Welcome to Barbera Guesthouse, where history meets hospitality Tucked away on the charming Jansstraat, right in the heart of Haarlem, you’ll find a building with a quiet but remarkable past. Today it’s home to Barbera Guesthouse a peaceful and stylish place to stay, but centuries ago, it echoed with the footsteps of women devoted to care and kindness. This very building once housed the Barbera Gasthuis, a charitable women’s hospice dating back to the 15th century. Long before hospitals were common, the Gasthuis provided shelter and care to the poor and the sick, run by religious women with a deep sense of purpose. The name refers to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of the sick, of those in need, and fittingly, of travellers too. Though the hospice closed long ago, the spirit of calm, comfort, and quiet dedication still lingers. You can sense it in the thick walls, the timeless architecture, and the gentle stillness that fills each room. At Barbera Guesthouse, we honour that legacy, not with rituals or rules, but simply by offering you a warm welcome, a place to rest, and the sense that you're somewhere with a story. Whether you’re here to explore Haarlem, take a deep breath, or just enjoy a stay in a little piece of history, you’re home now. I've lived in this neighborhood my whole life and can tell you all about the beautiful sights and places to visit, delicious food, and other recommendations. Feel free to contact me for more information. Welcome.

Looking for a comfortable place to stay in the beautiful old town of Haarlem? These bright and spacious apartments are fully private and perfectly suited for longer stays, whether you're here for work, relocating, or just need a temporary home away from home. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with a family of four, or a group of six, we’ve got the right space for you.

Step outside Barbera Guesthouse, and you’ll find yourself in one of Haarlem’s most quietly beautiful corners. The Jansstraat is a peaceful, historic lane that runs straight into the heart of the old city, just around the corner from the majestic Grote Kerk and the lively Grote Markt. This is the kind of neighbourhood where everything feels close, but nothing feels rushed. Mornings begin with the smell of fresh bread from the bakery nearby. Around the corner, small boutiques and local galleries quietly invite you in. And by afternoon, the cafés spill gently into the streets with locals sipping wine or reading a book in the sun. You’re only steps away from Haarlem’s highlights, the Frans Hals Museum, the Teylers Museum, and the hidden hofjes (courtyards) that make the city feel like a secret garden. But there’s also something wonderfully un-touristy about this part of town. It’s lived-in, loved, and deeply local. On Saturdays, the nearby market fills the square with flowers, cheeses, and warm stroopwafels. In the evening, the bells of the church tower echo through the narrow streets, as the city winds down with quiet dignity. Want to explore further? Amsterdam is only 15 minutes by train. The beach (Zandvoort or Bloemendaal) is about 20 minutes away by bike or train.