Best Things To Do in Inverness

Inverness is one of the most beautiful cities in the north-east of Scotland, where the famous legend of Loch Ness awaits you. Here you'll feel like you're in a fairytale and you'll be able to sail along a man-made canal that hides fascinating stories. Take a ride on the Harry Potter steam train and lose yourself in the colourful market place.

Remember that Scotland is the home of Scotch whisky, so you could take advantage of a tasting and visit the most important distilleries in the region. You'll probably feel like a time traveller following the 'behind the scene' of Outlander, a series filmed in the area and connected to an authentic ancient clan.

The most popular place in Inverness is Loch Ness and you've probably heard a story about the mythological creature that roams its waters. In fact, many claim to have seen Nessie, the famous monster of the deep.

It was first seen in the 6th century and has since become a major attraction. You can try your luck and book a Loch Ness cruise from Inverness to search for a Nessie encounter. The boat has a sonar system that attracts the creature, you'll also have free WiFi to get relevant information and immerse yourself in Scottish folklore.

Fun fact: the legend went unnoticed until 1933, when a new sighting was reported, generating a wave of worldwide interest. To give you an idea, Nessie is said to resemble an evil swan with its elongated neck, green scales and glowing eyes that seek to seduce you into sinking into the lake. In addition, her body could be like that of a plesiosaur. However, it is difficult to tell because the only photograph that exists was declared a fraud by Marmaduke Wetherell.

The only thing that is certain is that this experience will fascinate you, as you sail on one of the largest freshwater lakes in the UK. You can choose to go out on deck or sit inside. Just keep your eyes peeled for the ruins of the medieval Urquhart Castle, where some of Scotland's battles took place.

Inverness Castle is a major attraction and historic site built in 1836. It stands on a cliff overlooking the River Ness and can only be visited in summer, when it opens for a stroll through the gardens and an insight into its history through rooms and exhibits. You also have the option of visiting the castle's North Tower, which is a fascinating lookout point that can be visited from April to October.

Fascinating stories are hidden within the castle's corridors, some of which have been immortalised in monuments. For example, the statue of Flora MacDonald stands in front of the façade and is the first thing you'll see, standing here as a tribute to the woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden.

It was originally intended to be a prison, but ended up being an important enclave for Scottish kings such as the Stuarts and David I, who used it to consolidate his reign. It is also famous because Shakespeare was inspired by this castle to create fragments of his play Macbeth. And look out for a pleasant surprise as you walk through the gardens: La Tortilla Asesina, a Spanish restaurant decorated with typical elements and offering delicious tapas in the heart of Scotland.

All in all, when you arrive in Inverness you have an endless number of plans and sights to see and the most flexible thing to do might be to book a guided tour of Inverness. This way, you'll pass through the castle with a guide and have entry to other sights such as Balnain House.

Inverness is fun to explore on foot and by boat, but if you're looking for comfort and want to move at your own pace, the sightseeing bus is the way to go! It's a 7-stop route where you can hop on and off at your leisure, or stay on board and enjoy the full hour-long tour. Take advantage of the open-top roof and panoramic windows to appreciate the city, while an audio guide tells you everything you need to know. You'll have the freedom to create your own itinerary and include fascinating sights such as Inverness Castle and the Botanic Gardens.

When you purchase tickets for the Inverness City Sightseeing bus tour you have up to twelve months to activate it. Once activated, the pass is valid for 24 hours and must be printed in order to board the attraction.

Inverness Cathedral is dedicated to St Andrew and is a gothic temple that will surprise you with its strategic location on the banks of the Ness. I think it's an ideal spiritual place to unwind as you wander through its corridors and explore the stained glass windows with biblical scenes and the impressive engravings in its windows.

A curious fact is that the original design had two giant spires, but they were discarded due to lack of budget. Still, it's quite imposing and has a lot of interesting elements, such as the five Russian icons, which were a gift from Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

It's a popular stop on guided tours of the city and you can take the opportunity to connect with its history.

Another must-do is to book a scenic cruise around Inverness. This activity takes you off the beaten track and visits remote watery areas to coincide with some of the UK's most spectacular wildlife. This way, you might catch a glimpse of seals, otters and birds. But don't worry, you'll be given binoculars on board to enjoy the spectacular views.

You might even get to walk around Loch Ness and hear a bit of Scottish folklore. Plus, a local guide will regale you with anecdotes about the sights you'll see. You'll love the Caledonian Canal, a man-made waterway that crosses Scotland and connects to the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Overall, this experience offers a space of peace and connection with nature and should not be missed. You also have the opportunity to book a Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal cruise from Dochgarroch to see one of Inverness' most beautiful harbours.

Inverness has fun things to do within walking distance and it seems crazy to be so close to, for example, the Harry Potter steam train and not take advantage of a ride. In general, there's a wide range of nature and adventure activities to explore aqueducts, coastal villages and even the birthplace of the world's friendliest dogs.

Speyside whisky tour

Scotch whisky is a cornerstone of Inverness culture and you can take advantage of the famous distilleries in the surrounding area. By booking a Speyside whisky tour from Inverness you can follow the whisky making process up close.

It's a pretty comprehensive tour that takes you to the Benromach Distillery to sample their range of handcrafted malt whiskies, made with spring water. You may also stop at the Glenfiddich distillery and learn about a globally respected brand.

At the Speyside Cooperage you'll be treated to a fascinating demonstration of the process of making and repairing the special casks used to produce and macerate this whiskey.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig and Loch Ness Tour

Booking a tour to Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig and Loch Ness is a great way to discover the wonders of the English Highlands. I think it's an unforgettable experience because you get to ride the famous Hogwarts steam express, which is featured in several scenes of the saga. You'll love it because it passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and near the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

During this experience you'll enjoy contact with nature and you might visit the fishing village of Mallaig, the Foyer Falls and lush forests ideal for a hiking route. Of course, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster is not to be missed.

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Tour

Another must-do experience is to book a trip to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle, where you'll be greeted by some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. By road, it's breathtaking to see the changing landscape and the criss-crossing of villages, passes and rock formations.

In particular, Eilean Donan Castle will transport you back to the Middle Ages and you'll see the crossing of three stunning lochs. The advantage of these experiences is that you have free time to move around the sites and can visit them at your own pace.

Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour

If you're staying in Inverness for a few days, you'll certainly have time to book a trip to Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns, where you'll have a moving experience on the battlefield at Culloden and travel back in time to the region's turbulent past.

During the tour you'll have time to enjoy the unspoilt Glen Affric valley and discover Guisachan House, where the world's first Golden Retrievers were born. The fun continues at Clava Cairns, an archaeological site with Bronze Age burial mounds.

Excursion to John O'Groats and the Far North

There's no shortage of things to do in this region and a must-do is to book a trip to John O'Groats and the Far North Spectacular scenery and the chance to spot seals and orcas await you here. You can also meander through several charming villages and discover their history, culture and gastronomic offerings.

Inverness is where some scenes from Outlander were filmed and you should check them out. This series is about a nurse who has a double life, as she begins to travel back in time as a result of a mystical ceremony. It will transport you to Scotland during the 18th century and, even if you haven't seen it, you'll have a great time discovering anecdotes from the series and behind the scenes.

The best thing to do is to take a boat trip to Beauly, a village just 25 minutes away. This enclave has a direct connection to the Lovat families, a Highland clan that exists outside the fiction.

You can also travel back in time like Claire by visiting Clava Cairns. Here, a megalithic enclave similar to Craigh na Dun, a location featured in the series, awaits you. You could visit Culloden Battlefield and discover the history of the conflict between Jacobites and the British government, a major theme in Outlander.

One of the most colourful places in Inverness is the Victorian Market. Here you'll find over 40 local stalls where you can buy handicrafts, jewellery and souvenirs at great prices. Its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere will greet you and make you feel like a real Scotsman.

On the outskirts you'll find flower stalls and the foodie fun starts when you step inside the market. There are several stalls offering fresh fish sandwiches, fruit pies and shots of Scotch whisky. In addition, Scots enjoy delicacies including cheese, jam and honey. There is even usually a combination tasting that contrasts sweet and savoury flavours.

I'd recommend going with a guide to understand the history of the market, as you'll have to imagine life in 1870, the year this space opened and brought joy to Inverness. Everything seemed to be going swimmingly until the fire of 1889, when the façade had to be completely rebuilt. Since then, the building has remained largely unchanged and architectural details reminiscent of the Victorian era are still visible.

Leaky's Bookstore is a fascinating place that should be on your itinerary. It will amaze you with stacked bookshelves and several floors that are a paradise for those who enjoy reading. You'll find around 100,000 volumes and you'll have to be nimble to rummage around, as its collection houses second-hand gems - you might just find a special edition or that book you've been looking for!

Its high ceilings and stained glass windows create a magical atmosphere, ideal for imagining yourself in a romantic period story. At first glance, it looks like a bookshop that has been in Inverness for centuries and has only ever served that function. However, few know that it was a temporary hospital during the Battle of Culloden.

Of course, when passing through Inverness you have to take a look at Celtic culture - ever wondered why there are clothes and strips hanging on some of the trees? To find out why, follow the history of the Clootie Wells tradition, a little-known and uncrowded tradition.

The Celts used to believe that trees granted wishes, cured the sick and were the guardians of the city. For this reason, they prepared offerings and tributes. But don't try to bind the strip because it won't do any good, and is even considered an insult to the culture. The ritual must be performed with someone from the nearby villages and forests.

In addition, the garment must first be dipped in a spring in order to purify it. Then it is carefully tied to the tree and a prayer is said to the deities. The most famous is Munlochy's Well, located 15 minutes from Inverness, where locals will be happy to accompany you and tell you the story.