Joburg's Linden makes the list for coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025

Big news for one of Joburg’s most charming suburbs: Linden has snagged the #17 spot on Time Out’s Global list of the Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World in 2025. Out of 39 neighbourhoods worldwide, Linden is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Leafy, laid-back and quietly cool, Linden is where old-school charm meets creative energy. What was once a sleepy suburb has transformed into a hub of artisan cafés, quirky boutiques, speciality coffee bars, and vibrant little eateries that make you want to linger.

How Time Out picks the Coolest Neighbourhoods

Each year, Time Out’s global team of writers and editors weighs in on the vibiest districts in their cities. Nominations are ranked against a mix of factors: food, drink, nightlife, culture, community, and that hard-to-define sense of “nowness”. The result is a list of neighbourhoods that aren’t just pretty, they’re shaping urban life and offering a real slice of what makes their city tick.

Why Linden shines

Often overshadowed by Johannesburg’s flashier suburbs, Linden is finally having its moment. And the magic? It’s in the people and that deep-rooted sense of community. Friendly cafés like The Whippet and Yield Coffee Bar, bakeries serving up artisan treats, and standout restaurants like Gaucho and Brian Lara Rum Eatery bring the flavour. Boutique shops, co-op gift stores, art spaces and the vibrant Linden Market showcase the suburb’s creative energy. It’s a neighbourhood where authenticity, culture, food and lifestyle collide, quiet streets brimming with a special kind of Joburg magic.

What to do in Linden now

If you haven’t yet explored Linden (or it’s been a while), here are some ways to dive into what’s making it cool:

• Morning coffee and brunch at Yield Coffee Bar, The Whippet or Njam Eatery.
• Vintage and boutique shopping at Linden Lanes, Three on Third and Garden on 4th.
• Dinner at neighbourhood favourites like The Fat Zebra or Brian Lara Rum Eatery.
• Creative evenings: sip-and-paint at Joons Art Bar, or live music at Waiting for George.
• Plan your visit around the Linden Market at the Botanical Gardens for food, music and local makers.

Time Out Johannesburg salutes the residents, business owners, and creatives whose energy and dedication are putting Linden on the global map. At #17, this leafy gem is finally getting the spotlight it deserves, and we couldn’t be happier to see it shine.

Time Out Tip: The Linden Market is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and their Spring edition is going to be packed with artisanal goodness this weekend. Grab your family and head out to Linden to join the celebrations! 

Want to know who else made the cut? Check out Time Out Global's list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025.