Inverness might be small, but it sits at the heart of the Scottish Highlands and punches above its weight for things to do in inverness and see. Often called the Capital of the Highlands, the city stands at the mouth of the River Ness and is a natural base for exploring the north. It’s also a major transport hub: trains and buses connect Inverness with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William and beyond, and its compact centre is easy to explore on foot. Whether you have a day or a week, use this guide to discover the best attractions in the city, ideas for car‑free travel and unforgettable day trips to Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield and even the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
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What to Do in Inverness at a Glance
Whether you are in Inverness for a day or a week, Inverness offers something for every type of traveller.
- Solo Travellers: Perfect for wandering, enjoy riverside walks on the Ness Islands, browse Leakey’s Bookshop, and join a small-group day tour to Loch Ness or Glenfinnan.
- Couples: Take a romantic stroll along the River Ness, enjoy a whisky tasting at Uile-bheist, or catch an evening show at Eden Court Theatre.
- Families: Kids will love Whin Park’s playgrounds and mini railway, the Botanic Gardens, and spotting Nessie on a Loch Ness cruise.
- Nature Lovers: Hike Craig Phadrig or Reelig Glen, explore Abriachan Forest, or join a guided trip to the Isle of Skye for dramatic landscapes.
- History & Culture Lovers: Visit the Inverness Museum, explore Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, or tour the historic Town House.
Things to Do in Inverness
Walk the River Ness and Ness Islands
One of the joys of Inverness is how close you are to nature. A flat riverside path runs from the city centre along the banks of the River Ness to the Ness Islands, a series of wooded islets connected by Victorian bridges. The circular walk is about three miles but you can shorten it; benches along the way let you pause and soak up the views. Autumn is particularly beautiful here when the trees blaze with colour, and there’s even a wooden Nessie statue to spot. Nearby Whin Park offers free playgrounds and a mini railway for children.
Visit Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
For a crash course in Highland history and culture, start at the free Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. Displays cover everything from geology and Pictish carvings to medieval Inverness, Gaelic culture and local wildlife. Upstairs you’ll find exhibits on the Jacobite Risings, Highland dress and 20th‑century life, while interactive displays and temporary exhibitions keep things fresh. The museum has a café and shop and often hosts talks and craft events.
Inverness Castle Viewpoint
Recently reopened, the castle’s North Tower offers sweeping panoramic views over the River Ness, the city rooftops, and beyond to the surrounding Highlands. A perfect stop for photographers and anyone wanting to see Inverness from above. Entry is affordable, and it’s just a short walk from the city centre.
Browse Leakey’s Bookshop
Housed in a converted church, Leakey’s Bookshop is the largest second‑hand bookshop in Scotland. Thousands of books fill the two floors, with spiral staircases, stained glass windows and a wood‑burning stove creating an atmospheric treasure trove. Browsing is free, but you’ll likely leave with a new favourite volume, it’s a must for bibliophiles and Instagrammers alike.
Step into History at the Victorian Market and Town House
A short stroll away, the Victorian Market showcases Inverness’ 19th‑century heritage. Its wrought‑iron arches and glass roof are beautifully preserved, while inside you’ll find craft shops, cafes and a new food hall featuring local produce. For a deeper dive into civic history, take a guided tour of Inverness Town House, a neoclassical civic building from 1882. Its grand facade and civic chambers reveal the city’s Victorian past.
Marvel at Inverness Cathedral and Abertarff House
Dominating the riverside, Inverness Cathedral opened in 1869 and is free to visit. Pick up a leaflet to identify the decorative carvings and stained glass, and pop into the social enterprise café and gift shop to support local training schemes. A few steps away lies Abertarff House, the city’s oldest house. Dating from 1593 and now managed by the National Trust for Scotland, it offers a small museum on Inverness’s past.
Relax in Inverness Botanic Gardens
If the weather turns, head to the free Inverness Botanic Gardens. The tropical glasshouse, cactus house and outdoor gardens provide a warm sanctuary on dreich days. The gardens are run as a charity, so donations are appreciated.
Cruise the Caledonian Canal
Starting near the city centre, the Caledonian Canal stretches 60 miles to link four lochs via man‑made channels. Built in the early 19th century and designed by engineer Thomas Telford, it now offers a scenic towpath perfect for walking or cycling. Watch boats navigate the locks near Telford Street, or hire a boat for a multi‑day cruise along this Scheduled Monument
Enjoy Cafés, Craft Drinks and Live Music
Despite its size, Inverness has a lively food and drink scene. Cosy coffee shops like Perk Coffee & Doughnuts and XOKO Bakehouse serve imaginative pastries and brunches. Uile‑bheist is a unique brew‑stillery producing both whisky and beer using renewable energy; tours and tastings reveal how it operates one of the lowest‑carbon distilleries in the world. For nightlife, traditional music venues such as the Highlander Bar and MacGregor’s Bar host live bands most nights.
Outdoor Walks and Hidden Gems
Craig Phadrig and Reelig Glen
For an easy woodland walk with a dash of history, climb Craig Phadrig, also called Patrick’s Rock. Two circular trails (1.25 and 1.5 miles) lead through forest to a viewpoint over the Beauly Firth and the grassy ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort. Nearby Reelig Glen offers a one‑mile loop through a mossy gorge lined with some of Britain’s tallest trees and dotted with bridges and grottoes built during the 1840s. Local lore says fairies dismantled workers’ progress each night, earning it the nickname “Fairy Glen”.
Munlochy Clootie Well and Robertson’s Farm Shop
A short drive onto the Black Isle takes you to Munlochy Clootie Well, a centuries‑old pilgrimage site where visitors tie rags (cloots) to trees in hopes of healing. Tradition holds that as the cloth rots, so does the illness. If you leave an offering, use natural material to protect the environment. Nearby Robertson’s Farm Shop lets you meet Highland cows and other animals and browse local produce.
Eden Court Theatre
Scotland’s largest arts venue in the Highlands, Eden Court hosts everything from West End musicals and local theatre to live music, dance, and film screenings. If you’re looking for evening entertainment after a day of sightseeing, check their programme for what’s on during your visit.
Day Trips from Inverness
Inverness is the ideal base for exploring the Highlands. Here are some rewarding day trips – all accessible by car or guided tour, and many are possible without your own vehicle.
Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns
Just 20 minutes east of town, Culloden Battlefield marks the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was defeated in April 1746. The battlefield is free to walk and features a 360‑degree immersion theatre and exhibits that explain the battle and its aftermath. A National Trust centre houses artefacts from both sides; allow two or three hours to appreciate everything. Please stay on marked paths – the moor is a war grave and must be respected
A few minutes away lie the Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site with four cairns and three stone circles. Some monuments date back 4,000 years and align with the midwinter sunset. Entry is free and you can wander among the stones imagining ancient rituals.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
Loch Ness needs little introduction. The north shore is a short bus or car ride from Inverness, and several companies offer cruises. Basic sightseeing cruises show off the Great Glen but many visitors prefer a trip that stops at Urquhart Castle, whose ruins loom over the loch. Cruises depart from Dochgarroch or Inverness Bus Station; pre‑book in summer. At the castle you can watch an introductory film, climb the Grant Tower and imagine medieval sieges.
Abriachan Forest Trails
Overlooking the northern shores of Loch Ness, Abriachan Forest offers peaceful woodland walks, mountain biking routes, and picnic spots with stunning loch views. It’s a great way to escape the crowds and connect with nature, only a short drive from Inverness.
Fort George and the Moray Coast
Twenty minutes east of Inverness, Fort George is an immense 18th‑century fortress built after Culloden. Its ramparts overlook the Moray Firth, where you might spot dolphins. Continue along the coast to visit beaches like Nairn or join a day tour to the Moray Coast for puffin watching and whisky tasting.
Whisky and Castle Trails
Inverness sits near the Speyside whisky region. Day tours head east to visit distilleries such as Glenfiddich or Macallan. Closer to town, you can tour Tomatin or Uile‑bheist. Castle lovers can explore Cawdor Castle, associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, or the romantic ruins of Beauly Priory.
Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan
For dramatic scenery, join a day trip to the Isle of Skye. Tours pick up in Inverness and take you past Eilean Donan Castle to sights like Kilt Rock, the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. It’s a long day but a convenient way to sample Skye without hiring a car.
Glenfinnan Viaduct & the Road to the Isles
One of the most famous day trips from Inverness is to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an iconic railway bridge west of Fort William. Built between 1897 and 1901, the 416‑yard (381 m) viaduct has 21 semi‑circular arches and stands about 100 feet (30 m) high. It was the first major concrete viaduct in the U.K. and remains the longest. The bridge carries the West Highland Line and shot to fame as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.
Jacobite Steam Train Timings
From April to October, the Jacobite Steam Train crosses the viaduct twice daily. The morning train leaves Fort William around 10:15 AM and reaches Glenfinnan about 30 minutes later; the return journey from Mallaig crosses between 3:00 and 3:30 PM. Afternoon trains typically cross around 1:20 PM and again around 5:55 PM. Times are approximate, so arrive at least 45 minutes early to park and walk to the viewpoints.
Parking and Viewpoints
The National Trust car parks near the visitor centre hold about 150 vehicles and fill quickly; avoid roadside parking. From the car parks, a flat path follows the River Finnan under the viaduct. To photograph the train heading west, climb the hillside on the left after passing beneath the bridge; for the return journey, climb the right‑hand hill for views back towards Loch Shiel. For wheelchair users there is an accessible flat path to the viaduct base.
Getting to Glenfinnan Without a Car
If you don’t have a car, you can reach Glenfinnan by train from Inverness via Fort William or join one of our small‑group tours. These tours often include stops at Fort William, the Glenfinnan Monument and the beautiful coastal village of Mallaig.
Car‑Free and Sustainable Travel in Inverness
One of Inverness’s biggest draws is how easy it is to explore without a car. The city centre is walkable and mostly flat. Local buses connect to Culloden, Clava Cairns and Loch Ness, while trains link Inverness with Fort William, Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Kyle of Lochalsh. Taxis are abundant near the railway station and reasonably priced. Note that ride‑share apps like Uber are not widely available.
For day trips further afield, consider joining a guided tour. Our Glenfinnan & Loch Ness tours depart from Inverness and include transport, commentary from local guides and timed stops at key viewpoints. We also offer excursions to the Isle of Skye, Speyside distilleries and the Moray Coast, making it easy to experience the Highlands without driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inverness worth visiting?
Yes. Inverness combines small‑town charm with all the amenities of a city. It’s a gateway to the Highlands and a great base for both urban sightseeing and day trips.
Is Inverness walkable?
The city centre is compact and flat. Major attractions like the museum, cathedral, Victorian Market and Ness Islands are within a short stroll. Outlying sites (Culloden, Loch Ness) require a bus, taxi or tour.
How many days do I need?
One day allows you to see the main sights, but two days or more lets you explore at a relaxed pace and take a day trip
What are the best free things to do?
Walk the River Ness and Ness Islands; visit the Inverness Museum, explore Leakey’s Bookshop, stroll through the Victorian Market, visit Inverness Cathedral and Abertarff House and walk around Loch Ness or the Abriachan Forest trails.
Can I visit Loch Ness or Glenfinnan without a car?
Yes. Loch Ness cruises depart from Inverness Bus Station or Dochgarroch, with tours including transport to Urquhart Castle. Glenfinnan can be reached by train (changing at Fort William) or via a guided tour.
Where is Glenfinnan Viaduct in relation to Inverness?
The viaduct spans the River Finnan near the head of Loch Shiel and lies about 30 minutes west of Fort William. From Inverness it takes roughly two hours by car or three hours by train.
When does the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct?
The morning departure crosses about 30 minutes after leaving Fort William (around 10:45 AM), and the return service crosses mid‑afternoon. Afternoon departures cross around 1:20 PM and again in the early evening. Check the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre for daily updates.
Plan Your Highlands Adventure with Us
Inverness may be your gateway to the Highlands, but it is more than just a starting point. With its walkable centre, rich history and easy access to lochs, glens and iconic railway bridges, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you want to trace Jacobite history, hunt for Nessie, ride the Harry Potter train or simply wander along a peaceful river, we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip. Join us on a small‑group tour to make the most of your time, we willl handle the logistics while you enjoy the magic of the Highlands.
Disclaimer: Information in this guide is for reference only. Details may change, and some images are digitally created for illustrative purposes.
Emma is a solo traveler and freelance travel writer from New Zealand who spent three weeks exploring the Scottish Highlands. With a deep appreciation for history and landscapes, she booked a series of day tours and a private chauffeur journey with Scotland Highland Trip. From Loch Ness to the Cairngorms, she documented her experience through vivid blog posts and drone footage.
