Inverness

Discover Inverness's Wonders

Inverness is widely regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, set where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. Compact and scenic, it provides an ideal starting point for exploring Loch Ness, the Great Glen, and the wider Highlands. Visitors enjoy riverside walks, historic sites, and a growing food and cultural scene. From Inverness, travellers easily reach castles, glens, wildlife areas, and coastal villages. The city’s transport connections make it a practical hub for road trips and rail journeys north and west. Inverness appeals to visitors wanting Highland scenery, folklore, and outdoor adventure while retaining the comforts of an accessible, friendly urban centre with accommodation, dining, and services close at hand.

Current Weather

61.39 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 60.71 °F / 61.84 °FFeels: 60.76 °F Humidity: 75%5 Day Forecast

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Description

One of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, Inverness is at its liveliest in summer, when it bustles with visitors from all over the world. They are attracted by the stunning landscape of the northwest Highlands, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or the doomed romance of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Cause. Although it was founded in medieval times, most of the city’s most important buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Landmark buildings include the bulky Inverness Castle, which was erected in 1835 on the site of a much smaller medieval stronghold, and the Old High Church, overlooking the River Ness on St Michael’s Mount. Inverness is attractively landscaped with numerous carefully laid-out parks and gardens, including the tropical glasshouses of the Bught Floral Hall, where palms and other warm-climate plants make a striking contrast to the often snow-capped mountains on the northern horizon.

Useful information

Population:

Inverness's 2023 population is estimated at 46,984.

Currency:

Pound Sterling (GBP) £1 = 100 pence

Emergency Info:

Emergency: 999
Police: 101

Opening Hours:

Shops are normally open Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, but many shops and supermarkets might stay open until 8pm or later. Most large supermarkets are also open on Sundays.

Do & See

Castle Gallery

This gallery is located next to the Inverness Castle. Castle Gallery displays works by local and visiting painters, printmakers, silversmiths, sculptors and ceramicists.

Culloden Moor Visitor Centre

Culloden Moor Visitor Centre is situated on the very site of the last battle to be fought on British soil. The Visitor Centre displays the clothing and weapons of the Highland clansmen and the Hanoverian redcoats who defeated Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s rebels here in April 1746.

Fort George

Fort George was built in 1769. This impregnable fortress is still the home of one of Scotland’s kilted battalions and houses the Regimental Museum of the Queen’s Own Highlanders.

Inverness Castle Garrison Encounter

The red sandstone battlements of Inverness Castle, built during the 1830’s, dominate the town and the River Ness. The Castle is the backdrop for the Castle Garrison Encounter, a re-enactment of life as an 18th century ‘redcoat’ soldier.

Loch Ness

Cruises on the spooky loch in search of the elusive monster are offered by several companies based around Inverness. Jacobite Cruises offers several itineraries.

Macallan Distillery

If you want to get a firsthand view of how the Macallan whiskey is made, the Macallan Distillery gives plenty of options to do just that, and more. The different tours include insights into the history of the brand, tasting experiences and gifts to commemorate you visit. The building is also equipped with a brasserie and a bar with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

Old High Church

This historic sight is the oldest church in Inverness. The so-called "Town Church" is open to visitors and on Fridays you can join a guided tour at 11.30, or attend mass on Sundays at 11.15.

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s most spectacular medieval ruins. Enjoy the tumbledown walls and the tower of Loch Ness standing on a promontory jutting into the loch.

Dining

Johnny Foxes

Johnny Foxes is a popular pub by the river, offering Scottish and eclectic menus featuring fish and chips, burgers, and haggis, along with a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it becomes a lively party spot later in the evening, with local DJs spinning Scottish and international tunes five nights a week.

Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed is a former church that has been converted into a stylish restaurant. Here you can choose tasty dishes from a menu inspired by the imaginative, modern Italian cuisine.

Number 27

Number 27 is the upbeat kind of bar you want to spend your whole evening in. For those who are craving meat they serve savoury burgers and have a special steak offer on Mondays.

Pizza Express

Craving Pizza? Then visit Pizza Express near the main train station of Inverness. Don't miss out on the delicious starters and try the heavenly Margherita Bufala. You might want to book a table in advance as the place gets quite busy in the afternoon.

Prime Steak & Seafood

At Prime, you can enjoy traditional Scottish meals and locally sourced, high-quality seafood. The restaurant is pleasantly decorated with great views across the river to the Castle.

Rocpool Restaurant

One of the classiest and most expensive restaurants in Inverness is highly recommended by its guests. The menu at Rocpool is modern French and includes a gastronomic tasting menu.

Cafés

Café 1

This café-restaurant serves great brasserie food at affordable prices. The menu includes dishes like fishcakes, pâté and Thai curry. There are well-spiced set lunch and dinner menus on offer.

Leakey’s Bookshop and Café

This affordable and friendly café-restaurant serves cheap light meals, soups and sandwiches. Enjoy a meal in this former church with mezzanine floor, which is now a huge second-hand bookshop.

McBain’s by the River

This attractive café-restaurant is located on the bank of the River Ness. McBains serves classic Scottish cooking along with filling Scottish breakfasts, cakes and snacks.

The Rendezvous Cafe

The Rendezvous Cafe is a popular place for a well cooked and reasonably priced breakfast. The ingredients are fresh and delicious and a favourite is the scrambled eggs with salmon.

Bars & Nightlife

Gellions Bar

This spacious bar holds some surprises for its visitors. Entering early afternoon you will find a classic Scottish pub with various ales and beer on draft. Drop by in the evening and you will find a dedicated party crowd dancing to a DJ set. So, whether you are looking for a good time with your pals or want to dance the night away, its always a good idea to visit Gellions.

Hootananny

Here you can find three venues in one. The Ceilidh Bar hosts Scottish bands such as the now legendary Shooglenifty, the Sofa Bar plays up to date rock and pop and the Bothy is the venue for stand-up comedy. If you are hungry this place serves good Thai-influenced bar food and a range of local real ales.

Innes Bar

Do as the locals do and share some stories over a dark stout. The Innes is the typical pub next door and an ideal place to meet new people and have a good time.

Johnny Foxes

The Castle Tavern

This tavern is the ideal spot to rest after a long stroll along the River Ness. From their garden area, you have a wonderful view of the castle, from where you can enjoy delicious ales from the region on draft. Grab a bite of their delicious pub food and let the day fade away.

The Phoenix Ale House

This exquisite ale house offers you warm food until late and a friendly atmosphere to relax with friends and family. Don't forget to try some of their great whiskies!

Shopping

Eastgate Shopping Centre

Fashion, jewelry, shoes - you name it. The Eastgate Shopping center has got everything and more. Within you will find some major flagship stores as well as a number of smaller fashion centers.

Holm Mills Shopping Village

For Highland fashion and quality dresses, visit Holm Mills Shopping Village. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to a complete new outfit.

Inverness Shopping Park

Real fashionistas should not miss the Inverness Shopping Park. Located on the south-side of the city, this mall lets you experience a whole day of shopping heaven. Turn a rainy day into something more fun by getting a new outfit and relaxing at one of the nice cafes within.

Leakey’s Bookshop and Café

Housed in the former Greyfriars Church Hall, Leakey’s is a bibliophile’s dream come true. Here you can find shelf after shelf of second hand books on every topic under the sun, including Highland history, wildlife, mythology and much more.

Victorian Market

If you want to take home some Highland gifts, this beautiful market is your fit. Step into the spacious halls and explore the many shops and fashion stores. Whether you are looking for a souvenir or just a new pair of comfy shoes, you'll find it here.

Tourist Information

Passport & Visa

For travel to the UK, citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland (except Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, those planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. Additionally, residents of nine other countries — including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States — can also visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but they will still need an ETA. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to consult the UK government website for any specific visa requirements or regulations.

Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport is located at Dalcross about 14,5 kilometres east of the city centre. Shuttle buses operate from the city centre and railway station during the day. Running times for the shuttle buses are available from the airport information desk, on the telephone or on the website, where you also find information on how to get between the airport and Inverness CBD. Stagecoach operates buses between the city centre and the airport. The buses leave every 30 minutes. www.stagecoachbus.com

Public transport

City buses are operated by Stagecoach Inverness. There are single tickets, dayriders and a seven-day Megarider ticket, which allows travel anywhere on the city network. The railway station is located at Academy Street.

Taxi

Taxis may be flagged down on the street, at taxi ranks (railway station and city centre bus terminus) or booked by telephone. City Taxis Inverness +44 1463 222555 www.citytaxisinverness.co.uk Inverness Taxis +44 1463 222222 www.inverness-taxis.com

Electricity

240V. Plugs are square, three-pin.

Pharmacy

You can easily find a pharmacy in Inverness. Boots has both pharmacy service and other hygiene products. Superdrug also has a good selection of hygiene products.

Post

Stamps are sold by many news agents and at post offices. Post Office:

Telephone

Country code: +44 Area code: 1463

Trips

Discover Scotland Private Journey

A Private Journey to Celtic Treasures

Scotland Military Tattoo Experience

Scottish Castles and Whisky Explorer

Private Journey to Explore Scotland's Castles

Circle Scotland Journey by Rail Edinburgh to Glasgow with Skye

Discover Scotland Private Journey

A Private Journey to Celtic Treasures

Scotland Military Tattoo Experience

Scottish Castles and Whisky Explorer

Private Journey to Explore Scotland's Castles

Circle Scotland Journey by Rail Edinburgh to Glasgow with Skye

Discover Scotland Private Journey

A Private Journey to Celtic Treasures

Scotland Military Tattoo Experience

Scottish Castles and Whisky Explorer

Private Journey to Explore Scotland's Castles

Circle Scotland Journey by Rail Edinburgh to Glasgow with Skye

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