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

Should you visit Warsaw or Inverness?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Inverness can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a cultural, historical, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Warsaw and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Warsaw or Inverness?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Warsaw. Although Warsaw and Inverness are popular destinations, Warsaw has more sights and attractions for tourists. Warsaw is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Inverness attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Warsaw and is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center. It is also well known for The Old Town Market Square.

How is Warsaw different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Warsaw or Inverness?

Warsaw
Inverness

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Warsaw or Inverness.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

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.


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

Warsaw
Inverness

Inverness is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Is Warsaw or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Warsaw
Inverness

Warsaw is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Warsaw offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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.

Is Warsaw or Inverness Better for its Old Town?

Warsaw
Inverness

Warsaw is a well-known place for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Warsaw. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the old town.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Inverness?

Warsaw
Inverness

Inverness is a great city for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Inverness Better for Families?

Warsaw
Inverness

Both Warsaw and Inverness are nice to visit with kids.

Warsaw offers lots of family activities. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

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 Warsaw or Inverness Better for Couples?

Warsaw
Inverness

Both Warsaw and Inverness are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

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.


Is Warsaw or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Warsaw
Inverness

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

Warsaw is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

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 Warsaw or Inverness Better for Students?

Warsaw
Inverness

Warsaw is a well-known place for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Warsaw is very popular with students. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Warsaw
Inverness

Warsaw is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Warsaw has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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


Is Warsaw or Inverness a more walkable city?

Warsaw
Inverness

Inverness is a great city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Inverness?

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

Families should spend more time in Inverness than Warsaw. 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.

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


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

One day in Warsaw or Inverness?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Inverness. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Warsaw or Inverness?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Warsaw. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Inverness is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Warsaw or Inverness?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Warsaw. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Warsaw or Inverness?

Warsaw is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Inverness. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Inverness or Warsaw?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Warsaw is $93, while the average daily cost in Inverness is $209. 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 Warsaw and Inverness in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Warsaw $51
    Inverness $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Warsaw $102
    Inverness $228
Compare Hotels in Warsaw and Inverness

Looking for a hotel in Warsaw or Inverness? 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 Warsaw


Hotels in Inverness


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: Warsaw Hotel Prices and Inverness Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Warsaw $4.67
    Inverness $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
  • Bus Transfer to/from Vilnus: $35
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport one way private transfer 5-8 PAX: $36
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to City centre: $41
  • Warsaw Private Transfer from Warsaw city centre to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): $41
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Warsaw APT-HTL (WAW): $42
  • Private Transfer from Warsaw Chopin Airport: $43
  • Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • Private transfer by social-distance car from or to Warsaw Chopin Airport: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Warsaw Chopin Airport: $49
  • Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Economy Private Warsaw Okecie Airport Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Warsaw or Inverness?

Prices for flights to both Inverness and Warsaw 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
    Warsaw $27
    Inverness $61
Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Warsaw:


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

For Warsaw, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $17
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $92
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $94
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Warsaw $7.00
    Inverness $55

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Warsaw.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
  • Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Warsaw Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.00
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11
  • Warsaw Old Town In-App Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $12
  • Traditional Galar Cruise on The Vistula River: $15

Tours and Activities in Inverness

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

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Warsaw $10
    Inverness $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176

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

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


Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Inverness?

Warsaw has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Warsaw and Inverness, 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.


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

Both Inverness and Warsaw during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Warsaw is a little warmer than Inverness. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Inverness averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Warsaw. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets more rain in July than Inverness. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F) 
    Inverness 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Inverness in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Inverness. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

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

Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Inverness. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F) 
    Inverness 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Inverness in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Inverness. The winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. Warsaw is much colder than Inverness in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Inverness. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Inverness. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F) 
    Inverness 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Warsaw or Inverness in the Spring?

Both Inverness and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm.

In the spring, Warsaw is a little warmer than Inverness. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Inverness averages at about 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Warsaw. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Inverness. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F) 
    Inverness 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Inverness and Warsaw

Warsaw Inverness
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)