One of Johannesburg’s suburbs has earned global recognition, landing 17th place in TimeOut’s annual ranking of the world’s 20 “coolest neighbourhoods.”
The list, compiled by the international lifestyle publication, highlights districts that stand out for their culture, food, nightlife, community spirit, as well as what editors call a “sense of nowness.”
This year, one South African neighbourhood featured on the popular list: Linden, Johannesburg.
The world’s coolest neighbourhoods
Once known as a quiet, predominantly Afrikaans enclave, Linden has transformed into a lively hub where tradition and creativity meet.
TimeOut praised its “leafy, laidback and quietly cool” character, noting how mid-century homes have been repurposed into some of the city’s best coffee spots, including The Whippet and Yield Coffee Bar.
Food and drink are central to Linden’s appeal as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods. TimeOut spotlighted venues such as the Brian Lara Rum Eatery, The Fat Zebra, Waiting for George, Njam Eatery, and BemBom, describing the neighbourhood as both “charmingly traditional and ultra-cool.”
For entertainment, visitors are encouraged to explore sip-and-paint nights at Joons Art Bar or The Creatory, and browse local boutiques like Garden on 4th, Linden Lanes, and Three on Third.
Linden is also one of only two African suburbs to make this year’s list, alongside Labone in Accra, Ghana, which placed 10th.
The top spot went to Jimbōchō in Tokyo. Other neighbourhoods on the list include São Paulo’s Barra Funda, London’s Camberwell, as well as Paris’s Ménilmontant.
Which suburb do you think is the coolest in South Africa?
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