Constructed around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the north-western part of the Old City, the area is home to several Christian sights. Few houses can be found here — it's mostly about religious buildings, educational facilities, and a plethora of cafés, restaurants, and shops. The streets are packed with vendors. It is especially worth exploring the area of Mauristan, teeming with shops and colourful stalls. Used as a market during the Roman Empire, the area hosted churches and hospices during the Crusades (in Persian, "Mauristan" means hospital).

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).

The historic Médina neighbourhood thrives with its vibrant street markets and bustling cafes. Home to the Grand Mosque and Soumbédioune market, this area is a cultural hub, established in 1914 as a distinct "native quarter" during colonial times.