A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inverness vs. Glencoe for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Inverness or Glencoe?

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

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a natural, serene, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Inverness and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Inverness or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Inverness. Although Inverness and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Inverness has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Inverness is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Glencoe is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Inverness is more touristy than Glencoe and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. It is also home to Loch Ness. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Inverness different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Inverness
Glencoe

Inverness is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Inverness. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Inverness
Glencoe

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

Dining out in Inverness is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Inverness or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Glencoe

Inverness is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Inverness has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Inverness or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Inverness
Glencoe

Glencoe is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Glencoe?

Inverness
Glencoe

Inverness is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Inverness. 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inverness or Glencoe Better for Families?

Inverness
Glencoe

Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a very kid-friendly village. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

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 Glencoe Better for Couples?

Inverness
Glencoe

Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

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

Inverness
Glencoe

Both Inverness and Glencoe offer decent public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Inverness or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Inverness
Glencoe

Inverness is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Glencoe?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Inverness than Glencoe 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 Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Inverness or Glencoe?

In Inverness, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food around the village of Glencoe. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Glencoe has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Inverness or Glencoe?

In Inverness, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness has to offer.

You'll find food around the picturesque destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Glencoe?

Inverness is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural village of Glencoe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glencoe is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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, Glencoe 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 Glencoe is £117. 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 Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Glencoe £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Glencoe £118
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Glencoe? 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 Glencoe


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Glencoe £37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe 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
    Glencoe £33

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    £46
  • Lunch for 2
    £23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Glencoe £29

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 Glencoe

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

  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46
  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Glencoe £6.77

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

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