Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Approach from the Water of Leithside path for the full effect. The wildish landscape provides a perfect setting for the well–stocked sculpture garden, which sweeps across the front of the building. Balanced between Scottish and international twentieth–century art, the gallery features, perhaps by necessity, less well–known works by household–name modern artists: Picasso, Warhol, Bacon. It's also committed to major British contemporary art, a middle finger to the grand austerity of the building – Yeah, whatever –Ed –. Arrive early to catch its sister gallery, The Dean, death–staring across meticulous lawns. The licensed café has a wide range of food and drink, the highlight being its legendary soups, friendly staff and tables outside looking back to the riverside sculptures and the walk home.

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