A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Orkney Islands vs. Inverness for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Inverness?

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 Orkney Islands and Inverness can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. The beauty of Orkney Islands is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Orkney Islands travel costs.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Inverness travel costs.

Orkney Islands and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

Both Inverness and Orkney Islands have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Inverness and Orkney Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

Inverness is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Inverness.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Inverness is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Inverness has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Orkney Islands specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find the most pubs and a few nightclubs in the main town of Kirkwall.

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the beach. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness Better for Hiking?

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

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

Inverness is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness More Beautiful?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Inverness is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Orkney Islands is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Stunning beaches and beautiful countryside make this landscape truly breathtaking.

Inverness is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Inverness.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Inverness is a good archipelago 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 Orkney Islands or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

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

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Inverness a more walkable city?

Inverness is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable archipelago. Walking is a great way to enjoy the beauty, but you'll need a vehicle to travel from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Inverness. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Inverness. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Inverness.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

In Inverness, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

You'll find museums and food around the serene destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Inverness is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

You'll find food and museums around the pristine archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Inverness?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Inverness. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Inverness?

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 Orkney Islands or Inverness in the Summer?

Both Inverness and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Inverness. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Inverness. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Inverness in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Inverness. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Inverness in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Inverness. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Inverness in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Inverness. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In the winter, Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Inverness. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Inverness averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Inverness. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Inverness in the Spring?

Both Inverness and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Inverness during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Inverness. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Inverness and Orkney Islands