The Medina J'dida — the "New Medina" — is the popular Arab quarter built in the late 19th century as a planned extension to absorb Muslim Algerians displaced from the colonial centre. The grid of narrow streets is dense with markets, workshops, food stalls, and the city's main souk for fabric, jewellery, and household goods.
The Place du Souk is the busiest part — particularly Friday after prayers, when the market spills into the surrounding streets. The atmosphere is energetic and entirely Algerian; few visitors come here, which is exactly the point. Mind your pockets.