Top Things To See and Do in Linden, Johannesburg

Lindens great vibe makes this quiet residential area well worth a visit
Linden's great vibe makes this quiet residential area well worth a visit | Courtesy of The Linden Co-Op
Heather Mason

Linden in Johannesburg is a quiet residential suburb that has become unexpectedly hip in recent years. These days it’s filled with pedestrian-friendly streets, bars, restaurants and coffee shops, not to mention the quaint little shops that make for some fab browsing. Here’s your ultimate guide.

Experience Linden’s best restaurants and coffee shops

Linden’s most iconic café, The Argentinean, sits prominently under a curved red sign at the corner of Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue. Known primarily for its hearty breakfasts and fresh croissants (which The Argentinean contends are the best in Jo’burg), the café is crowded with locals on weekend mornings.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The Whippet, just across the street from The Argentinean, is equally popular but with a totally different atmosphere. Foodies flock to The Whippet for its creamy cappuccinos, scrumptious baked goods and stylish décor.

The Whippet is known for delicious coffee, tasty baked goods and incredibly chic décor.

For a special South African experience, pay a visit to Cheese Gourmet at the corner of Seventh Street and Third Avenue. It sells a dizzying selection of cheeses, all South African made, spread along a wide counter manned by friendly cheese experts. A small café with a cheese-oriented menu adjoins the shop.

Craving coffee? Look no further than Yield Coffee on Eighth Street. Owned and run by women, Yield arguably serves the best coffee in Linden, hands down. Ophelia Café, while technically in neighbouring Emmarentia, is around the corner and also serves seriously good coffee in a beautiful setting.

Ophelia serves up lovely cups of coffee

A little nook on Seventh Street called Fab! is the place for dessert. Fab! serves irresistible Italian gelato, made on-site, along with Belgian waffles and light breakfasts and lunches.

Linden’s other dining options are too numerous to name, but don’t miss Pron for great Asian fare, El Jalapeño for Mexican, Buns Out for burgers, Hashi for sushi and Van Der Linde for high-end continental.

Enjoy a night out in one of the many bars

Tonic was one of the first bars in Jo’burg to capitalise on the craft-gin craze, selling dozens, if not hundreds, of mostly South African gin and tonics mixed into innovative cocktails. If you’re hungry, Tonic adjoins Tanen, a wine bar/tapas restaurant under the same ownership.

The area offers a number of great bars, including Tonic, which specialises in South Africa gin.

If South African craft beer is your thing, head to the Craft Beer Library in neighbouring Emmarentia. True to its name, Craft Beer Library has an encyclopaedic selection of beers and a hearty, American-style food menu.

For a serious party check out Brian Lara Rum Eatery, named for the Trinidadian cricket star and with a Caribbean drinks menu to match. The restaurant is decorated in a festive, tropical theme.

Get to know Linden as a fashion hotspot

Linden also has a brilliant selection of pop-up boutiques.

Linden has also become something of a fashion hotspot. The Big Blue outlet shop (57 Third Avenue) is a well-kept secret, selling overflow stock from the popular South African clothing brand. Also on Third Avenue, the Linden Co-Op has a rotating selection of local designer pop-ups. Or if you prefer to design your own clothes, the venerable Arthur Bales Haberdashers on Fourth Avenue sells a huge range of fabric, yarn and sewing supplies.

Appreciate the weather with a stroll through the park

It’s close to Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, home to some stunning views

While Linden doesn’t have its own city park, it is bordered by two of the best. The Johannesburg Botanical Garden in Emmarentia is the city’s quintessential picnic spot, where you can lay down your blanket in the fragrant rose garden on a Sunday and watch the wedding parties parading past. Delta Park, in neighbouring Blairgowrie, is a massive city park where you can literally walk for hours. Delta Park is especially beautiful in March and April, when huge drifts of pink and white cosmos flowers burst into bloom.

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