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Things to do in Murano

Venice’s quieter neighbor boasts a myriad of charms, from colorful houses, local seafood, and exquisite glass.

Our most recommended things to do in Murano

Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

1. Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit

Set sail on a boat tour from Venice to the islands of Burano and Murano. Sail there on a comfortable vessel, enjoy some time at your leisure on the islands, and witness a glass-blowing demonstration. Depart from Venezia San Marco to the beautiful islands of Murano and Burano. Feel at ease as you cruise the seas and enjoy quality service and a panoramic terrace. Take an hour exploring the colorful houses of Burano and learn about the tradition of glass-making in Murano. Meet your crew and get the 5-star treatment as you ride by boat to the islands of Murano and Burano. Explore the colored buildings that line the small canals and step back in time for a while. Take your time and walk on your own. Next, find yourself on the island of Murano and discover the tradition of glass-making as you stroll the vibrant streets. In the evening you will return to San Marco. 

Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour

2. Venice: Murano, Burano, Torcello Island & Glass Factory Tour

Sail across the emerald waters of the Venice lagoon on this full day trip to the islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello. Choose from an option with a shuttle transfer from S. Lucia Train Station to the departure point in San Marco or pick a tour option that meets in San Marco.  Hop aboard a comfortable water taxi in the morning and glide through the Lagoon of Venice. Admire views from the boat's panoramic terrace and listen to commentary from your guide.  Upon arrival at your first stop, Murano, find out why the island is renowned for its glassworks with a visit to a local glass factory. Watch a skilled artisan during a glass processing demonstration. Afterward, have approximately an hour on the island for shopping in one of the many glass shops. Next, head for Burano, which is known for its lacework and brightly colored houses. Follow your guide to the heart of the town and have 2 hours of free time to purchase a nice lunch, typical Venetian aperitifs, or get an ice cream at one of the many cafes.  Venture from Burano to Torcello, the first center of civilization in the estuary. Spend an hour of free time where you can go to see the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. Return to San Marco in the early evening. 

Murano Glass Factory Tour & Glass Blowing Demonstration

3. Murano Glass Factory Tour & Glass Blowing Demonstration

Get an inside look into the centuries-old art of glassblowing with a factory tour on Murano Island, home of the world’s finest artisan glass. Visit the Gino Mazzuccato Glass Factory and watch a glass-master shape a beautiful artwork. Enjoy a guided tour of the Gino Mazzuccato's Factory and admire an incredible glass master performance. Learn how the Murano glass is made and see where the glass is handled to create fabulous designs. An expert master will create two objects with the most popular techniques, blowing and sculpture.

Murano: Glass Factory Experience with Tour and Demonstration

4. Murano: Glass Factory Experience with Tour and Demonstration

Arrive at the glass factory a few minutes in advance and meet the glass master. Embark on a tour of the factory with a guide and learn about the processes involved in glass production. The master will create an object using the blowing technique. Then, during a sculpture technique demonstration, you will see how glass animals are made. The visit will continue in the shop/gallery where you can admire products made in the glass factory, including chandeliers, sculptures, and an array of jewelry. You will receive a EUR 10 discount on any purchase.

Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

5. Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing

Discover some of the most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon on this full-day boat tour. Travel with your guide through Venice Lagoon on a panoramic vessel and enjoy the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Start your day of adventure by boarding a comfortable panoramic boat as you set off from St. Mark's. Learn about the islands from your host along the way. Take in the sights of this ancient city for around 30 minutes until you reach your first destination, Murano. Enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration with a glass master accompanied by a historical explanation of the craft. Stop by the souvenir store at the glass factory and enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your purchases. Your scheduled time in Murano also includes free time to explore on your own. Leave Murano behind as you travel to the nearby island of Burano. Witness the quaint and colorful houses that dot the island and observe the lace makers at work. Become acquainted with their rare skill which is considered some of the finest worldwide. Stop for a bite to eat during your time in Burano and taste some of the local biscotti that are native to the island. Travel to your final stop, Torcello. Enjoy a 1-hour visit to the island and visit historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila's Throne, the Devil's Bridge, and the Bell Tower. Finish your adventure with a 1-hour trip back to Venice taking in the breathtaking ambiance of the Venetian lagoon.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

6. Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

Spend some time on the most famous Venetian islands, known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, craft traditions, and unique history. See a glass factory in Murano, visit a lace shop in Burano, and enjoy free time in Torcello. Depart from near Saint Mark’s Square or Santa Lucia Train Station, and take an enjoyable trip across Saint Mark’s Basin. On the boat, a live guide will illustrate the history of the lagoon and the three islands you will visit.  Your first stop will be the island of Murano, sometimes referred to as the “Island of the Glass.” Spend 30 minutes visiting one of its famous glass factories and see the glass being manufactured and blown.  Enjoy about 15 minutes of free time on Murano before heading to Torcello, the most ancient of the inhabited islands. Continue to Burano, admiring the natural environment and the minor islands spread all around you. Enjoy some free time in Burano, a typical fishing island with colorful contrasts and chocolate-box-painted houses. Look out, too, for much evidence of its renowned lace-making and embroidery industry, and try some of Burano’s notable homemade cakes. Please note that once on the ground, this is not a guided tour. The guide will escort you to the glass factory in Murano and the lace shop in Burano. Afterward, you will have time to explore each island on your own.

From Venice: Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour

7. From Venice: Murano & Burano Islands Boat Tour

Escape the crowds of central Venice and catch a glimpse of what life in the city used to be like, as an island of artisans famous for their traditional craft skills, passed down from generation to generation. Your guide will keep you entertained on the short boat ride to the small island of Murano, famous for its glass making traditions. Find out the facinating story of Murano glassblowers and how their skills were so valued they were banned from leaving Venice on the threat of execution. Watch a craftsman in action and listen to a description of the process in English. Learn how silica sand becomes glass, and how the glass is given color. Afterwards, there will be time to browse the huge collection of glass art, and wander the island on your own. Cruise to the tiny island of Burano to see the brightly-painted houses huddled tightly together along streets and canals. Uncover Burano’s centuries-old lacemaking tradition as you visit a building where women still partake in this tradition of stitching lace. Your guide will explain the process of this dying art. Then, you can follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and pick out your own keepsake. Or, wander the winding streets, sampling delicious cookies at local bakeries. Unlike other tours, this excursion intentionally omits Torcello to provide you with more time on Murano and Burano, and with less time on the boat or trekking inland.

Venice: Lagoon Islands Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

8. Venice: Lagoon Islands Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour

Relax on a boat with large windows and open spaces, for your hop-on hop-off tours of Venice. Take the tour all in one go to get a good first overview of Venice, or stop off on the way where and for how long it suits you best From Santa Lucia Central Station, the boat will lead you to the very heart of Venice: the treasures of St. Mark's Square, and the island of Murano, where you will witness the art of glass-making. From Murano, head towards the islands of Burano, famous for its bright coloured houses and lace production, and Torcello, a little oasis of quiet in the middle of the lagoon. You can also go to Punta Sabbioni, or simply return to Santa Lucia Station, with one stop only at Zattere by the Canale della Giudecca, where you can learn the art of gondola-making. Download the 5 audio-guides with 7 different itineraries on/off board, to make the most of your visit. You can download audio-guides for free through our app. Off-line mode is also available. Boat tour stops:LINE A: S. Lucia railway station (in front of KFC restaurant) Tronchetto (in front of Flixbus Stop)San Marco (in front of Royal Gardens) Murano (in front of ELLEGI MURANO GLASS)Zattere (Fodamenta Zattere al Ponte Longo)TronchettoS. Lucia railway station LINE B:Punta Sabbioni (pier n. 5)Murano (in front of ELLEGI MURANO GLASS)TorcelloBurano (Fondamenta del Pizzo)Punta Sabbioni

Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

9. Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip

Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style. Watch a glass-blowing demonstration and learn to recognize the difference between the various artisans and brands during your stay on the island. Then, continue to the island of Burano, known for its crochet work and brightly colored houses. Get picture-perfect views of the landmarks of Burano, such as the leaning bell tower and the main square of Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, named after a major 18th-century Venetian composer. Look in some of the lace shops during your visit to the island. Then, conclude your travels on Piazza San Marco and see sights such as the Doge's Palace and Campanile as you stroll around the famous colonnades.

Venice: Murano and Burano Excursion

10. Venice: Murano and Burano Excursion

Cruise to the islands of Murano and Burano aboard a comfortable boat on this guided tour from Venice. Step back in time at the ancient Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus. Uncover the magic of traditional glass blowing at a factory and take in the vibrant houses of Burano. Meet your local guide in a central location near Piazza San Marco and board a private boat to learn more about the Venetian lagoon and its islands. Stop on the characteristic island of Murano, and visit the 7th-century Church of Santa Maria e San Donato. Stroll through the silent streets for about 15 minutes to arrive at an old glass factory where the glass blowers are still working. Benefit for some free time to shop or explore the rest of the island. Then, travel by private boat to the nearby island of Burano. Upon arrival, take in the colorful houses of one of the most enchanting parts of Venice. Lose yourself in the picturesque streets and discover lovely corners. You will have free time to enjoy lunch on this tour. Return to the main island of Venice for a glass of sparkling Prosecco at the end of your tour services.

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What people are saying about Murano

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 20,044 reviews

Had to queue for two hours outside and too crowded inside.

Sadly our general admission ticket was for a Sunday but this was the only opportunity to attend. I have always wanted to visit Versailles but the two hour queue up meandering up and down the pavement in the hot sun was very unpleasant and by the time we entered I had lost interest. Once inside the queues continued and people were squashed against each other, and with the very warm conditions made it even more unpleasant. Too crowded, too hot and not the 'wow' factor palace that I had read so much about. Some of the palace was not even accessible, even more disappointing. There were a few moments of enjoyment, but only a few. I appreciate that it's a very popular tourist attraction and it's the summer season for tourism but I won't return.

This tour was excellent from the very beginning. The meeting process was very effective. Boat ride was very comfortable and the demonstration in Murano was interesting and impressive. My favourite part was our time in Burano. It is such a beautiful island. Lovely shops where you can buy pizza, lace, ice cream and much more. Our guide, Isabel, made the tour especially enjoyable. She explained our route in fine detail, pointing to many sites along the way. She also mentioned that she does other private tours as well which I would have loved if I had more time in Venice. Isabel can be contacted by the following: +39 3480556679 or isa.olm@hotmail.it or isa.dm@hotmail.it

it was easy to meet the guide at the meeting spot-we then took the ferry over to the island and watched a demonstration (about 20 minutes). The man who did it was the owner. He had been making Murano glass since he was 9-10 years old! He noticed the animals on my girl's winter hats and made Murano glass pieces (cat and unicorn) right in front of them. That was super special. Then we all made bracelets or earrings (which I've worn several times since!) Our girls really loved this.

Great tour! Seeing more of Venice rather than just the usual - the glass making part seemed more like a one stop to make money in the gift shop but Murano was beautiful and Torcello was delightful, such stunning places filled with life and character

Amazing! The day was very well organized and the guide were super friendly and gave us a very nice and interesting outlook on the history and culture of Murano and Burano.