Frequently asked questions
The questions we get most often, answered honestly. Including where the honest answer is that we cannot fill it in for you.
Questions from visitors
What exactly is 't Poortje?
't Poortje is a private courtyard on Lange Begijnestraat in Haarlem where rooms are rented to independent sex workers. We rent out the rooms; the women who work here are self-employed and decide for themselves who they work with and what they offer.
How do I get in?
At the entrance there is a turnstile with a coin machine next to it. You put in two euros and the gate turns. Nobody is standing there, you do not have to check in and you do not show anything.
Why does it cost two euros to get in?
The gate stops anyone walking past from looking straight into the courtyard, and stops small groups gathering at the entrance. The courtyard sits among homes. Two euros is just enough of a threshold to keep passers-by out, and no more than that.
What if I have no coins on me?
There are change machines next to the coin machine that take ten and twenty euro notes. So you do not need to bring exact change.
Can two of us go through the gate together?
No, the turnstile lets one person through at a time and jams with two. If you come together, go one after the other.
Do I get the two euros back, or is it deducted?
No. It is not a deposit and not credit. It is entirely separate from whatever you agree with someone inside.
Do I need to book or make an appointment?
No, and it is not possible. Nothing is arranged, booked or brokered through this site. You come by and speak directly with the woman herself, on site.
Can I see who is working before I come?
No. There are no names, photographs or profiles of individual women on this site and there will not be. You see who is working at any given moment once you are inside.
What does an arrangement cost?
Arrangements start at fifty euros. What exactly you agree and what it costs is discussed on site, directly with the woman herself: every woman is self-employed and decides what she offers and what she charges. That is not up to us.
How does privacy work here?
You do not check in at the gate, you give no name and no details, and once through the gate you are out of view from the street. Photography and filming are forbidden for everyone, anywhere in the courtyard. There are cameras at the entrance and in the shared areas, for safety. There is no camera in the rooms.
Are there cameras?
Yes, at the entrance and in the shared areas. They are there for the safety of the women who work here and for that of visitors. There is no camera in the rooms.
Where can I park?
The courtyard is in the old centre of Haarlem. The surrounding streets are paid parking and space is limited; there is no parking of our own. In practice you are best off in a car park in the centre and walking the last stretch.
How do I get there by public transport?
The nearest stop is Haarlem, Centrum/Verwulft. From there it is about a four minute walk. You can also walk from Haarlem station, straight through the centre.
Am I welcome if I have never been here before?
Yes. There is no introduction, no membership and no intake. You put two euros in the machine and you are in. The house rules are on this site to read beforehand.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes, twenty-one. You may be asked for valid photo identification, and without it you will not be let in.
I want to work here myself. Where do I find information?
The working page explains how room rental works, what to bring and who to go to with questions. That page is also available in Dutch, Spanish, Hungarian, Romanian and Bulgarian.