A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inverness vs. Cambridge for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness or Cambridge?

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 Cambridge 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic, beautiful, and collegiate university town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Cambridge: 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Inverness or Cambridge?

Both Cambridge and Inverness have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Inverness is famous for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

How is Inverness different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Inverness
Cambridge

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Inverness and Cambridge.

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 Cambridge can be an interesting and educational experience. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.


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

Inverness
Cambridge

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

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.

Cambridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Inverness or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Cambridge

Both Inverness and Cambridge 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 Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Cambridge?

Inverness
Cambridge

Both Inverness and Cambridge are high quality 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 Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.


Is Inverness or Cambridge Better for Families?

Inverness
Cambridge

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

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.

Cambridge is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Inverness or Cambridge Better for Couples?

Inverness
Cambridge

Cambridge 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.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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 Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Cambridge

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

Cambridge is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

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 Cambridge Better for Students?

Inverness
Cambridge

Cambridge is terrific for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Cambridge

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

Cambridge has a few public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

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

Is Inverness or Cambridge a more walkable city?

Inverness
Cambridge

Cambridge 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 Cambridge on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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 Cambridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Inverness or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Inverness than Cambridge because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Inverness, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cambridge.

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

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

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


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

One day in Inverness or Cambridge?

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.

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

A weekend in Inverness or Cambridge?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

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

Five days in Inverness or Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic university town of Cambridge. 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 Inverness or Cambridge?

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.

Cambridge 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 London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Cambridge 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 Cambridge is £134. 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 Cambridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Cambridge £72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Cambridge £144
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Cambridge

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Cambridge? 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 Cambridge


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 Cambridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Cambridge £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Private Transfer from Inverness City to Inverness Airport INV by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Private Transfer from Invergordon Port to Aberdeen Airport (ABZ): $115
  • Private Inverness Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $56
  • Private Inverness Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $56
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $617
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $773
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $370
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $773
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $228
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $130
  • Inverness Airport and Hotels Private Transfers: $95
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cambridge

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

  • Private Transfer Heathrow To Cambridge: $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Cambridge?

Prices for flights to both Cambridge 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
    Cambridge £41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Cambridge £22

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • DAY TOUR; loch Ness, Coo's,Drams,Battles &Stones,from INVERNESS : $163
  • Inverness Tour-Cawdor Castle,Culloden Battlefield,Clava Cairns : $139
  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $96
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour in Inverness City Centre with a Guide: $190
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $190
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $68
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $163
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $990
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $171
  • Clan Tour - of Speyside Distilleries: $171

Tours and Activities in Cambridge

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.33
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $5.33
  • Self-Guided Colleges Walking Tour and Sightseeing: $5.99
  • Hidden Histories Self-Guided Smartphone Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge’s Colleges and Classic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cambridge Instagram Self-Guided Tour - Top Photo Spots: $6.30
  • Explore Cambridge's Grandeur: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Cambridge Student Life & Top Colleges Walking Tour: $13
  • Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge: $13
  • Cambridge - Shared Punting Tour: $13
  • University Walking Tour: $15
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Cambridge £23

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

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

  • Legendary Glenmorangie Distillery Visit: $165
  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $209
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,113


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

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Cambridge?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Cambridge, 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.