If you're in the mood for a quick gateway from the city centre, then consider visiting this extremely quiet and impressive attraction, which is just perfect for a picnic on the grass, but that will also satisfy history-lovers. So wander around this ruined monastery and then enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Roundhay Park is a big open space with wonderful surroundings and many walking and cycling routes that will keep you busy for a whole day. It covers more than 700 acres of woodland and lakes, where people enjoy watching and feeding the numerous species of birds, such as swans, herons and woodpeckers. Also, this huge natural area is house of the Tropical World, an animal park that includes lots of species, from lemurs to iguanas and armadillos.

Surrounded by a beautiful park, this stately edifice was built between 1904 and 1910 at the command of King Leopold II. This museum is home to the largest collection of ethnographic objects from central Africa. Liberally sprinkled with pictures, masks, everyday objects, jewels, decorative elements, musical instruments and a wide range of exotic animals, it showcases the richness and diversity of the African continent. Now, a new impetus is driving this respectable institution. Going beyond the traditional museum concept, it intends to present an open window on the African continent, a change clearly reflected by the desire to understand Africa and its Belgian colonial past in a more critical and objective way. To fulfill this goal, the museum closed its doors for a necessary renovation period. During its closure the museum "pops-up" with temporary exhibitions and activities in different places. The reopening of the completely revamped Royal Museum for Central Africa, a major event, is planned for December 2018 (check the website for the exact date).