If you're pulling into port on a cruise ship to visit Inverness, Scotland, you might find yourself hit with some sticker shock when looking at official shore excursions. But we have some great news: exploring this gorgeous Highland city is incredibly easy, affordable, and rewarding to do on your own!
My wife and I recently docked in port aboard the NCL Sky, and we had an absolutely brilliant day exploring Inverness without breaking the bank. Here is exactly how we did it, what we saw, and a major insider money-saving tip you won't want to miss.
Getting There: The £2 Transit Secret
The NCL Sky actually docks in Invergordon, a charming small port town about 25 miles north of Inverness. We opted for the local transit — and it couldn't have been easier. We hopped on the local Stagecoach bus right near the port.
- The Cost: Just £2.00 per person, each way!
- The Journey: About 45 minutes each way, with a lovely scenic view of the Scottish countryside.
- The Experience: The local transit staff were super friendly and helpful, making sure we knew exactly where we were going.
Pro-Tip: The return buses run hourly. Keep a close eye on the bus station's written display board, which clearly lists the last bus heading back to the ship. You definitely don't want to miss that one!
A Perfect Day in Inverness
Once we arrived in the center of Inverness, the city was our oyster. The entire downtown area is highly walkable and packed with character. Here is how we spent our afternoon:
1. Inverness Castle & River Ness
Our first stop was walking up to the historic Inverness Castle. Perched above the city, it offers beautiful, sweeping views over the River Ness.
After taking in the sights, we crossed over the river and enjoyed a peaceful walk along the water all the way down to the local Anglers Club. We then crossed a charming pedestrian footbridge and strolled down the opposite bank of the river, heading back toward the center of town.
2. A Local Brew Stop
You can't visit Scotland without sampling the local liquid culture! On our way back toward the castle along the river, we stopped at Uilebheist Distillery and Brewery. We treated ourselves to a flight of their local craft beers — the perfect way to rest our feet and soak in the atmosphere. It's a nice place with comfortable couches inside and a covered beer garden out front. Definitely worth a stop.
3. The Victorian Market
Next, we headed into the heart of town to explore the historic Victorian Market. Underneath its ornate roof, they have a fantastic, modern indoor food hall. It's a great spot to grab a bite to eat, people-watch, or pick up a unique souvenir.
The Ultimate Cruise Hack: Cheap Water!
After taking the Stagecoach bus back to the port town of Invergordon, we did a little exploring close to the ship. Invergordon has some lovely small cafes and a great local ice cream shop, but our biggest find was the local grocery store.
Cruiser Hack: As many NCL cruisers know, Norwegian charges a hefty premium for bottled water — and frustratingly, it isn't included in the standard Unlimited Beverage Package. We popped into the grocery store in Invergordon and found a 2-liter bottle of water for just 49 pence (about $0.62 USD)! By far, this was the least expensive bottle of water we encountered anywhere in Europe. Needless to say, we stocked up right then and there.
Final Thoughts
Inverness completely captured our hearts, and doing it on our own terms allowed us to slow down and really enjoy the local vibe. If you are looking for a stress-free, budget-friendly DIY excursion for your next Scottish cruise stop, the local bus to Inverness is the way to go.