We’re using this as an excuse to pop in for a coffee and pastry this weekend…
Linden, Johannesburg (30 September 2025) – Jozi’s leafy suburb of Linden has just been recognised as one of the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods! Placing 17th in Time Out’s worldwide search for the best of the best, it earned its spot amongst popular ‘hoods like Tokyo’s Jimbōchō, Antwerp’s Borgerhout, São Paulo’s Barra Funda, and London’s Camberwell.
How did Linden land up there? Time Out’s network, and writers, and editors each nominated the ‘vibiest’ district in their hometown or city. From there on, the team ranked every neighbourhood against their criteria: culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life, and ‘nowness.’
Ultimately, it goes back to the community who decided to put Linden in the rankings. From there on, it’s the spark of Linden’s independent businesses, its culture and its diversity that locked the neighbourhood in 17th place worldwide.
Time Out dubs Linden a hub where “old-school authenticity meets fresh creative energy.”
It scopes the suburb’s well-received bakeries, boutiques and coffee shops. There really is nothing like wheeling out of Cheese Gourmet with an unspeakable share of dairy and crackers, or stopping at The Argentinian for an almond croissant. Two of the longest running staple activities in Linden.
Time Out itself gives Linden’s best a mention by name.
Some include The Whippet for coffee, Brian Lara Rum Eatery for island-inspired plates, Njam Eatery for brekkie, and The Fat Zebra for Lunch. BemBom if you’re looking for pastéis de nata. Garden on 4th or Linden Lanes for shopping and The Creatory or Joons for the artsy people. Then there’s Yield Coffee Bar for a flat white, or Three on Third for treasures. They mention the quarterly Linden Market too, which is always a popular choice.
“With its strong local-first ethos and eco-conscious community spirit, Linden is a foodie and lifestyle destination that feels both charmingly traditional and ultra-cool,” Time Out says.
If you’re curious, here’s the full list of the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods for this year:
- Jimbōchō, Tokyo
- Borgerhout, Antwerp
- Barra Funda, São Paulo
- Camberwell, London
- Avondale, Chicago
- Mullae-dong, Seoul
- Ménilmontant, Paris
- Nakatsu, Osaka
- Vallila, Helsinki
- Labone, Accra
- Nguyen Thai Binh, Ho Chi Minh
- Anjos, Lisbon
- Digbeth, Birmingham
- Red Hook, New York
- Perpetuo Socorro, Medellín
- Burwood, Sydney
- Linden, Johannesburg
- Former French Concession, Shanghai
- Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples
- Bencoolen, Singapore
- Endoume, Marseille
- Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montréal
- The Liberties, Dublin
- North Melbourne, Melbourne
- Portales, Mexico City
- Davenport, Toronto
- Little River, Miami
- Kemang, Jakarta
- Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
- Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
- Barranco, Lima
- Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
- Clarksville, Austin
- Margit-negyed, Budapest
- Glen Park, San Francisco
- MiZa, Abu Dhabi
- Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires
- Mehrauli, Delhi
- Poblacion, Metro Manila
by 