A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inverness vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness or Aberdeen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Aberdeen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural 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 and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to Loch Ness
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Inverness or Aberdeen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Inverness and Aberdeen are popular destinations, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Inverness attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Inverness different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Aberdeen

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Inverness and Aberdeen.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aberdeen can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.


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

Inverness
Aberdeen

Inverness is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Inverness or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Both Inverness and Aberdeen are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Inverness or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Aberdeen?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Inverness is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Inverness is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Inverness or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Aberdeen 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.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Both Inverness and Aberdeen are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Aberdeen is a good city for couples to visit. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.


Is Inverness or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is very good for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

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

Is Inverness or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Inverness
Aberdeen

Inverness and Aberdeen both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Aberdeen is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.


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

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inverness and Aberdeen. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Aberdeen than Inverness. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Inverness than Aberdeen 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 Inverness.


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

One day in Inverness or Aberdeen?

The city of Inverness offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Inverness or Aberdeen?

Inverness is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Inverness, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Inverness or Aberdeen?

Inverness is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the architectural city of Aberdeen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Inverness or Aberdeen?

Inverness is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Aberdeen or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Aberdeen is £121. 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 Inverness and Aberdeen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Aberdeen £65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Aberdeen £130
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Aberdeen

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Aberdeen? 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 Inverness


Hotels in Aberdeen


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Aberdeen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Aberdeen £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Private Inverness Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $57
  • Private Inverness Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $106
  • Private Transfer from Invergordon Port to Aberdeen Airport (ABZ): $116
  • Private Transfer from Invergordon Cruise Port to Aberdeen City: $116
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $132
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $179
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $231

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen Airport(ABZ) to Stonehaven - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Private Transfer from Aberdeen city to Invergordon Cruise Port: $116
  • Private Transfer from Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) to Invergordon Port: $116
  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $132
  • Aberdeen Airport/Train/Harbour transfer & Private Guided Tour: $217
  • Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ) to Glasgow hotels - RoundTrip Transfer: $242

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Aberdeen?

Prices for flights to both Aberdeen and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Aberdeen £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Aberdeen £19

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • Discovering A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Capital of the Highlands: $6.47
  • Inverness and Outlander Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • City Sightseeing Inverness Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Walking Tours in Inverness City Centre: $19
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $26
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $26
  • 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: $40
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $45

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

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

  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Skip the Line: The Gordon Highlanders Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen: $66
  • North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen: $66
  • St Andrews and Dundee Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen: $68
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $77
  • Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen: $79
  • Tour and Tasting Experience: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Aberdeen £3.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

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

  • Distillery and Brewery Tour in Inverness Scotland: $45
  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Aberdeen, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Aberdeen, 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 Inverness or Aberdeen?

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 Inverness or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Inverness is generally around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Inverness usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

Both Aberdeen and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

Inverness is around the same temperature as Aberdeen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Aberdeen. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Aberdeen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In the winter, Inverness is around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Aberdeen during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Aberdeen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Aberdeen. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Inverness is generally around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Aberdeen. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Inverness

Inverness Aberdeen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)