Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Heriot

"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."

"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."

"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."

"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."

"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."

"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…"

"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."

"After a refreshing pint in the Grassmarket head across the street to Mary's Milk Bar for one of their legendary ice creams. With unusual flavours that change every week, you might find yourself trying something more adventurous like their chocolate liquorice, whisky marmalade or fig and honey ice cream. You can sit in Mary's '50s inspired café and enjoy your creamy gelato or head outside and soak up the sunshine under the Castle while it lasts."

"And it's Mary herself who still gets up to make everything from scratch in the morning. With that dedication and Mary's training in Italy, it's no wonder that Mary's Milk Bar is known by locals as the best spot for ice cream. The flavours also change every day and it's always a delight trying out their latest concoctions."

"Mary’s Milk Bar in Edinburgh for the best of home made ice cream. A cosy space for you to enjoy the best quality gelato and chocolate. The key to all Mary’s products is freshness."

"An Edinburgh ice cream list wouldn't be complete without Scoopz in the capital's Southside, located conveniently next to the Pear Tree pub. They have on offer everything your sweet tooth could desire- from Creme Egg ice cream to waffles smothered in Nutella or a milkshake made with your favourite chocolate. It's Edinburgh's answer to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and no matter your age you will probably find yourself getting carried away by the sheer number of sweeties on offer."

"For brunch at any time of day, while you roam the many streets of the Old Town, head to The City Cafe. This fun, vibrant, American style diner will provide you with delicious food all day long, and you can head back again in the evenings if you feel like getting a few drinks. You can find all the classics on their brunch menu, whether you want sweet or savoury, and you’ll find Scottish ingredients, like haggis, alongside American classics, such as pancake stacks or poached eggs and hollandaise."

"Be transported to another time with City Cafe's diner setting and huge fluffy pancake stacks. A local favourite since 1980, you can find the portal to 1920s America on Blair St. Sit next to the jukebox and go for a classic bacon and syrup combo (teamed with an ice-cream shake of course) for the ultimate quintessential American experience."

"Step into your dream, cheesy, American teen drama (*cough* Riverdale *cough*) in Edinburgh’s very own traditional late night diner just along from your Cowgate favourites such as Subway and Sneaky Pete’s. A blissful combination. Truly the platonic ideal for a stack of pancakes, sometimes simple really is the best."

"As previously mentioned this is the newest addition to the list. The 'hidden' restaurant is tucked away between a hairdressers and a post office on Salisbury Place in Newington. Many of their ingredients are sourced from their own walled garden, and these are put together to create a surprise eight-course tasting menu – providing a "sensory exploration of the different regions of Scotland"."

"Condita Restaurant Address: 15 Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SL, Scotland. Condita dining is by reservation only – telephone +44(0)131 667 5777. Reservations request and gift token email: enquiries@condita.co.uk"

"Maverick chef Paul Kitching’s 21212 opened in 2009 and has been winning accolades ever since, including one Michelin star. Situated in an elegant Georgian townhouse in Royal Terrace, the restaurant serves up cooking that’s contemporary French in style, but that description doesn’t begin to do justice to Kitching’s Willy Wonka-style ability to coax the most unlikely flavour combinations. In theory these should create merry mayhem – who would have thought that brandy snaps, black pudding and chicken could be transformed into a sublime dish?"

"21212 is a Michelin starred restaurant housed in a beautiful Georgian Townhouse in the New Town of Edinburgh. Spanning all four flours of the beautifully renovated house, the restaurant boasts a large dining area with an open kitchen, a smaller drawing room, two private dining areas and four extremely luxurious bedrooms. The menu is a modern take on classic French cuisine."

"Between the ever-evolving weekly menu, swanky furnishings and informed wine list, 21212 is one to watch out for. Pinned as Edinburgh’s only Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, Paul Kitching’s masterpiece is housed in a striking Georgian Townhouse. The chameleon menu sports three choices per course and pays tribute to his contemporary French cooking flair."