Best Arts and Culture Places in Merchiston

"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."

"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."

"The exceptionally rated24 Royal Terrace Hotel hotel that is home to a carefully curated collection of art, cool bedrooms, and a smart bar, centrally located in the city’s leafy Royal Terrace. Interesting interiors feature a black and white chessboard floor leading to a red carpet staircase, as well as boldly coloured walls almost completely covered with contemporary and classic works of art. Bedrooms at this beautiful Edinburgh boutique hotel are stylish and comfortable with plenty of traditional tweeds, and tiled bathrooms with soaker showers are modern and practical."

"Located on Edinburgh’s most prestigious Georgian terrace, rt’s is the bar for 24 Royal Terrace, a boutique hotel housed in a William Playfair-designed townhouse. The Georgian setting works well with the multi-million pound modern refurbishment and makes rt’s quite exceptional. Hung with an ever changing collection of contemporary Scottish paintings as well as both Modern British and Aboriginal art, rt’s features an extensive whisky collection and its own house Champagne."

"The Arusha Gallery prides itself on exhibiting beautiful images and objects covering a range of mediums, including architecture, theatre design, and cinematography, as well as music and literature. Through a mishmash of visually attractive displays, the gallery aims to inspire visitors in every way. Visit the gallery’s website."

"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."

"Considerit is a must-visit for all the vegan sweet-tooths out there!. This place specialises in decadent chocolate, doughnuts and, in the warmer(?) weather, ice cream. Whether you are vegan or not, you are going to love the baked delights here at Considerit."

"Tucked away in Marchmont, Deadly Donuts pride themselves on serving up freshly made, high quality and different doughnut recipes on a daily basis. The shop is owned by classically trained chef, Freddie Spindler, and their selection of doughnuts range from traditional flavours, to the more intriguing flavours such as matcha green tea. Website: www.instagram.com/deadlydonuts"

"Staying on Dundas Street, Archipelago Bakery is a lovely little artisan bakery, serving up freshly baked goods made with organic ingredients and a big dose of love!. It's a gorgeous store, producing delicious breads, cakes and savoury tarts. They supply to some of Edinburgh's best restaurants, which goes to show the level of care and quality in their ingredients and baking."

"Lastly, Archipelago is another bakery who are passionate about producing ‘Real Bread’. Their bread is made by hand every day, using organic flour and traditional methods. They have a wide range of yeasted loaves and sourdoughs and always adding more to the selection!"

"A small, off-the-tourist-track bakery in Edinburgh’s new town, Archipelago Bakery serves up fresh bread, salads and brownies, all made by friendly founder Caroline. The outdoor tables are perfect for sunny brunches and lunches."

"Eastside aims to bring some edginess to George Street, with street food stalls and pool tables as well as DJs, cocktails and craft beers."

"Joseph Pearce's Bar and Kitchen on Leith Walk has been open since 1898.Today it is a welcoming cosy spot described as a "family haven". They serve Swedish-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner and is ideal for casual dining, a refreshing drink stop, or coffee and cake with the youngsters. The elevated section of the bar is child-friendly during the day and they also have an outside terrace where you can sit on a warm day."

"A breath of Scandinavia in Edinburgh, Joseph Pearce’s is relaxed, cozy, stylish, and intimate. White walls and cream-colored wrought iron frame space, which is split between two levels and bordered by comfy booths with cheerful throw pillows. The bar serves your usual draught beer, of course, but there’s also a unique selection of Swedish ciders and aquavit cocktails—both of which you should make your priority here."

"Take one traditional nicotine-stained boozer much patronised by the middle-aged-gent-afternoon-drinking sector. Give it a fresh lick of paint, some quirky fittings and a Scandinavian-style bar menu. Provide a welcoming space for children during the day."