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

Should you visit Inverness or Bratislava?

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 Bratislava 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.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a relaxed, historical, and under-rated city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Bratislava: 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
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Inverness or Bratislava?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bratislava. Although Inverness and Bratislava are popular destinations, Bratislava has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bratislava is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Bratislava and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Bratislava is famous for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting. It is also well known for The Bratislava Castle.

How is Inverness different from Bratislava?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Inverness
Bratislava

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

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 Bratislava can be an interesting and educational experience. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.


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

Inverness
Bratislava

Inverness is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bratislava 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.

Bratislava has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

Is Inverness or Bratislava Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Bratislava

Bratislava 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.

Bratislava offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

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 Bratislava Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Bratislava

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Bratislava?

Inverness
Bratislava

Inverness is notable for shopping. Also, Bratislava 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 Bratislava. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Is Inverness or Bratislava Better for Families?

Inverness
Bratislava

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Bratislava.

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

Bratislava is a family-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

Is Inverness or Bratislava Better for Couples?

Inverness
Bratislava

Both Inverness and Bratislava 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.

Bratislava is a good city for couples to visit. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.


Is Inverness or Bratislava Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Bratislava

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

Bratislava is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

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 Bratislava Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inverness
Bratislava

Bratislava 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.

Bratislava has some very good public transit options. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

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

Is Inverness or Bratislava a more walkable city?

Inverness
Bratislava

Bratislava is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Bratislava on foot. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Bratislava or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Bratislava?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Inverness or Bratislava?

With museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Inverness, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Inverness, one day is sufficent for most.

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

A weekend in Inverness or Bratislava?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Inverness, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Bratislava. 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 Bratislava?

Inverness, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the genuine city of Bratislava. 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 Bratislava?

Inverness is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bratislava 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava 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 Bratislava is £104. 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 Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Bratislava £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Bratislava £84
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Bratislava? 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 Bratislava


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 Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Bratislava £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • 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
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Bratislava Airport to Bojnice Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Bratislava Airport to Turčianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $87
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $199
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $202
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $263
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava 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
    Bratislava £39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava

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

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $142
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $169

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Bratislava £26

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

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.36
  • Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
  • City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.45
  • Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $6.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.10
  • The jewels of Bratislava a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Bratislava £16

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $21
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $104
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $144
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $158
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $180
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $201
  • 6-Hour Carpathian Wine Tour and Tasting: $209


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

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Bratislava?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?

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 Bratislava in the Summer?

Both Bratislava 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 Bratislava because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Inverness is generally much colder than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Inverness or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

Inverness is cooler than Bratislava in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in October than Bratislava. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bratislava in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bratislava. It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In the winter, Inverness is much warmer than Bratislava. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bratislava averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Bratislava. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Bratislava in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Inverness is generally much colder than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Bratislava. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Inverness

Inverness Bratislava
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)