A lot of those buildings just need some npcs, really.
Right, as it is now everything is packed in one little area. Sure it makes sense to have a market area where a lot of things are available in one area. But there should also be things spread out in different parts of the city as well.
And while having all the crafting stuff in one area is very convenient for a small village. It is not very logical for a large city to be so packed when it has so much empty space that could be used.
On another note, Henrik has mentioned city based housing. If they do add such a thing then that will give players reason to go to what ever area that is. Especially if they allow players to set up shops there as well.
I am hopeful but, currently we only have a very empty shell of a city.