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

Should you visit Inverness or Howth?

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 Howth 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Inverness and Howth: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Inverness or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Howth than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Howth is better known for its beaches and hiking, while Inverness is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Also, Howth is famous for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Inverness different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Inverness
Howth

Inverness is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


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

Inverness
Howth

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

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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Inverness or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Howth

Inverness is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Inverness or Howth Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Howth

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

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Inverness or Howth Better for Hiking?

Inverness
Howth

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

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Howth?

Inverness
Howth

Inverness is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inverness or Howth Better for Families?

Inverness
Howth

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Howth.

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.

Howth is a family-friendly city. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.


Is Inverness or Howth Better for Couples?

Inverness
Howth

Both Inverness and Howth are notable 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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

Inverness
Howth

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

Howth has a few public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Inverness or Howth a more walkable city?

Inverness
Howth

Inverness and Howth 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.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.


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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Inverness or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Inverness than Howth 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 Howth.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Inverness than Howth 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 Howth? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Howth 1-2

One day in Inverness or Howth?

In Inverness, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the coastal destination of Howth. 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 fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Howth?

Inverness is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Inverness. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Inverness or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Inverness. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth 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 Howth is £115. 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 Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Howth £55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Howth £110
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Howth? 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 Howth


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
    Howth £35

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 Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth 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
    Howth £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Howth £21

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 Howth

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

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Howth £18

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

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



When is the best time to visit Inverness or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Howth. 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 Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Inverness is around the same temperature as Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Howth during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Howth. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Howth. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

In the autumn, Inverness is cooler than Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Howth. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Howth. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Inverness is cooler than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Howth. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Inverness

Inverness Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)