(4-6A Stephen’s Brae. Tel. 01463 712422) This family-run French café serves great hot and cold snacks, including flaky croissants, crêpes and croque-monsieurs.
(Stratherrick Road. Tel. 01463 235 995) This hotel, in a tranquil location not far from the city centre, boasts a fine restaurant. The emphasis is on local ingredients and a daily changing menu.
(75 Castle Street. Tel. 01463 226 200) This cool, decadently appointed restaurant in the heart of the city offers sumptuous dining options, such as crisp sea-bass fillets, with sweet potatoes, parsnip purée and pea pesto.
(2 Milburn Road. Tel. 01463 232 241) You are assured of a warm welcome from the staff and regulars at this tiny pub, so settle down with a dram, relax and enjoy the evening.
(32 Church Street. Tel. 01463 220 203) This small, intimate venue is the perfect venue to catch aspiring musicians just starting out. Who knows, you might just see the next big thing.
(27 Castle Street. Tel. 01463 241 999) A lively bar with a host of tasty continental beers and premium spirits. There's always a good crowd ready to party at the weekend.
On the ground
Shop
For an unusual memento of your trip, stop at Joe Lindsay, Targemaker. A large embossed shield, made from wood and leather, was used in battle by Highlanders as their chief defence against sword blows (Main Street, North Kessock. Tel. 01463 731 577).
Insider Tip
Nature lovers can spend an evening badger-watching at a secret location on the banks of the River Ness from 20-23 May. Your guides are provided by the Forestry Commission and Highland Council (Tel. 01463 702 933).
Key Area
Next to the castle and near the main shopping areas, Castle Street is home to a number of good shops, bars and eateries. It's a great place to start exploring the heart of Inverness.
This month
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra comes to Inverness this month to perform works including pieces by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky (7 May. Eden Court Theatre. Tel. 01463 234 234).
Day Tripping
Dornoch
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About an hour’s drive north from Inverness lies the Royal Burgh of Dornoch, a designated National Scenic Area. Home to a world-famous golf course and a beautiful sandy beach, the village also boasts a magnificent cathedral. Madonna married Guy Ritchie at nearby Skibo Castle.
No way!
Inverness is the fastest-growing city in Europe, and was recently ranked fifth out of 189 cities in the UK for quality of life.
