A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Inverness for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Antalya or Inverness?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Inverness? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Antalya or Inverness?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Inverness are both popular with visitors, Antalya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antalya is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness is known for its small town charm. Antalya is more touristy than Inverness and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Antalya different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Inverness and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Inverness?

Antalya
Inverness

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Inverness and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.


Is the Food Better in Antalya or Inverness? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antalya
Inverness

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Inverness can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Inverness makes for a great culinary experience. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Antalya offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Music?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is very good for its live music scene. However, Inverness is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Inverness is not a live music destination.


Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Resorts?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is terrific for its resorts. However, Inverness is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Inverness is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Beaches?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is terrific for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Antalya or Inverness Better for its Old Town?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Hiking?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Inverness?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antalya make it a world-class shopping destination. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.


Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Families?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Antalya is a very kid-friendly vacation spot. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Inverness is a family-friendly vacation spot. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Couples?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Antalya is a very popular place to visit for couples. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Inverness is a good vacation spot for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antalya is a great vacation spot to visit for backpackers. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


Is Antalya or Inverness Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya
Inverness

Antalya is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Antalya has some very good public transit options. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Antalya or Inverness a more walkable city?

Antalya
Inverness

Inverness is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Inverness Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Inverness. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Inverness. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Inverness.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Inverness. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Inverness. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Inverness if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.


  • How many days in Antalya or Inverness? Ideal Length of Stay
    Antalya 2-5 
    Inverness 1-3

One day in Antalya or Inverness?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vacation spot of Antalya. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Inverness, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Antalya or Inverness?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Inverness, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Inverness?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the vibrant vacation spot of Antalya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation spot has to offer.

Inverness is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Inverness?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Inverness or Antalya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $147, while the average daily cost in Inverness is $209. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antalya and Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $55
    Inverness $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $110
    Inverness $228
Compare Hotels in Antalya and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Antalya or Inverness? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Antalya


Hotels in Inverness


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Antalya Hotel Prices and Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $110
    Inverness $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Land of Legends Transfer and Boat Parade Show: $8.98
  • Antalya airport Belek shuttle transfer: $9.61
  • Pamukkale Day Trip From Antalya With Lunch & Transfer : $14
  • Antalya Airport - Antalya City Hotels Private Transfers (Lara, Kundu, Old Town): $15
  • Antalya Ariport (AYT) to Antalya hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $16
  • Antalya to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Antalya Ariport (AYT) to Belek hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $19
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $19
  • Antalya Family Rafting Adventure w/ Free Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Antalya Land of Legend Night Show Transfer w/Boat Parade Show: $20
  • Antalya Scuba Diving With Lunch, Transfer: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer: Kundu / Lara Region Hotels to Antalya Airport: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness and Antalya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Antalya $25
    Inverness $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antalya $46
    Inverness $55

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Antalya Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $3.21
  • Bazaar Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $6.00
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt And Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Antalya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Self-Guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Sulu Island and Adrasan Bay: Boat Tour with Lunch: $13
  • Full-Day Private Rafting Adventure in Karabük Türkiye: $13
  • Spa and Skin Care Experience with Massage and Drink: $14

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $20
    Inverness $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Inverness, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Antalya.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Inverness Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antalya or Inverness?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Inverness, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Antalya or Inverness?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Inverness in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Inverness. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Antalya 28°C (83°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Inverness in the Autumn?

Both Inverness and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Inverness in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Antalya is much warmer than Inverness in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives more rain than Inverness. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Antalya 21°C (69°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Inverness in the Winter?

Both Inverness and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Inverness can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Inverness averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Antalya 11°C (51°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Inverness in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Inverness. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm.

In April, Antalya is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives more rain than Inverness. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Antalya 16°C (62°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Antalya

Antalya Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)