Look at Genymotion, I'm using it on Ubuntu 16.04 to test Telegram and Messenger bots without having to do it on my phone. There are some hops to go through to install Google Play but they are documented. I'll post some links when I go back to my computer with my notes.

Edit: instructions.

I downloaded Genymotion from https://www.genymotion.com/pricing-and-licensing/ (Individual, Basic, which costs no money). It's enough to run Android but you don't have Google Play.

I followed these general directions to install it https://inthecheesefactory.com/blog/how-to-install-google-se...

However the filetrip link didn't work (and I don't know if I want to trust it) and the google apps failed to install. I googled and eventually downloaded these files:

ARM to x86 translation: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/general/guide-genymo...

Google Play: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24591023225177410 (banks_dynamic_gapps)

The latter is for Android 6 so you should run an Android 6 image on your emulated device.

My computer is still fine after installing those two files in the Android emulator but I don't take responsibility. Don't know how verified they are.