Inverness 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Inverness Itinerary:

This itinerary balances history, nature, and local experiences. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive in Inverness and check into your accommodation. For a comfortable stay, consider these options:

    • Accommodation:
      • Budget: Inverness Youth Hostel, The Mustard Seed (boutique hostel)
      • Mid-range: Mercure Inverness Hotel, Pentahotel Inverness
      • Luxury: Culloden House Hotel, Rocpool Reserve Hotel & Restaurant (both offer historical charm and modern amenities)

  • Afternoon:

    • History: Immerse yourself in the past at the historic Culloden Battlefield. Walk the grounds, explore the visitor centre, and learn about the tragic Jacobite uprising. *Culture:
      • Visit the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery for a glimpse into the region’s history, art, and natural wonders.

  • Evening:

    • Food: Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Mustard Seed, known for its innovative Scottish cuisine, or grab a casual bite at The Castle Tavern.
    • Experience: After dinner, take a stroll along the banks of the River Ness and admire the beautiful views. Consider a ghost tour for a spooky introduction to the city’s past!

Things to know:

  • Inverness is a great base for exploring the Scottish Highlands.

  • Transportation: Inverness is easily walkable, but you might consider using public transportation or taking a taxi to get around efficiently, especially if visiting nearby attractions.

Restaurants:

  • The Mustard Seed: Enjoy fine dining with a focus on local ingredients and Scottish flavour profiles.

  • Rocpool Reserve: This restaurant offers a modern Scottish menu in a stylish setting.

  • The Castle Tavern: This traditional pub has hearty meals and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Things to do:

    • Visit the Castle Esplanade for stunning views of the River Ness and the surrounding city.
    • Explore the historic Victorian Market and find unique souvenirs.
    • Learn about the local history at the Highland Folk Museum.

Restaurant Options:

Budget:

  • Inverness Youth Hostel: Offers a range of affordable accommodation options, including private rooms and dorms.
  • The Mustard Seed: Great for those on a tighter budget who still want a delicious meal with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Mid-range:

  • The Castle Tavern: Enjoy a traditional pub experience with a Scottish twist.

Luxury:

  • Loch Ness Cruises (optional): Take a scenic cruise on the famous Loch Ness, with options for both cruises and exploring Urquhart Castle.
  • The Glenmorangie Distillery: Learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy a tasting session.
  • Inverness Castle: Explore the historic Inverness Castle and admire the views of the city and the surrounding hills.

Things to know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather, even in summer. It can change quickly in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Transportation: While public transportation is available in Inverness, it’s a small city and you can easily explore on foot.
  • Clothing: Pack layers for the unpredictable weather!

Tips:

  • Take a walking tour: Explore the historic streets of Inverness and learn about its rich past.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine: Be sure to try some traditional Scottish dishes, like haggis, neeps and tatties (haggis with turnips and mashed potatoes), during your stay.

Things to do in Inverness:

  • Explore the city centre: Wander through the charming streets of Inverness and discover its history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the Old Town: Look for traditional pubs and shops near the Inverness Castle.
  • Experience the Scottish Highlands: Inverness is a gateway to many stunning natural attractions.

Day 2: Into the Wilds

  • Morning:

    • Drive to Loch Ness: Take a scenic drive along the shores of the loch, stopping at viewpoints and charming villages along the way.
    • Loch Ness Cruise: Enjoy a boat tour on the legendary Loch Ness, taking in the breathtaking views and learning about the myths and legends surrounding the Loch Ness Monster.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Urquhart Castle: Explore the ruins of this historic fortress, perched on a cliff overlooking the loch’s shimmering waters.
    • Explore the shores: Take a walk around the shores of Loch Ness and enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Things to do:

  • Urquhart Castle: Visit the gift shop and cafe in the visitor centre, and explore the ruins and surrounding grounds.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner with live music at a local pub or restaurant.

  • Loch Ness Distillery: Take a tour of the distillery and learn about the process of making whisky.

  • Try some local cuisine:

    • The Clachnaharry Inn: Offers a delicious menu of locally-sourced food, a warm atmosphere, and stunning views of Loch Ness.

  • Transportation:

  • Consider a guided tour: To make the most of your time in Inverness, a guided tour is recommended.

Things to see:

  • The Ruins of Urquhart Castle: Marvel at the historical remains while enjoying the scenery.

  • Experience:

    • Visit Loch Ness:

    Take a boat trip on a loch near Inverness.

  • Loch Ness: Take a boat tour and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, or simply enjoy a scenic walk along its shores.

Things to consider:

  • Time: Allow ample time for both the cruise and exploring the castle, as they are often booked out in advance.
  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go, as it can affect your enjoyment of outdoor activities like hiking or visiting the Loch Ness cruises.

Day 3: Culture & History

  • Visit the Highland Folk Museum: Experience a taste of history and learn about traditional Scottish life.

  • Explore Culloden Battlefield: Learn about the battle and its significance at the museum and visitor centre.

  • Explore the battlefield:

    Walk the paths where the Jacobites fought their last battle for Scotland, and walk through the history of the Jacobite uprising in the 18th century.

  • Enjoy a traditional Highland Games: Immerse yourself in Scottish culture with events like caber tossing, haggis hurling, and Highland dancing.

  • Visit Loch Ness:

    Explore the shores of the legendary Loch Ness, and search for the elusive Nessie.

Things to consider:

  • Time: Check the schedule of the Highland Games as they are seasonal events.
  • Weather: Dress accordingly as the weather can change quickly.
  • Transportation: You’ll likely need a car or transportation to reach the games, and you can bring a picnic for lunch.

Enjoy your trip!