How to Spend 3 Days in Inverness: Your Perfect Itinerary

Looking for the best Inverness 3-day itinerary? I can help. This Inverness itinerary is based on multiple trips I’ve taken to the city without a car, using trains, buses and small group tours to explore both Inverness itself and the surrounding Highlands.

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands. The city sits just north of the Cairngorms National Park with the Moray Firth on one side and wooded hills on the other. 

Loch Ness, with its legends of monsters, resides on its doorstep while the last battle on British soil echoes on its surrounding moors. The city’s history captures the imagination, but visitors will also delight in its exceptional food, beautiful nature and cultural events such as the Highland Games. 

I always find myself being pulled back to Inverness. It’s a brilliant base to explore the Highlands, particularly if you’re car-free. It’s well-connected by public transport, and there’s a lot to do in this compact city.

This Inverness itinerary for 3 days is ideal if you’re not driving but still want plenty of nature and history. It starts with a day in the city before exploring Culloden, then finishing with a tour of Loch Ness. It can easily be adapted for drivers, too.

So, from exploring castles to visiting Scotland’s most beautiful bookshop, read on to find out how to spend 3 days in Inverness.

Is Inverness worth visiting? 

Short answer? Yes! I’ve visited Inverness multiple times over several years, staying in different areas of the city and exploring the Highlands both independently and on guided tours. I discover something new each time, like Scotland’s prettiest bookshop and street food along the River Ness.

Inverness is brilliant for nature lovers, as you don’t have to go far to be enveloped in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a fantastic base from which to visit the Cairngorms National Park.

It has the best of both worlds if you’re looking for wild landscapes and a lively food and music scene. 

Think cosy pubs with fireplaces and restaurants with fresh seafood. There’s a good choice of hotels too. Not forgetting the history with archaeological discoveries dating back to the Bronze Age! 

Inverness makes a better base in the Scottish Highlands than Fort William or Aviemore for car-free travellers, as many popular day tours depart from here, including to Skye and Loch Ness. It also has robust rail and bus networks.

How to spend three days in Inverness (No Car Needed)

I’ve created this itinerary based on my own multiple trips to Inverness. Most activities are flexible, so you can use them to make this itinerary your own. 

The only activities you need to book in advance are the small group tour of Loch Ness, Inverness Castle and the dolphin-watching experience. The rest you can do whenever it suits you. Here’s a quick map of the route below.

Day 1: Explore Inverness (City Highlights & Dolphins)

Not driving and wondering what to do in Inverness without a car? You’ll be pleased to know that the city centre is walkable, so the first day of this itinerary is a self-guided walking tour with a bus at the start. There’s no need to drive in the city.

The day begins with a splash, spotting dolphins at Chanonry Point. I recommend doing this first, so you can spend the rest of the day going at your own pace without worrying about other booked activities.

If you don’t want to do the dolphin experience, simply skip it and head straight for the city centre for a laidback, self-guided walking tour along the River Ness. The route starts with a cosy bookshop, and then it’s onwards to Inverness Castle.

Ride the waves with Dolphin Spirit Inverness

If you’re an animal lover, a boat tour of the Moray Firth is a must. About 200 bottlenose dolphins live in the Moray Firth, and they’re the most northerly population in the world. 

The best way to see them is on a boat trip with Dolphin Spirit Inverness. The certified ethical company runs regular tours on a wildlife cruise and a high-speed boat. 

The Wildlife Cruise experience is two hours and is suitable for adults and children of any age. Ticket prices are £25 for a child aged 4-16 (children under 3 go free) and £35 for an adult.

There isn’t a guarantee that you’ll see dolphins or any other wildlife, but the company advises booking the Mischief Wildlife Experience on the high-speed boat for the best chance. The speedboat tour is two hours long and takes you up to dolphin hotspots, including Chanonry Point.

There is a maximum of 12 people on the boat, and it’s not suitable for children under 10. Ticket prices are £55 for a child aged 10-16 and £59 for adults aged 17+. Both experiences operate two times a day, Monday to Sunday, from late March to early November.

Dolphin Spirit Inverness is located at the Inverness Marina. Depending on where your hotel is, you can get the 22, 25, 26 or 27 buses to Seafield Road, then walk 22 minutes or book a taxi.

Top tip: Dolphin Spirit’s Wildlife Cruise runs daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, while the Mischief Wildlife Experience runs at 10 am and 1 pm. You’ll need to be there 30 minutes before.

Admire Leakey’s Bookshop 

The first stop on your self-guided walking tour through Inverness is quite possibly the COSIEST bookshop I’ve ever seen and one of the best things to do in Inverness. It’s a 29-minute walk from Dolphin Spirit Inverness to get here, but you’ll be right in the city centre.

Leakey’s Bookshop is the largest second-hand bookshop in Scotland. It’s family-owned and was established in 1979 by Charles Leaky. It was originally spread over two shops until it moved to the 17th-century St Mary’s Gaelic Church in 1994. 

Leakey’s is regarded as one of the most beautiful bookshops in Scotland. Parts of the old church remain, including stained glass windows and a pulpit. 

Its most surprising feature is a large wood-burning stove, which is the only source of heat in the building and keeps damp at bay. Add in lots of nooks for browsing, and it’s easy to lose yourself in this enchanting bookshop. 

Grab a bite at The Victorian Market 

A 4-minute walk from Leakey’s Bookshop, just opposite the train station, is the Victorian Market. 

The traditional 19th-century shopping arcade is entirely made up of independent shops. A small food court has a selection of places to get a bite to eat for lunch. It’s not huge, but it’s a nice place to look around and buy a few souvenirs. 

When you’re ready, take a 10-minute stroll to Inverness Castle. If you have time to go inside, stay on your current side of the river. If you’d rather take a photo, cross the bridge as you get a much better view from the opposite bank.

Visit Inverness Castle (Optional)

The long-anticipated Inverness Castle has finally opened after an extensive refurbishment. I hadn’t originally factored in going inside to this itinerary, as the castle has always been closed while I’ve been in Inverness.

That said, if you’d like to see inside rather than just taking a photo of the outside, I’d cut out some of the activities on this day to save time.

I’d also pick EITHER the castle or dolphin-watching on this day, so you’re not rushing. Adult tickets for the castle cost £20, and it’s best to book online for guaranteed entrance.

The castle sits high on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. While a castle has held that spot since 1057, the structure that stands today was built in 1836. Inside, you’ll find interactive installations and activities that teach you about the history and culture of the Highlands.

Stop at Inverness Cathedral 

Another quick stop is Inverness Cathedral on the other side of the River Ness from the castle. The cathedral’s construction began in 1866, and it was open for service in 1869. It has a ring of 10 bells. 

It’s now open 365 days of the year from 9 am to 6 pm. There is a café, but it’s currently closed until further notice.

Wander through the Ness Islands 

Continue to follow the River Ness about 18 minutes inland, and you’ll come to a collection of natural islands which are connected to the mainland by bridges. It’s possible to cross from one side of the riverbank to the other.

The islands are part of a park which is popular with runners, families and dog walkers. Stroll along winding footpaths and sit for a while on a bench. You can stop here, or if you have an hour to pass before 4 pm, you could end your walking tour at the Inverness Botanic Gardens.

Visit Inverness Botanic Gardens 

One of the best free things to do in Inverness, the Inverness Botanic Gardens is a short 10-minute stroll from Ness Islands. It features an outdoor garden with a koi pond, a tropical house, a cactus house and a café. 

The garden is run by a charity and is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. It’s also home to the GROW project, a gardening initiative for adults with special needs. I loved the tropical house best of all, with its beautiful trailing plants and water features. It looked like the setting for a fairy tale! 

When you’re ready, stroll or take a bus back to the city centre or your hotel for a wind-down before dinner.

Editor’s tip: Inverness Botanic Gardens is open from 09:30 am to 4 pm seven days a week. You don’t need to book ahead, simply turn up!

Day 2: Visit Culloden Battlefield & the Clava Cairns

On the second day of your 3 days in Inverness, you’re going back in time to one of the most significant moments in Scottish history – the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Then it’s a visit to the Bronze Age Clava Cairns. 

P.S. Any Outlander fans here? You’ll love this day!

Tour Culloden Battlefield 

Culloden was the site of the last battle on British soil. In 1746, the Jacobites, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, fought and lost against the government’s army. 

Their defeat brought about the end of Scottish clan culture. As for the Bonnie Prince? He fled and lived out his days in exile. Culloden Battlefield is now one of the most visited places in Scotland, and it’s less than 30 minutes east of Inverness by car or bus. 

The number 1B bus to Culloden Moor takes you from the city to outside the battlefield visitor centre. It runs approximately every hour, and a return ticket is £7.20. I recommend getting the Inverness Zone 1A DayRider, as it’s £6.20. You can buy it online at Stagecoach. 

The visitor centre has a museum run by the National Trust for Scotland. Entry costs £12.50 for an adult, but it’s worth it as you learn about the battle and what happened in the run-up to it. 

The actual battlefield is free to wander around, and there are flags to show where the two armies came face to face.

On one side of the battlefield, there are stone memorials to remember the clans who lost their lives on that fateful day. You may see some flowers laid by the headstone for ‘Clan Fraser,’ thanks to Outlander.

Editor’s tip: Another place to learn about the Jacobite cause is Glenfinnan, which has a monument dedicated to the Lone Highlander.

Explore the Clava Cairns 

The Clava Cairns are a Bronze Age cemetery with standing stones and burial monuments in a beautiful wooded setting. It’s thought that this site was the inspiration behind Craigh Na Dun in the Outlander book and TV series. 

It’s free to visit and about a 30-minute walk along country lanes from Culloden Battlefield. I recommend following the Walkhighlands route to get there, but be mindful of the occasional cars.  I started from step 4 of the route and returned the way I came after step 6.

The Bronze Age site dates back 4,000 years and offers a glimpse into the cultural beliefs of the time. The position of the stones indicates a focus on the midwinter sunset. Excavations have also found evidence of farming on the site before the cemetery was even established. 

Day 3: A Scenic Loch Ness day trip 

The last day on your Inverness 3-day itinerary is a trip to Loch Ness. The loch is just eight miles from Inverness, but it has landmarks which are tricky to get to without a car. So, for this excursion, I recommend booking a small group tour if you don’t fancy driving.

I did a Loch Ness day trip from Inverness. It was a full-day tour with transport and a boat cruise on Loch Ness included in the price.

My tour included all the stops below: 

Nessie hunting in Dores

My first glimpse of Loch Ness was at Loch Ness Beach on the outskirts of Dores. The pebble beach happens to be the home of the Loch Ness Monster hunter Steve Feltham, who lives in a tiny research van. 

Since his search began in 1991, he’s dedicated his life to solving the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. He’s been recognised by Guinness World Records for his efforts. When we arrived, he was cooking breakfast in his van, so I thought it best to leave him to it. 

Watch the Falls of Foyers 

If you follow the road southwest, which runs alongside Loch Ness, you’ll come to the Falls of Foyers. It’s a spectacular waterfall which plunges 140ft down into a gorge on the River Foyers. 

The waterfall is accessible via a winding path that leads you through beautiful woodland with views down the gorge. You might spot a red squirrel here, although I wasn’t so lucky. 

It doesn’t take long to reach the waterfall viewpoints. The path eventually takes you to the shores of Loch Ness, but you won’t have time to do that on this trip. 

Stop for lunch at Fort Augustus 

The next stop on your tour of Loch Ness is Fort Augustus. The village sits on the bottom southwest tip of the loch and is bisected by the Caledonian Canal, which runs 60 miles between Fort William and Inverness. 

Fort Augustus is a sweet village with scenic views up the loch. Many visitors stop here on their way to and from Fort William, which is under an hour’s drive away. Several boat tours operate from here, and the surrounding hills are popular with hikers and cyclists.

It’s the designated place to stop for lunch on the tour. There are some restaurants, but I opted for a sandwich from Spar and treated myself to an ice cream from Miele’s Gelateria. I recommend checking out the locks on the canal and going for a wander on the shores of Loch Ness while you’re here. 

Admire Invermoriston Bridge 

This stop turned out to be one of my favourite places on the tour. Invermoriston Bridge is a 19th-century stone bridge over the River Moriston. It was built by Thomas Telford in 1813 to improve the infrastructure around the Highlands. 

The bridge doesn’t look like much from the road, but if you follow a footpath down to the viewpoint, it arches beautifully over tumbling falls.

On the far riverbank, there’s a round stone summer house which was built for the salmon season. It’s such a magical spot, and it honestly looks like something in a fairy tale!

Cruise Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle 

Now for the highlight of the day – a boat cruise across Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle. If you do the day trip around Loch Ness, your cruise will be with the Loch Ness by Jacobite. 

The excursion is about an hour for a round trip, and you sail down Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle as you listen to the audio commentary.

The boat has an inside area with seats, toilets and a bar. There’s also an upstairs outdoor deck, which gets windy, so bring a jacket (always essential for your Scotland packing list!)

It was a lovely experience settling into the boat trip and learning about Scottish history and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Sadly, no monsters appeared, though.  

The boat stops at Urquhart Castle, which was deliberately blown up in 1692 so it could never again be used as a military fortress. 

When I did this tour, I wasn’t able to get off and explore the castle, but its itinerary has since been updated to include it. Lucky you! The castle entrance fees are included in your booking.

After the cruise on Loch Ness, it’s just under a half-hour drive back to Inverness and the end of your itinerary.

Where to next after Inverness?

Once you’ve spent 3 days in Inverness, you could visit Fort William and explore the West Coast of Scotland. Highlights of the West Coast include the Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Isle of Mull.

You could add Inverness to a wider Scotland by train itinerary, heading south to Aviemore and the heart of the Cairngorms. Travelling north to Thurso, John O’Groats, and the Orkney Islands is another possibility. 

Inverness is the start of the North Coast 500, a seven-day road trip which covers the Black Isle and the West Coast. Alternatively, you could take the train back to Glasgow or Edinburgh or the Caledonian Sleeper to London. 

Planning your trip to Inverness

Read on to find practical information about planning a trip to Inverness, including the best time to visit, how to get around, where to stay and where to eat. 

Where is Inverness? 

Inverness sits on the mouth of the River Ness on the southwest side of the Moray Firth. The city belongs to Inverness-shire, Scotland’s largest historic county. 

Inverness is regarded as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. It sits just north of the Cairngorms National Park, which dominates the centre of Scotland. Its most famous local landmark, Loch Ness, is just 8 miles away. 

It’s a base for visitors travelling north to the Black Isle as it has the only international airport in the Highlands. It’s also the starting point of the NC500 road trip. 

When is the best time to visit Inverness? 

As the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a hive of activity all year round. 

In winter, the Cairngorms ski season is in full swing, and the landscape around Inverness is often covered in a blanket of snow. Temperatures hover between 1℃ and 7℃,℃ and it’s possible to see the Northern Lights. Some attractions are closed for the season.  

Summer is the most popular time to visit Inverness. Temperatures reach highs of 19℃, and it has the longest amount of daylight of any major tourist city in the UK. It’s a busy time of year for festivals and events, including the Highland Games, which take place in July. 

If you want mild weather and a holiday without the crowds, I recommend visiting Inverness in spring or autumn. By April, the snow has melted, and attractions around the Highlands have opened for the tourist season. 

In autumn, the landscape is dramatic with turning leaves. There’s a slightly higher chance of rain, but attractions are still open, and the prices are lower at the tail end of the tourist season. 

How many days should you spend in Inverness? 

When you’re planning your trip to Scotland, I recommend having 3 days in Inverness. That gives you a day to explore the city, a day to visit Loch Ness and a day for Culloden Battlefield without rushing. 

You don’t need more than a day to explore the actual city itself. It’s small, and most landmarks are within walking distance of each other. 

If you’re just spending a weekend in Inverness, you could combine Culloden Battlefield with your day in the city. I would slim it down to one or two city attractions and then do Culloden, as you won’t have time to fit it all in otherwise. 

How to get to Inverness 

Plane

If you’re travelling internationally, Inverness has its own airport, which is about 20-30 minutes from the city centre.  

Train 

It’s possible to get the train from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Inverness. Direct trains take about 3.5-4 hours, and it’s a lovely journey through towns on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. 

If you’re travelling from London, you could take the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness. I did this, and the cost for a ticket was a reasonable £59 for a seat one way. For more information on Caledonian Sleeper ticket prices and sleeping options, read my full review. 

Road 

There’s not much of a time difference between catching the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh and travelling by road, as the route pretty much follows the railway. If you’re driving by car, follow the M80 from Glasgow or the M90 from Edinburgh to Perth and then join the A9. 

Another option is Scottish Citylink. It’s a good backup option if the trains aren’t running and the journey time takes just under 4 hours. Coaches M90 and M10 run directly to Edinburgh and Glasgow from Inverness. Ember also operates on these routes.

For a comprehensive run-down of the best train, coach and driving routes, read my full guide to getting to Inverness.

How to get around Inverness 

As a walkable city, getting around Inverness is easy. Admittedly, my first choice is to walk everywhere, so if you’re not that way inclined, there is a decent bus network. Bear in mind, it will start becoming expensive if you use it all the time. 

The number 2 bus service goes to both Culloden Battlefield and Inverness Airport. I recommend arriving at the bus stop early and allowing some delay, as it can get caught up in traffic. You can make contactless payments on the bus. 

If you’re also wondering how to spend 3 days in Inverness without a car, small group tours will be your best friend for exploring the local area. 

Where to stay in Inverness

Bazpackers Hostel 

Bazpackers is a cosy hostel about a 10-minute walk from the train station. It has a small but well-equipped kitchen and a lounge area with a fireplace and garden. 

The dormitories have bunk beds with a curtain (I always prefer this for privacy!). I stayed here on one of my visits to Inverness and found it more than comfortable when travelling on a budget. Prefer your own space? It also offers private rooms.

For more mid-range hotel recommendations, check out my guide to where to stay in Inverness.

Fraser House

Fraser House is the place for you if you have a mid-range budget and want some home comforts during your stay. The rooms are clean and comfortable and have private bathrooms. The breakfasts here are exceptional.

Glen Mhor Hotel 

If you want to splurge without going too crazy, Glen Mhor Hotel is a cheerful 4-star hotel with cosy en-suite rooms and 11 self-contained apartments. There’s an on-site restaurant serving traditional Scottish breakfasts and a hearty dinner menu.

The hotel is part of Uile-bheist ‘Brewstillery’ on the River Ness. As a guest here, you can get a discount on whisky tastings and brewery tours. I splashed out and stayed here on one of my more recent trips and really enjoyed it. The bar has live music in the summer, which is so much fun.

The best places to eat in Inverness

Castle Tavern 

This award-winning family pub is next door to Bazpackers, so it was a no-brainer for me. 

The menu is typical of a gastropub with fish and chips, burgers and macaroni cheese. There are a few Scottish favourites too, including cullen skink and haggis. 

Black Isle Bar & Rooms

This popular bar in the heart of the city serves excellent wood-fired pizza made with local, organic ingredients. I was absolutely ravenous after my day tour, and this pizza hit the spot. It’s definitely a more casual dining experience for when you want something quick, affordable and delicious.

Other worthy mentions include: 

• Rocpool is a trendy fine-dining restaurant. 
• The Mustard Seed is a local favourite and is located in an old church.
• Café One is all about farm-to-table dining. 

Final thoughts on spending 3 days in Inverness

So, that concluded your 3-day Inverness itinerary! The itinerary covers all the top things to do in Inverness without being too hectic. If you have less time to spare, I recommend prioritising Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Loch Ness. 

Doing small group tours is also a great way to make the most of the area, particularly if you don’t have a car. If you have any questions about this Inverness itinerary, feel free to get in touch.

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