Diversity and variety are the orders of the day in Inverness, which is proud to serve up a dizzying array of places to visit in and around the city. However, there's no better place to start than the wonderfully preserved Old Town, where the classic meets the contemporary impressively seamlessly. Alongside the history are some of the most high-tech industries in the country, including medical research and equipment manufacture.
After browsing through dozens of award-winning local shops and battling through the lively Victoria Market, take a gentle walk to imposing Inverness Castle - now used as a modern courthouse. Continue walking alongside the River Ness for some of the most enchanting riverside panoramas to be found anywhere in the UK, leading to the Ness Islands where budding anglers are invited to pit their might against highly-prized Atlantic Salmon. Fishing is a big sport here, and both experienced and amateur anglers can find some of the best fishing spots in the UK along the river's banks. Sports fans also have the choice of three football clubs, international-standard golf courses and even American Football!
Further history awaits at Craig Phadrig to the North, which along with unrivalled views of the Moray Firth is also the place to go for a close encounter with the region's bottlenose dolphins. If skiing is your bag, try nearby Aviemore which is just a short drive up the A9!
Annual events and festivals are plentiful all year round, while scores of important museums and galleries give you a sense of the history and culture of this city. The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is the premier attraction for a true taste of Highland heritage, while open topped bus history tours are also a perfect way to see the architecture from a different perspective.
