48 hours in Inverness – A 2 day Itinerary

Inverness is a city that has a lot to offer. Situated in Scotland, it has a lot of history and culture to be explored. It is also an ideal destination for the adventurous traveller looking to explore Scotland, or even just for those who want to spend some time away in the Highlands.

There are plenty of activities and sights to see, and this 2 Day Itinerary for Inverness is perfect for exploring this beautiful city and beyond! Inverness is the ideal place for a city break as it is small enough to see everything in 2 days.

During your 2 days in Inverness, it is advised to stay within the city centre. This is a great base to start exploring and has everything you need nearby. Inverness has plenty of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs and hostels.

It is an affordable area so great for those on a budget. The best time to visit Scotland is in the summer, this is because the temperatures are warmer, averaging between 17 – 18 degrees and there is less chance of rain.

Day 1 in Inverness

Start the first day of your 48 hrs in Inverness by exploring the city centre. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture, sample the local delicacies and take a walk along the River Ness. You will also see Inverness Castle, to cross it off your bucket list.

Explore Inverness

Take a stroll around the city centre and walk along the banks of the River Ness. This area has plenty of shops to browse through, so make sure you get some shopping done before exploring further afield. There are also plenty of great cafes to grab a coffee or breakfast to start your day.

Some highlights include Perk Coffee + Doughnuts, The Original Milk Bar and The Rendezvous Cafe. Some traditional Scottish breakfast delicacies to try include square lorne sausage, haggis and tattie scones.

Take in the sights and atmosphere of this bustling Scottish city and you will soon see why it is such a popular tourist destination.

Inverness Walking Tour

A walking tour is always an excellent way to learn about a new city and its history. This walking tour of Inverness will take you to some of the most important sites in the city including Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Castle and Balnain House.

The castle is located in the heart of Inverness, and it offers stunning views over the city. Built back in the 1800s the castle is very grand and is surrounded by lush gardens. You can get the best view of the castle on the opposite side of the river bank.

The castle is well-preserved and looks beautiful in the sunlight. This guided walking tour of Inverness is a fantastic way to learn about this city and find out about hidden gems that often get overlooked.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is located just a few minutes from the castle. The museum is very well-maintained and has an interesting collection of artifacts. The art gallery also has some beautiful paintings and sculptures that are worth a look.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday and entry is free. You will learn lots about Scottish history, culture and heritage.

There are many exhibitions featuring geological and archaeological collections. It is a great place to spend a chilled afternoon and is definitely worth a visit.

Inverness Nightlife

Inverness has a thriving nightlife and you will find plenty of pubs and bars to choose from. There is also a great selection of restaurants in the city centre that serve some amazing food at very reasonable prices. During your evening make sure to try as many Scottish samples as you can.

Haggis is a huge dish in Scotland. This is a sheep’s stomach stuffed with a mixture of offal (internal organs) and oatmeal. It is usually served with mashed potatoes and onions. Haggis is eaten traditionally on Burns Night on 25th January each year.

Some excellent restaurants to try in Inverness include Scotch & Rye which is a delicious gastropub that serves many types of meat from the grill all in a chic setting.

There is The Mustard Seed Restaurant which is a very modern European restaurant that serves diners in its amazing interior. The restaurant is based in an old converted church! If you are looking for drinks then there is The Malt Room, which is really cosy and has 200+ malt whiskies on offer.

Whiskey is a traditional Scottish drink that you must try during your visit to the Scottish Highlands. It dates back to the 15th century and is now famous worldwide. The most famous Scottish whiskey today is The Famous Grouse but you should also sample The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Highland Park and Old Pulteney.

Day 2 in Inverness

On your second day for your 48 hours in Inverness, you will get to visit the famous Loch Ness and maybe catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster.

During your day trip, you will also get to walk around the ruins of Urquhart Castle and take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding area. You will travel over to Fort William to experience the Scottish town and all that is has to offer.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is located in the Scottish highlands and is the largest body of freshwater by volume in the United Kingdom. It measures 22.5 miles in length and 1.7 miles as its widest point with its depths reaching over 800 ft. The River Ness flows from the northern end of the Loch and is where Loch Ness gets its name.

This huge body of water has become famous for the Loch Ness Monster, which has been sighted many times in its waters. The legend of this monster is believed by many to be true and it is said to be a dinosaur that survived extinction.

There are many myths and legends about the Loch Ness Monster, which has attracted tourists from all over the world. It is a great place to visit in Scotland, especially if you want to see some of the country’s natural beauty.

Scotland’s scenery is breathtaking, especially if you spend time near the mountains and lakes. You can take a boat trip around the lake or just walk around its banks.

Urquhart Castle

During your trip to Loch Ness, visit Urquhart Castle. Sat on the western bank of the Loch, the fortress was built in the early 13th century and was used as a military stronghold for hundreds of years until it was finally blown up in 1692.

The castle soon turned into ruins and received further destruction over the years to create the majestic ruins that you can see today.

The castle ruins sat next to the vast water of Loch Ness, give it a dramatic appearance. You can walk around the ruins and learn about its history or just enjoy the scenery. The castle remains are still impressive, even after hundreds of years.

You can see the walls that were once used to protect its inhabitants from invaders and the towers that looked out over the landscape below. It is now a popular tourist attraction, with many people visiting Urquhart Castle each year.

Fort William

Carry on your journey up to Fort William, which is the largest town in the Highlands. This town has plenty to offer for a fun afternoon of exploring.

Many scenes from Harry Potter were shot here making it a great destination for any Harry Potter lovers.

There are plenty of shops to visit, including one that sells Harry Potter souvenirs. Fort William is also well known as a base for climbing the highest point in Great Britain, Ben Nevis.

This mountain is 4411 feet above sea level and is a popular place for those who enjoy climbing adventures.

Tour ideas from Inverness

There are so many beautiful places to explore around the Scottish highlands. Inverness is a great base to explore these from meaning there are several full day tours that can be taken from the Scottish city.

One of the most popular day trips is to visit Loch Ness, but there are plenty of other sites to visit including Culloden Battlefield and The Isle of Skye.

Hogwarts Express Day Tour from Inverness

This day tour starts off in Inverness and takes you through the Scottish highlands. Spend the day being surrounded by breathtaking scenery as you visit Loch Ness, a war memorial, hidden beaches and secret waterfalls.

Your personal tour guide will show you sights off the beaten track and you will also have time to explore on your own.

This tour is also a great experience for any Harry Potter fans. Towards the end of the Hogwarts Express Day Tour, you will get to board a classic steam train and ride on one of the most iconic railways in the UK that is featured in the Harry Potter films.

The Isle of Skye

On this fun filled day trip around the Scottish Highlands from Inverness to The Isle of Skye, you will get to witness Eilean Donan Castle, the Old Man of Storr and Portree.

The tour includes all transport and a personal tour guide who will help to navigate and educate you on the areas. The tour is a great way to see the Scottish Highlands and experience everything that makes it so beautiful.

This trip is great for couples who want to spend quality time together without any distractions. The tour is small and intimate, so you can get to know your guide and other guests on the trip.

The bus that takes you around the island is comfortable and air conditioned, which makes it easier for everyone to relax. You will also have plenty of time to explore each location at your own pace as well as enjoy some delicious lunch in a local pub.

Culloden Battlefields

On this day trip you will get to visit more highlights of the Scottish Highlands including Clava Cairns, Glen Ord Whisky Distillery and Culloden Battlefield.

Clava Cairns are great for history lovers, they are a collection of ancient burial chambers that date back to the Neolithic era.

Glen Ord Whisky Distillery is the perfect place for whisky lovers as it offers an exclusive tour and tasting experience where you can learn about the history of whisky making in Scotland.

Culloden Battlefield is very insightful, with it dating back to 1745 and being the site of the final battle of the Jacobite Rebellion. You will learn about this event and how it changed Scotland forever.

John O’Groats from Inverness

John O’Groats is the furthest northern point of Britain and is a popular tourist attraction for many people.

This tour is great if you want to explore even more of the Scottish Highlands and is a great tour to join if you want to see some beautiful scenery, learn about Scottish history and enjoy the outdoors.

You will get to visit Dunrobin Castle and the ancient town of Wick. This castle is the largest castle in the Northern Highlands of Scotland and dates back to 1845.

Whisky Trail Tour

Weave your way through the forests and glens of Spey Valley on this incredible Whisky Trail Tour. Spend the day visiting up to four whiskey distilleries including the Macallan Distillery and Glen Moray.

Enjoy whiskey tours in the distilleries as well as whisky tasting. Your own tour guide will transport you to different destinations on this fun day out.

Balmoral Castle Tour

The UK Royal Family’s summer retreat, Balmoral Castle is a stunning example of Scottish Baronial architecture. You will visit this magnificent castle, which was built back in 1390.

You will have time to explore everything that the castle has to offer including the lavish grounds. Enjoy the castle exhibitions and learn about the British monarchy.

If you are looking for a weekend away, Inverness is the perfect destination. There are so many things to do in Inverness and this itinerary will help you make the most of your trip. Inverness is a great destination for families and couples as there are activities for all ages and interests.

If you want to take advantage of what Scotland has to offer then it is best to head outside and explore, Inverness is the perfect place to base yourself. The city has a lot to offer and you can enjoy the countryside while still being close to the city.

Recommended tours in Inverness

• Isle of Skye Full Day 8-Seater Bus Tour from Inverness
• Highlander Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield 8 Seater Tour from Inverness
• Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise from Dochgarroch
• Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am & 5:30pm)
• Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness
• John O’Groats, Dunrobin Castle & the Far North from Inverness
• Loch Ness Sightseeing Cruise from Clansman Harbour
• Walking Tours in Inverness City Centre
• Glen Affric & Culloden Tour from Inverness
• Loch Ness,Culloden Battlefield,Cawdor Castle & Much More From Inverness City
• Inverness Half Day Outlander Stones, Culloden, Urquhart Castle
• GHD Clan Tour of Speyside Distilleries
• Alternative Loch Ness Tour by Secret Highlands
• VIP Whisky Masterclass of new and old favourites + 3 Highland Distilleries

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