Johannesburg has just scored a global shoutout, with one of its suburbs officially earning a spot among the world’s coolest places to be.
TimeOut’s much-anticipated annual ranking of the “World’s 20 Coolest Neighbourhoods” put Linden at number 17, placing the laidback suburb in the same league as trendsetting districts in Tokyo, London, and Paris.
From Quiet Enclave to Cultural Hotspot
Linden wasn’t always this buzzing. Once known as a quiet, mainly Afrikaans residential area, it has steadily reinvented itself into a vibrant hub where tradition blends seamlessly with modern creativity.
Today, it’s just as much about leafy streets and mid-century homes as it is about quirky coffee shops, art hangouts, and bustling restaurants.
Why Linden Stands Out
TimeOut highlighted Linden’s “leafy, laidback and quietly cool” vibe.
What sets it apart is how ordinary homes have been transformed into some of the city’s best-loved coffee spots, like The Whippet and Yield Coffee Bar.
Add in its eclectic mix of eateries — from the Brian Lara Rum Eatery and The Fat Zebra to Waiting for George, Njam Eatery, and BemBom — and you get a neighbourhood that’s equal parts traditional charm and ultra-cool edge.
More Than Just Food and Coffee
Beyond the food scene, Linden offers plenty of ways to spend an evening or weekend.
Locals and visitors can join sip-and-paint nights at Joons Art Bar or The Creatory, or browse through boutique stores like Garden on 4th, Linden Lanes, and Three on Third.
It’s a suburb that knows how to keep both its community and its guests entertained.
Africa on the Map
Linden isn’t flying the African flag alone. This year, only two African neighbourhoods made the cut — Linden in Johannesburg and Labone in Accra, Ghana, which ranked even higher at number 10.
Their inclusion is a reminder that Africa’s cities are increasingly shaping global cultural trends.
The Global Winners
At the very top of the list was Jimbōchō in Tokyo, which took the crown as the coolest neighbourhood in the world.
Other hotspots featured include São Paulo’s Barra Funda, London’s Camberwell, and Paris’s Ménilmontant — all known for their unique culture, nightlife, and community spirit.