Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Newbridge

"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."

"Edinburgh's gallery of modern art is split between two impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds some 500m west of Dean Village. As well as showcasing a stunning collection of paintings by the popular, post-Impressionist Scottish Colourists – in Reflections, Balloch, Leslie Hunter pulls off the improbable trick of making Scotland look like the south of France – the gallery is the starting point for a walk along the Water of Leith. Fees apply for some exhibitions."

"Split between two buildings on either side of Belford Road, Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery houses the nation's collection of modern and contemporary art. Modern Two, previously the Dean Gallery, was built as an orphanage. An austere structure, it's home to a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, and a collection of the works of Sir 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."

"Situated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this gallery is one of 15 in the UK that houses the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world. This is a fascinating record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years, comprising decorative arts, drawings, watercolours, paintings and photographs. Those that have made contributions to the collection over the years include Frederick Prince of Wales, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary."

"I went to the Queen’s Gallery instead, which showcases a small subset of the art that is found within the royal, private collection. ***For the Queen’s Gallery, tickets are £7.00 for adults, £6.40 for adults over 60 or students (with valid ID), £3.50 for children under 17 or the disabled, and children under 5 are free.The Queen’s Gallery is open daily from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm."

"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…"

"As well as being open for boozy lunches and after-work drinks, Boteco Do Brasil is also a brilliant place to shake it out when dusk falls. Bringing a slice of carnival spirit to Edinburgh's club scene, this party bar is known for its incredible dancers, regular salsa competitions and potent caipirinha cocktails."

"Boteco Do Brasil are a slice of Latin fun, bringing the vibrancy of South America to everything from its design to its atmosphere. Prepare for live music, caiprinhas, and delicious Brazilian food creating a wonderfully unique restaurant."

"Not many restaurants have a research lab, but Mono isn’t your standard restaurant. This venue serves up what it describes as “progressive” Italian food, headed up by chef Maciek Zielinski (who’s had experience in Michelin-star restaurants) and Italian-Scottish foodie Joseph Crolla. Mono’s take on lasagne with veal ragout, parmesan and sage is a sensation, while the duck liver mousse with blueberries, onions and cocoa is surprisingly but beautifully put together."

"Best for Cinema lovers In a nutshell Formerly the offices of The Scotsman newspaper, the hotel of the same name occupies one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings. You’ll spot its ornate façade from a distance with its intricate and very beautiful stonework. The luxurious hotel is spread across ten floors and rather uniquely links the New and the Old Towns (via Martin Creed’s joyful public artwork The Scotsman Steps)."

"The Scotsman Spa is located in the basement of the iconic Scotsman Building on Market Street above Waverly Station. It features Scotland's first stainless steel swimming pool, a large Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. It also has both tropical and artic showers and a wonderful Tropicarium (which blends therapeutic steam with soothing essence of eucalyptus to promote deep breathing and increase circulation)."

"Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR. Rating: 4-star. Guest rating: 4.5 out of 5 (851 reviews). What people say: "Clean rooms, friendly staff willing to help, comfy beds great nights sleep."

"Luca Dairy Ice Cream (@lucasicecream) on Mar 8, 2019 at 5:31am PST. With a heritage dating as far back as the 1890’s it’s no wonder this family named ice-cream makes our best of list. When Luca Scappaticcio left Italy, and arrived in Scotland he brought with him the knowledge and fine art of making ice-cream to perfection and his family has continued to do so ever since."

"Running around like a wild child can certainly work up an appetite. Satisfy those taste buds and grab a bite at S Lucas at either of their Morningside or Musselburgh locations. This diner-style ice cream parlour is quite the treat and has a never-ending selection of eats suited to both children and adults."