Stand on the west bank of the River Ness where it slips past the Old High Church and you can follow the water upstream in one unbroken line, past the wooded Ness Islands and on towards the canal towpath. Inverness is a small city that keeps its best experiences close to that river, and the surrounding Highland landscape begins almost at the edge of the centre.
It suits travellers who want a compact base for walking, history and boat trips rather than a checklist of major attractions. This guide covers the sights within the city and the nearby places the sources name, with practical notes on when to go and what to combine.
Top things to do in Inverness
1. Inverness Castle
The castle occupies a strong defensive position above the river, though the castles built here have been serially destroyed, most recently in 1746 when its Jacobite occupiers wrecked the medieval bastion. The pink sandstone building now on the site dates from 1847 and housed the law courts until 2020.
It reopened in December 2025 as the Inverness Castle Experience. Combine it with the museum on the castle's south flank, since the two sit together on Castle Wynd.
2. Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
On the south flank of the castle, the museum holds a collection of Pictish stones, wildlife dioramas and historic weapons, while the gallery stages art exhibitions across two floors with no permanent collection. Entry is by donation.
Opening hours vary by season, so check before you go: April to October it opens Tuesday to Saturday 10AM–5PM, and November to March Tuesday to Thursday noon–4PM and Friday and Saturday 11AM–4PM. It pairs naturally with the castle next door.
3. River Ness and Caledonian Canal walk
The river and canal stretch for eight miles between Loch Dochfour at the north end of Loch Ness and Beauly Firth below Inverness, making a pleasant stroll or bike ride. Going upstream from the town centre, follow either bank up to the wooded Ness Islands.
Above the islands, keep to the west bank, passing the Botanic Gardens, to reach the canal towpath, which is the best route upstream. If you are trying to reach the loch, a bike makes the distance easier.
4. Culloden
Five miles east of the city, Culloden is best known for the 1746 battlefield where the Jacobite army was finally shattered. The same area also holds the Bronze Age Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle, associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Allow time for more than the battlefield, since the cairns and castle are in the same direction. This is the strongest half-day trip out of the city.
5. Craig Phadrig
This forested hill of 564 ft (172 m) is topped by a vitrified fort built around the 4th century AD and occupied into the 7th, probably the place where St Columba met King Bridei mac Maelchon. At some point the fort burned so furiously that its stone fused into glass.
It is an active forestry site, so you may have to work around logging. Wear footwear suited to rough ground.
6. Inverness Botanic Gardens
A glasshouse and gardens with a range of exotic plants, plus a cafe, about a mile south of the centre off the A82. Entry is free and it is open daily 9:30AM–4PM; assistance dogs only.
It sits on the west bank route upstream, so combine it with the river walk and the canal towpath. The Highland Archive Centre is in Bught Park nearby if you want to look up ancestors.
7. Victorian Market
A 19th-century shopping arcade directly opposite the railway station, open 8AM–6PM daily. It is an easy stop on arrival or before departure rather than a destination in itself.
Use it for a quick browse while waiting for a train, then walk on to Church Street for the historic buildings.
8. Old High Church
The oldest church in Inverness, mostly built in the 18th century, on a site where there has probably been a church since St Columba's time. It is open Friday 2–4PM and Sunday 11AM–12:30PM.
Note that the congregation is now referred to as Old High St Stephens after a 2003 merger, and all services are held at St Stephens. Pair a Friday visit with Abertarff House on the same street.
9. Abertarff House
Built in 1593, this is the oldest house in Inverness, now run by the National Trust for Scotland with a small exhibition and garden. It is free and open April to October, Tuesday to Saturday 10AM–4PM.
It stands at 71 Church Street, a short walk from the Old High Church, so the two make a natural pairing on a Friday or Saturday in season.
10. Inverness Cathedral (St Andrew's)
A Scottish Episcopal cathedral built in 1869 in a mix of red sandstone and granite, open daily 9AM–6PM. Look up for the two giant spires that are not there, because the money for building ran out.
It is on Ardross Street, close to the river, and St Mary's Roman Catholic Church is 200 yards downstream if you want to continue along Huntly Street.
11. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
The main Roman Catholic church in the city, built in 1837, with fine stained glass windows and altar. It is not a cathedral, as the diocese is based in Aberdeen.
It sits on Huntly Street, 200 yards downstream from the cathedral, and Balnain House is further along the same street.
12. Knocknagael Boar Stone
A Pictish stone carved around 600 AD, showing a wild boar amid spirals and bristles. It has been moved from the farm where it was found to the south side of the Highland Council offices on Glenurquhart Road.
This is a short, specific stop rather than a day out; check its location before setting off, as it now stands by the council offices rather than in open country.
13. Eden Court Theatre
A theatre, arts and cinema venue on Bishops Road, hosting the Under Canvas music festival throughout July and August. Check the programme before your trip if you want an evening performance.
It is close to the river and makes a good end to a day of walking, especially in summer when the festival is running.
14. Dolphin-spotting from Inverness Marina
Boat trips run April to October from Inverness Marina, with Dolphin Spirit as the main operator. They run conventional motor boats and RIB rides that are wet and bouncy but cover more of the area.
To see dolphins from shore, cross to the Black Isle and stand at Chanonry Point as the tide starts to come in. Book ahead in summer, when demand is highest.
15. Dochgarroch Locks
The locks are where Loch Ness drains into the Caledonian Canal towards town. The north tip of Loch Ness here is called Loch Dochfour, but it is the same body of water.
Combine a visit with the canal towpath walk or a Loch Ness boat trip, since Jacobite Cruises sail the north end of the loch from Inverness.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Inverness Castle and the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery on Castle Wynd, then walk down to Church Street for the Old High Church and Abertarff House if it is a Friday or Saturday in season.
Afternoon: Follow the west bank of the River Ness upstream past the Ness Islands to the Inverness Botanic Gardens, then continue onto the canal towpath towards Dochgarroch Locks. If you would rather be on the water, take a dolphin-spotting trip from Inverness Marina instead.
Evening: Return to the centre via the Victorian Market opposite the station, then finish with a performance at Eden Court Theatre on Bishops Road.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see dolphins near Inverness?
Boat trips from Inverness Marina run April to October. From shore, the advice is to stand at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle as the tide starts to come in.
Can I walk from the city centre to Loch Ness?
You can follow the river and canal upstream for eight miles towards Loch Dochfour at the north end of Loch Ness. Above the Ness Islands, keep to the west bank past the Botanic Gardens to reach the canal towpath, which is the best route; a bike makes the distance easier.
What can I see at Culloden besides the battlefield?
The same area holds the Bronze Age Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle, associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth. Culloden lies five miles east of the city.
Is the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery open every day?
No. In April to October it opens Tuesday to Saturday 10AM–5PM; in November to March it opens Tuesday to Thursday noon–4PM and Friday and Saturday 11AM–4PM. Entry is by donation.
With the river, the castle and the loch all within easy reach, you can start shaping an Inverness itinerary around the places above.