Inverness Mini Guide
Your guide of things to do, see and eat in Inverness.
Inverness is the main city in the highlands, where the River Ness and the Moray Firth meet. The city itself, I find is very walk able and is a good base for exploring the surrounding area. I would advise two days here in the city to fully experience all the city has to offer, however if time is tight then one night could be workable.
I have also included some accommodation at the bottom of this post.
Nearby Inverness, you have the iconic Loch Ness, the thought provoking Culloden battlefield and the beginnings of the NC500 highland route.
Must See attractions in Inverness
Inverness Castle (Re-opening Spring 2025)
Situated on the edge of the River Ness, has a long history that initially dates back to 1057, however the red sandstone building that you see today dates back to 1836. The walls of the castle has seen some turbulent times, during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, she was strongly denied entry to the castle in 1562 under the orders of the Earl of Huntly. Mary’s supporters laid siege to the castle and three days later they had captured it.
Later and throughout the 1700’s the castle has links to the Jacobite rising. During the 1715 Jacobean rising the castle was occupied by a Jacobite garrison. After 1746 and tragic Culloden battle, the castle was then blown up by government forces.
In relatively recent times (1800’s) the building was used as a prison and courthouse up until 2020. The Castle has undergone major transformation and are planning to reopen to the public in 2025.
To keep up to date, check their website here.
Visit Leakey’s Bookshop
In the centre of town you will spot the magical Leakey’s Bookshop, Scotland’s largest second hand book shop.
Filled with over 100,000 books Leakey’s is the perfect place if you’re a bookworm. The bookshop is set in a former Gaelic church that dates back to 1649. The bookshop has been in existence for over 40 years under the ownership of Charles Leakey and provides such a cosy atmosphere with the warming wood burning stove. I recommend visiting on a rainy day and I was impressed with their collection of local history books, maps and postcards.
You can find Leakey’s on Church Street and are open Monday- Saturday.
Ness Walk and Island
The beauty of Inverness is that you can be walking in the centre of the city and within a few minutes you are surrounded by nature and peace and quiet.
Along the River Ness is a collection of naturally formed islands that are you can explore. The islands are connected with Victorian age footbridges and would make for a perfect early evening activity. There is a two hour circular circuit walk you can take, it will take you past the Inverness Cathedral and the War Memorial.
Take a guided walking tour
Inverness has a rich history and I always find the best way to really understand a place is to join a walking tour. Take a tour with qualified guide, Cath. She was born and raised in Inverness and knows the city like the back of her hand.
I’ll link her website here.
The Victorian Market
The Victorian Market is a covered indoor market that has recently under gone a fantastic transformation. Home to over 30 different independent businesses,
The market dates back to 1890 and you can still admire the cast iron ornate decoration and beautifully crafted shop fronts.
Inside you’ll see coffee shops, pizza, street food vendors, gift shops, jewellers, vinyl records and much more.
If you are staying in self catering accommodation, look out for Good Girl Green Grocer which sell fresh local produce, alongside Hastie and Dyce butcher.
The market frequently hosts events that are family friendly, so keep an eye on their social media. They are also dog friendly.
The Market is open 7 days a week, there are four entrances accessible from Academy Street, Church Street, Union Street and Queensgate.
Abertarff House
Abertarff is the oldest house standing in Inverness, dating back to 1593. The house under the management of National Trust for Scotland.
You can visit inside and learn about the Jacobite risings, the Covananters and the previous owners. One of the owners was the Fraser of Lovat family, who’s clansmen fought at the battle of Culloden.
The 2 storey house has the traditional crow-stepped gables and spiral staircase. Above the fireplace you can see the stone carving known as the “marriage stone” which has puzzled many for generations. Historically, it was custom to initial the stone to celebrate a couple’s wedding.
The house is only open from April 30th-31st October.
You can visit Abertarff House on Church Street along from Leakeys bookstore.
If you're an active person and would like to experience the beauty of the area, check out Inverness Bike tours, they offer guided tours along the canals and waterways on relatively flat terrain. Their tours last around 2 hours and leave from a central location, pre booking is essential.
Places to eat in Inverness
You will be spoilt for choice on the food and drink front in Inverness. It was in Inverness that I tried my first deep-fried mars bar, apparently it was invented in the city, however that topic is up for debate…
Coffee and Cake
Perk coffee and doughnuts serve high standard barista coffee, and of course doughnuts! The cafe on church street is a great place for starting your day in Inverness. If doughnuts aren’t for you, they have a selection of pastries, sandwiches and soup.
Grain and Grind is a modern and relatively new cafe situated on the other side of the river from the Castle. Grain and Grind offer exceptional barista made coffee. They have a small selection of cakes, brownies and sausage rolls. They are dog friendly too.
The Milk Bar (Inverness Coffee Roasting Co.) can be found inside the Victorian Market, they serve their own coffee blend from the Inverness Coffee Roasting Company, alongside fresh ice cream and milkshakes from nearby Black Isle Dairy and home bakes from The Storehouse.
Restaurants
If you are looking for somewhere along the river, then check out Rocpool on Ness Walk if you want to try modern Scottish food.
If you are a seafood fan, you will like this place.
I recommend you try Kedgeree, it’s a curried rice dish we have here with smoked haddock. They also have an extensive wine list and unique cocktails. They are part of the Michelin guide (2025).
Macgregor’s Bar on Academy Street is a great a craft beer place that serves food. They serve the classic haggis and black pudding if you want to try. Or if you visit on a Sunday then treat yourself to a traditional Sunday roast. (they have a 3 meats carvery for £21.50)
Situated on the banks of the river, you’ll find the modern restaurant, River House.
If you're looking for fresh and locally caught seafood then you'll find something decent here. They have a specialised Oyster and Mussels menu and if you're looking for some traditional fish and chips be sure to try them on the menu.
The Mustard Seed This upmarket restaurant is set in a former church and offers great views across Inverness. They serve local produce, meat and fish on their menu. If you'd like to try locally sourced venison, give this restaurant a go. They offer lunch and dinner and have an early dinner menu if you have plans for the theatre afterwards. Their desserts and cocktail menu is worth it too.
Pubs and Live Music
Somewhere central (Bank Street) that has a great bar, food and live music is Johnny Foxes. This place is an Inverness institution. The atmosphere is warm and they frequently have live music as well as a decent selection of beers on tap. It can be crowded with locals and tourists alike, especially at the weekend.
Hootananny’s is a family run pub and live music venue. If you are a visitor and want to experience the buzz of a traditional Scottish Ceilidh then head here. You can find them in the centre of town on Church Street.
They play live folk music almost nightly and if you get hungry here they do serve food too. I would check their social media for updates on performers.
Black Isle Brewery is situated in the centre of Inverness on Church Street.
Black Isle have 26 taps pouring their latest Black Isle brews and offer a wide selection of craft beers (over 100) from all over the world. Black Isle Brewery is very local to Inverness and very popular in the area. If beer isn’t your thing, they also serve organic cider, wine, whiskies, spirits and soft drinks. Their wood-fired pizzas are made using the freshest ingredients are also a great accompaniment.
Where to stay:
If you do not have a car, my general rule is to stay central and within a few minutes from the River Ness. Both the train and bus station are next to each other and the apartments linked below are within a 15 minute walk.
Inverness is very walkable and the majority of what you want to see is in the city centre. I have linked a few Airbnbs, hotels and guest houses that I recommend.
Mid Range Accommodation
Fraser Apartments (Airbnb)
These apartments are very near the Victorian market and main train station. The accommodation is set for two people and comes with a small kitchen and dining area too. The apartment is clean and compact but has everything you’ll need for your stay. The apartment comes with a washing machine if you require it.
Tatties Townhouse (Airbnb)
This guest house is centrally located is directly across from Inverness Castle. The room is compact and basic, but the location I find is very useful. They do have car parking (fees applied) nearby and the rooms are clean and offer a simple bed and bathroom. I would recommend this place especially to solo travellers.
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
This luxury five star hotel is located on the banks of the river is set in a historic 19th century house. The hotel has 47 rooms with a two fully accessible rooms on site. They have a great dining room too that offers a seasonal menu. I have linked their direct hotel website as they often have offers on their website for hotel stays.
The hotel also has a charging point if you are travelling by electric car.
This four star luxury hotel is a 17th century mansion on the banks of the Beauly Firth. The hotel is west of Inverness and is 3.5 miles from the city centre.
Each room is individually decorated and would make for the perfect romantic getaway. All of their premium rooms offer a stunning sea view.
Brunchew also have beautifully manicures gardens surrounding the property. There restaurant on site is also highly recommended with two AA Rosettes and they offer a very nice looking afternoon tea.
Events and Festivals
Every summer (usually late July) is the family-friendly music and arts festival held at the Belladrum Estate in Kiltarlity, near Inverness. There is camping available on site (family friendly areas too) and if you do bag yourself a ticket, you can catch the dedicated festival bus from Inverness bus station. I have been lucky enough to attend on three occasions and I love the chilled vibes and range of Scottish music artists.
Held every year the famous Loch Ness Marathon draws many people from all over the world. This year (2025) the race will take place on September 28th.
The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting and continues through stunning Highland scenery, taking you along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness, across the River Ness, to finish in Inverness, capital city of the Highlands.
Eden Court is the place for all theatre, cinema and music in Inverness. It is located on the banks of the river and offers a varied selection of events throughout the year. I mostly recently attended a book signing and event with Diana Gabaldon (the creator of Outlander) and the theatre was very nice.
