.
Our tour included a few short hikes and scenic photo stops, but also long stints in the shuttle. Make sure to pack snacks, water, and a windbreaker. The weather on Skye changes quickly but we lucked out with a gorgeous day.
👉 We go into full details about our Isle of Skye day trip here.
If you’re debating whether it’s doable in one day, we cover all the pros and cons in that post.
Back in Inverness, we kept dinner simple with a pizza and salad from a local takeaway. After a long day, sometimes the best meal is one you eat in your apartment with your feet up.
Day 3: Local Inverness + Loch Ness Afternoon
You’ll want an easy morning after the long trek to Isle of Skye. Start the day slow with a walk through Inverness city center. This is one of our favorite ways to get a feel for a new place. The shops range from boutique gift stores to Highland souvenir spots and outdoor gear shops.
Stop for a coffee at a local café and take your time exploring the cobblestone streets. Inverness is very photogenic without being overly touristy. It’s easy to wander without a set plan. If you’re interested in local history, consider stopping by the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. It gives a good overview of Highland history, art, and culture.
In the afternoon, head out to Loch Ness for a boat ride. Even though we caught a glimpse of the loch the day before, we’re so glad we got to soak it all in at leisure.
We booked a small boat cruise that included commentary on the history and legends of the loch. Even if you’re skeptical about Nessie, the ride offers peaceful views and a solid way to experience the loch. We highly recommend it!
👉 Read our full review for tour tips and how to book: Loch Ness Boat Tour Review: Why This Family-Owned Tour Is Totally Worth It
If you have extra time or are driving, you could visit Urquhart Castle for a closer look at lochside ruins. It’s a popular stop, though it does get crowded.
Back in Inverness for dinner, we decided to book No. 27 again because it was that good! If you have more nights in town or want backup options, we’ve got our eye on Fig & Thistle for next time. Rocpool is another one to consider if you’re ready to splurge on a Michelin experience. They’re both walkable from the city center.
Evening Entertainment in Inverness
Inverness has a lively music scene and plenty of whiskey tasting options. After dinner, head to Highlander Bar, Hootananny, or An Seòmar for local bands and Highland vibes.
For whiskey tasting, An Seòmar has tasting flights with a great range: local, premium, and curated options from around Scotland. The Malt Room is another solid option, especially if you’re serious about your drams. You can also ask bartenders for recommendations based on your taste if you’re new to Scotch.
Our Take
Inverness is a great base for both scenic day trips and relaxing local experiences. Some people use Inverness as a quick stopover, but we think it’s worth staying longer. The slower pace lets you appreciate the scenery and get off the beaten path without a packed tour group. This is a spot we can’t wait to visit again!
Make sure to check our upcoming guide on a full Scotland itinerary.
Check Out More of Our Scotland Travel Guides
- Edinburgh in a Day: Must-See Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- What to Eat in Edinburgh: Best Dishes and Where to Get Them
- Best Inverness Restaurant: A Gem Worth Booking Early
- Isle of Skye Day Trip from Inverness: Is It Worth It?
- Loch Ness Boat Tour Review: Why This Family-Owned Tour Is Totally Worth It
- Glasgow in a Day: Where to Eat, Drink, and Wander
- Get Around Scotland Without a Car: What Works and What Doesn’t
Discover more from LiAnn and Theo Travel
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
