Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Edinburgh

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is actually two institutions—Modern One and Modern Two—situated within two grand Georgian mansions flanking a sculpture park. Modern One has British artists like Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin; American artists like Andy Warhol; and legends like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Modern Two has a particularly impressive Dada and Surrealism collection; you can arrange a private viewing of the archives, a real treasure trove of those movements."

"From Cubism and Expressionism to 20th-century Russian and French pieces, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable for art buffs. With two early-19th-century buildings to explore (Modern One and Modern Two) and sweeping green spaces dotted with sculptures (including monumental earthworks by Charles Jencks), it’s well worth leaving the city centre to explore the galleries. Modern Two contains the intact studio of erstwhile Edinburgh sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi."

"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."

"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery lie at the east end of The Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament. The visit is best achieved by taxi, local bus service from Waverley Bridge or tour bus. Walking takes around 15 minutes from Waverley Station."

"Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Urbane Art Gallery is one of the most cutting edge spaces in the city. It covers a range of artists and mediums, but the majority of work has a hint of urban delight about it. Visit the gallery’s website."

"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."

"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"

"In a premier position dominating the west end of Princes Street, this imposing and historic building is great for shoppers and sightseers alike. Enjoy grand views of the castle, great food and a hint of old-fashioned glamour alongside lavish afternoon teas, first-class connectivity, a fitness centre (with swimming pool and Guerlain spa offering thoroughly spoiling massage, facial and beauty treatments) and impeccably refurbished rooms. Splash out on a Castle View room for a heart-swelling view of the city."

"The Caledonian is an imposing and historic building in the heart of Edinburgh, with a Galvin restaurant, castle views and a Guerlain spa, complete with fitness room, swimming pool, steam room and sauna, plus thoroughly spoiling massages, facials and beauty treatments. The restaurant collaboration with London’s Galvin brothers is one of the hotel's greatest strengths alongside its location in one of the city’s premier spots – great for shoppers and sightseers alike."

"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."

"With their slogan ‘Real Bread For Everyone’, Breadshare is a social enterprise bakery with the noteworthy mission to bring affordable all-organic slow fermentation bread to the people of Edinburgh. Visit the Portobello bakery to see the place where all the real bread baking action is happening or pick up a loaf in their Leith branch. It’s the spirit behind the operation as well as the tasty breads that make Breadshare my top choice for the best bakeries in Edinburgh."

"This non-profit-distributing social enterprise is based in Portobello and has the mission of ‘real bread for everyone’. They create nutritious bread using organic, local ingredients to help create a more sustainable food system. Their recipes are simple but packed full of goodness and no artificial additives or preservatives!"

"Loudons is one of Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning cafes and is well known as one of the best places for brunch in the capital. Their mission is to cater to everyone, so whether you are a meat-eater, vegan, dairy, or gluten-free – you will be sure to find something delicious for you to enjoy!. They have a wide variety of stunning brunch options, with an epic 13 types of Bennys – all served on their homemade English muffin with herb salad!"

"If you find yourself in the Fountainbridge area be sure to pop into this light and bright cafe to enjoy brunch or lunch!. Another bonus is they serve up delicious fluffy pancakes. Choose from classic American Style Pancakes, Vegan Blackcurrant Pancakes, or if you’re looking for a healthy boost they also serve Superfood pancakes (pictured below)!"

"Loudons represents the perfect place to take your parents, with garden centre vibes (in the best way), it is the ideal backdrop for lying to your folks that the reason you’re tired is from an all nighter in the library, not because of the eight vodka cranberries you had at the club last night."

"Although 4042 on Grindlay Street isn’t strictly a club, you can still hang out here with your mates until 3am!. This quirky little place is actually a ping-pong hall, which is a fabulous idea to pass some time with your friends and great for those with a competitive streak. For those who love to dance, don’t worry, there’s still an intimate dance floor ready and waiting for you to bust some moves."

"From the ashes of the Citrus Club a new late-night bar, club and ping pong hall has arisen. That's right, ping pong hall. This odd, but strangely appealing, combination is called 4042 after its address (40-42 Grindlay Street)."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by 4042 Edinburgh (@4042edinburgh)"