Things to Do in Inverness: 9 Highlights Worth Your Time

9 Things to Do in Inverness Worth Visiting

Abertarff House

What do you need to know? Abertarff House is the oldest house in Inverness — a traditional Scottish townhouse dating all the way back to 1593. Since 1963, it’s been owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It was lovingly renovated, converted into a museum, and is now one of the top things to do in Inverness.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Abertarff House is a really cool sight. The exhibition covers the history and architecture of the building as well as the lifestyle of its former residents — genuinely authentic stuff.

And admission is free. That’s always a big plus.

Dolphins in the Moray Firth

What do you need to know? The Moray Firth is a sea inlet to the north of Inverness that leads directly into the North Sea. Dolphins live here year-round — and it’s easy to see why. There’s an abundance of salmon, so the animals feel completely at home.

Is it worth it? Seeing dolphins in the wild is always a seriously special experience. You can try your luck from the shore, or head out on the water with a boat tour from Dolphin Spirit. You might even spot whales or sharks. Incredible!

Our tip: Spring and summer are the best times to spot the most dolphins — sometimes even in large groups.

Book dolphin watching tickets online

Inverness Castle

What do you need to know? Inverness Castle is a hilltop fortress perched on a cliff above the River Ness. Unlike most castles in Scotland, it’s actually quite young — not even 200 years old. The original 11th-century castle was replaced by the current one.

Is it worth it? Inside you’ll find digital installations, exhibitions, and immersive shows bringing the history, culture, and heritage of the Highlands to life. And from the viewing platform on the rooftop terrace, you get a seriously great panoramic view of the city.

Book Inverness Castle tickets online

River Ness

What do you need to know? The Ness is a 12-kilometer-long river that flows from Loch Ness through Inverness to the Moray Firth and out into the North Sea.

Is it worth it? The Ness is beautiful and a wonderful place for a stroll. Along the banks you’ll find parks and lovely spots to unwind and take it all in.

If you’re up for a little adventure, we’d highly recommend a boat trip along the Ness all the way to Loch Ness!

Book a boat tour along the Ness online

Old High Church

What do you need to know? Old High Church stands on Scotland’s oldest church site, dating all the way back to 565. The current building isn’t quite THAT old — but parts of it are still over 650 years old. Just let that sink in for a moment!

Is it worth it? Visiting is super interesting and completely free. A real standout, alongside the ancient churchyard, is its location right by the River Ness — so you can easily pop in as part of a riverside walk.

Inverness Cathedral

What do you need to know? Inverness Cathedral is also known as St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Built in 1866, it sits southwest of the city center near the banks of the Ness — so it’s much younger than Old High Church.

Is it worth it? With its two broad towers, the cathedral reminds us a lot of Notre-Dame in Paris. In other words: it’s breathtakingly beautiful. We especially love the stained glass window above the main entrance — stunning when the sunlight shines through it.

Fort George

What do you need to know? Fort George is a fortress to the northeast of Inverness on the Moray Firth. It was essentially a self-contained town, complete with a chapel, barracks, streets, and its own harbor. Today the whole site is open to visitors.

Is it worth it? Fort George is seriously impressive. The bastions, the deep moats, and the massive entrance gate right on the coast create a truly rugged atmosphere — perfectly matched to the rough sea and strong winds. Inside the barracks, you get a real sense of what soldiers’ lives looked like back in the day.

Note: The bus ride from the city center bus station to Fort George takes about 45 minutes. After that, there’s still a 30-minute walk before you reach the fortress itself.

Book Fort George tickets online

Victorian Market

What do you need to know? Victorian Market is a covered shopping arcade from the Victorian era — hence the name. It has 30 small shops, including restaurants serving regional cuisine, souvenir stores, and chocolatiers.

Is it worth it? The little arcade is perfect for a leisurely browse and especially great on a rainy day. Don’t expect a massive mall — but we think it’s really charming. Modest, manageable, and particularly delicious along the Highland Food & Drink Trail!

Our tip: Check the opening hours before you go so you don’t show up to closed doors. In Scotland, many shops close as early as 5 PM — and even earlier on Saturdays.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

What do you need to know? Inverness Museum and Art Gallery sits right in the city center. The museum has several exhibition rooms covering the history, culture, and nature of the region — and admission is free.

Is it worth it? The museum is incredibly comprehensive. From artworks to taxidermied animals to traditional clothing, there’s a lot to take in. If you want to really understand Inverness and the Highlands, this is the place to start.

Inverness Highlights on the Map

To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked all the top Inverness attractions on a map.

Great Day Trips from Inverness

Some of the best things to do in Inverness actually start just outside the city. Here are our favorite day trips:

Day trip to Loch Ness: A super cool Highland tour by bus from Inverness. You’ll see not just Loch Ness, but also the Falls of Foyers, Fort Augustus, and Invermoriston.

Day trip to the Isle of Skye: Want the all-in-one package of the Highlands’ most iconic sights? This tour is for you. You’ll experience Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Eilean Donan Castle all in one go.

Historic tour of northern Scotland: A total history buff? Perfect. This tour takes you to all the historically significant sites near Inverness — including Culloden Battlefield and Fort George.

Practical Tips for Inverness

Last but not least, here are a few practical pointers for your trip to Inverness:

Where to Stay in Inverness

Art House Apartments: Super cozy, modern apartments right in the heart of Inverness. All the main attractions are easily walkable from here.

South Kessock Vacation Home: A really lovely two-bedroom vacation home right on the Moray Firth. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins while having breakfast.

Westward B&B: A rustic, typically Scottish bed and breakfast in the Highlands, west of Loch Ness. A great base for hiking.
Find even more hotels in Inverness here!

Is Inverness Worth Visiting?

Compared to Scotland’s capital Edinburgh, Inverness is relatively small and has fewer sights within the city itself.

But the real draw is the surrounding area and the sheer variety of activities on offer. That’s exactly why Inverness is absolutely worth the trip.

You can explore churches and fortresses, watch dolphins, stroll along the river, take boat trips, head out on exciting excursions into the Highlands, and do a bit of shopping along the way. Super varied!

Is Inverness a Beautiful City?

Honestly, yes — Inverness is incredibly beautiful. The city sits right in the Scottish Highlands and also has direct access to the coast.

That makes it a fantastic destination if you want to combine a city break with excursions into nature. You can pack a lot into a short amount of time.

Expect historic streets and buildings, charming villages, the River Ness flowing down toward Loch Ness, castle ruins, and gorgeous rolling Highland scenery.