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

Should you visit Bucharest or Inverness?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Inverness. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a charming, historical, and less touristy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
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 Bucharest or Inverness?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bucharest than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bucharest is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Inverness is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. Also, Bucharest is famous for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest
Inverness

Inverness is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Inverness. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.


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

Bucharest
Inverness

Inverness is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest
Inverness

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Inverness.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

If you're looking for night time activities Inverness has a few options to choose from. 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 Bucharest or Inverness Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest
Inverness

Bucharest is very good for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bucharest to see the old town. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Inverness?

Bucharest
Inverness

Inverness is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Inverness Better for Families?

Bucharest
Inverness

Inverness is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Inverness. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Inverness Better for Couples?

Bucharest
Inverness

Inverness is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.


Is Bucharest or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest
Inverness

Bucharest is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bucharest is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

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

Bucharest
Inverness

Bucharest 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.

Bucharest has some very good public transit options. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Inverness a more walkable city?

Bucharest
Inverness

Inverness is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.


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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bucharest and Inverness. In our opinion, Inverness has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Inverness than Bucharest. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bucharest 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 Bucharest.


  • How many days in Bucharest or Inverness? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bucharest 1-3 
    Inverness 1-3

One day in Bucharest or Inverness?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bucharest. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bucharest has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Inverness. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Inverness?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Inverness. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Inverness?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Bucharest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local city of Inverness. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Bucharest or Inverness?

Bucharest is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Inverness is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, 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 Bucharest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, 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 Bucharest and Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Inverness $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Inverness $228
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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 Bucharest


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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Inverness $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Therme Bucharest Express Shuttle Transfer: $7.63
  • Bucharest Airport Transfer: $11
  • Bucuresti: Transfer Therme Bucuresti different hours: $12
  • Therme Bucuresti Transfer with Optional Ticket: $13
  • Bucharest Transfer Service: $17
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $21
  • Airport Transfer: $21
  • Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) Transfer: $22
  • Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $22
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $24
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
  • Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness and Bucharest 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
    Bucharest $58
    Inverness $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Inverness $55

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour Reyes y Palacios Bucarest: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
  • A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
  • Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Virtual Reality Experience: $21
  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $21
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.17
    Inverness $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

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

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
  • Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84

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 Bucharest and Inverness, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest 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 Bucharest.

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Inverness?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Inverness?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Inverness in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Inverness. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bucharest is much warmer than Inverness in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Inverness. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Inverness in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Inverness. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Bucharest is a little warmer than Inverness. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Inverness averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Inverness. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Inverness in the Winter?

Both Inverness and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Inverness can be very cold. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Inverness. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Inverness in the Spring?

Both Inverness and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

Bucharest is much warmer than Inverness in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Inverness. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Bucharest

Bucharest Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)