20 Fun and Free Things To Do in Inverness, Scotland

Wondering what to do in Inverness, Scotland for free? We have wrapped up our top picks for fabulous low cost or free fun!

Scotland is known to be a pricey destination, so planning an affordable vacation can be challenging.

Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.

When we decided to spend an entire summer Touring the Scottish Highlands, we knew we’d have to seek out cheap and free activities to keep our budget in check.

During our long stay in Inverness – the capital of the Highlands – we were dazzled by the astounding landscapes and charming city center.

We had expected the region to be beautiful – and it absolutely delivered. What took us by surprise, however, was the incredible number of free things to do in Inverness.

During our trip to Scotland, we didn’t have to sacrifice fun to keep from overspending. Some of the freebies that we discovered are, in fact, must-see Inverness attractions. (A win-win if you ask us!)

20 Best Free Things To Do in Inverness, Scotland

The city attracts visitors from all corners of the world – with a range of budgets to match. In this list, we outline the very best things to do in Inverness for free or cheap.

Regardless of your budget, we feel you will definitely want to add these places to your Scotland Itinerary. Looking for more planning advice? Read our Travel Tips for Inverness!

#1 Stroll along the River Ness

Taking a stroll along the Ness River tops our list of Free Things To Do Inverness, UK. The river pleasantly curves past landmark sights and historic buildings.

Fisherman in waders often stand in the middle of the stream, casting their lines in hopes of catching salmon. Walking paths line both banks of the river and several bridges span the waterway.

The Ness Bridge is the main bridge in Inverness. It only dates to the 1960s, but a bridge has spanned the river at the same point since the 17th century.

The two pedestrian crossings (Greig Street Bridge to the north and Infirmary Bridge to the south) are beautiful suspension bridges that date to the late 1800s.

Travel Tip: Friars Bridge, which is north of Greig’s Bridge, is the prime spot for a picture-perfect Inverness city view.

#2 Navigate the Ness Islands

One of the best things to see in Inverness, Scotland is the Ness Islands – and it’s free! The cluster of islands sit in the middle of River Ness on the south end of the historic city center.

The forested isles feature walking paths, uniquely carved benches and soaring pine trees.

A nature retreat for visitors and locals alike, the Ness Islands can be accessed by the Victorian Generals Well Footbridge from the west bank or a smaller footbridge on the east bank.

On the west side of the river, you can find the Pier Ness Viewpoint and Gathering Place. A bit odd (and loathed by many locals), the pier does provide an interesting vantage point over the water.

Be sure to give the carved sculpture of the Golden Labrador a pat on the head as you pass by. He is named Breac, which is Gaelic for fish!

Fun Fact: The path that traverses the Ness Islands is part of the Great Glen Way, a long distance hiking trail in the Highlands that stretches for 75 miles from Fort William to Inverness.

#3 Admire the Architecture at The Victorian Market

Ranking as one of the top things to do in Inverness for free, the old-fashioned Victorian Market hosts an array of family-run shops. Many stores have been around for decades.

We believe the best shops to see are the butcher and fishmonger. However, you will also find jewelry stores and souvenir stands.

The market itself first opened its doors in 1870, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1889. The only part to survive was the original Academy Street entrance.

The structure was rebuilt in 1891, complete with high, cast-iron arches and glass windows to let in natural light.

Foodie Tip: Recently, the market hall has been enhanced with a fabulous food court that features local Inverness eats at affordable prices. It’s one of the Top Places To Eat in Inverness (whether you’re on a budget or not!).

#4 Step inside the Inverness Cathedral

Dating to 1869, the Cathedral sits on the west bank of the River Ness. The Episcopal church features a bold red stone exterior and two soaring bell towers.

The 10 bells that hang in the towers chime out beautifully on Sunday mornings. We often planned our Sunday riverside strolls to coincide with the sounds.

Budget Tip Update: Visiting the cathedral used to be free. They now require visitors to purchase a £2 ticket to enter. Still, it’s one of the cheap things to do in Inverness (especially on a rainy day).

#5 Learn Scottish History at the Inverness Museum

The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a wonderful place to learn about the history of the Highlands.

Starting with an explanation of how the landmass formed hundreds of millions of years ago, the exhibits are clear, engaging and some interactive. You can even try on a kilt – and how fun is that?!

Better yet, there is no ticket required. It’s one of the fun Inverness things to do for free.

Sightseeing Tip: When you exit the museum, pause for a moment to take in the beauty of the Inverness Town House that is right next door. An architectural gem, the Gothic-style town hall was built in the late 1800s.

#6 Browse the Bookshelves at Leakey’s

With creaking floorboards, a roaring fire and the smell of old books hanging heavy in the air, Leakey’s Bookshop is an intriguing place to visit.

Housed in an old Gaelic Church, the family-run, second-hand bookstore is a warm and inviting space.

Browsing the shelves is one of the unique things to do in Inverness – and it doesn’t cost a dime to look around!

You can find dusty volumes of classic Shakespeare and poetry by Scotland’s famed writers Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, alongside 100-year-old maps and modern-day mysteries.

Travel Tip: Like many attractions in Inverness, Leakey’s is closed in the evenings and on Sundays.

#7 Get a Glimpse of the Oldest House in Inverness

The Abertarff House on Church Street was built in the year 1593 – making it the oldest house in the city. The architecturally rich home was constructed for the prominent Frasers of Lovat.

The residence was completely renovated in the 1960s – and today it houses a small, one-room exhibition on the history of the dwelling. The Abertarff House is another one of the free Inverness attractions!

Top Tip: The 18th century Balnain House is another historic residence to see while touring Inverness. Built by a wealthy merchant in 1726, it was a hospital for wounded Hanoverian soldiers after the Battle of Culloden.

#8 Visit the Old High Church and Cemetery

The Old High St. Stephen’s Church is an Inverness must-see sight! Standing on a small hill that overlooks the River Ness, the grounds have been used as a place of worship since St. Columba introduced Christianity to the city in 565 AD.

Ranking as the oldest church in Inverness, it was built in the 18th century – but the base of the tower can be traced back to the 14th century. This also makes it the oldest structure in Inverness.

The church yard, which is dotted with dilapidated tombstones, has a significant history, too. It served as an execution site for Jacobite soldiers who were captured during the Battle of Culloden. Pockmarks from bullets can still be seen on the tower base.

Pro Tip: Outlander fans might recognize the Old High Church – as it was used a filming location for the series!

#9 Stand in Awe of the Inverness Castle

One of the best things to see in Inverness (and one that you can hardly miss) is the magnificent Inverness Castle.

Sitting on a grassy bluff above the River Ness, the castle was built in 1836, featuring a Victorian, castellated design. The most impressive castle view is from Ness Bridge.

It is not the first castle in Inverness. Several have stood on this hilltop – dating all the way back to the year 1057. The ancient Inverness Castle even makes an appearance in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

After a years-long renovation, the Castle Experience is set to open this year. It’s touted as one of the top things to do in Inverness City Centre, but it – unfortunately – isn’t free.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Flora MacDonald statue that sits on the castle grounds. A strong character in Scotland’s history, she is credited with facilitating the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie after his loss at the Battle of Culloden.

#10 Peruse the Wool-Woven Plaids

Plaid apparel is a Scottish Highland specialty…and it’s fun to go and have a look for yourself!

Men of the Scottish Highlands have been wearing tartan kilts since the 16th century and are still worn today as formal dress and by bagpipers.

The plaid design itself is significant, as each tartan represents a specific family clan. Many stores in Inverness carry an array of tartan goods. Not only kilts, but scarves, neckties, vests, purses and even material-covered flasks.

Top Tip: At the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Center guests can watch as custom tailored kilts are created. There is a small fee to enter the workspace, but it’s a fun and cheap thing to do in Inverness!

#11 Stop to Smell the Flowers at the Botanic Garden

Visiting the Botanic Garden is a must; it’s one of the best free outdoor activities in Inverness!

With meticulously planned gardens, bright flowers and a greenhouse, the space is an absolute delight during the summertime.

In addition to wandering the grounds (follow the paths to the secret gardens in the back), visitors can see the fish in the koi pond (inside the conservatory) and enjoy tea at the on-site café.

Budget Tip: Want to dine in the gardens without the high cost of the café? Guests are permitted to bring their own food to enjoy in the designated picnic area.

#12 Check Out Whin Park

Whin Park is an enchanting little slice of man-made nature – and a top pick for things for kids to do in Inverness, Scotland.

Visiting the play areas and walking paths is free. For a small fee, kids can also take a ride on the miniature Ness Islands Railway.

It’s also fairly inexpensive to rent a boat for a leisurely paddle around the ponds.

Don’t Miss: At the far west end of the park is another point of interest, the Hydro Ness station. The riverside attraction is a contemporary sustainability project that creates renewable energy from the flowing water.

#13 Trek Up to Tomnahurich Cemetery Hill

Visiting a cemetery is, perhaps, one of the unusual things to do in Inverness, Scotland. However, the Tomnahurich Cemetery is not just an average graveyard. It also happens to be an excellent viewpoint!

For centuries, people have climbed the hill to appreciate the panoramic views of Ness Valley and Moray Firth. It wasn’t until 1864 that the space became a burial ground.

Trails leads through the lower cemetery upwards, past eroding and moss-covered tombstones to lookouts offering grand vistas.

Top Tip: Some of the grave markers are works of art. Keep an eye out for the elaborate stone statues and memorials throughout the grounds.

#14 Stretch Your Legs on the Caledonian Canal Walk

Without a doubt, one of the Inverness must-do activities is to set off on a walk along the Caledonian Canal.

Old towpaths line both sides of the canal that stretches 3.5 miles from Inverness to Dochgarroch (and further to Fort William from Fort Augustus).

The multi-use paths (shared by walkers, joggers and cyclists) are flat and easy to tread along. Plus, the entire route is highlighted by astounding natural beauty.

Another reason to walk the canal is to watch the boats that glide up and down the waterway. It’s fascinating to witness them maneuver through the locks and past swing bridges. The Clachnaharry Railway Swing Bridge at the north end of the path is particularly interesting!

Pro Tip: There are amenities in Dochgarroch – including a café, an ice cream shop and free public toilets. It’s also the departure point for some Loch Ness cruises and there’s some Highland Hairy Cows in the paddock, too!

#15 Hike Up Craig Phadraig

Hiking is one of the best free activities to do in Inverness – and Craig Phadraig is a top place to do it! Both beautiful and historic, trails weave through the dense woodland to the site of an ancient fort.

It is believed that the summit of Criag Phadraig was home to a fortress as far back as 300 BC and that a Pictish king used it as his headquarters during the early Middle Ages.

Although nothing remains of the actual fort today, the space where it once stood offers nice views through the surrounding trees.

Travel Tip: Craig Phadraig is on the outskirts of Inverness. While we walked to the trailhead, there is a parking lot and local buses stop nearby.

#16 Look for Dolphins at Carnarc Point

Dolphins, seals and otters play and feed in the Beauly Firth – and Carnarc Point offers an exceptional vantage point.

Looking for marine animals is free fun for everyone – including families, couples, friends and solo travelers!

Just a short walk from the city center, Carnarc Point is marked by a small lighthouse and offers a grand view of the cable-stayed Kessock Bridge. There are a couple of tables, too, making it a great picnicking spot.

The best time to see dolphins in Inverness is during the rising tide. As the water rises, dolphins chase fish into the firth from the open sea. Wildlife is often spotted in the nearby Merkinch Local Nature Reserve.

Possible Splurge: For a better chance of spotting wildlife, the Dolphin Spirit runs tours from Inverness. Tickets are expensive, but it’s a fantastic way to get a closer look at the region’s sea life.

#17 Pay Respects at the Inverness War Memorial

Dedicated to Inverness soldiers who never returned from war, the poignant memorial sits in an open green space, called Cavell Gardens. It’s marked by a high Celtic cross, plaques and sculptures.

Interesting Fact: The War Memorial Gardens are named in honor of Nurse Edith Cavell, who is a celebrated figure from World War One. She courageously treated victims on both sides of the conflict and is attributed to helping more than a hundred Allied prisoners of war escape.

#18 Listen to Live Scottish Music

Listening to traditional Scottish music is one of the top free things to do in Inverness at night (and sometimes during the day).

There are several Inverness bars that host live performances that do not require tickets (or even a food and beverage purchase).

Scottish folk music has been part of the culture in the Highlands for thousands of years. Performances range from a solo singer on stage to a band playing fiddles to an entire group jamming during a Sunday session.

While bagpipes are not necessarily common in the Inverness bars, occasionally one will hop up on stage to entertain the crowds.

Travel Tip: There are several places in Inverness that boast a regular lineup of musicians. Our favorite venues for live music are Gellions, Hootananny and Highlander Bar.

#19 Spend Time Shopping in Inverness

When we were looking for a little cost-free fun on rainy days, we often found ourselves stepping inside boutique stores to browse the specialty products.

Our personal favorites are the family run Highland Whisky Shop (where they also do tastings), the Isle of Skye Candle Company (with signature scents, like Bog Myrtle with Fresh Mint) and The Merchant (the best antique shop in Inverness).

Active Travel Tip: Inverness is also a great place to go shopping for outdoor apparel. Several stores carry specialized gear for hiking and biking in the Highlands – and we stumbled upon great deals!

#20 Trace Scottish Roots at the Highland Archive Center

Raise your hand if you have Scottish roots. (I do!) Those interested in tracing their Scottish ancestry can find a trove of information at the Highland Archive Center in Inverness.

The center houses historic records detailing births, marriages and deaths going back more than 300 years.

Pro Tip: Contact the center in advance to ensure they have the type of documents you are searching for. Visitors can also book a free timeslot in the Family History Room online.

BONUS: Things To Do Near Inverness

Inverness is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. We feature all the best things to do around Inverness in our Guide to The Scottish Highlands!

Tourist Map of Inverness, Scotland

Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Inverness tourist map below.

Inverness Budget Travel Tips

Before you go to Inverness, we have some more money-saving advice for your vacation!

Getting To Scotland

You don’t need to rent a car to get to Inverness – but if you prefer to drive, read our tips for getting the Best Car Rental Rate.

There is an airport in Inverness (INV) with flights from select European cities (like London and Amsterdam), but airfare can be quite pricey. Use Skyscanner to find affordable routes and employ our Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights.

It’s likely cheaper, however, to use either the train or bus – with the bus likely the lowest cost option.

Where To Stay in Inverness

Although it is difficult to find cheap hotels in Inverness, there are accommodation options to meet most budgets. Before starting your search, read our tips for Finding Great Hotels.

Hostels and holiday apartments are likely the most affordable choices. You can find both on Booking.com.

Packing Checklist

Grab our Free Checklist to help ensure you pack everything needed for your trip. Here are a few our travel essentials.

Outdoor Shoes: I like versatile sneakers, but use our guide to find the Best Shoes for Travel for you!

DSLR Camera: Upgrade your camera game! Find our top picks for Budget Cameras for Travelers.

Weather Gear: Scottish weather is wild! Pack a raincoat, travel umbrella and sunscreen.

Day Bag: For long days of sightseeing, you will need the right Day Pack for Traveling.

Organize Your Sightseeing in Inverness

As you begin to make plans, staying sorted saves money! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to keep track of all the details of your vacation to Scotland.

Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

More Scotland Travel Guides

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.