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United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One?

90%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The free modern-art rooms, outdoor sculptures, Smartify app and quiet sketch benches let a solo guest shape a personalised visit, while lockers and café support longer, independent stays.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 4,607 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free admission: All permanent collections and sculpture park entry are free.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Connect to gallery Wi-Fi to use the Smartify app without data charges.
  • Quiet atmosphere: Spacious galleries offer a calm setting for solo reflection.

Challenges:

  • Limited seating: Benches are spaced out; bring a folding stool if you need to rest often.
  • Weather exposure: Sculpture park paths can be muddy or windy in bad weather.
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🏖️ Explore National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One?

  • A national museum dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century art, housing an extensive collection of modern and contemporary works by Scottish and international artists
  • Housed in a neoclassical villa set within landscaped grounds, blending historic architecture with minimalist gallery spaces
  • Home to permanent displays of painting, sculpture and photography, reflecting key modern movements from cubism to conceptual art

What is so special about National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One for solo trip?

  1. Free entry to diverse modern art and sculpture park.
  2. Use Smartify app for a tailored self-guided tour.
  3. Sketch or engage with interactive art workshops.
  4. Relax with coffee at the on-site café.
  5. Quiet galleries ideal for solo exploration.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough to explore key galleries and sculpture park using the Smartify app without rushing.

(View National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

Smartify app self-guided tour:

Scan artworks to unlock curator insights on your phone.

Tip: Download the Smartify app and museum map offline before arrival to save time.

Sculpture Park Walk:

Stroll among over 20 outdoor sculptures by major artists.

Tip: Start at the entrance to follow the sensory trail markers.

A Space to Create exhibition:

Explore reconstructions of artists’ studios and processes.

Tip: Check the gallery timetable for any artist talks.

Sketch with the Art Trolley:

Use free pencils and sketchpads to draw in the galleries or grounds.

Tip: Ask a staff member for the trolley’s location on arrival.

Coffee at Café Modern One:

Enjoy a scone or pastry with tea in the ground-floor café.

Tip: Order a hot drink early to beat the afternoon queue.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

  1. Arrive early: Visit right at opening to enjoy quieter galleries and shorter café lines.
  2. Use weekday slots: Weekdays are less crowded, giving more time with each artwork.
  3. Download materials: Save audio guides and map offline to avoid connectivity issues.
🏖️ Tour National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

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Roman Filo

Roman Filo

Oct 2025

An amazing place. You can actually spend the whole day inside were you to see all of it. A reasonable amount of time to enjoy a good amount of the place would be at least 3 hours, in my opinion. You can buy food and drinks inside. The entry and toilets are free. You can visit a special exhibition inside, which you need to pay for. You can store your luggage, bags, and jackets but it costs money as...

Desislava

Desislava

Oct 2025

Came to this part of the city mainly to visit the museum, and it didn’t disappoint. The gardens surrounding it are beautiful and spacious, and entry was free, which I really appreciated. Inside, there were plenty of interesting pieces, including a Picasso original, but what stayed with me most were Louise Bourgeois’ Maman installation and Helen Chadwick’s fascinating Piss Flowers. Their Artist Roo...

Shelley C

Shelley C

Oct 2025

A beautiful building that has a pretty parkland laid out infront of it. There are a few sculptures dotted around. It is free to enter. The artwork is set out over two floors. Floor two shows the permanent displays and floor one shows the temporary exhibits. There was enough to keep you interested, but equally it was not the best selection of art that I have seen. Staff were very welcoming and happ...

Kaileton Huang

Kaileton Huang

Aug 2025

I’ve just stepped out of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, and it felt like walking through both a museum and a living park. Inside, the galleries were filled with bold colors and thought-provoking works; outside, the wide lawns and sculpture gardens were simply beautiful, a perfect place to chill under the sun. What makes it even more special is its location—right beside D...

Sonia Hawes

Sonia Hawes

Jul 2025

Always a good place to visit sometimes the art is very accessible sometimes challenging but thought provoking. If you have children check the website as often things for them. Nice room to sit and look at art books provided, great cafe, not cheap but excellent and I hope the profits help support this excellent venue

When is the best time to visit National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

In summer, spend extra time outdoors in the sculpture park; in winter, plan breaks in the heated café to warm up.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Coffee and pastryGBP 3.5
Postcard or printGBP 2
Public transport (return)GBP 3.6
Total EstimatedGBP 9.1

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

Address: 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR, UK

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About National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 624 6200

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