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

Should you visit Inverness or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Inverness and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Inverness or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Inverness is more popular for its museums. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage.

How is Inverness different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Biarritz 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 Biarritz?

Inverness
Biarritz

Inverness is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Inverness offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


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

Inverness
Biarritz

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Inverness or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Biarritz

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Inverness or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Inverness
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Inverness is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Inverness is not a resort destination.


Is Inverness or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Biarritz?

Inverness
Biarritz

Both Inverness and Biarritz are great shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Inverness or Biarritz Better for Families?

Inverness
Biarritz

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Inverness
Biarritz

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Inverness is a good city 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 Inverness or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Biarritz

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Inverness
Biarritz

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

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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


Is Inverness or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Inverness
Biarritz

Inverness and Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Biarritz?

Both Inverness and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Inverness. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Inverness or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Inverness or Biarritz?

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 food and shopping around the seaside town of Biarritz. 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.

A weekend in Inverness or Biarritz?

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 shopping and nightlife around the cultural destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Inverness or Biarritz?

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.

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

A week in Inverness or Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, one week is sufficent for most. 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 London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz 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 Biarritz is £112. 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 Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Biarritz £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Biarritz £126
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz


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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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
    Biarritz £29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Biarritz £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

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

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

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Biarritz £6.89

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

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Biarritz?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Inverness or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Inverness during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Inverness is cooler than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Biarritz. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Biarritz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

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

Inverness usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Inverness

Inverness Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)