The unofficial capital of the Highlands, Inverness is in a prime location for spectacular scenery. It sits right on the banks of the River Ness, at the northern end of the Great Glen. There are wonderful country views in almost every direction except when you look toward the city centre, which is crowned by a crenellated castle. The best places to stay in Inverness are boutique stays in the heart of the city, perfect crashpads to explore from. Alternatively we recommend you pick a hotel just outside the city for the best of both worlds.
Although the area which is now Inverness has been inhabited since the 6th Century, it's had a pretty bloody and tumultuous past, which not many early buildings have survived. A lot of the 'old town' now actually dates from the 19th Century - post-construction of the Caledonian Canal. Inverness's oldest buildings are along Church Street, near the Inverness Museum, where you can learn some of this city's dramatic stories.
As the largest city in the Highlands, Inverness has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shopping. But the pleasures of this place are more about the location. There's impressive fishing off the Ness Islands, magnificent views off Craig Phadrig, there are wonderful walking routes in almost every direction, there's cruising on the river and the loch, and golf courses galore. With all these options, it's not surprising that the best places to stay in Inverness are in high demand.