Things To Do
in Lerwick
Lerwick is the northern capital of the Shetland Islands, perched on Mainland with a working harbour and a colorful waterfront. It blends Norse heritage, maritime history, and a lively small-town atmosphere, all within a compact, walkable setting. The town serves as a gateway to tailor-made island experiences—from seafood feasts to cliff-top wildlife watching and island-hopping by ferry.
Expect dramatic coastal scenery, friendly locals, and a pace that invites exploration and slow enjoyment year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Lerwick and check in to your accommodation, feeling the cool sea breeze as you step out to explore the town. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Scottish fare while taking in the view of the harbor. Spend some time walking around the quaint streets, admiring the charming architecture and colorful houses.
Visit the Shetland Museum and Archives to gain insight into the island's rich heritage and maritime history. Wander through the exhibits featuring artifacts from the Viking era to World War II, deepening your understanding of this unique culture. Afterward, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the sea.
End your day with a dinner at one of Lerwick's seafood restaurants, where fresh catch of the day is served. Sit back and enjoy local delicacies while watching the sun set over the harbor, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the town to soak in the serene nighttime atmosphere.
Embark on an early morning drive to Sumburgh Head, where you can explore the iconic lighthouse and watch seabirds including puffins and gannets. The dramatic coastal cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for your morning adventures, and the sound of the waves crashing below adds to the ambiance. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape.
Spend the afternoon hiking around the stunning coastlines of the nearby St. Ninian’s Isle, where the white sands and turquoise waters create a tropical paradise vibe. Discover the famous tombolo, a unique sand causeway, and perhaps even gather some seashells as you traverse the beautiful beaches. After your hike, visit the archaeological remains of an early Christian site on the island, unveiling layers of history.
Return to Lerwick and indulge in a traditional evening of Shetland culture. Attend a local folk music session in a welcoming pub where talented musicians share their heritage through song. Enjoy the warm atmosphere as you mingle with locals and tourists alike, feeling the heartbeat of Shetland's community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer in a pub | $5-7 |
| 🛍️Grocery basket (basic staples) | $15-25 |
| 🧥Warm clothing | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to nature and ferries
- Fresh seafood and strong maritime culture
- Limited nightlife and enertainment options on weekdays
- Weather can be unpredictable and ferry schedules may be affected by seas
Places to Visit in Lerwick
Visit one of these nice places.
Hilltop fort offering sweeping views of Lerwick’s harbour, the town, and the surrounding coastline—great at sunrise or golden hour.
Colorful waterfront architecture, fishing boats, and cranes provide a quintessential Shetland photo stroll.
Peaceful lochside paths with the ancient Clickimin Broch; ideal for atmospheric landscape and dawn shots.
Viewpoints from the Lerwick waterfront capture the ferry routes to Bressay and the island’s rugged coastline.
Food in Lerwick
Lerwick Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy soup featuring locally caught lobster, a seaside favourite served at many harbour-side eateries.
Must-Try!
Plenty of langoustines (scampi) prepared simply with garlic butter or in a light seafood platter with bread.
A hearty chowder with haddock, mussels and potatoes, commonly found in coastal cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls offering fresh seafood, baked goods, and local produce with a harbour backdrop.
Occasional market events featuring local producers, crafts, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Politeness is appreciated; queue patiently in shops and bakeries, and greet shopkeepers with a friendly ‘hello.’
Small-town etiquette favors friendly conversation but respect privacy in everyday interactions and geographies.
Safety
Tipping in Lerwick
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. Leaving about 10-15% in restaurants is common if service is not included; round up at pubs or cafés as a courtesy.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small purchases and markets. Contactless payments are common in shops and cafés.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours with mild temperatures; expect breezes and occasional midges near standing water and in the evening. Great for outdoor walks, wildlife watching, and long photo sessions by the harbour.
Changing colors, migrating birds, and often dramatic skies; a good time for quiet outdoor exploration and photography.
Short daylight hours and cooler temperatures; storms can affect ferries and coastal walks; indoor attractions and cozy pubs are ideal refuges.
Rising greens and seabird activity; a pleasant time for walking around lochs and coastal paths as weather settles.
Lerwick at Night
Hiking in Lerwick
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail offering sea views, lighthouse perspectives, and quiet lanes on nearby Bressay Island.
A pleasant loop around Clickimin Loch and nearby hills suitable for a relaxed hike.
Hills around Scalloway offer elevated viewpoints and a day-trip option from Lerwick.
Airports
How to reach Lerwick by plane.
The main airport serving Shetland, with regional flights to Scotland (e.g., Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow) and occasional services to Norway; connected by road and ferry routes to Lerwick.
Nearby air link on Orkney with connections to Scottish airports; commonly used for regional travel and onward trips to Lerwick via ferries or flights.
Major mainland hubs with longer flights to international destinations; reachable from Lerwick via a combination of air and sea routes (ferries to the mainland and onward flights).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of residents with a strong sense of local community and active participation in cultural events.
A notable portion of the population enjoys a slower pace of life and community activities.
People drawn to island life, education, and regional work opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local clubs and casual games are common in communities across Shetland.
Several scenic courses in the Shetland area; enjoyable year-round with coastal views.
Seasonal sports influenced by the sea, with opportunities for angling trips and small-boat sailing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lerwick.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many menus offer vegetarian options; ask for seafood-free interpretations and vegetable-forward dishes. In pubs, request sides like salads or vegetable plates to complement meals.
Most venues can accommodate gluten-free requests; inform staff and opt for grilled fish, salads, and gluten-free bread where available.
Ask about dairy-free chowders or sauces; many seafood dishes can be prepared with olive oil or dairy-free alternatives.