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.
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.
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.

Roman Filo
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
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
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
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
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
In summer, spend extra time outdoors in the sculpture park; in winter, plan breaks in the heated café to warm up.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Coffee and pastry | GBP 3.5 |
| Postcard or print | GBP 2 |
| Public transport (return) | GBP 3.6 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 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
Address: 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR, UK
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One (Edinburgh)?
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 624 620010 BEST nearby Activities
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities