It is full of con-men, thieves, pickpockets and a few honest traders; as well as message boys running errands and delivery people rushing in and out of the district.
There are shops lining most streets and where there aren't shops there are stalls; some more permanent than others. On every street corner there's someone selling something from a try (rat on a stick anyone) or goods that have fallen off the back of a cart guv, honest! There are also (unsurprisingly) quite a few people offering themselves as well. Why they plug their wares here rather than the with the other whores and cortisans is anybodies guess, maybe they upset the establishment there and daren't show their face. Usually only the desperate resort to them when there are much better things on offer in other parts of the city.
Despite the danger, this is still a highly vibrant and exotic place where you see people from all nations mix to barter their wares. The deals are usually good although anyone can play a fool for his money if you're stupid enough.
There are a fair number of long time traders here, the more successful ones own a roof while a few are more seasonal selling their goods that they've brought in from afar then leaving to find more on long trade routes when they've sold it all.
Interesting Characters: (can't think of all the names… do'h! never mind. Any suggestions?)
Leader of a pickpocket group. Mean and harsh but to his lads he teaches the skills and the need to look after ones own… unless it looks like you're going to get caught as well. He will help those who ask it but only for an unreasonable price and he will always twist his words and deals to exploit the other.
The Rat. A sneak who has his ear to the ground. A coward at heart he is hard to get to talk although if he can be persuaded (he's a weakling so either force or money will do it) he usually has some useful information that he's picked up.
Contacts man. If you need something doing then this is the person you talk to. He knows (and is semi respected) by a heck of a lot of people. For the right price he can get you anything you need… or put you in touch with someone else who can. Don't trust him as far as you can throw him though for he only has loyalty to himself as far as anyone can tell. He owes and is owed a lot of favours from a lot of people.
Drugs cartel contact. Well, drugs are a trade right? They need someone in the city from Jurica to deal with that end of the business. He's very educated, sophisticated (as a lot of high up Jurican's are) and knows a lot about his business. He's ruthless but fair and honours his deals. Has a habbit of demanding that important deals be sealed with the blood of both parties (no obvious magical reason but it does freak people out)
Many other shady figures who can be made up as and when are needed. Arms dealer perhaps? "seamstress" in inverted comers (unless that's been covered elsewhere), message delivery service boss, various notable traders from all over the world. Perhaps even some character from beyond the wall but they would be *very* rare and likely to keep themselves to themselves.