A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Outer Hebrides vs. Inverness for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Inverness. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

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.

Outer Hebrides and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Inverness. Although Outer Hebrides and Inverness are popular destinations, Inverness has more sights and attractions for tourists. Inverness is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Inverness is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. It is also well known for Loch Ness. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

Inverness is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Inverness can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Inverness is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Beaches?

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

Inverness is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Inverness are nice family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Inverness. 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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for couples. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Outer Hebrides is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil 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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Outer Hebrides and Inverness.

Public transit is mostly limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

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

Is Outer Hebrides or Inverness a more walkable city?

Inverness is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Inverness. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Inverness. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Inverness.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

You'll find food around the archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

You'll find food around the stunning destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

You'll find food around the remote archipelago of Outer Hebrides. 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. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides, 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Inverness in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Inverness. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Inverness in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Inverness. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Inverness averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Inverness. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Inverness. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Inverness in the Autumn?

Both Inverness and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally around the same temperature as Inverness. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Inverness during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Inverness. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Inverness in the Winter?

Both Inverness and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Inverness because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Inverness can be very cold. Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Inverness in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Inverness. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Inverness in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Inverness. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Inverness. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Inverness averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Inverness. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Inverness and Outer Hebrides