6.5 Awesome Places to Get Work Done In Jerusalem
For many people, working out of a coffee shop is the dream job setting. Certainly, for many, a cubicle is probably the worst place to sit. So, for all you designers, programmers, poets and writers out there, here are some less formal Jerusalem spaces to get your creative juices flowing.
1. The Hub
It goes without saying that this would be first. Completely free and centrally located, my favorite aspect of the Made in JLM hub is that there are no waiters to bother you (a pet peeve of mine that prevents me from working at most coffee shops). Plus, you are surrounded by other startup-ists like you, which certainly adds to the comradery.
2. Luciana
My favorite spot in terms of design, Luciana is located on the second floor of the Mamila mall and has great food and amazing decor, complete with indoor water fountain for that bubbling brook effect.
3. The Coffee Bean
Located right on Jaffa street (opposite Mike’s Place, for those who know of such things), The Coffee Bean is another one of my favorite stomping grounds. With high ceilings and a hands-off staff, this is a great place to get things done.
Keep in mind that there are very few outlets here, except for several coveted space near the windows in the back. Also, check out their famous ice coffee flavors.
3. The Aromas
I know several people who picked Aroma as their #1 choice of coffee shop. The most affordable of the non-five-shekel variety of coffee shops, some have compared it to the US’ Starbucks in that you pick up your order from the counter and bring it to your table yourself.
The result is a chilled out environment where you can hang out for hours without anyone bothering you, or until your battery runs out (as usual, the lack of outlets can be a problem). There are several aromas in Jerusalem – one on Hillel street, one on Emek Refaim, and one at the very end of mamila mall with an awesome outdoor area that provides a great view of David’s Village.
4. Sam’s bagels
A personal favorite of some, Sam’s bagel’s on the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall has a sweet second floor where you can work in relative quiet while still looking out at the bustling street below. Plus, how many coffee shops serve bagels?
5. Five
The Israeli 5 shekel coffee shop hit Jerusalem by storm and now there are at least four places around Jaffa street where you can buy coffee, pastry and iced drinks for just 5 shekel.
The downside of most of these places is that there is virtually no room to sit, it’s sort of a drive through for pedestrians. The one exception is Five, located on the corner of Jaffa and the begning of Heleny Hamalkah street. Still tiny, it has just two or three outdoor tables, but they shop is quaint and the prices can’t be beat. Perfect for the starving bootstrapper or design student.
6. Hebrew U library
If you are looking for something different, the Hebrew U library has vast spaces where you can work, depending on your preference. Their library has a common room where you can speak out loud, as well as many side rooms and floors where you can work in complete silence. Often more relaxing than working in town, you also have the benefit of free wifi and lots of outlets.
The downside is that the campus pretty much shuts down when school’s not in season, it’s worth checking their website to make sure the library is open. And don’t forget to bring your ID you need it to pass security.
6.5 Coffitivity
Finally, this wouldn’t be a tech blog without mentioning at least one gadget/app/startup. If you like that coffee shop ambiance but can’t make it to a real live coffee shop, check out Coffitivity, an online webpage which simulates coffee shop sounds for you. Now you can make pretend you are in a coffee shop… even when you’re at the startup hub.
What about you? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments or even better, upload it to ??? and tag it with @MadeinJLM and the hashtag #HolyHotSpot???
