Inverness is a small town located in the north of Scotland, mostly visited for its easy access to the Loch Ness, the most famous lake in the United Kingdom. It is also a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and is a great place to settle for a few days.
However, Inverness is a small town, and knowing which place to pick in the city and around the Loch Ness can be a tough job.
This is the reason why I have decided to create this guide on where to stay in Inverness.
After reading this guide, YOU will be an expert on where to stay in Inverness, and choosing a place fitting your budget and your style will become a piece of cake.
Let’s dive right in. Here is my guide on where to stay in Inverness.
Are you not too fussed about the specific neighborhood? Then check out the following three places – they’re our absolute favorite homes in Inverness!
Nice flat close to river | Best Airbnb in Inverness
Visiting Riverness for the first time, you’ll want to stay somewhere central. That’s why this Airbnb is perfect for you. Super close to the river, cute cafes and cosy pubs, you’re not missing out on anything. You’ll have the flat to yourself, which has been recently renovated. Bright and clean, it’ll make you feel comfortable right away. A bonus: if it’s getting cold, you can even use the electric fireplace.
Inverness Student Hostel | Best Hostel in Inverness
The Inverness Student Hostel is located in the city centre of Inverness. It is a friendly and cosy hostel offering single beds in mixed or single-sex dormitory rooms. In the common areas, a large fireplace and big, Victorian style windows welcome you to relax with a book or have a chat with new friends.
Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Inverness before starting your backpacking adventure!
Torridon Guest House | Best Budget Hotel in Inverness
The Torridon Guest House is located in the Dalneigh neighborhood in Inverness. It is only a short 10-minute walk to the city centre and 5 minutes away from the river Ness. The guest house offers comfortable rooms fitted with a private bathroom and a flat screen TV with international channels.
Inverness Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Inverness
Dalneigh
Dalneigh is the neighbourhood in Inverness located on the western bank of the river Ness. It is mostly a residential area that was developed and attached to the city after the Second World War to absorb the population growth.
Raigmore
Raigmore is a neighbourhood located to the east of the city centre of Inverness. The area itself is mostly residential and has little interest for visitors, but provides cheaper accommodation options than the city centre.
Inverness City Centre
The city centre of Inverness is where all the main action in Inverness happens. It is compact but lively and offers great options for entertainment. There are many good restaurants in Inverness, where you can try some classic Scottish recipes.
Foyers
Foyers is a small village located on the eastern side of the Loch Ness, to the south of Inverness. While it is a place where people only tend to stop for a couple of hours on their way up and down the lake, it is actually worth stopping for a few days to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around.
Drumnadrochit
Drumnadrochit is a village located on the western shore of the Loch Ness, to the south of Inverness, and one of the most popular villages around Inverness.
Inverness, located in northern Scotland, is the gateway to the Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. It is a small, compact town, but full of life and with plenty of activities. Some of the small towns and villages around are also interesting to explore, notably around the Loch Ness itself.
This is, for example, the case of Drumnadrochit, one of the most visited villages on the shores of the Loch Ness. I recommend going there with kids, as it is conveniently close to the loch while staying within short distance of Inverness itself. In addition, attractions such as Urquhart Castle and Nessieland will please both parents and kids.
On the other side of the loch, Foyers is a small village boasting accommodation choices with amazing views over the Loch Ness, and nice hikes to some beautiful falls.
In Inverness itself, most hotels and guesthouses are located near the city centre. You can also find luxury hotels with hot tubs on the outskirts of the city. There, you can take a stroll along the river Ness, visit the castle, and the museum, among other things. The city centre of Inverness is also the best place to stay in Inverness for nightlife, as this is where all the bars, pubs and clubs are located.
On the other side of the river Ness, still in Inverness, the Dalneigh neighborhood is a residential area which was integrated into the city to absorb its extension after the Second World War. It is home to the cathedral and the botanic gardens. From there you can also access the Ness islands in the middle of the river Ness.
At this point, you may still feel confused about where to stay in Inverness. But do not worry, as we will take a look at each neighborhood separately.
5 Best Neighborhoods In Inverness
Now is the time to take a look at the 5 best neighborhoods to stay in Inverness.
#1 Dalneigh – Where to stay in Inverness your first time
Dalneigh is the neighborhood in Inverness located on the western bank of the river Ness. It is mostly a residential area that was developed and attached to the city after the Second World War to absorb the population growth. It is squeezed between the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal.
It is a great place to stay for first-time comers to Inverness as it is located close to the city centre and provides easy access to the Loch Ness and the Highlands.
There are also plenty of activities for the whole family in Dalneigh. The Inverness Botanic Gardens are one for example. With every season, the scenery changes and you can easily spend half a day discovering new plant species, including tropical plants in the Tropical House.
From Dalneigh, it is easy to access the Ness islands as well. Connected to the shores thanks to Victorian bridges, the Ness islands are small islands where you can take an easy walk in the middle of the Ness river.
Nice flat close to river | Best Airbnb in Dalneigh
Visiting Riverness for the first time, you’ll want to stay somewhere central. That’s why this Airbnb is perfect for you. Super close to the river, cute cafes and cosy pubs, you’re not missing out on anything. You’ll have the flat to yourself, which has been recently renovated. Bright and clean, it’ll make you feel comfortable right away. A bonus: if it’s getting cold, you can even use the electric fireplace.
Strury Guest House | Best Hostel in Dalneigh
The Strury Guest House is located in the Dalneigh neighborhood of Inverness and provides cosy accommodation. It offers private rooms accommodating between 1 and 4 people, as well as single beds in a dormitory room. The private rooms either have an ensuite or a shared bathroom. A continental breakfast is available for an extra cost.
Torridon Guest House | Best Budget Hotel in Dalneigh
The Torridon Guest House is located in the Dalneigh neighborhood in Inverness. It is only a short 10-minute walk to the city centre and 5 minutes away from the river Ness. The guest house offers comfortable rooms fitted with a private bathroom and a flat screen TV with international channels.
Invernevis Bed & Breakfast | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Dalneigh
The Invernevis Bed & Breakfast is located in Dalneigh and offers accommodation in an authentic Victorian villa. Each double room is fitted with a private bathroom and a flat screen Tv with cable channels, while budget single rooms have a shared bathroom. In the morning, guests can enjoy either a continental or a full Scottish breakfast.
Things to see and do in Dalneigh
- Spend the day in a plant oasis at the Inverness Botanic Gardens
- Take a walk around the Ness islands
- Stroll along the Caledonian Canal
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Raigmore is a neighborhood located to the east of the city centre of Inverness. The area itself is mostly residential and has little interest for visitors, but provides cheaper accommodation options than the city centre.
For golfers, the Inverness Golf Club is located in Raigmore as well. Visitors are welcome to play on some of the courses and can book in advance. Bookings can be made online for more convenience. The Golf Club also has a restaurant open for lunch and dinner.
The Inverness Centre is located close to Raigmore and provides a good opportunity to go do some shopping while in the area. There, all the international brands have a shop. There is also a cinema and several restaurants.
For nature lovers, there a small trail along the Moray Firth where you can take a walk or go for a run.
Cosy room in family house | Best Airbnb in Raigmore
If you’re looking for an affordable Airbnb, this is the right one. The private room in a family home is cosy and comfortable. You’ll have your own bathroom and a great double bed. The host is very helpful according to previous guests and the location is perfect. It’s only a short walk to central Inverness. It’s close to cute cafes and restaurants, with bus and train stations around the corner.
Inverness Youth Hostel | Best Hostel in Raigmore
The Inverness Youth Hostel is located in a quiet area in Raigmore. It offers private rooms with either an ensuite or a shared bathroom as well as single beds in single-sex dormitory rooms. Each guest is provided with a personal locker and free Wifi access.
Alba B&B | Best Budget Hotel in Raigmore
The Alba B&B is a simple bed and breakfast in Raigmore. It offers comfortable rooms with either a private or a shared bathroom. Each room is equipped with a flat screen TV with international channels, a kitchen area and soundproofing. A free Wifi connection is provided.
Royston Guest House | Best Guesthouse in Raigmore
This Inverness guesthouse offers comfortable and elegant rooms in Raigmore. The rooms feature a little work space, an ensuite bathroom, a TV, radio and tea/coffee making facilities.. In the morning, a simple but tasty breakfast is served. A cooked breakfast is available too for a little extra charge. A free Wifi connection is available everywhere in the hotel. There is free parking on site as well.
Things to see and do in Raigmore
- Try golfing at the Inverness Golf Club
- Go shopping at the Inverness Centre
#3 Inverness City Centre – Best area to stay in Inverness for nightlife
The city centre of Inverness is where all the main action in Inverness happens. It is compact but lively and offers great options for entertainment.
There are many good restaurants in Inverness, where you can try some classic Scottish recipes. For example, head to Johnny Foxes for one of the best haggis in town. At night, you can enjoy some good beers, cocktails, and of course some local Scotch. After the pub, go dance the night away in one of the city’s clubs.
During the day, I recommend visiting the Inverness Castle. Located on top of a small hill overlooking the River Ness, the actual castle was built in the late 19th century. While it is not possible to get inside the castle itself, it is possible to wander around the castle grounds and climb up the north tower for a great viewpoint over the city.
As an anecdote, the Inverness castle is featured on the £50 notes issued by the Bank of Scotland since 2005.
Flat with castle view | Best Airbnb in Inverness City Centre
You seriously can’t do anything wrong with this Airbnb. Situated in the best area, you can enjoy the view on the Inverness Castle, local pubs and bars, which are in walking distance and the beautiful River Ness. The apartment itself comes with breakfast and a great coffee machine. All amenities are high-quality and free to use. The interior design is modern and welcoming – definitely a great home.
Inverness Student Hostel | Best Hostel in Inverness City Centre
The Inverness Student Hostel is located in the city centre of Inverness. It is a friendly and cosy hostel offering single beds in mixed or single-sex dormitory rooms. In the common areas, a large fireplace and big, Victorian style windows welcome you to relax with a book or have a chat with new friends.
Eildon Guest House | Best Budget Hotel in Inverness City Centre
The Eildon Guest House is a cosy bed and breakfast in the heart of Inverness. It offers rooms fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, and a flat screen TV with cable channels. In the morning, guests can enjoy a good continental breakfast, and a vegetarian option is available as well.
The King’s Highway Wetherspoon | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Inverness City Centre
The King’s Highway is a nice hotel located in the centre of Inverness, operating under the Wetherspoon franchise. It offers modern rooms fitted with a private bathroom and a flat screen TV with cable channels. Free Wifi access is provided and the hotel features a restaurant and a bar.
Things to see and do in Inverness City Centre
- Visit the Inverness Castle
- Explore the art and history of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Spend a night like a local in a pub
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Foyers is a small village located on the eastern side of the Loch Ness, to the south of Inverness. While it is a place where people only tend to stop for a couple of hours on their way up and down the loch, it is actually worth stopping for a few days to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around.
The main attraction, apart from the Loch Ness, is natural. The Falls of Foyers are set in a dramatic gorge and feed the Loch Ness and fall beautifully in a fine cascade. You can reach them and loop back to the loch shore in about 1.5 to 2 hours. The walk is relatively easy but can get steep and pebbly at times so make sure you have proper shoes before engaging in it.
Many other walks and hikes start from Foyers if you are looking for something more challenging.
When coming back from the walk, stop for a traditional afternoon tea in a small shop in the village of Foyers and take the time to relax and truly enjoy the moment.
Tiny but cute house | Best Airbnb in Foyers
This place is probably the cutest in Inverness. The tiny house might be small, but you have everything you need. Great amenities, with a well-equipped kitchen, a nice bathroom and an outdoor area, you’ll instantly feel comfortable. Loch Ness is in walking distance, as well as charming local pubs and restaurants. The host is known for taking great care of his guests – you’ll be in good hands.
Foyers Roost | Best Budget Hotel in Foyers
The Foyers Roost is a small hotel located in Foyers and overlooking the Loch Ness. It offers elegant and comfortable rooms with a loch view and fitted with a shared bathroom, a seating area, a flat screen TV with international channels, and free toiletries. The hotel has a bar serving local whiskey and a terrace with a viewpoint on the loch.
Foyers House | Best Budget Hotel in Foyers
The Foyers House is a family run hotel located on a high point overlooking the Loch Ness. It offers rooms featuring a shared bathroom, a flat screen TV with cable channels, and an electric kettle. Some of the rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. In the morning, guests can enjoy a good Scottish breakfast.
Foyers Bay Country House | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Foyers
The Foyers Bay Country House is located on private grounds and boasts a stunning garden overlooking the Loch Ness. This hotel is set in an authentic Victorian house and is only open to adults. The elegant rooms are fitted with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV with international channels and a free Wifi connection.
Things to see and do in Foyers
- Walk to the Foyers falls
- Have a traditional tea in the village
#5 Drumnadrochit – Best neighborhood to stay in Inverness for families
Drumnadrochit is a village located on the western shore of the Loch Ness, to the south of Inverness, and one of the most popular villages around Inverness. Drumnadrochit is a great place to stay for families, as it is easy to reach the whole lake region and the town of Inverness from there.
In addition, there are some attractions centred around Nessie, the famous Loch Ness Monster, which will please the children. To learn more about the monster and the legend surrounding it, head to Nessieland, in the centre of the village. There is also a shop where you will be able to buy all kinds of Nessie themed souvenirs.
For a more serious point of view on the Loch Ness and its surroundings, the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition is the place to go. There, you will find scientific and geologic analyses of the region as well as theories on what the Loch Ness monster could actually be.
Charming family cottage | Best Airbnb in Drumnadrochit
If you want to visit Drumnadrochit with your family, you should have a look at this family cottage. It’s a bit further from the main area, but it’s got a beautiful view of Loch Ness. The cottage got everything you need. You can enjoy the day at home or go on a short walk (around 10min) to the centre of the city where you’ll find shops, cafes and attractions.
Aslaich Bed & Breakfast | Best Budget Hotel in Drumnadrochit
The Aslaich Bed & Breakfast is located on the outskirts of Drumnadrochit and it surrounded by beautiful landscape. It offers comfortable rooms fitted with a private external bathroom, a flat screen TV with international channels and free Wifi access. The B&B has a TV room with DVDs for fun nights in.
Kilmichael House | Best Budget Hotel in Drumnadrochit
The Kilmichael House is located in a beautiful Victorian house in Drumnadrochit. The rooms are traditionally decorated with wooden furniture and fitted with a private bathroom, a tea and coffee machine, and a flat screen TV with international channels. In the morning, guests can enjoy a tasty continental breakfast.
Morlea Bed and Breakfast | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Drumnadrochit
The Morlea Bed & Breakfast is located in the centre of Drumnadrochit, near the shores of the Loch Ness. It offers modern rooms fitted with a private bathroom and a flat screen TV with international channels. In the morning, the hosts home cook a very good breakfast with vegetarian options.
Things to see and do in Drumnadrochit
- Visit the ruins of the Urquhart Castle
- Learn more about the Loch Ness at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
- Get to know the Loch Ness monster at Nessieland
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Inverness
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Inverness and where to stay.
What To Pack For Inverness
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
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Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In Inverness…
Inverness is a beautiful small town located in the north of Scotland in the United Kingdom, especially popular as it is a great base to explore the Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands around.
My favourite area to stay in the city centre of Inverness, as it is full of life, provides easy access to all the attractions in the region and is full of good traditional pubs and restaurants.
There, my favourite place to stay is the King’s Highway Wetherspoon. It offers modern and comfortable rooms in the heart of the city for a great price.
If you are travelling on a backpacker’s budget, head to the Inverness Student Hostel. There, you will find comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, and you will leave wanting to come back for sure.
Have I forgotten your favourite spot in Inverness? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list! If you’re pushed for time then you can head to Inverness on a day trip from Glasgow too.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Scotland.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Inverness.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
