Royal Delft, the last blue pottery factory

Of the dozens of pottery factories that existed in Delft in the 17th century, one remains: De Porceleyne Fles, now Royal Delft. You visit the working factory: the plaster moulds, the sponging, the kilns, the glazing and, above all, the painters who decorate every piece by hand in Delft blue. There is a museum with historic pieces and a shop.

It is south-east of the centre, at Rotterdamseweg 196, about twenty minutes on foot from the Markt or by bus. It is open every day from 9:30 to 17:00; buy your ticket on its website. Be wary of the cheap "Delft" pottery in souvenir shops: the genuine article carries the factory's mark.