- Must visit
The Orkney Museum
Excellent local museum covering archaeology, Pictish and Norse heritage, plus domestic life, all in a historic town-centre building.
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Complete guide to Kirkwall
Things to do in Kirkwall
Discover the best of Kirkwall — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kirkwall trip today.
- Recommended
The Orkney Explorers Museum
Museum and former home of Arctic explorer John Rae, presenting his life, expeditions and links to Orkney’s maritime story.
- Recommended
Orkney Wireless Museum
Working wireless museum with radios, communications equipment and volunteer expertise, giving a hands-on look at technology history.
- Must visit
Kirkwall Town Centre
Compact historic centre best explored on foot, combining medieval lanes, civic buildings and many of Kirkwall’s key sights.
- Recommended
Albert Street
Kirkwall’s main shopping street mixes old stone buildings, independent shops and easy access to the cathedral and museums.
- Recommended
Kirkwall Harbour
Harbour area popular for walks, sea views and watching ferries and local boats come and go near the town centre.
- Vegetarian
Orkney Oatcakes
Traditional oatcakes from Orkney, often served with local cheese, butter or smoked fish. They reflect the islands’ long oat-growing and baking heritage.
- Vegetarian
Orkney Bere Bannock
A dense fruit loaf made with flour, sugar, raisins and spices. It is a classic Orcadian tea-time bake, especially linked with local home baking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Bere Bannock
The distinctive ancient six-row bere barley is used in bannocks, breads and meal. It is special to Orkney and central to the islands’ farming food culture.
Lucano
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish in a relaxed, modern setting close to Kirkwall’s centre.
The Shore Restaurant
Well-known pub and restaurant serving local seafood, grills and classics. Friendly, traditional atmosphere makes it a dependable casual choice.
Harbour View Restaurant
Stylish restaurant at The Kirkwall Hotel with views over the harbour. Expect local produce, seafood and polished brasserie-style cooking.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricier in peak season, while dining and local buses are broadly in line with other small UK island destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for a casual meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service if not already added. Round up in taxis; cafés usually just small change.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Kirkwall Airport, Kirkwall -> Kirkwall Travel Centre, Kirkwall
- Distance
- 5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach Bus is the official app for live bus tracking and journey planning in Orkney.
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach public buses in Orkney. Check Orkney Islands Council for disruption updates before travel.
airport information
Airports in Kirkwall
Check where to Kirkwall flights depart and arrive, plus the main airport details for this route.
Kirkwall Airport (KOI)Kirkwall Airport, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1TH, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Kirkwall Airport from Kirkwall city centre
Kirkwall Airport is 4 km from Kirkwall city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4 · 10m · £4 · every ~6 min
4 · 16m · £4 · every ~6 min
Kirkwall Airport airport facilities and services
Kirkwall Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafe serving drinks and snacks available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
WiFi is available throughout the terminal. ATMs are available at Kirkwall Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kirkwall Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Kirkwall Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kirkwall Airport: Ramps and assistance for disabled passengers available.
Flights to Kirkwall: related information
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