Things to see and do in Inverness

With its central location and sweeping views from the North Tower, the Inverness Castle Experience offers a new way to discover Highland life and culture. Sensory installations and immersive exhibits tell the rich history of this region, from ancient clans to contemporary Highland communities. Listen as the voice of the seanchaidh (Gaelic for storyteller) brings the landscapes, stories, and heritage of the Highlands to life, before pausing for a tasty lunch or light snack in the castle café. Don’t forget to climb the North Tower for epic views over the River Ness and the surrounding landscape.  

The Inverness Castle Experience isn’t a traditional castle visit. Instead, it offers an introduction to the Highlands through the voices, stories and experiences of the people who call it home. 

Find out more about the Inverness Castle Experience 

Step inside this converted 17th-century Gaelic church where the warm glow of the central wood-burning stove hugs you like an old friend. Leakey’s Bookshop is a Highland institution and one of Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshops. The original church architecture is still present, including stained glass windows and even the pulpit, which makes the experience even more special. Browse the labyrinth of shelves for rare antiquarian finds or contemporary fiction before taking the spiral staircase up to find antique prints and maps. Leakey’s is a peaceful retreat for bookworms, inviting you to curl up by the fire and lose yourself in a good book. 

Find your next great read at Leakey's Bookshop 

Looking for a place to unwind with a dram? Head to Uile-Bheist Brewery & Distillery, situated on the banks of the River Ness. Uile-Bheist (Scottish Gaelic for ‘monster’)produces both artisan whisky and a range of craft beers using water and energy from the river. Join a guided tour, enjoy a tasting session, or settle in with a pint in the taproom where the scent of malt and hop is never far away. 

For something a little different, spend some time at Playback Bar on Academy Street. Spread across four floors, this exciting venue combines food and drink with a range of activities, including axe throwing, shuffleboard, pool, and table tennis. Challenge friends to a game and enjoy great city views from the rooftop terrace with a cocktail and tasty burger. 

For a taste of traditional Scottish music, head to MacGregor’s Bar. Sit back with a local beer or dram and tap along with the live music filling this authentic Highland pub. If you can’t make it in person, you can still tune into the weekly live stream and experience a little Highland atmosphere from the comfort of your own home.  

Find whisky distilleries & experiences in Inverness 

Uncover the history of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, where exhibits range from natural history to the dramatic story of the Jacobite Risings. Browse works by Scottish and international artists and delve into the museum’s extensive photographic archive. For more great art, try Wasps Studio or the Castle Gallery near the Inverness Castle Experience, where you can admire contemporary art, sculpture, and crafts from local Highland artists. If you are more into sports, visit Sgeul na Camanachd in Bught Park and discover the history of shinty, Scotland’s oldest sport. Theatre lovers can enjoy a performance, catch the latest films, or grab a bite to eat at Eden Court, the largest arts venue in the Highlands. 

The story doesn’t end in Inverness. Just east of the city, Fort George stands guard at the Moray Firth. This working fort houses The Highlanders’ Museum, which is a treasure trove for military history enthusiasts.Here you canbrowse medals, uniforms, weapons, and uncover personal stories behind one of the largest regimental collections in the UK.  

Learn more about Highland culture & traditions 

You don’t have to travel far from the city to find peaceful green spaces, gentle walks, or Highland scenery. Follow the River Ness past local landmarks like Inverness Castle to a series of islands linked by footbridges. Pause for some tea and cake in the calm oasis of the Inverness Botanic Gardens, the most northerly in the UK, or watch boats pass through the Dochgarroch Locks on the Caledonian Canal, just outside the city. 

When you’re ready to venture a bit further, Inverness is the gateway to some of Scotland’s most rewarding multi-day trails.Follow the Great Glen Way past tranquil lochs, Highland villages, and canals, while keeping an eye out for Nessie along the shores of Loch Ness. Climb Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, the highest hill around Loch Ness, or discover tumbling waterfalls, peaceful woodland trails and quiet walks at Urquhart Bay Woods and the Falls of Foyers.  

Find your favourite walk around Inverness 

Walk among the ancient stones of Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s best prehistoric sites, for a glimpse far into the past. These well-preserved burial cairns are around 4,000 years old and were carefully designed, with two passageways aligned with the midwinter sunset. As you wander among the cairns and standing stones, set within tranquil woodland near the River Nairn, you can’t help but reflect on the people who gathered here thousands of years ago to celebrate the solstice and cycles of nature.  

Outlander fans may recognise the site as the inspiration for Craigh na Dun, but you don’t have to be a time traveller to feel transported here.  

Nikki from VisitScotland: 

“It’s hard to explain but it truly is a sacred place – somewhere quiet and peaceful where you feel compelled to show respect as you learn more about this society and their rituals.” 

Travel back to the Bronze Age at Clava Cairns 

Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous destinations and, if local legend is to be believed, home to the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Head out onto the water and keep watch for Nessie as you take in the views of the tree-covered hills, expansive sky, and the dark waters of the loch. Many boat tours stop at Urquhart Castlewhere you can climb the Grant Tower, wander the medieval ruins, and look out across Loch Ness from an atmospheric castle setting. 

For a different perspective, follow the Loch Ness 360° Trail. This 130km circular route links the Great Glen Way and South Loch Ness Trail, making it ideal for walking, cycling, or running. The trail starts and ends in Inverness, passing through woodlands with amazing spectacles like the Falls of Foyers along the way. 

Nikki from VisitScotland: 

“I thought I knew Urquhart Castle from all of the photographs, but nothing compares to actually being there. Catch the opening show inside the visitor centre before stepping out to explore all the nooks and crannies of the building, and of course, the stunning views out across Loch Ness.”  

Explore Loch Ness 

Stand on the windswept moor of Culloden Battlefieldwhere the final and bloodiest clash of the Jacobite Risings unfolded on 16 April 1746 - an hour-long battle that changed Scotland forever. There is often an eerie silence, reflecting the gravity of the battle that took place here. Follow the paths across the battlefield towards the memorial cairn and reflect on the events on that fateful day.  

Come face-to-face with artefacts from both Jacobite and government forces inside the award-winning visitor centre. Step into the 360-degree battle theatre and experience the sounds and intensity of the conflict as it erupts around you. End your visit on the rooftop platform which provides sweeping views over the battlefield. 

Nikki from VisitScotland: 

“You can’t appreciate anything about this battle until you stand in the fields, take in the distance between the flags and feel the atmosphere of the location. I walked through and around the battlefield and saw all the clan markers. It was another place that can only be truly experienced in person, giving you a small glimpse of what happened there.” 

Visit Culloden Battlefield 

No trip to the Highlands feels complete without seeing a Highland coo. With their shaggy coats, curved horns, and gentle nature, you can find these friendly animals in several locations around Inverness. Listen for the gentle lowing on the historic moorland at Culloden Battlefield, pose for a selfie with Ozzy the Highland Cow, a metal coo sculpture at Dochgarroch Lock, or enjoy homemade cake and a cuppa at Cameron’s Tea Room and Farm Shop near Foyers while watching the cows from the windows.  

For a more hands-on experience, visit Farm Ness where you can have a meet & greet, groom, and feed these gentle giants, supporting local conservation and sustainable farming in the process.  

See Highland cows near Inverness & Loch Ness 

The waters of the Moray Firth, just outside Inverness, are one of the best places to spot bottlenose dolphins, seals, and seabirds. As you sail beneath the Kessock Bridge, keep your binoculars ready and watch for playful dolphins surfacing beside the boat and leaping up from the water. During the trip, knowledgeable guides share insights about the local ecosystem along this stretch of coastline. 

If you’re drawn to the mystery of Loch Ness, a cruise is one of the best ways to experience it. Feel the spray of the water, keep a look out for Nessie, and admire Urquhart Castle from up close. Whether you prefer a short sight-seeing trip or the thrill of a high-speed RIB adventure, there are plenty of options to discover the loch’s stories and legends from the water. 

Spot wildlife around Inverness & Loch Ness 

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.