Brussels matonge quarter, which until recently had a reputation as a dirty, poor and dangerous enough, turned into a popular place among tourists and Belgian youth. Here are concentrated the most unusual bars, Nightclubs and shops.

The name of the quarter is obliged to market district of Kinshasa, capital of Congo - a former Belgian colony. In 1960 in Brussels an influx of Congolese who want to get an education, and on Rue Alsace-Lorraine was founded a hostel called Maisaf. Around it subsequently grew a African quarter.

Today his heart - the newly opened cultural center Kuumba offering excellent tours of Matongo, reports the Guardian. There are exhibitions of African art, teaching of folk dances and music, as well as lectures and seminars. The programme of events can be viewed on the center's website .

One of the most popular restaurants in Matongo - Le Soleil D'afrique on the Highway de Wavre. There the Belgians come to enjoy the "mate" - Senegalese dish of chicken in peanut sauce, and to drink a couple of exotic cocktails. And in the store Afrikamali take a look, even the most wealthy citizens of Brussels to buy organic African cosmetics, ceramics and paintings.

In addition to traditional African institutions, appeared in Matongo fashionable vegan cafes, boutiques of young Belgian designers and great cinema showing art-house films. All this makes the area a new landmark of Brussels, attracting more and more tourists.